Alan Hansen feels Liverpool now have their "best chance" of winning the title for the first time since 1990.
The Reds ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten home record with a 1-0 success at Stamford Bridge yesterday to put them clear at the top of the Premier League and further boost belief they can finally mount a sustained title challenge.
And Hansen believes they have shown they are equipped to push favourites Manchester United and Chelsea all the way.
"I would like to congratulate Rafa Benitez and his team for pulling off an incredible result at Stamford Bridge," said Hansen.
"To beat a Chelsea side on their own patch where they've not lost in 86 League games is fantastic.
"It wasn't just the result but also the manner of the win which was so impressive.
"After just half an hour there was only going to be one winner as the Liverpool tactics were spot on and the team display was outstanding."
Hansen added: "After this great start to the season, this is the best chance Liverpool have had to win the title since they last won the trophy back in 1990 as they're looking very much a team.
"They've shown great resilience in some remarkable comebacks, the signing of Albert Riera has given them great width and players such as Dirk Kuyt have performed far better than they have played before.
"Rafa's team looks very solid and you get the feeling that when teams put pressure on them as Chelsea attempted to do, they're not going to fall apart.
"They may have dropped points at home to Stoke but winning the title is not all about thrashing teams every week but how teams respond to setbacks.
"That's the big test and from the Liverpool performances so far this season, the players have shown the kind of resilience that suggests they would bounce back from any poor result with great spirit," the former Liverpool captain continued.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
'It hasn't quite sunk in yet' - Shakib
Bangladesh v New Zealand, 1st Test, Chittagong, 3rd day
On Saturday, Shakib Al Hasan, fresh from taking six wickets in New Zealand's first innings, was asked whether he considered himself as a batting or bowling allrounder. "I consider getting a 70 more important [than six wickets]," Shakib said then. On Sunday he would have wished for 29 more, but his 71 put Bangladesh in a commanding position.
It is Shakib's bowling, though, that has got him in the record books; his figures of 25.5-7-36-7 are the best innings haul for a Bangladesh bowler. "It hasn't quite sunk in yet," he said. "Maybe when I retire from the game, or in a few days, time I will think 'Hey, I have got the best bowling record for Bangladesh' and feel great about it."
He had only three wickets in six Tests wickets prior to this match, and Shakib said he would focus more on his bowling from now on. "I didn't think about it [bowling so well] that much. I guess it was a gift from God because I don't work that much on my bowling. That's why I had said yesterday that scoring a 70 is more important to me. However, from now on, I think I'll give more importance to bowling. I have always worked hard at batting and will continue to do so."
Shakib's all-round performance - he even pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Jeetan Patel on the second day - has put Bangladesh on course for their second Test win. "It feels really great. When you bat, bowl and field well, and are of service to the team, then the feeling is always great," he said. "From the position we are in, if we can take all the chances that come our way then we will win Inshallah."
for more info..........http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/bdeshvnz/content/current/story/374606.html
On Saturday, Shakib Al Hasan, fresh from taking six wickets in New Zealand's first innings, was asked whether he considered himself as a batting or bowling allrounder. "I consider getting a 70 more important [than six wickets]," Shakib said then. On Sunday he would have wished for 29 more, but his 71 put Bangladesh in a commanding position.
It is Shakib's bowling, though, that has got him in the record books; his figures of 25.5-7-36-7 are the best innings haul for a Bangladesh bowler. "It hasn't quite sunk in yet," he said. "Maybe when I retire from the game, or in a few days, time I will think 'Hey, I have got the best bowling record for Bangladesh' and feel great about it."
He had only three wickets in six Tests wickets prior to this match, and Shakib said he would focus more on his bowling from now on. "I didn't think about it [bowling so well] that much. I guess it was a gift from God because I don't work that much on my bowling. That's why I had said yesterday that scoring a 70 is more important to me. However, from now on, I think I'll give more importance to bowling. I have always worked hard at batting and will continue to do so."
Shakib's all-round performance - he even pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Jeetan Patel on the second day - has put Bangladesh on course for their second Test win. "It feels really great. When you bat, bowl and field well, and are of service to the team, then the feeling is always great," he said. "From the position we are in, if we can take all the chances that come our way then we will win Inshallah."
for more info..........http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/bdeshvnz/content/current/story/374606.html
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Rooney: Anywhere will do
Wayne Rooney will play anywhere for England boss Fabio Capello - but admits he can cause more damage through the middle.
