Like Pune, Ranchi is also making it's Test debut, so no team knows the nature of the pitch and are evenly placed after both sides are tied 1-1 at the start of third Test in four Test series.
India after three failures in successive innings spanning Pune and Bengaluru Test, regained their batting form in the 2nd innings. Though it is a positive sign, the team is still not out of the red. That gives Australia a little bit of marginal advantage.
Australia has done decently with the bat, their lower order came to rescue in first Test and batsmen are spending good time at the pitch, if they continue with same form, they can give India tough time.
But given the home conditions, Indian spinners can unsettle Australia. The major plus for Australia is their spinners, if they manage to bowl like they bowl in first three innings, India will find it difficult to defend.
Toss will be crucial as always, team winning the Toss will bat first to be able to bowl last on this wicket when the cracks have opened up. But there is a caveat if the Team collapses like in Bengaluru in first Test it will be difficult for hosts.
India have the upper edge as they have experience but Australia can Test India for any failures.
After DRS controversy both the team will be looking to go ahead and win the series. Injury to Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh means new seamer in Pat Cummins and explosive batsman Glenn Maxwell will replace them.
Valleyz.Blog
Showing posts with label #IndvsAus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #IndvsAus. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Saturday, February 25, 2017
India should change the nature of pitches from turning trucks to the one's which assist medium pace
India should change the nature of pitches from turning trucks to the one's which assist medium pace, as it seems from the first Test match at MCA stadium in Pune the tourists have done their homework exceedingly well than the hosts themselves.
Hosts were beaten at their own game. Alarm bells should ring through Indian think tank overlooking the pitch and grounds, that prepares pitches, because Australian spinners particularly Steve O'Keefe proved that he is no fluke, and is enjoying the conditions better than Indian bowlers courtesy poor batting techniques of Indian batsmen on a turning pitch.
India should change the nature of the pitch to assist pace bowlers, rest Jayant Yadav and bring in Shami together with Ishant and Umesh. India think tank should think along these lines.
We all know Australia are a competitive side, they are thorough professionals, even if they don't have legends of the past in their team, the moment they sense an opportunity they execute their plan very very well.
Former player Warne argued before the start of the Test that Australia will give a good fight in this series, he proved more than right.
India need to revisit it's strategy to change the nature of pitches for remainder of the series, enough of experiment, failing twice is sufficient evidence, Australia will beat India if same pitches are prepared
eValleyz.Blog
Hosts were beaten at their own game. Alarm bells should ring through Indian think tank overlooking the pitch and grounds, that prepares pitches, because Australian spinners particularly Steve O'Keefe proved that he is no fluke, and is enjoying the conditions better than Indian bowlers courtesy poor batting techniques of Indian batsmen on a turning pitch.
India should change the nature of the pitch to assist pace bowlers, rest Jayant Yadav and bring in Shami together with Ishant and Umesh. India think tank should think along these lines.
We all know Australia are a competitive side, they are thorough professionals, even if they don't have legends of the past in their team, the moment they sense an opportunity they execute their plan very very well.
Former player Warne argued before the start of the Test that Australia will give a good fight in this series, he proved more than right.
India need to revisit it's strategy to change the nature of pitches for remainder of the series, enough of experiment, failing twice is sufficient evidence, Australia will beat India if same pitches are prepared
eValleyz.Blog
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Smith and Bailey partnership wins the game for Australia against India at Perth.
On the back of 207 run partnership for the 2nd wicket between Rohit Sharma 171 and Virat Kohli 91 India scored a 300 plus total against Australia at Perth in the first ODI.
Rohit Sharma was at his best and played strokes all around the ground and that gave India a good total of 309 to defend.
Australia in reply lost it's both the openers quickly to Barinder Sran in his debut match. After that Skipper Steve Smith and George Bailey built the Aussie innings with nice batting display.
Thus taking away the match from India. 242 run partnership was broken when Bailey got out at 112. Australia team total was 263.
Skipper Smith was in tremendous touch once again as he notched one more hundred against India. Maxwell followed Bailey but was out for only 6 runs.
B Kumar was economical giving away 42 runs in 9 Overs. Sran 3 and Ashwin took 2 wickets each.
Perth has seen some big centuries too in the recent Test match played between Australia and NewZealand. So it was expected that this could be high scoring game.
How many runs were India short that is for team management to look into the matter. Altogether it was a good match for India, as it is a tour opener and India playing a new player in the team after Md Shami's withdrawal from the tour due to injury.
Though spinners went for runs, but pitch may have played for the turners.
Australia wins easily 310/5 in 50th Over. Skipper Smith 149 made a crucial contribution in the win.
eValleyz.Blog
Rohit Sharma was at his best and played strokes all around the ground and that gave India a good total of 309 to defend.
Australia in reply lost it's both the openers quickly to Barinder Sran in his debut match. After that Skipper Steve Smith and George Bailey built the Aussie innings with nice batting display.
Thus taking away the match from India. 242 run partnership was broken when Bailey got out at 112. Australia team total was 263.
Skipper Smith was in tremendous touch once again as he notched one more hundred against India. Maxwell followed Bailey but was out for only 6 runs.
B Kumar was economical giving away 42 runs in 9 Overs. Sran 3 and Ashwin took 2 wickets each.
Perth has seen some big centuries too in the recent Test match played between Australia and NewZealand. So it was expected that this could be high scoring game.
How many runs were India short that is for team management to look into the matter. Altogether it was a good match for India, as it is a tour opener and India playing a new player in the team after Md Shami's withdrawal from the tour due to injury.
Though spinners went for runs, but pitch may have played for the turners.
Australia wins easily 310/5 in 50th Over. Skipper Smith 149 made a crucial contribution in the win.
eValleyz.Blog
Friday, December 18, 2015
India should devise a strategy, game plan ahead of the ODI/T20 2016 tour of Australia
India is touring Australia in January 2016 where it is slated to play five ODI's and three T20's.
National Selectors are meeting in Delhi to pick up the squad. India lost T20's as well as ODI series on the last tour. I would not argue on the team composition, because most of the players pick themselves on their past experience and their present form by a margin. There is no doubt about that.
The thing I don't like is, Indian team doesn't plays to its full potential from game one, be it a T20 International or One Day International.
The team should play to it's full potential, that doesn't mean our bowlers are mercilessly used and tiring them off, but clever use of conditions. In Australia I have seen India team improving year on year, but the goal should be to win each game at a time. Convert the away series into wins.
