There is a reason that the best players in cricket can't be kept out of the game for too long. Especial when they have played 150 games, and scored 11000+ test runs, 'bouncing back' is in their DNA.
Alastair Cook's drought had coincided with the England going 0-3 down in the Ashes 2017-18. When your lowest point is coinciding with your team's, the talks of your place in the team are bound to be questioned. More so, when you are on the wrong side of your 30s and are struggling to hit half centuries for 5-6 straight games.
But, Cook isn't another cricketer who would settle with such retirement after a celebrated career for England- being their most prolific run-scorer. On the third day of the fourth test ,with the fate of Ashes urn already decided, Cook showed grit in the face of Starc-less Australian attack, on his way to an endless 244*, as he kept losing partners on the other end. On the first ball of Day4, Anderson departed to Cummins, meaning Cook had carried the bat- first Englishman to do so since 1997 when Atherton did.
Such impacful was his knock that on a single day of marathon innings, he put England into the driving seat of the MCG game. Such long was his innings, that he leapfrogged Mahela Jayawardene, Shivanrine Chanderpaul, and Brian Lara in all time list of most test runs. If he plays for another year or so, then he might jump ahead of Sangakkara, Kallis and Dravid-and finish 3rd on the tally. Even if he doesn't, his name among the legends of the game is a small sign of what he has done for the English fans, who didn't have a legend of their own in the 10k club. Root might get there one day, but Cook is the only Englishman to climb that everest. In the last over of the day, he punched a Mitchell Marsh delivery through covers, to go past Lara- almost as if reminding us all of the Cook of old.
Broad gave him good company, by pressing on to the accelerator and racing to a fifty in no time, and helping England build some quick lead. Broad's dismissal came at the fag end and England opted not to declare at this stage. Next day, Anderson succumbed and Cook remained undefeated, like a lion who walked through the jungle fire unharmed. He had scars to tell the story and a tale of heroics to be passed.
Cook holds the record for the most runs by a batsman who carried bat-244*. No matter who wins the MCG game, Cook's double hundred has kindled fire of hope.
For England. For Cook.
As another cricketing year ends- the one with ICC Champions
Trophy, Ashes, India’s home season year, and the year of Afghanistan and
Ireland getting test status- we look back the best ODI batting performances of
the year. It’s not just a descending order of performances- but a lot of
factors have been kept in mind (This is
till 25th December- so SA-Zim series won’t be included)
Quality of Opposition
Situation in the match
Pitch conditions
Importance of the knock in affecting result of match
So here is the countdown top 10 batting performances in 2017
in 50-over series
Number-10
Q De Kock 168* (145) vs Bangladesh- October 2017
Chasing a considerable total of 278, DeKock’s 168* supported by Amla’s 110* made a mockery of the chase, as SA won by 10 wickets with around 7 overs to spare. By his standards, Dekock didn’t use the aerial mode often and hit 21 fours and 2 sixes in the controlled knock. This was his second-highest ODI score, behind his 178 against Australia in merely 113 balls- his best innings by far. In our list, considering the importance of the knock, impact in the match and the bowling attack- DeKock's 168 off 145 balls, come at number 10.
Number-9
Johnny Bairstow 141* vs West Indies- Sep 2017
Bairstow, brought in the opening role, played an organized 141 off just 114 balls. Not a regular before this series for limited over side, Bairstow hit his second hundred in the series against the visitors. It was the highest innings by an England batter against the West Indies ever, and helped England chase 288 with 12 overs left. Roy missed out on his hundred by 4, as England completed a 4-0 series win stamping their authority. Unlike power hitters, Bairstow's well compiled 141 proves the place of textbook batting in limited overs, and the knock for its impact is at number 9th.
Number-8
David Warner 179 vs Pakistan- Jan 2017
On 26th Jan-Australia Day, in a dead rubber against Pakistan with series in the bag already, Warner made most of the Adelaide track by clubbing 179 against a good Pakistan pace line up- Amir, Junaid, Hasan Ali, and Wahab Riaz. Warner got a partnership going with Head, who himself hit a solid 128. Warner fell 6 six runs short of the highest individual score by an Aussie(185 by Watson). 284 between Head and Warner was the highest ODI partnership for Australia, ever. Considering the match situation, the innings is at 8th among all ODI innings of 2017.