Wayne Rooney will play anywhere for England boss Fabio Capello - but admits he can cause more damage through the middle, supporting an out-and-out striker.
The Manchester United forward started Saturday's 5-1 win against Kazakhstan on the left flank but was shifted inside in a 4-4-1-1 system after a goalless first half at Wembley.
It resulted in two goals for the 22-year-old - and a tricky decision for Capello before the Belarus clash in Minsk on Wednesday when England look to protect their perfect record in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Rooney, relishing his role in the middle supporting Emile Heskey, said: "I'm a lot more on the ball, and it's better to play. But if the manager wants me to play left then I will.
"In the first half I played more towards the left and second half I started playing just off Emile. It was two different roles."
Rooney's performance in the victory over Croatia was arguably his finest for England. He scored in Zagreb, and two against Kazakhstan took his tally to 17 after his first international double for four years.
England players consider Rooney to be too unselfish for his own good, but Rooney insisted: "I wouldn't say my record is too bad - it's just outside one in two. It's not one in four or five.
"I've always said my game is not all about goals and I'm pleased with my record and how I've been playing."
He now wants to score consistently rather than going through goalscoring spurts.
"When I play for United it's always been like that - the goals have all come at once and then a little break," he added.
"I'd like to do it a bit more consistently and keep scoring throughout - but that is just the way it has happened."
Rooney was inches from a Wembley hat-trick, but Alexandr Kuchma got the last touch as the pair jumped for a free-kick - and the England forward joked that his new shaven head was not to blame for finishing with only two goals.
"No, maybe if I had Crouchy's legs I would have scored," he said.
Heskey is set to win his 50th England cap if he features against Belarus - and he came close to his first international goal in five years towards the end of the Kazakhstan win.http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item135271/Rooney:-Anywhere-will-do/
Wayne Rooney will play anywhere for England boss Fabio Capello - but admits he can cause more damage through the middle, supporting an out-and-out striker.
The Manchester United forward started Saturday's 5-1 win against Kazakhstan on the left flank but was shifted inside in a 4-4-1-1 system after a goalless first half at Wembley.
It resulted in two goals for the 22-year-old - and a tricky decision for Capello before the Belarus clash in Minsk on Wednesday when England look to protect their perfect record in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Rooney, relishing his role in the middle supporting Emile Heskey, said: "I'm a lot more on the ball, and it's better to play. But if the manager wants me to play left then I will.
"In the first half I played more towards the left and second half I started playing just off Emile. It was two different roles."
Rooney's performance in the victory over Croatia was arguably his finest for England. He scored in Zagreb, and two against Kazakhstan took his tally to 17 after his first international double for four years.
England players consider Rooney to be too unselfish for his own good, but Rooney insisted: "I wouldn't say my record is too bad - it's just outside one in two. It's not one in four or five.
"I've always said my game is not all about goals and I'm pleased with my record and how I've been playing."
He now wants to score consistently rather than going through goalscoring spurts.
"When I play for United it's always been like that - the goals have all come at once and then a little break," he added.
"I'd like to do it a bit more consistently and keep scoring throughout - but that is just the way it has happened."
Rooney was inches from a Wembley hat-trick, but Alexandr Kuchma got the last touch as the pair jumped for a free-kick - and the England forward joked that his new shaven head was not to blame for finishing with only two goals.
"No, maybe if I had Crouchy's legs I would have scored," he said.
Heskey is set to win his 50th England cap if he features against Belarus - and he came close to his first international goal in five years towards the end of the Kazakhstan win.http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item135271/Rooney:-Anywhere-will-do/
Gavaskar throws his weight behind Kumble
Gavaskar throws his weight behind Kumble
New Delhi: While Indian team wonders whether Anil Kumble will be fit to bowl on the last day of the first Test match in Bangalore on Monday and also in the remaining series, Sunil Gavaskar backs Jumbo to come good.
So, as a beleaguered Kumble is wondering what the future holds, he has a support in none other than the former India captain, who told CNN-IBN exclusively that in his book Kumble can get the job done for India.
"He is probably not the bowler which he was prior to that surgery but he has been manfully bearing the burden of India's bowling for quite a while now," said Gavaskar.
Talking on how India should be dealing with the pressures tomorrow on the fifth and the final day of the match, the legend said, "They have got to play their natural game. I know it is easier said than done but if you try to play a game that you are not familiar with then you are going to get yourself in trouble.