I think training camp should be held at venues in India which offer similar conditions to that of Australia, like say at Mohali or Dharamshala or any fit venue for the purpose especially for the youngsters, new comers in the team so that they are fine tuned from the game one and play to their full potential.
Players should take this opportunity to excel in away conditions, and devise such a plan and strategy to counter pace and bounce in the batting department, as well as studying the nuances of sticking to line and length in the bowling department, which promise dividends to players on any given Australian tour.
Australia extracts more from their agility and fire power on and off the field in Australian conditions, it suits their overall physical abilities on any given day, but the tourists too could make up to the hosts by training and devising a strategy, plan to counter the Australian onslaught.
Valleyz.Blog
National Selectors are meeting in Delhi to pick up the squad. India lost T20's as well as ODI series on the last tour. I would not argue on the team composition, because most of the players pick themselves on their past experience and their present form by a margin. There is no doubt about that.
The thing I don't like is, Indian team doesn't plays to its full potential from game one, be it a T20 International or One Day International.
The team should play to it's full potential, that doesn't mean our bowlers are mercilessly used and tiring them off, but clever use of conditions. In Australia I have seen India team improving year on year, but the goal should be to win each game at a time. Convert the away series into wins.
I think training camp should be held at venues in India which offer similar conditions to that of Australia, like say at Mohali or Dharamshala or any fit venue for the purpose especially for the youngsters, new comers in the team so that they are fine tuned from the game one and play to their full potential.
Players should take this opportunity to excel in away conditions, and devise such a plan and strategy to counter pace and bounce in the batting department, as well as studying the nuances of sticking to line and length in the bowling department, which promise dividends to players on any given Australian tour.
Australia extracts more from their agility and fire power on and off the field in Australian conditions, it suits their overall physical abilities on any given day, but the tourists too could make up to the hosts by training and devising a strategy, plan to counter the Australian onslaught.
Valleyz.Blog
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Batsmen need to fire for England and India in the 3rd ODI of Carlton-Mid Tri series
Australia comfortably won both the ODI's against England and India in a comprehensive manner. Both India and England have disastrous starts in their innings courtesy some fast and accurate bowling from Mitchell Starc who has now taken 10 wickets in two matches including a career best haul of 6/43 of 10 Overs in the match against India.
Australia are easily a stand out team in the tournament doing well with both bat and the ball to outplay the opposition. The main reason behind is the bench strength of Australia being so strong, that in the absence of pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, Starc has provided Australia with breakthroughs.
But the long season ahead of 2015 World Cup could eventually have an effect on a team which is at it's best at the moment. Both India and England were below par their potential. If batsmen in England line up like Joe Root and Ian Bell fire for England, the side can pose questions to the opposition.
England didn't do that bad in the bowling department, at Sydney the pitch got slower and slower and batsmen earned their runs in one's and two's and it was not easy for the batsmen, as Dave Warner held the fort and made sure that the target is within the reach with a brilliant 127.
It will be interesting to see how the two teams England and India fare in the third ODI to be played on Tuesday.
India playing two off spinners and going in with 5 bowlers didn't helped the side much. India failed to put on a challenging total. At one stage the side was cruising at 159-3 after 31 overs and ended up adding only 108 runs in the remaining 19 Overs, shows that Indian middle order collapsed and could not pose a challenging total.
Though Indian top order failed to score, but given Rohit Sharma's big century and a 126 run partnership with Raina provided the stage India to fire later on in the innings.
Twin failures, the Indian top order and the lower middle order failing to fire put an arduous task on the bowlers. Given the strong response from Australia openers in Aaron Finch and Dave Warner, India tried hard. And at one stage tried to crawl back in to the match with some quick wickets of Bailey, Finch and Maxwell. There were not enough runs on the board to put the pressure on the batsmen.
Same was the case with England as the top order collapsed, Skipper Eoin Morgan resurrected the team in the middle with a well crafted 121 runs which included 11 fours and 3 sixes off 136 deliveries, but the lower middle order failed to fire to dash the teams hopes in the match.
Only team showing consistency so far is Australia which is leading the points tally.
Valleyz.Blog
Australia are easily a stand out team in the tournament doing well with both bat and the ball to outplay the opposition. The main reason behind is the bench strength of Australia being so strong, that in the absence of pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, Starc has provided Australia with breakthroughs.
But the long season ahead of 2015 World Cup could eventually have an effect on a team which is at it's best at the moment. Both India and England were below par their potential. If batsmen in England line up like Joe Root and Ian Bell fire for England, the side can pose questions to the opposition.
England didn't do that bad in the bowling department, at Sydney the pitch got slower and slower and batsmen earned their runs in one's and two's and it was not easy for the batsmen, as Dave Warner held the fort and made sure that the target is within the reach with a brilliant 127.
It will be interesting to see how the two teams England and India fare in the third ODI to be played on Tuesday.
India playing two off spinners and going in with 5 bowlers didn't helped the side much. India failed to put on a challenging total. At one stage the side was cruising at 159-3 after 31 overs and ended up adding only 108 runs in the remaining 19 Overs, shows that Indian middle order collapsed and could not pose a challenging total.
Though Indian top order failed to score, but given Rohit Sharma's big century and a 126 run partnership with Raina provided the stage India to fire later on in the innings.
Twin failures, the Indian top order and the lower middle order failing to fire put an arduous task on the bowlers. Given the strong response from Australia openers in Aaron Finch and Dave Warner, India tried hard. And at one stage tried to crawl back in to the match with some quick wickets of Bailey, Finch and Maxwell. There were not enough runs on the board to put the pressure on the batsmen.
Same was the case with England as the top order collapsed, Skipper Eoin Morgan resurrected the team in the middle with a well crafted 121 runs which included 11 fours and 3 sixes off 136 deliveries, but the lower middle order failed to fire to dash the teams hopes in the match.
Only team showing consistency so far is Australia which is leading the points tally.
Valleyz.Blog
Friday, January 9, 2015
Steve Smith was outstanding against India helping the side with a series win
Steve Smith taking over the mantle as the Skipper of the Aussie team has shown tremendous form with the bat scoring at brisk pace and often taking the game away from the opposition in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy series 2014-15.
Smith has grown into a run machine on this tour scoring 769 runs in 4 matches with a staggering average of 140 plus runs an innings, that is simply outstanding as a batsmen. Australia with the exception of Watson and Warner doesn't have that experience in their batting line up, their middle order is constantly under scrutiny with Michael Clarke having to skip series and then the unfortunate and tragic death of Phil Hughes made Australian middle order wanting for a compact batsmen. Mitchell Marsh too had to sit out of the eleven with injury.