Number-7
Yuvraj Singh 150 vs England- Jan 2017
India rolled back the years and Yuvraj and Dhoni tons helped India win the ODI at Barabati, Cutack. It was a comeback of sorts for Yuvraj- who hit the powerful 150, joined by Dhoni coming at crease when India were 25 for 3- in disarray on a harmless track. The knock came off 127 balls with 21 fours and 3 sixes- to help India setup 381 on board. Dhoni’s 134 helped make a record 256 run fourth wicket partnership helping seal the three match series 2-0. Considering the pitch had no demons, but India were 3 down, we place the innings at number 7.
Number-6
AB De Villiers 176 (121) vs Bangladesh – October 2017
SA sealed the three match series against visitors Bangladesh by ABD’s career best 176, propelling SA to enormous score of 353/6. This was fourth highest individual score for Proteas in ODIs behind Kirsten’s 188* in the 1996 World Cup ,Du Plessis’s 185 and De Kock’s 178. The whirldwind knock was also his 25th ODI ton, and came on the back of a long gap in international cricket.
Number-5
Evin Lewis 176* vs England- September 2017
England won the match by D/L method by a whisker but what stood out, and took everyone by shock, was a certain Evin Lewis- who blasted his way through to 176 before unfortunately retiring hurt from a Jake Ball Yorker. The highlight of the innings was the acceleration beyond 100- which happened in just 36 balls (for 76 runs). The innings was adorned by 17 fours and 7 powerful sixes. However, neither England lost the match nor the series. Lewis did what West Indies's fans didn't expect- create a name for himself at the Oval- and coming in top5 innings of 2017.
Number-4
DuPlessis 185 vs Sri Lanka- Feb 2017
A record second-highest innings by a South African in ODIs, 185 by Faf Du Plessis helped SA stroll to 4-0 against the listless visitors. The 185 came off 141 balls with 16 fours and 3 sixes- almost spanning across the entire SA innings. In a match that saw 694 aggregate runs, Du Plessis showed his capability to play the big innings in the shortest format- in a line-up already boasting of Amla, De Kock, AB De Villiers- each with 150+ scores in the limited format. The enormous innings comes at number 4 for us for its sheer pacing.
Number-3
Rohit Sharma 208* vs Sri Lanka- Dec 2017
In his debut series as captain, Rohit Sharma found Indore as
a perfect venue to register his third ODI Double hundred- out of seven such
milestones ever. Finding support from
Dhawan and Iyer, Rohit’s knock helped India level the three match series with
comprehensive victory. He took only 36 balls for his second 100, as India
clubbed 147 runs in last 10 overs to reach 392 at Holkar Stadium. With 12 sixes
in the knock, Rohit set the record for most sixes in a calendar year,
surpassing ABD’s 63. The double hundred is the third on this list of best ODI innings in 2017.
Number-2
Martin Guptill 180 vs South Africa- Mar 2017
An innings on comeback, Guptill clubbed 180* against the
strong visitors to level the series 2-2 at Hamilton. In an ruthless innings off
138 balls, Guptill made the chase of 288 look a cakewalk, as he finished with
his third highest score by a NZ in ODIs, with the top 2 scores also held by
him- including a double hundred at the World Cup 2015. Racing to his hundred
off just 82 balls, Guptill’s knock displayed raw musclular ability to clear the
fences. The series levelling innings against the South African attack makes it to number 2.
Number-1
Marcus Stoinis 146* vs New Zealand- Jan 2017
A Williamson manufactured run out stopped Stoinis 7 runs short of New Zealand’s 286, as Stoinis stood alone among the debris of Australian batting crumbled around. Arriving on the crease at 54 for 5, when NZ looked set to win the opening game at Auckland, Stoinis played in company of the tail to launch a counterattack on the home side. With 9th wicket gone, Stoinis realized the game situation and racked up 54 runs without giving strike to Hazelwood. What made the innings more special was that it was his second ODI appearance and came on the back of 3 wickets early in the day. The only thing remaining was an Australian victory-in an otherwise perfect movie-like innings.
Considering the inexperience of Stoinis, quality of New Zealand attack, away conditions and match circumstances ( 5 down), its the best knock of 2017 in ODIs for us.
Match: India v Australia Format: ODI Venue: MA Chidabaram Stadium, Chennai Date: 17th September, 2017- Sunday Time: 1:30 PM IST Live coverage: Star Sports Network
One of the most competitive bilateral series in cricket begins at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Sunday as Australia takes on the hosts India.