"If Sehwag knows how to play an attacking game he has to play an attacking game only. But both the openers -- Gambhir and Sehwag need to be little more careful and selective in their shot selection -- the deliveries they go after particularly around the off stump because that is the area where the Australians will keep on attacking them," warned Gavaskar.
He further added, "Aussies have learnt to attack that area from Glenn McGrath and you can see that with Brett Lee. Lee has cut down on his pace but he keep probing around the off-stump."
Gavaskar also predicted that Ricky Ponting would probably declare after playing for about half-an-hour or 45 minutes and set India close to around 300.
"They are very confident cricketers and they would certainly give themselves every chance to win this Test match. It is about what target will they give the Indians and let them play how many overs is what is the crucial factor," said the Master Blaster.
"The Aussies would certainly be backing themselves about winning this game because India's record in trying to last out 60-70 overs on the final day has not been good," concluded Gavaskar.
http://www.cricketnext.com/news/gavaskar-throws-his-weight-behind-kumble/34752-13.html
New Delhi: While Indian team wonders whether Anil Kumble will be fit to bowl on the last day of the first Test match in Bangalore on Monday and also in the remaining series, Sunil Gavaskar backs Jumbo to come good.
So, as a beleaguered Kumble is wondering what the future holds, he has a support in none other than the former India captain, who told CNN-IBN exclusively that in his book Kumble can get the job done for India.
"He is probably not the bowler which he was prior to that surgery but he has been manfully bearing the burden of India's bowling for quite a while now," said Gavaskar.
Talking on how India should be dealing with the pressures tomorrow on the fifth and the final day of the match, the legend said, "They have got to play their natural game. I know it is easier said than done but if you try to play a game that you are not familiar with then you are going to get yourself in trouble.
"If Sehwag knows how to play an attacking game he has to play an attacking game only. But both the openers -- Gambhir and Sehwag need to be little more careful and selective in their shot selection -- the deliveries they go after particularly around the off stump because that is the area where the Australians will keep on attacking them," warned Gavaskar.
He further added, "Aussies have learnt to attack that area from Glenn McGrath and you can see that with Brett Lee. Lee has cut down on his pace but he keep probing around the off-stump."
Gavaskar also predicted that Ricky Ponting would probably declare after playing for about half-an-hour or 45 minutes and set India close to around 300.
"They are very confident cricketers and they would certainly give themselves every chance to win this Test match. It is about what target will they give the Indians and let them play how many overs is what is the crucial factor," said the Master Blaster.
"The Aussies would certainly be backing themselves about winning this game because India's record in trying to last out 60-70 overs on the final day has not been good," concluded Gavaskar.
http://www.cricketnext.com/news/gavaskar-throws-his-weight-behind-kumble/34752-13.html
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Bangladesh stun Kiwis, win by 7 wickets
Dhaka: Zunaed Siddique and Mashrafe Mortaza scripted Bangladesh's first-ever victory over New Zealand in one-day cricket with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the opening match on Thursday.
Left-hander Siddique scored a brilliant 85 for his maiden half-century to anchor his team's successful chase of a 202-run target in 45.3 overs at Shere Bangla National Stadium after paceman Mortaza took 4-44 to jolt the tourists.
Mohammad Ashraful notched a return-to-form 60 not out to guide Bangladesh to their first win over the Black Caps in 12 one-dayers, as the home team skipper and Siddique added 109 for the third wicket to upset their formidable opponents.
New Zealand's dreams of regaining a second spot in the one-day rankings with a 3-0 sweep of the series were shattered by Bangladesh who faced an uphill task after 14 of their frontline players defected to a rebel Indian league last month.
Mortaza and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (3-32) set up the sensational win by restricting New Zealand to 201-9 in their 50 overs.
Jacob Oram top-scored with a solid 57 and added 70 runs for the seventh wicket with skipper Daniel Vettori (30) but that was not enough for New Zealand to avoid their lowest one-day total against Bangladesh.
Their previous lowest total against Bangladesh was 224 at Chittagong in 2004.
http://www.cricketnext.com/news/bangladesh-stun-kiwis-win-by-7-wickets/34649-13.html
Left-hander Siddique scored a brilliant 85 for his maiden half-century to anchor his team's successful chase of a 202-run target in 45.3 overs at Shere Bangla National Stadium after paceman Mortaza took 4-44 to jolt the tourists.