Joe Burns was called in to the side, the batsmen is still catching up with the grind of an international tour, and was aggressive with the bat in the Aussie second innings of Fourth Test at SCG scoring a brisk 66. Haddin too was not among the runs as he was in the Ashes last season often rescuing Australia with late stands with the middle order. Smith had to click to keep the Indian challenge at bay and he did with ease, IPL experience could've provided him with the perfect foil in preparing agains the Indian pace bowlers.
The stance of shuffling across the stumps to negate the line of the bowler often unsettled the inexperienced Indian bowling attack who often were clueless than want of technique or effort, they were lacking in strategy and planning. Indian bowlers need to prepare mentally on an Aussie tour more than anything else.
Australia playing at home are always formidable and will never let the opposition bowling attack settle down, no matter what and often change the course of the match briskly and then they have a trump card in Mitchel Johnson who has the ability to take quick wickets and also is a very good with finishing the tail off. Given the limited resources, Smith has proved to be a good bet under the circumstances in which he led the team.
It augurs well for Australian cricket with Smith performing so well. Of course he may have to give back the mantle to Skipper Clarke if he makes return to the team in the future.Crowds were simply missing Clarke, the team looked dull with out him in the dressing room. Especially the performance he had with the team last Ashes series is worth remembering for a long time to come.
eValleyz.Blog
Smith has grown into a run machine on this tour scoring 769 runs in 4 matches with a staggering average of 140 plus runs an innings, that is simply outstanding as a batsmen. Australia with the exception of Watson and Warner doesn't have that experience in their batting line up, their middle order is constantly under scrutiny with Michael Clarke having to skip series and then the unfortunate and tragic death of Phil Hughes made Australian middle order wanting for a compact batsmen. Mitchell Marsh too had to sit out of the eleven with injury.
Joe Burns was called in to the side, the batsmen is still catching up with the grind of an international tour, and was aggressive with the bat in the Aussie second innings of Fourth Test at SCG scoring a brisk 66. Haddin too was not among the runs as he was in the Ashes last season often rescuing Australia with late stands with the middle order. Smith had to click to keep the Indian challenge at bay and he did with ease, IPL experience could've provided him with the perfect foil in preparing agains the Indian pace bowlers.
The stance of shuffling across the stumps to negate the line of the bowler often unsettled the inexperienced Indian bowling attack who often were clueless than want of technique or effort, they were lacking in strategy and planning. Indian bowlers need to prepare mentally on an Aussie tour more than anything else.
Australia playing at home are always formidable and will never let the opposition bowling attack settle down, no matter what and often change the course of the match briskly and then they have a trump card in Mitchel Johnson who has the ability to take quick wickets and also is a very good with finishing the tail off. Given the limited resources, Smith has proved to be a good bet under the circumstances in which he led the team.
It augurs well for Australian cricket with Smith performing so well. Of course he may have to give back the mantle to Skipper Clarke if he makes return to the team in the future.Crowds were simply missing Clarke, the team looked dull with out him in the dressing room. Especially the performance he had with the team last Ashes series is worth remembering for a long time to come.
eValleyz.Blog
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Australia took a commanding lead of 348 runs at SCG on fourth day of the Test match.
4th and the final Test of 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar trophy is interestingly poised at the end of fourth day's play. Australia scored a fast paced 251/6 and lead by 348 runs overall with one day remaining in the Test match.
Earlier India resuming to bat with the overnight batting pair of Wriddhiman Saha and Virat Kohli managed to score just under hundred runs with the team overall total being 475 all out in the Indian first innings.
Skipper Virat Kohli was out in the similar fashion as he was out at MCG in the first innings, he was out on 147 runs. Soon Ashwin joined Saha and the pair put up a healthy 50 run partnership, later Saha got out to a bouncer from Hazlewood.
Ashwin scored freely making a well played fifty with Bhuvneshwar Kumar giving good support from the other end.
Later Australia started their second innings quickly loosing Warner to Ashwin edging into the slips and Watson too followed suit quickly. And then Skipper Smith joined Chris Rogers to score at a very fast pace and putting up a partnership of 80 runs before Rogers got out making a strokeful 56. This was Chris Rogers sixth consecutive fifty equaling some old time Australian batting records.
Then Joe Burns carried on the Australian momentum of the innigns scoring 66 runs of just 39 balls, with the help of 8 fours and three sixes. Haddin and Ryan Harris were at the crease when matched was stopped due to bad light with one over to go.
Australia are yet to decalre and have not indicated whether they will resume the innings tomorrow or not.
Steve Smith scored most runs in the series surpassing Sir Don Bradman's record of most runs by an Aussie player against India. With four test hundreds and scoring 769 runs. Smith overtakes Pontings record of 706 runs in a four match Test Series and 715 runs in a Test series against India by Sir Don.
Valleyz.Blog
Earlier India resuming to bat with the overnight batting pair of Wriddhiman Saha and Virat Kohli managed to score just under hundred runs with the team overall total being 475 all out in the Indian first innings.
Skipper Virat Kohli was out in the similar fashion as he was out at MCG in the first innings, he was out on 147 runs. Soon Ashwin joined Saha and the pair put up a healthy 50 run partnership, later Saha got out to a bouncer from Hazlewood.
Ashwin scored freely making a well played fifty with Bhuvneshwar Kumar giving good support from the other end.
Later Australia started their second innings quickly loosing Warner to Ashwin edging into the slips and Watson too followed suit quickly. And then Skipper Smith joined Chris Rogers to score at a very fast pace and putting up a partnership of 80 runs before Rogers got out making a strokeful 56. This was Chris Rogers sixth consecutive fifty equaling some old time Australian batting records.
Then Joe Burns carried on the Australian momentum of the innigns scoring 66 runs of just 39 balls, with the help of 8 fours and three sixes. Haddin and Ryan Harris were at the crease when matched was stopped due to bad light with one over to go.
Australia are yet to decalre and have not indicated whether they will resume the innings tomorrow or not.
Steve Smith scored most runs in the series surpassing Sir Don Bradman's record of most runs by an Aussie player against India. With four test hundreds and scoring 769 runs. Smith overtakes Pontings record of 706 runs in a four match Test Series and 715 runs in a Test series against India by Sir Don.
Valleyz.Blog
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Australia could've nipped Indian challenge at MCG in the 3rd Test keeping an eye on WC2015
There could be many possible reasons Why Australia went for a draw in the third Test. Skipper Smith said the side didn't want to give India a sniff at the Target, and mentioned India's strong batting line up as the reason behind.