Both teams have different preparations and results going into this series. India, on one hand, have whitwashed Sri Lanka at their own den across three formats with a ruthless work-ethic. In a series India went as favourites, they ended up as the ruthless favourites. Australia,on the other hand, will be carrying with the momentum of a victory in Bangladesh in second test, in a series where they had lost the first. Australia, however, would fancy their chances in the shorter format where they would believe they have better chance to trip Indian side at home.
INDIA
Openers
India received a major blow when in-form Shikhar Dhawan had to pull out of first three ODIs to tend to his ill wife. With Dhawan not in original 16-man squad, the selectors decided against naming a replacement because of backup opening options in Rahane and KL Rahul. In most likeliest of situations, Rahane would open with the regular opener Rohit Sharma. Middle order
The last ODI series against Sri Lanka gave Manish Pandey to have an advantage for the debatable no4 position. He should be the first-choice for that slot, with Dhoni at 6. In that case, KL Rahul might be competing with Jadhav for the no 5 slot, where Jadhav has a slight advantage due to his useful golden arm. But this tournament will give these three- Jadhav, Pandey and Rahul to stake claim and cement their positions in the Indian middle order, with the 2019 WC in sight. With Umesh, Shami, Bowling
India named Umesh, Shami in the squad in place of Thakur, which would make life difficult for Kohli to pick his 2 pacers out of Umesh, Shami, Bhuvi and Bumrah. Although Bumrah looks the definite choice with good show in the last one year consistently. The spinners' slots will again be a three-way competition among Axar, Kuldeep and Chahal where Kuldeep looks the most certain of them all to feature in the eleven.
Update: Axar has been replaced by Jadeja in squad.
INDIA Possible XI:
1. Ajinkya Rahane
2. Rohit Sharma (vc)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Manish Pandey
5. Kedhar Jadhav
6. MS Dhoni( wk)
7. Hardik Pandya
8. R Jadeja
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Umesh Yadav
11. Jasprit Bumrah
AUSTRALIA Openers
Like India, Australia faces a last-minute problem in opening options, as Aaron Finch had to leave for Australia due to a calf injury. The vacancy for Warner's partner is a toss-up between Hilton Cartwright, who might be used a temporary stop-gap option like he was used in the warm up game but didn't trouble the scorers then. Other option is the middle order bat Travis Head, who is familiar with this role. Middle Order
Steve Smith would be happy to find Peter Handscomb as a replacement option, who could even play in starting XI despite not being in original eleven- to make the middle order more stablet. The return of James Faulkner against his favourite opposition is a welcome boost for the visitors. In limelight will be Matthew Wade- who is increasingly being questioned over his performance in the team and especially with WC 2019 in sight, he has an excellent opportunity to tighten grip on the first choice wk's slot. Bowling
No Mitchell Starc. No Jash Hazlewood. Australian media might be trying to downplay this loss but this absence of two lead pace bowlers might make all the difference. But the danger is not averted yet for India, as there is a gentlemen called Pat Cummins, equally dangerous and quick on his day. Partnering him will be Nathan Coulter Nile. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar will be the two spinners, to go along with Maxwell and Head's part timers.
AUS Possible XI:
1. David Warner
2. Hilton Cartwright
3. Steve Smith (c)
4. Travis Head
5. Glenn Maxwell
6. James Faulkner
7. Matthew Wade(wk)
8. Ashton Agar
9. Nathan Coulter Nile
10. Pat Cummins
11. Adam Zampa
Keep following On A Good Length for India-Australia coverage. Have a great time watching quality cricket.
Test cricket is a wonderful game. The week gone by witnessed two big upsets-West Indies defeating England at Headingley and Bangladesh defeating Australia in their backyard. Here is a little rhyme to mark this famous week of test cricket!
You realize how bright a source of light is when it is placed in darkness.
You realize how calm someone is when it is placed in chaos.
At the fag end of Indian innings at Pallekele, India needed 8 runs to win the series 3-0 against SL. But the restlessness and anger among Sri Lankan fans crossed the lines. The disgusting act of flinging bottles on the field caused the play to stop. While the security team was furiously handling the crowd, and while the on-field cricketers looked around in anxiety and wonder, the camera found MS Dhoni lying flat- face down- almost like taking a little nap amidst all this.