Mohammad Ashraful notched a return-to-form 60 not out to guide Bangladesh to their first win over the Black Caps in 12 one-dayers, as the home team skipper and Siddique added 109 for the third wicket to upset their formidable opponents.
New Zealand's dreams of regaining a second spot in the one-day rankings with a 3-0 sweep of the series were shattered by Bangladesh who faced an uphill task after 14 of their frontline players defected to a rebel Indian league last month.
Mortaza and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (3-32) set up the sensational win by restricting New Zealand to 201-9 in their 50 overs.
Jacob Oram top-scored with a solid 57 and added 70 runs for the seventh wicket with skipper Daniel Vettori (30) but that was not enough for New Zealand to avoid their lowest one-day total against Bangladesh.
Their previous lowest total against Bangladesh was 224 at Chittagong in 2004.
http://www.cricketnext.com/news/bangladesh-stun-kiwis-win-by-7-wickets/34649-13.html
Ashraful eyes more success after NZ win
Dhaka: Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful on Friday said his team are well on the way to becoming a competitive force after beating New Zealand for the first time in 12 One-Day Internationals.
Bangladesh upset the Black Caps here on Thursday to go 1-0 up in the three-match series against the side chasing the second spot in the One-Day rankings.
"I have said this before, if we do well in all three departments then we stand a good chance of being competitive. Thursday's performance was proof of that and it should pave the way for more wins," said Ashraful.
The captain hit an unbeaten 60 to guide the home team to a seven-wicket win, reaching their modest 202-run target with 4.3 overs to spare.
The sensational win was set up by paceman Mashrafe Mortaza (4-44) and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (3-32), who restricted New Zealand to their lowest One-Day total of 201-9 against Bangladesh.
Left-handed opener Zunaed Siddique then scored a brilliant 85 for his maiden half-century to establish a base for a comfortable run-chase.
more info.....http://www.cricketnext.com/news/ashraful-eyes-more-success-after-nz-win/34695-13.html
Bangladesh upset the Black Caps here on Thursday to go 1-0 up in the three-match series against the side chasing the second spot in the One-Day rankings.
"I have said this before, if we do well in all three departments then we stand a good chance of being competitive. Thursday's performance was proof of that and it should pave the way for more wins," said Ashraful.
The captain hit an unbeaten 60 to guide the home team to a seven-wicket win, reaching their modest 202-run target with 4.3 overs to spare.
The sensational win was set up by paceman Mashrafe Mortaza (4-44) and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (3-32), who restricted New Zealand to their lowest One-Day total of 201-9 against Bangladesh.
Left-handed opener Zunaed Siddique then scored a brilliant 85 for his maiden half-century to establish a base for a comfortable run-chase.
more info.....http://www.cricketnext.com/news/ashraful-eyes-more-success-after-nz-win/34695-13.html
Malik leads Pakistan to thrilling win
Malik leads Pakistan to thrilling win
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to win their Toronto Twenty20 clash with just one ball to spare on Saturday.
Pakistan made 141-7 with man of the match Shoaib Malik making an unbeaten 42 after Sri Lanka, who rested skipper Mahela Jayawardene and spin wizard Ajantha Mendis, had hit 137-9 off their 20 overs.
Pakistan were struggling at 91-7 at one stage following a four-wicket return for debutant Kaushalya Weeraratne, but Malik and Fawad Alam added 50 in four overs in front of packed King's City ground.
Malik hit the winning boundary off the penultimate ball to send Pakistan top of the table in the four-nation tournament which also features makeweights Canada and Zimbabwe.
Pakistan had needed 13 from the final over but Alam slammed his third six and Malik then sealed victory with consecutive boundaries off Nuwan Kulasekara.
When Sri Lanka batted, opener Sanath Jayasuriya smashed consecutive boundaries off Shoaib Akhtar, but fell next ball when he top-edged to fine leg.
Mahela Udawatte and Jehan Mubarak added 51 for the second wicket but the middle order struggled to push on against Shahid Afridi and Malik.
However, the main late action came from paceman Umar Gul who finished with four wickets.
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to meet in Monday's final.
In Saturday's other match, Canada and Zimbabwe tied after both sides made 135 but the African side claimed the points when they won a bowl-off.
more info......... www.cricketnext.com
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to win their Toronto Twenty20 clash with just one ball to spare on Saturday.
Pakistan made 141-7 with man of the match Shoaib Malik making an unbeaten 42 after Sri Lanka, who rested skipper Mahela Jayawardene and spin wizard Ajantha Mendis, had hit 137-9 off their 20 overs.
