Calculatedly Miss Calculated

Cricket could be nasty game of sports and Duckworth Lewis, jitter teams and supporters for generations.

If you don’t agree, ask anybody in South Africa. The country has taken the worst brunt as they miscalculated all important run, during the 2003 World Cup.

With rain about to fall South Africa blocked what they knew will be the final ball against Sri Lanka in Durban under the wrong belief that they are ahead of in the game. The error led to their elimination from the World Cup they hosted.

Yesterday, West Indies became the new victim as they gifted England its first victory since August. The coach John Dyson signaled his players to take the light as he also miscalculated and thought they were ahead of England at that stage.

On the other hand English captain, Andrew Strauss knew exactly what happened, though there was some confusion when it was announced to crowd of over 19,000 that West Indies have won the 1st of the five odis played between the two teams.

Chris Gayle said he won’t kill his coach and praised him for the work he is doing with the team, but admitted that it was a sad way of loosing a close contest.  For more cricket news click here

Preview Durban Test – Australia Vs South Africa

Last updated: 05 Mar 2009
Posted By: Nasrun-Min-Ullah-Mir

Second Test: South Africa Vs Australia, Kingsmead, Durban, Friday, 6 March (08:30 GMT)

Cricket is a cruel game. South Africa crushed Australia Down Under to earn their first victory in one of the best fought series of era. They were desired winners when two met in Johannesburg in the first of three Tests. But the horrors of New Wanderers continued to haunt the hosts as they lost the game with a massive margin of 152 runs in pursuit of unlikely 454.

Now heat of Durban is waiting. South Africa is unlikely to change its combination, but their quest to equalize the series will greatly depend on their ability to kill wagging tail of Australia which whipped them in Wanderers.  
In last eighteen months South Africa has shown the characteristics of a balanced side which is not only perfect on tags, but their performance on ground has been outstanding.

Proteas batting has depth, character, style, elegance and temperament to coup against impossible. Their wins in Australia have shown a spirit which can change odds.

Graeme Smith at top always leads from front. Though, he failed in the first innings in Jo’burg, his second fifty on the fourth day of the match injected momentum and self-belief for not just saving the Test, but chasing history – A lost cause in the end.

But the weakest link of South African batting also comes from the top – ever inconsistent Neil McKenzie.

Their middle order is crowded with gifted players like Hashim Amla, who is a class act when in flow, Jacques Kallis, arguably greatest all-rounder game has ever seen, AB de Villiers, and Jean Paul Duminy – best in the lot…Read More

In Doubt – Future of Cricket in Asia

Is global terror shifting its campaign from suicide bombers to commando style operations? And is sports becoming the new endeavor of terror?

The events in Lahore have cast serious doubts after terrorists attacked international sportsmen.

A dozen gunmen remain still at large after opening fire on Sri Lanka cricket team, who were on their way to Gaddafi Stadium to start the third day’s play of second Test match against host Pakistan.

The convoy was attacked with rifles, grenades, and rocket launchers. Seven members of Sri Lanka squad including a British assistant coach were injured. Eight Pakistanis died in the attack, which include; six police officers assigned to protect the team, and one of the drivers of the bus.

For Pakistan it may be a big wakeup call, as nation’s flamboyant cricketer, Shahid Afridi calls it a “golden moment” for his nation to unite and fight, before it’s too late.

But the attack exposed Government’s chronic inability to contain the growing lawlessness and terrorism which has already engulfed Pakistan’s border territory with Afghanistan.

Yesterday’s events in Lahore have thrown serious doubts on Pakistan’s future as a venue for international events. Its is due to co-host 2011 cricket World Cup along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka…Read More

1st ODI Preview, India Vs New Zealand

Towering on back to back wins in twenty20 series, New Zealand will have the advantage when they meet India in Mclean Park, Napier to play the first of 5 ODIS on Tuesday (01:00 GMT.)

But Black Caps coach, Andy Moles is trying to be humble as he fancies India as the predominant force in five match epic. “We must respect them but we mustn’t be scared of them,” Moles said to New Zealand Herlad, “The two results have given the guys the confidence that they can compete.”
“From an individual point of view, some of the younger players have found there’s nothing to be scared of and are looking forward to the next challenge.”
Moles felt Kiwis gave too much of a respect to Indian bowling as they chased 150 runs to win the two match series in Wellington and players should know the line which separates respect from getting bogged down.
Brendon McCullum’s recent twenty20 knocks of 61, 56, 49, and 69 has pleased the coach Moles but believes that other players also need to chip in if host are going to make an impact in the series…Read More

Ponting Holds for Australia

After winning the toss Australia got to a worst possible start in the first Test against South Africa. Electing to bat first tourists were 78-3 at lunch in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The pace of Dale Steyn proved too much for talked opener Philip Hughes, who lasted just four deliveries on a track which was devoid of any grass. Steyn also removed opener Simon Katich for 4 and out-of-form Mike Hussey was caught by Jacque Kallis on bowling of M Morkel when he was playing on 4.

But captain Ricky Ponting (49) and Michael Clarke (21) restored some stability as tourists reached to lunch with no further dents.
Opening batsman Philip Hughes, spin bowling all-rounder Marcus North and swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus were included in Australian playing eleven to make their Test debuts.
South Africa retained the same XI that played all three Tests in Australia, claiming a historic 2-1 series win. Click Here For More

England Look For Changes

England will be without the likes of Andrew Flintoff and Matt Prior when they play West Indies in hope of leveling the series during the third Test in Barbados on Thursday.

Andrew flintoff in second Test

Star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been sidelined due to a strained hip muscle he sustained during the drawn third Test. Matt Prior will be on a maternity leave to England to see his wife and just born son.

Flintoff’s presence at number six allowed England to add another bowler in all the three Tests – second Test was abandoned due to unplayable conditions at Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, but in just two days time another Test was added to the schedule and was played in the near by Antigua Recreation Ground, which turned out to be a belter – West Indies managed a draw in the final hour of match.

To replace the talent of Andrew Flintoff will impossible for Andrew Strauss but he has got substitutes to fill the big shoes in Barbados and the replacement will be either freshly arrived Ravi Bopara or Ian Bell… Read More