He looked like an ocean of calmness as the chaos engulfed all around. Second time in the series, he had rescued his team from crisis in consecutive games. The other day when Dananjaya ran through thr batting order, Dhoni found a partner in Bhuvaneshwar Kumar- whom he kept on giving the calmness pills to take India to an unlikely win. And then here at Pallekele, when he happily played the second fiddle to Rohit Sharma as India stumbled to 61/4 chasing a modest 217.
What these zen-like innings will do is to silence the criticism from all corners about Dhoni's waning form. Before this ODI series, MSK Prasad hinted at a slight warning for MSD that raised concerns about his chances at the 2019 World Cup. Not that Dhoni had anything to prove, but the fitter looking captain cool reminded all of what he brings to the table.
MSD takes calmness to the next level at Palekelle
With a young team being built for the 2019 WC where Rahul, Pandey, Jadhav and Pandya among others will be playing their first World Cup, it is essential that Dhoni is stays as the experienced campaigner for all those DRS reviews, those sharp stumpings and run-outs, for these innings of poise- a skill that is missing in the restless modern day talented batters.
And finally, a roundup of life lessons from Dhoni I have observed for some time
Life lessons from Dhoni's career:
1. Even if you start slow, everything isn't lost.
The way he builds up his innings and pushes the accelerator in the later half.
2. Accept success without arrogance and failure without dejection
Its' hard to spot ecstasy or anguish on MSD's face in different situations. His calm manner of celebration tells a lot about his ability to not let success go to his head and failure go to his heart.
.3. The place where you come from, doesn't stop you from achieving.
Jharkhand isnt known for producing international cricketers. It however did produce MSD-someone who never considered his place of origin as a disadvantage.
4. Keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.
Those saint like innings when all around him lose wickets like pigeons among cat
5. Finish things in style, with a stamp of authority.
The finishing sixes that wrap up the chase in style. Most memorable? 2nd April, 2011 Wankhede.
Sudhir Kumar has been a symbol of Cricket Fervour in
India. Image:Wikipedia
We are a huge county- with diverse geographies, religions,
beliefs, customs, rituals, habits and languages.It is a land of 1.3 billion
people-the second most populous country with the seventh largest area, where
Hindus alone worship 33 million deities. These cultural identities are spread
across the landscape of mountains, plains, plateaus and deserts. Travel a few
hundred miles to any direction and the difference in culture becomes apparent.
As this unique nation of ours turns 70, let’s remember athread that binds
this diversity close together- the game of Cricket.
In summer of 2007, India had made an early exit in The
Caribbean World Cup. Rahul Dravid, the then captain, was caught teary-eyed by
the television camera. He was a cricketer known for poise-but there he was, distraught. The Indian team sat in the dressing room- broken-hearted-with
weights of disappointments tied to their feet. They knew they had let down
millions of fans-fans who were made to feel that their demi-Gods were humans.
It was a terrible thing to realize. Had Cricket been just a game, people would
have moved on from it the next day. Laughed away and went to work next day. But
Cricket is Patriotism here. And It was not a game lost, it was Patriotism which
had been shrunk smaller that day-unable to muster its pride. It stood
disappointed in a corner with its head low- embarrassed for falling short of
gigantic expectations.
The Famous Six that led India
to their 2011 WC win
Four years later, a MS Dhoni six sealed the world Cup for
India-their second world cup that came after 28 years. It was an emotional
outburst-by players who cried in joy, by media who penned down literary eulogies,
by fans who took on the streets to celebrate, by administrators and governments
who handed out huge riches to the winning team. It only added to all that it
was a fitting farewell for the great Indian cricketer ever- Sachin Ramesh
Tendulkar. The tri-colour unfurled everywhere- because it was not a game won,
it was patriotism which stood that day with its chest swelled with pride.
"The tri-colour unfurled everywhere- because it was not a game won, it was patriotism which stood that day with its chest swelled with pride"
The Tri-Colour reaches all corners of the world
Image source: Sportskeeda
There stood Muslims and Hindus arms in arms, oblivious of
their religions, with same prayers in their lips. The black celebrated with
same zeal as the white. The kid was no less ecstatic than the adult. The women were
no less proud than the men. It was an epidemic that made those immensely
different millions look up to the skies for the same wish-An Indian win.