Pakistan were struggling at 91-7 at one stage following a four-wicket return for debutant Kaushalya Weeraratne, but Malik and Fawad Alam added 50 in four overs in front of packed King's City ground.
Malik hit the winning boundary off the penultimate ball to send Pakistan top of the table in the four-nation tournament which also features makeweights Canada and Zimbabwe.
Pakistan had needed 13 from the final over but Alam slammed his third six and Malik then sealed victory with consecutive boundaries off Nuwan Kulasekara.
When Sri Lanka batted, opener Sanath Jayasuriya smashed consecutive boundaries off Shoaib Akhtar, but fell next ball when he top-edged to fine leg.
Mahela Udawatte and Jehan Mubarak added 51 for the second wicket but the middle order struggled to push on against Shahid Afridi and Malik.
However, the main late action came from paceman Umar Gul who finished with four wickets.
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to meet in Monday's final.
In Saturday's other match, Canada and Zimbabwe tied after both sides made 135 but the African side claimed the points when they won a bowl-off.
more info......... www.cricketnext.com
Monday, October 6, 2008
PCB's quest for stability not easy
Five former Test cricketers, four of them captains, are trying their best to protect the PCB from the clutches of politicians.
By Soumitra Bose and Shreyas Sharma
Cricket and politics have always gone hand-in-hand in Pakistan, but this time, if Wasim Akram is to be believed, the winds of change are blowing.
The PCB was left without a chairman after Naseem Ashraf resigned following the fall of the Pervez Musharraf government. After the sports ministry took over the affairs of the cricket Board, matters seemed to be getting out of control until Pakistan's Big Five decided to act in Lahore on Sunday. A team comprising Akram, Waqar Younis, Rameeez Raja, Saeed Anwar and Mushtaq Ahmed met law minister Farooq Naek to take stock of PCB affairs.
"The meeting went off well and we are sure, PCB will get back its autonomy," Akram told Mobile ESPN on Monday. The legendary quickie added the minister assured that the current scenario was a "temporary phase" and President Asif Zardari "will name a chairman in the next 10-20 days".
Akram said the appointment of the new chairman will be key to Pakistan's future. "Not only will it bring back autonomy but will indicate who leads the national side. There is a lot of question mark on Shoaib Malik's captaincy and there is a lot of pressure on the fellow," Akram said.
The Big Five has requested the law minister to review the PCB consitiution. "We have suggested the constitution should allow for a cricket committee that will comprise five players with each more than 50 Tests' experience. This committee will have the final say on all decisions pertaining to the game and free from diktats by the chairman or CEO," Akram said.
more info.....http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/pakistan/news/detail/item132509/PCB's-quest-for-stability-not-easy/
By Soumitra Bose and Shreyas Sharma
Cricket and politics have always gone hand-in-hand in Pakistan, but this time, if Wasim Akram is to be believed, the winds of change are blowing.
The PCB was left without a chairman after Naseem Ashraf resigned following the fall of the Pervez Musharraf government. After the sports ministry took over the affairs of the cricket Board, matters seemed to be getting out of control until Pakistan's Big Five decided to act in Lahore on Sunday. A team comprising Akram, Waqar Younis, Rameeez Raja, Saeed Anwar and Mushtaq Ahmed met law minister Farooq Naek to take stock of PCB affairs.
"The meeting went off well and we are sure, PCB will get back its autonomy," Akram told Mobile ESPN on Monday. The legendary quickie added the minister assured that the current scenario was a "temporary phase" and President Asif Zardari "will name a chairman in the next 10-20 days".
Akram said the appointment of the new chairman will be key to Pakistan's future. "Not only will it bring back autonomy but will indicate who leads the national side. There is a lot of question mark on Shoaib Malik's captaincy and there is a lot of pressure on the fellow," Akram said.
The Big Five has requested the law minister to review the PCB consitiution. "We have suggested the constitution should allow for a cricket committee that will comprise five players with each more than 50 Tests' experience. This committee will have the final say on all decisions pertaining to the game and free from diktats by the chairman or CEO," Akram said.
more info.....http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/pakistan/news/detail/item132509/PCB's-quest-for-stability-not-easy/
Fabio demands fast and furious
Fabio Capello will demand more of the same level of intensity from his team for the game against Kazakhstan.