Though Smith was clear on the subject, it was not sounding like Australian. Australia are known to be ruthless in field and run down oppositions with sheer competitive brilliance.
It could have been easily accepted, had Australia been touring and found in the conditions that it found itself on Day 4 of the 2nd innings. Australia lost quick wickets in the middle order in Smith, Haddin, Rogers and Johnson for 70 odd runs, putting Australia on the back foot. But not by much as Shaun Marsh recovered to post a match saving fifty on that evening, and Australia commanded the lead and could have stepped up the pedal.
But instead it slowed and slowed down it's innings until the match was over the next morning on the final day of the Test. Australia not only eat up the morning session, it did not declare till the lunch. That India played so and so is altogether a different story.
Why Australia did so, made a contest look so 'boring'?
One reason could be that Australia did not want to give India any what so ever remote chance in the series keeping an eye on the up coming World Cup as India are the reigning champions. The Test loss though a little remote possibility, Australia wanted to play it very safe. As it could have opened up chinks in Australian team.
Post Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke era the side is yet to reach pinnacle of the ladder where it enjoyed that position of Top Test playing nation in the world for many years. South Africa has challenged that top position by constantly posing questions and successfully held the top position for a longer duration.
Though Australia might not be that worried for the Top nation rankings as much as the up coming World Cup 2015 which is hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Given all the permutations and combinations, India did not fare that badly. As I remember when India played at MCG in 2012, it had lost the match. And this time not only it posted a hand some reply in the first innings, there was rejuvenated response from the batsmen to Australia's 508 in the first innings.
Though bowling is concern for India, it still carried the punch and took down the Australian top order and middle order occassionally. The batters responded well through out the series and lost out only a session or two.
Though on the face of it, it looks like Australia won the series, but it was not in the same fashion as it beat England in the Ashes in 2014.
Given the state of play Australian think tank might have considered for a lame draw than an all-out winning approach to sub-due the Indian challenge and nip it in the bud keeping an eye on World Cup 2015.
Valleyz.Blog
Though Smith was clear on the subject, it was not sounding like Australian. Australia are known to be ruthless in field and run down oppositions with sheer competitive brilliance.
It could have been easily accepted, had Australia been touring and found in the conditions that it found itself on Day 4 of the 2nd innings. Australia lost quick wickets in the middle order in Smith, Haddin, Rogers and Johnson for 70 odd runs, putting Australia on the back foot. But not by much as Shaun Marsh recovered to post a match saving fifty on that evening, and Australia commanded the lead and could have stepped up the pedal.
But instead it slowed and slowed down it's innings until the match was over the next morning on the final day of the Test. Australia not only eat up the morning session, it did not declare till the lunch. That India played so and so is altogether a different story.
Why Australia did so, made a contest look so 'boring'?
One reason could be that Australia did not want to give India any what so ever remote chance in the series keeping an eye on the up coming World Cup as India are the reigning champions. The Test loss though a little remote possibility, Australia wanted to play it very safe. As it could have opened up chinks in Australian team.
Post Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke era the side is yet to reach pinnacle of the ladder where it enjoyed that position of Top Test playing nation in the world for many years. South Africa has challenged that top position by constantly posing questions and successfully held the top position for a longer duration.
Though Australia might not be that worried for the Top nation rankings as much as the up coming World Cup 2015 which is hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Given all the permutations and combinations, India did not fare that badly. As I remember when India played at MCG in 2012, it had lost the match. And this time not only it posted a hand some reply in the first innings, there was rejuvenated response from the batsmen to Australia's 508 in the first innings.
Though bowling is concern for India, it still carried the punch and took down the Australian top order and middle order occassionally. The batters responded well through out the series and lost out only a session or two.
Though on the face of it, it looks like Australia won the series, but it was not in the same fashion as it beat England in the Ashes in 2014.
Given the state of play Australian think tank might have considered for a lame draw than an all-out winning approach to sub-due the Indian challenge and nip it in the bud keeping an eye on World Cup 2015.
Valleyz.Blog
Thursday, January 1, 2015
New comers should be given the chance at SCG, as India look to win the final Test.
With the fourth and the final test to be played in Sydney, Australia are brimming with confidence, and would even give young Ashton Agar a chance in the team, who was recalled earlier prior to the fourth test.
India on the other hand have this task of gathering itself together after the series defeat and with final test to go in the 4 match Test series down under.
The new captain in the form of Virat Kohli has some tremendous runs under his belt and is easily among the players with huge confidence. Taking over the mantle after MS Dhoni retired from Test Cricket, Virat would be looking , if there is any need for a change or two in the team composition.
It is the India's first line of batting and bowling attack which played at MCG, if at all there could be any change and that might be in the form of playing the leg spin of Karn Sharma, who was given the chance in the first test.
Also troubling the India's scheme of things is the middle order batting, with the series drawing to a close, Rohit Sharma was not amongst the runs in first two and KL Rahul the new comer failed in his first test, which gives India little room to decide whether to bring in a new face for the last match of the series or go with the same team.
Cheteshwar Pujara is another batsmen in Indian line up who is not amongst the runs on this tour, he scored runs on the South Africa in 2014 and that should back the middle order batsman in these times. A good solid knock would go a long way in his career and India need him to score some big runs in the middle order.
Wriddhiman Saha played in place of MS Dhoni in the series opener of the tour, and would have never thought in his dreams that he would have to be ready to play full time role so soon courtesy the sudden and shocking retirement of the former Indian Skipper. Axar Patel, Sanju Samson are the other new faces on this tour one would like to have a look. Though Indian audience had the glimpse of the players in the T20 league, Test Cricket is altogether a different grind. If any one of them gets the chance, it'll be the best way one could have the feel of International Cricket and who knows can turn up with best figures on debut.
Time flies so quick and fast, the tragic circumstances under which the series started, the teams will be returning to the Sydney Cricket Ground where Phil Hughes succumbed to fatal injury a month earlier. Words cannot fill the void, the slot in the batting order has his indelible mark that only he can fill in the Australian line up and it will be a moist and poignant moment for the followers across the cricketing world. Phil Hughes remains in the heart of the cricket lovers, forever 63 Not Out.
Valleyz.Blog
India on the other hand have this task of gathering itself together after the series defeat and with final test to go in the 4 match Test series down under.
The new captain in the form of Virat Kohli has some tremendous runs under his belt and is easily among the players with huge confidence. Taking over the mantle after MS Dhoni retired from Test Cricket, Virat would be looking , if there is any need for a change or two in the team composition.