Cricket is more than a game in India-it is often likened to
a religion, likened to a fever. One might not be able to communicate to all
people in any one spoken language here, except cricket. Across the breadth of
the country, there are small children playing cricket for hours. Even in the
age of smartphones, there are people queuing up at a paan shop to listen to
radio commentary. India-Pakistan matches are treated no less than a war- with
the Big Finale Sundays made sacrosanct for the game. Emotions erupt and boil,
with every boundary and wicket. The stadiums attract thousands of fan, who
paint tri-colour on foreheads, and wear their
heart on sleeve-cheering every milestone and becoming teary-eyed on every loss. Not only in Wankhede, Indians turn up with tri-colour and blue jerseys everywhere in the world- from Lord's to SCG, from Colombo to Wellington, from Johannesberg to Trinidad.
Some might think that it is a country obsessed with a game.
Some might call it a distraction. Others might laugh it off. But the existence
of cricket has been more to us- it been a bridge to unite differences, a common
table where everyone meets, it is a glue that keeps everyone together.
Moeen Ali bundled out SA as Eng won 3-1
Image credits: the Telgraph
It has been a week with extensive cricket- with SLvInd, EngvSA and Ind-AvsSA-A going on across the globe. Here is the weekly round up in case you missed the action:
India beats Sri Lanka 2-0
With one test to go, Sri Lanka was beaten by India 2-0 in Colombo with Jadeja wrapping up Sri Lankan resistance. The innings and 53 run win meant India ended up with an insurmountable margin heading to Pallekele. However, they will be without the services of Jadeja, who was banned by ICC due to accumulating 6 demerit points within the last 2 years. His exclusion meant Axar Patel was drafted as a replacement in the squad, although Kuldeep Yadav looks like the likely replacement for the test. Sri Lanka's injury woes kept on adding as Herath's back ruled him out of last test. Sri Lanka has already lost Gunaratne, Pradeep to injuries, while Dammika Prasad has been in the sidelines for a while. India might try out their bench strength if Kohli wants to give Rohit, Bhuvi or Ishant a game to get their confidence going.
England win 3-1 against SA
Moeen Ali led England's series victory at Manchester as South Africa folded up in pursuit of 380. The only hope that seemed to do the improbable came when Amla and Faf du Plessis, got together for a brave fourth wicket stand of 123. Roland Jones, who had got Amla out three times before this in this series, was at the recieving end as Amla hit him for 3 boundaries in the same over- probably a revenge for each of his wicket. Once Amla was out LBW to Moeen, when he missed the ball in an attempted to flick it casually, SA lost their way. They collapsed form 163-3 to 202 all out. DeKock failed to fire again and Bruyn too edged to slip. Ali took two in two balls to bring an early end to the test match. England won the contest comprehensively 3-1, their biggest margin of series win against SA in long time. SA go home with more problems than they came with.
Iyer 140* helps India-A to series win
After late strikes from Shardul Thakur ensured SA-A were contained at 267/7, Shreyas Iyer joined hands with Vijay Shankar for a third wicket stand of 141, to help India A sail to a comfortable win in the tri series final. Iyer hit an organized 140* adorned with 11 fours and 4 sixes where as Shankar hit 86-ball 72. They had come in when Dala had removed both the openers-Nair and Samson early. India A won the contest by 7 wickets with 19 balls spared. Earlier, Behardein hit a fighting 101* to help SA-A post a competitive total. Iyer's knock might help draw selectors' attention who might consider him seriously for the West Indies tour in case a regular opener is unavailable. Iyer has been on fringes of a national call for years now- with impressive Ranji seasons and spectacular IPL innings. Vijay Shankar would have also drawn attention.
Jadeja finished the Sri Lankan
Resistance with his five-foot
Image: Espncricinfo
It might have ended with a match penalty for Ravindra Jadeja but the left arm all rounder did the job with the ball for India, and ensured India bagged a big innings defeat against the Lankans. The Colombo win gives India the insurmountable lead of 2-0 with the final test to go at Pallekele.
The final wicket came minutes before tea when Pradeep tried to slog Ashwin but could only found Dhawan's hands. The resistance did come, for a brief time, in the two sessions, after Mendis had set the tone for the counter-attack a day before. The nightwatchman Pushpakumara fell early after he tried to be creative with his shot making and picked the wrong bowler for that. Ashwin outfoxed him and bowled him with a quick delivery.