The Three Lions face the former Soviet state in their first home World Cup qualifier after their victories over Andorra and Croatia.
The 4-1 win in Zagreb has given fans and players alike renewed optimism after the failure to qualify for Euro 2008 but Capello is adamant that will not lead to complacency at Wembley this weekend.
"Kazakhstan are our third opponents in the group, and it is important we continue the positive start we have made so far," the Italian said in his column for the official match programme.
"This is the first time they have played England and I know how determined they will be to make things difficult for us.
"However, I will be telling the players that so long as we approach the game in the right way, play with a good tempo and maintain our discipline we can get the result and performance we want."
Capello believes England are finally ready to throw off their Wembley shackles.
more info.....http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item132562/Fabio-demands-fast-and-furious/
The Three Lions face the former Soviet state in their first home World Cup qualifier after their victories over Andorra and Croatia.
The 4-1 win in Zagreb has given fans and players alike renewed optimism after the failure to qualify for Euro 2008 but Capello is adamant that will not lead to complacency at Wembley this weekend.
"Kazakhstan are our third opponents in the group, and it is important we continue the positive start we have made so far," the Italian said in his column for the official match programme.
"This is the first time they have played England and I know how determined they will be to make things difficult for us.
"However, I will be telling the players that so long as we approach the game in the right way, play with a good tempo and maintain our discipline we can get the result and performance we want."
Capello believes England are finally ready to throw off their Wembley shackles.
more info.....http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item132562/Fabio-demands-fast-and-furious/
India rest hopes of victory on old fire of big bats
On Thursday, India will be thrown into the cauldron of Test cricket against the best team in the world. Victory won't come easy and the onus of delivering it has been placed on the shoulders of the tried and the tested in the hope that their bats will find the fire of old.
Rahul Dravid was honoured for entering the select club of 10,000 runs in both Tests and one-dayers in his hometown on Monday. But over the last year the runs haven't quite come with the same fluid frequency for ‘the wall.’
And his middle order colleague for the better part of the last decade, Sourav Ganguly, is battling his own ghosts. Two failures for India A against New Zealand A have meant Ganguly faces a stern test in Bangalore, where the first Test will take place. The critics have sharpened their knives but Dada has his backers too.
“Form is temporary, class is permanent. These are class players and have played with distinction for a number of years. They have all played more than 100 Test matches. They need just one good knock," said former Indian manager Lalchand Rajput.
Ganguly would have certainly kept an eye on performances by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh in the warm up game against the Aussies. All of them made a statement with centuries for the Board President's XI and some think they shouldn't have been knocking on the door; they should have been included.
"I would have liked to see one of those young players in the side because if you beat Australia with one of them in the side, just think what that would do for the side and the Indian cricket to go forward in the years to come," said former South African batsman Daryl Cullinan.
The woes of the middle order mean that Virender Sehwag can once again face a greater burden. Even as he tested a bowling machine at his old coaching centre, Sehwag knows his bat will simply have to deliver.
more info...........http://www.cricketnext.com/news/india-rest-hopes-of-victory-on-old-fire-of-big-bats/34583-13.html
Rahul Dravid was honoured for entering the select club of 10,000 runs in both Tests and one-dayers in his hometown on Monday. But over the last year the runs haven't quite come with the same fluid frequency for ‘the wall.’
And his middle order colleague for the better part of the last decade, Sourav Ganguly, is battling his own ghosts. Two failures for India A against New Zealand A have meant Ganguly faces a stern test in Bangalore, where the first Test will take place. The critics have sharpened their knives but Dada has his backers too.
“Form is temporary, class is permanent. These are class players and have played with distinction for a number of years. They have all played more than 100 Test matches. They need just one good knock," said former Indian manager Lalchand Rajput.
Ganguly would have certainly kept an eye on performances by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh in the warm up game against the Aussies. All of them made a statement with centuries for the Board President's XI and some think they shouldn't have been knocking on the door; they should have been included.
"I would have liked to see one of those young players in the side because if you beat Australia with one of them in the side, just think what that would do for the side and the Indian cricket to go forward in the years to come," said former South African batsman Daryl Cullinan.
The woes of the middle order mean that Virender Sehwag can once again face a greater burden. Even as he tested a bowling machine at his old coaching centre, Sehwag knows his bat will simply have to deliver.
more info...........http://www.cricketnext.com/news/india-rest-hopes-of-victory-on-old-fire-of-big-bats/34583-13.html
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