It is the India's first line of batting and bowling attack which played at MCG, if at all there could be any change and that might be in the form of playing the leg spin of Karn Sharma, who was given the chance in the first test.
Also troubling the India's scheme of things is the middle order batting, with the series drawing to a close, Rohit Sharma was not amongst the runs in first two and KL Rahul the new comer failed in his first test, which gives India little room to decide whether to bring in a new face for the last match of the series or go with the same team.
Cheteshwar Pujara is another batsmen in Indian line up who is not amongst the runs on this tour, he scored runs on the South Africa in 2014 and that should back the middle order batsman in these times. A good solid knock would go a long way in his career and India need him to score some big runs in the middle order.
Wriddhiman Saha played in place of MS Dhoni in the series opener of the tour, and would have never thought in his dreams that he would have to be ready to play full time role so soon courtesy the sudden and shocking retirement of the former Indian Skipper. Axar Patel, Sanju Samson are the other new faces on this tour one would like to have a look. Though Indian audience had the glimpse of the players in the T20 league, Test Cricket is altogether a different grind. If any one of them gets the chance, it'll be the best way one could have the feel of International Cricket and who knows can turn up with best figures on debut.
Time flies so quick and fast, the tragic circumstances under which the series started, the teams will be returning to the Sydney Cricket Ground where Phil Hughes succumbed to fatal injury a month earlier. Words cannot fill the void, the slot in the batting order has his indelible mark that only he can fill in the Australian line up and it will be a moist and poignant moment for the followers across the cricketing world. Phil Hughes remains in the heart of the cricket lovers, forever 63 Not Out.
Valleyz.Blog
Monday, December 29, 2014
Defensive Australia seeks safe total to declare on fifth day to draw the third test at MCG
Australia managed to take a handsome lead of 326 runs at the end of 4th days play, yet the side was not able to pose a fighting total and continued to play at a very slow pace and shows that Australia are on the defensive and do not want to provide any chance for the visitors to come back in the series.
It is a clear ploy that either they want to win or draw with no possibility of losing the match. It is not sporting for a side to play for five days and yet does not want to see any competitor in it's sights. It feels like Aussie doesn't want to see an entertainer but a series securing draw, so that it pleases their rankings and stats. And it wants India to chase a in-surmountable total in as many less overs as possible.
Strategy is in contrast to what Virat Kohli did at Adelaide and went on the chase a total and lost the match in pursuit of victory. If a side is chasing down a total at a net rate of 4 and more an over credit goes to the side that is doing it and not otherwise.
The reason for this scenario developed as Indian bowlers managed to run through the Australia middle order and scalped four middle order batsmen from 131/2 to 202/6 with loss of Smith, Rogers, Burns and Haddin in the space of 70 odd runs. That slowed down Australia and they went on the defensive strategy.
Unlike the first Test at Adelaide that Mitchell Marsh played, and had clear instructions to go after the bowling, and he did that scoring very fast with Steve Smith at the other end, and Australia declared the innings that evening on the fourth day itself.
With three wickets in hand Australia are playing defensive here at MCG to put up a more defensive total than a fighting one, it is eating up time in the match and would force the opposition to play for a draw instead of a result, that would make it a very boring contest in the end.
What would Australia do on a fifth day of a test match with three wickets still in hand, Why didn't it fast paced the innings and declare on fourth day, so that it could be a sporting contest?
Valleyz.Blog
It is a clear ploy that either they want to win or draw with no possibility of losing the match. It is not sporting for a side to play for five days and yet does not want to see any competitor in it's sights. It feels like Aussie doesn't want to see an entertainer but a series securing draw, so that it pleases their rankings and stats. And it wants India to chase a in-surmountable total in as many less overs as possible.
Strategy is in contrast to what Virat Kohli did at Adelaide and went on the chase a total and lost the match in pursuit of victory. If a side is chasing down a total at a net rate of 4 and more an over credit goes to the side that is doing it and not otherwise.
The reason for this scenario developed as Indian bowlers managed to run through the Australia middle order and scalped four middle order batsmen from 131/2 to 202/6 with loss of Smith, Rogers, Burns and Haddin in the space of 70 odd runs. That slowed down Australia and they went on the defensive strategy.
Unlike the first Test at Adelaide that Mitchell Marsh played, and had clear instructions to go after the bowling, and he did that scoring very fast with Steve Smith at the other end, and Australia declared the innings that evening on the fourth day itself.
With three wickets in hand Australia are playing defensive here at MCG to put up a more defensive total than a fighting one, it is eating up time in the match and would force the opposition to play for a draw instead of a result, that would make it a very boring contest in the end.
What would Australia do on a fifth day of a test match with three wickets still in hand, Why didn't it fast paced the innings and declare on fourth day, so that it could be a sporting contest?
Valleyz.Blog
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Australia lead India by 155 runs at lunch on Day 4 at MCG
In the morning Johnson just took an over to remove India's remaining two wickets from day three for only three runs.
Runs flowing from both ends, Australia were 47 runs in 9 overs, Warner stepped up the pedal scoring freely of the pacers. Ashwin was brought from one end and runs soon dried up it was 14 overs for 50 odd runs with Ashwin conceding 4 runs in as many overs.
Yadav particularly expensive in three overs conceding 30 odd runs. It is never about bowling faster and faster, but about line and length and swing the ball in the air.
The result was wicket of Warner, trying to sweep one from Ashwin, was caught in front plumb and it was an easy decision for the umpire.
Though Chris Rogers was quiet the fourth morning but some wayward bowling from the pacers helped him to ease up and do the scoring for Australia.
Ashwin got out Watson 4 times in 7 innings,
In the 19th Over Australia were leading by 142 runs, and it looks like it would be a monumental total from here that India will have to chase in second innings.
336 runs is the biggest run chase at MCG.
Watson's weakness was on display trying to defend incoming ball in front of stumps. The best trying to play across and once trying to play through covers, out both of the time. Great batsmen need to have a solid defence. Shami testing Watson with some probing in swinging balls.
How much score that Australia would like to defend on the fifth day is the question now. 375 or 400 may be.
But can India chase such a score on a fifth day pitch to stay in the series ? Australia would be happy to draw the game and take the series, so it will definitely give India a big total to win.
Australia are 90/1 at lunch in 22 Overs on day 4 leading by 155 runs.
Valleyz.Blog
Runs flowing from both ends, Australia were 47 runs in 9 overs, Warner stepped up the pedal scoring freely of the pacers. Ashwin was brought from one end and runs soon dried up it was 14 overs for 50 odd runs with Ashwin conceding 4 runs in as many overs.
Yadav particularly expensive in three overs conceding 30 odd runs. It is never about bowling faster and faster, but about line and length and swing the ball in the air.
The result was wicket of Warner, trying to sweep one from Ashwin, was caught in front plumb and it was an easy decision for the umpire.
Though Chris Rogers was quiet the fourth morning but some wayward bowling from the pacers helped him to ease up and do the scoring for Australia.
Ashwin got out Watson 4 times in 7 innings,
In the 19th Over Australia were leading by 142 runs, and it looks like it would be a monumental total from here that India will have to chase in second innings.
336 runs is the biggest run chase at MCG.
Watson's weakness was on display trying to defend incoming ball in front of stumps. The best trying to play across and once trying to play through covers, out both of the time. Great batsmen need to have a solid defence. Shami testing Watson with some probing in swinging balls.
How much score that Australia would like to defend on the fifth day is the question now. 375 or 400 may be.
But can India chase such a score on a fifth day pitch to stay in the series ? Australia would be happy to draw the game and take the series, so it will definitely give India a big total to win.
Australia are 90/1 at lunch in 22 Overs on day 4 leading by 155 runs.
Valleyz.Blog
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Scintillating hundreds by Kohli and Rahane rescue India on day 3 after initial hiccups early on in the 3 Test at MCG
Scintillating performance by India on day 3 after initial hiccups early on in the morning.
India lost quick wickets in Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay after some persistent bowling by Australia. Vijay was out for 68.
Rahane and Kohli then combined to produce a huge partnership to resuce India from that precarious position to a respectable total.
Early in the innings both Rahane and Kohli were lucky to have got life. Rahane was at his best driving through covers and pulling Johnson all through day.
Batsmen produced some of the best cricket in front of a Sunday crowd at Melbourne Cricket ground.
It was sheer brilliance of the two batsmen that they survived some well directed bowling from Johnson and company. Pacer was hit to all corners of the park by the batsmen showing they were in total command.
Ajinkya Rahane got out lbw trying to sweep Nathan Lyon at the score of 147. The partnership was 262 runs worth for India.
L Rahul the debutant tried to lift Lyon over square leg but was dropped by Siddle at mid-wicket running backwards to take the catch.
On the following delivery the batsman went to sweep Lyon again, giving a simple catch for 3.
Dhoni was out on 11 runs playing a good length ball from Harris edging to the keeper.
Kohli continued on and on and while trying to drive the ball through point edged it to the keeper for well made169 of 271 deliveries the Indian team total read 462/8 at the close of play.
The batsmen showed the intent today and held the innings together and won the day for India.
Ryan Harris proved to be pick of the bowlers picking 4/69. Indian bowling unit could take a cue from the Aussie performance that they made the Indian batsmen earn their runs, survive and score.
It was definitely not easy for the Indian batters. And also besides the fortunate partnership there was little contribution by other batsmen. It is still a worry aspect for India.
Rahane was dropped by Lyon, who reacted a little slow to the shot played back towards the bowler that went through his hands.
Then Kohli edged in the slips but was dropped by Harris. Earlier Haddin pulled of a spectacular catch to bring down Cheteshwar Pujara and then took the catch of Kohli.
So it will India batting again with two wickets remaining on Day 4. It will be interesting to see the team tactics on day 4.
Valleyz.Blog
India lost quick wickets in Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay after some persistent bowling by Australia. Vijay was out for 68.
Rahane and Kohli then combined to produce a huge partnership to resuce India from that precarious position to a respectable total.
Early in the innings both Rahane and Kohli were lucky to have got life. Rahane was at his best driving through covers and pulling Johnson all through day.
Batsmen produced some of the best cricket in front of a Sunday crowd at Melbourne Cricket ground.
It was sheer brilliance of the two batsmen that they survived some well directed bowling from Johnson and company. Pacer was hit to all corners of the park by the batsmen showing they were in total command.
Ajinkya Rahane got out lbw trying to sweep Nathan Lyon at the score of 147. The partnership was 262 runs worth for India.
L Rahul the debutant tried to lift Lyon over square leg but was dropped by Siddle at mid-wicket running backwards to take the catch.
On the following delivery the batsman went to sweep Lyon again, giving a simple catch for 3.
Dhoni was out on 11 runs playing a good length ball from Harris edging to the keeper.
Kohli continued on and on and while trying to drive the ball through point edged it to the keeper for well made169 of 271 deliveries the Indian team total read 462/8 at the close of play.
The batsmen showed the intent today and held the innings together and won the day for India.
Ryan Harris proved to be pick of the bowlers picking 4/69. Indian bowling unit could take a cue from the Aussie performance that they made the Indian batsmen earn their runs, survive and score.
It was definitely not easy for the Indian batters. And also besides the fortunate partnership there was little contribution by other batsmen. It is still a worry aspect for India.
Rahane was dropped by Lyon, who reacted a little slow to the shot played back towards the bowler that went through his hands.
Then Kohli edged in the slips but was dropped by Harris. Earlier Haddin pulled of a spectacular catch to bring down Cheteshwar Pujara and then took the catch of Kohli.
So it will India batting again with two wickets remaining on Day 4. It will be interesting to see the team tactics on day 4.
Valleyz.Blog
India at a crucial stage in the first innings on Day 3 in the third test at MCG
India are at a crucial stage with 108 runs on the board at the loss of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket in their response to Australia's 530 runs on the second day of play.
Earlier Australia scored at a brisk pace resuming their first innings on day 2 with Brad Haddin nullifying the India tactic of bowling short to the batsman. Haddin hooked, pulled and lofted the clueless Indian pace attack in the morning to notch first fifty in the series.
Indian batsman tried hard and bowled short to Haddin in order to scalp the batsman's wicket, noting his uneasy stance in playing the short ball. But to the surprise of Indian bowlers, Haddin opened up his stance by freeing his front leg which gave him ample opportunity to score runs at will, until he himself committed an unforced error and edged a ball while trying to leave it to the keeper, in a similar fashion Indian Skipper MS Dhoni got out in the previous test.
India did not attack Aussie Skipper Steve Smith as much as they bowled short to Haddin, and that proved costly for the team, as Smith held up the Australian lower middle order together and stitched crucial partnerships with Ryan Harris too.
Ryan Harris played a good role and proved again that Australian lower order is the better off scoring runs than the Indian lower order as the bowlers struggled once again to get wickets.
Captain Smith and Harris built a 106 run partnership as Australia scorecard read 482 for 6 at that stage. As soon as Harris fell for 75 playing across to Ashwin, Australia stepped up to score quick runs as Smith went after the bowlers before the side got bowled out for mammoth 530 runs on the board with Skipper the last man out for a fabulous 192.
India started their first innings with confidence as both the openers survived probing line by the Aussie bowlers. Until Dhawan got out to a menacing Harris delivery which the batsman tried to play to the third man, instead edging it to the slips. Harris is a dark horse in the Australia bowling line up, he can swing the ball both ways and his seam is deceiving to say the least and often gives Australia crucial break through.
India are up against a good bowling attack and complacency will prove costly for the India as there isn't much depth in the Indian batting order as the Aussie side has. India are prone to batting collapses and often play contrary to their potential and provide opposition the chance to come back in to the game.
Where as Australia seldom made this mistake in the series. So far they've accepted every chance the tourists provided them.
If India are to stay in the series, batters need to present something special on day 3 to the Aussie bowling attack including the off-spin of playing Nathan Lyon. Other wise it will be remembered as a tour when the team didn't played to it's full potential, despite some good players in the team.
Valleyz.Blog
Earlier Australia scored at a brisk pace resuming their first innings on day 2 with Brad Haddin nullifying the India tactic of bowling short to the batsman. Haddin hooked, pulled and lofted the clueless Indian pace attack in the morning to notch first fifty in the series.
Indian batsman tried hard and bowled short to Haddin in order to scalp the batsman's wicket, noting his uneasy stance in playing the short ball. But to the surprise of Indian bowlers, Haddin opened up his stance by freeing his front leg which gave him ample opportunity to score runs at will, until he himself committed an unforced error and edged a ball while trying to leave it to the keeper, in a similar fashion Indian Skipper MS Dhoni got out in the previous test.
India did not attack Aussie Skipper Steve Smith as much as they bowled short to Haddin, and that proved costly for the team, as Smith held up the Australian lower middle order together and stitched crucial partnerships with Ryan Harris too.
Ryan Harris played a good role and proved again that Australian lower order is the better off scoring runs than the Indian lower order as the bowlers struggled once again to get wickets.
Captain Smith and Harris built a 106 run partnership as Australia scorecard read 482 for 6 at that stage. As soon as Harris fell for 75 playing across to Ashwin, Australia stepped up to score quick runs as Smith went after the bowlers before the side got bowled out for mammoth 530 runs on the board with Skipper the last man out for a fabulous 192.
India started their first innings with confidence as both the openers survived probing line by the Aussie bowlers. Until Dhawan got out to a menacing Harris delivery which the batsman tried to play to the third man, instead edging it to the slips. Harris is a dark horse in the Australia bowling line up, he can swing the ball both ways and his seam is deceiving to say the least and often gives Australia crucial break through.
India are up against a good bowling attack and complacency will prove costly for the India as there isn't much depth in the Indian batting order as the Aussie side has. India are prone to batting collapses and often play contrary to their potential and provide opposition the chance to come back in to the game.
Where as Australia seldom made this mistake in the series. So far they've accepted every chance the tourists provided them.
If India are to stay in the series, batters need to present something special on day 3 to the Aussie bowling attack including the off-spin of playing Nathan Lyon. Other wise it will be remembered as a tour when the team didn't played to it's full potential, despite some good players in the team.
Valleyz.Blog
Friday, December 26, 2014
Steve Smith's wicket is key to restrict Australia in the first Innings at MCG in the third Test.
It was a decent first day's play at MCG in the boxing day test against Australia by the India team with Australia scoring 259/5 at the close of play.
Umesh Yadav took the all important opening wicket of David Warner to slow down the Australia scoring rate later in the innings, as India bowlers failed to take wickets till the start of second session in the morning.
Watson and Chris Rogers built up a good partnership against a disciplined Indian bowling which went wicket less and a dropped chance to score a second wicket partnership of 115 runs. Chris Rogers was taken by Dhoni of Mohammad Shami delivery outside of off, inviting the batsmen to drive on the rise.
Soon after Watson was out lbw to R Ashwin, trying to play slog sweep covering the stumps and completely missing out, though umpire couldn't see the middle and off of the batsmen's wickets but failed to note that Watson took a long stride and met the ball out side the line of off stump. It was a close decision.
Initially Skipper Steve Smith started of slowly and then later paced his innings to lead Australia to a handsome total of 259/5 with his inidividual score of 72 not out at close of play.
S Marsh got out caught behind by the keeper of Shami scoring 32. Debutant Joe Burns could not last long as he was out trying to pull the ball and edging to the keeper off Umesh Yadav.
Umesh Yadav was bowling with good pace and bounce occasionally hitting Brad Haddin on the body with short pitched deliveries which the batmsnen left alone.
Ishant Sharma was bowling nicely but didn't look penetrating the Aussie batting order. Mohammad Shami took two wickets and looks good when bowling a probing line. There was also a dropped catch of his bowling when Watson edged in the slips and was dropped by a diving Shikhar Dhawan to his left.
Bowing out side of off is key to bowling Steve Smith out. Analysing the style of play, Smith easily pulls, drives and cuts the ball, so there isn't much the bowlers can try than to test him outside of off.
That's the only way Australia has time and again bowled at the famed Indian batting order of yesteryears.
When a batsmen is strong both on the backfoot and the front foot, it is important for the bowlers to catch him at the crease by bowing good length ones.
The wicket looks dry and slightly tilted in batsman's favour, India bowling has it's task cut out to restrict Australia.
Steve Smith's wicket is key in these circumstances, if he gets going and wags along with the tail, then Australia will not only score runs but at a quicker pace.
Valleyz.Blog
Umesh Yadav took the all important opening wicket of David Warner to slow down the Australia scoring rate later in the innings, as India bowlers failed to take wickets till the start of second session in the morning.
Watson and Chris Rogers built up a good partnership against a disciplined Indian bowling which went wicket less and a dropped chance to score a second wicket partnership of 115 runs. Chris Rogers was taken by Dhoni of Mohammad Shami delivery outside of off, inviting the batsmen to drive on the rise.
Soon after Watson was out lbw to R Ashwin, trying to play slog sweep covering the stumps and completely missing out, though umpire couldn't see the middle and off of the batsmen's wickets but failed to note that Watson took a long stride and met the ball out side the line of off stump. It was a close decision.
Initially Skipper Steve Smith started of slowly and then later paced his innings to lead Australia to a handsome total of 259/5 with his inidividual score of 72 not out at close of play.
S Marsh got out caught behind by the keeper of Shami scoring 32. Debutant Joe Burns could not last long as he was out trying to pull the ball and edging to the keeper off Umesh Yadav.
Umesh Yadav was bowling with good pace and bounce occasionally hitting Brad Haddin on the body with short pitched deliveries which the batmsnen left alone.
Ishant Sharma was bowling nicely but didn't look penetrating the Aussie batting order. Mohammad Shami took two wickets and looks good when bowling a probing line. There was also a dropped catch of his bowling when Watson edged in the slips and was dropped by a diving Shikhar Dhawan to his left.
Bowing out side of off is key to bowling Steve Smith out. Analysing the style of play, Smith easily pulls, drives and cuts the ball, so there isn't much the bowlers can try than to test him outside of off.
That's the only way Australia has time and again bowled at the famed Indian batting order of yesteryears.
When a batsmen is strong both on the backfoot and the front foot, it is important for the bowlers to catch him at the crease by bowing good length ones.
The wicket looks dry and slightly tilted in batsman's favour, India bowling has it's task cut out to restrict Australia.
Steve Smith's wicket is key in these circumstances, if he gets going and wags along with the tail, then Australia will not only score runs but at a quicker pace.
Valleyz.Blog
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Cricket administration in India is to blame for the team's debacle overseas so consistently.
There cannot be any justification for the batsmen to present any excuses when they are not performing, that is the what the game is all about, if you're out, you must leave the crease.
Now if you keep claiming that such and such thing happened that's why I got out is a lame excuse to the glaring reality and fact that you've been caught behind on a legal rising delivery that was up to your throat and you ought to have left it alone, and you could not fend it off (blame it on your technique or become superstitious). You could not keep it out and that's a failure.
Accept it as a part and parcel of the game, agree you lost fairly and squarely and move on, that is what sportsmanship is all about.
Unfortunately, our batsmen are in their dreams eternally, when they suddenly wake up on a day three pitch to a fiery spell from Australia's most prolific and fastest left arm bowling action from Johnson. That's always music to any batsman's ears in the world.
Are Indian batsmen colour blind or what, can't they spot the pitch of the delivery and leave those short in your throat deliveries, can't they duck? no, no, no it's the flaw in their technique and temperament, that is honed on sub-continental yawning pitches, where the ball takes a huge effort from a speedster even to rise below the waist of the batsmen.
The greatness of any batsmen or a bowler of a touring team is measured on how one's own performance contributes to the team's overall success in over coming the challenges on a foreign tour, exposing your limited experience to overcome them with sheer brilliance and discipline.
Presenting the excuse of an inexperienced side or a match day mishap is just so lame, that you are shirking from taking responsibility that you've consciously taken a decision to do so. Who would buy that?
Honestly speaking, in India the Crickets as a sport has been heavily politicized and monetized, and as such talent is hindered showing up regularly, gone are the days of a reliable middle order or a solid opening pair or mercurial spinners or a genuine all-rounder .
Here we have a so called 'inexperienced' side which is always in the process of getting 'experienced' for half a decade before winning a single game of a Test match overseas.
Why are our Test players so lacking in technique and temperament, Why the team has been exposed very badly overseas on the seaming and bouncy pitches?
Our batsmen make tons of runs in domestic games even internationally, but hardly score a fifty when the situation demands, they simply go into a shell and they won't come out of it until they are back playing on the home turf notching a 'scintillating double ton' belting the same speedsters that they cannot defend even for a few overs when overseas.
There is something awfully wrong to say that Indian players can't compete internationally. It's the complete failure of the Cricket administration in India to have brought the team in such a precarious mess, that you always look up to players like Tendulkar's, Kohli's every time in a match to save the team from sporting disasters overseas.
If the mindset of the cricket administration in India, is just to 'manage' the things than winning a series or two in over half a decade overseas, is like bringing bad name to the overall health of the sport in the country, no one will want to side with a team which loses and loses. Accepting defeats consistently is mediocrity.
It is Cricket administration in India to blame for the team's debacle overseas so consistently.
Valleyz.Blog
Now if you keep claiming that such and such thing happened that's why I got out is a lame excuse to the glaring reality and fact that you've been caught behind on a legal rising delivery that was up to your throat and you ought to have left it alone, and you could not fend it off (blame it on your technique or become superstitious). You could not keep it out and that's a failure.
Accept it as a part and parcel of the game, agree you lost fairly and squarely and move on, that is what sportsmanship is all about.
Unfortunately, our batsmen are in their dreams eternally, when they suddenly wake up on a day three pitch to a fiery spell from Australia's most prolific and fastest left arm bowling action from Johnson. That's always music to any batsman's ears in the world.
Are Indian batsmen colour blind or what, can't they spot the pitch of the delivery and leave those short in your throat deliveries, can't they duck? no, no, no it's the flaw in their technique and temperament, that is honed on sub-continental yawning pitches, where the ball takes a huge effort from a speedster even to rise below the waist of the batsmen.
The greatness of any batsmen or a bowler of a touring team is measured on how one's own performance contributes to the team's overall success in over coming the challenges on a foreign tour, exposing your limited experience to overcome them with sheer brilliance and discipline.
Presenting the excuse of an inexperienced side or a match day mishap is just so lame, that you are shirking from taking responsibility that you've consciously taken a decision to do so. Who would buy that?
Honestly speaking, in India the Crickets as a sport has been heavily politicized and monetized, and as such talent is hindered showing up regularly, gone are the days of a reliable middle order or a solid opening pair or mercurial spinners or a genuine all-rounder .
Here we have a so called 'inexperienced' side which is always in the process of getting 'experienced' for half a decade before winning a single game of a Test match overseas.
Why are our Test players so lacking in technique and temperament, Why the team has been exposed very badly overseas on the seaming and bouncy pitches?
Our batsmen make tons of runs in domestic games even internationally, but hardly score a fifty when the situation demands, they simply go into a shell and they won't come out of it until they are back playing on the home turf notching a 'scintillating double ton' belting the same speedsters that they cannot defend even for a few overs when overseas.
There is something awfully wrong to say that Indian players can't compete internationally. It's the complete failure of the Cricket administration in India to have brought the team in such a precarious mess, that you always look up to players like Tendulkar's, Kohli's every time in a match to save the team from sporting disasters overseas.
If the mindset of the cricket administration in India, is just to 'manage' the things than winning a series or two in over half a decade overseas, is like bringing bad name to the overall health of the sport in the country, no one will want to side with a team which loses and loses. Accepting defeats consistently is mediocrity.
It is Cricket administration in India to blame for the team's debacle overseas so consistently.
Valleyz.Blog
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