Chandimal fell next over, caught brilliantly by Rahane at slip off the bowling of Jadeja. Rahane's slip fielding standards brought out the contrast with the slip ups of Kohli throughout the series. Then Karunaratne carried on the rearguard action with seasonal campaigner Mathews, and added 69 runs for the 5th wicket that ended when Jadeja got one to rise from pitch and kiss Karunaratne's gloves. And then with that brilliant 141 that drew applause, the innings started to crumble into pieces in the face of Jadeja's bowling.
Mathews was the first to depart, trying to cut but managing to edge the ball in Saha's gloves. Perera missed the line and got stumped. De Silva's outside edge fell into Rahane's safe hands, who grabbed another brilliant low catch. Dickwella tried to delay the inevitable, but fell soon after.
Jadeja was soon banned for next game when his demerits accumulated. He, however, will be busy tonight savouring his man of the match trophy
Ashwin double blow sealed Day2
in India's favour. Image:ABPnews
What Sri Lanka feared at the end of day1, turned into reality at the end of Day2.
Contributions -from lower order ensured India crossed 600 once again- sixth time in last 20 months precisely, far ahead of any other test nation. Sri Lanka's troubles continued with the bat as they lost 2 wickets before stumps in the pursuit of the gigantic total, both openers perishing to Ashwin.
Early in the morning, India lost Pujara after he could add only 5 to his overnight score of 128. Karunaratne, who had bowled 2 overs in his test career before this test, took his maiden wicket when DRS reviews found Pujara out LBW.
Ashwin joined Rahane, and added valuable runs before Rahane charged Pushpakumara and missed the line completely, to hand him his debut wicket. Pushpakumara pumped his fist elated in joy on sending Rahane back for 132. Ashwin reached his fifty with a powerful strike down the ground, but got cleaned up when he tried to make room for a cut that didn't exist.
Sri Lanka might have sensed an opportunity to wrap up things quickly but Saha had other plans. He hung in there, supported by Pandya who played a run-a-ball cameo. Pandya's dismissal united Saha and Jadeja to crease, and Jadeja took over the role of aggressor after he got his eye in. Fifties from Ashwin, Saha and Jadeja propelled India to 622/9, before Kohli declared with SL left 20 overs to negotiate till stumps.
But Tharanga's stay lasted briefly, with an attempted pull that unfortunately got stuck with Rahul at short leg, who displayed good presence of mind to not drop it. A dismissal that brought out the 'Dab' from Rahul and Kohli, made sure Sri Lanka didn't win any of the day's session. After Pujara's special day yesterday, Ashwin made a milestone of his own- the fastest to 250 wickets and 2000 runs in tests, taking only 51 to get there, only signalling the impact he has had in Indian test success- both with bat and ball.
Karunaratne and Mendis were starting to weave a partnership when Ashwin struck again, with the ball that Karunaratne played with half conviction of the foot movement, and gave a simple catch to Rahane, by Rahane's slip catching standards. Sri Lanka went into stumps with 50/2 with 572 runs behind the big task ahead of them.
They are 0-1 down in the series. And the way these two days have shaped, a 0-2 series loss looks inevitable for the island nation, unless they find a hero in their men.
Pujara and Rahane joined hands for a solid 211* stand
Image Credit: india Today
The scoreboard of 344/3 would tell that the first day of Second Test at Colombo hints at a story similar to India's Day-1 score of 399 at Galle,last week. The impact was similarly ruthless, but this time in face of adversity.
When Kohli fell at 13, with an exceptional catch at slip by Mathews, India were left at 133/3, facing a stern test for the first time in the series. Sri Lanka was one wicket away at the 39th over to break open India's lower order. But it was not be.
That 39th over in which Kohli got out,was a maiden. The next maiden was 87th over-in between was a savage attack by Pujara and Rahane, who dominated the spin dominated Sri Lankan attack, with chance-less ease.
The special 50th test couldn't have begun in a better way for India's number 3. Cheteshwar Pujara showed his higher gears, as soon as he crossed his first 50 runs off 112 balls. In the next 52 balls, he reached his 13th test century- almost at double the pace. It was special in many ways-a third century in as many tests he has played in Sri Lanka. It was made more special by a couple of milestones- First, he brought up his 4000 test runs in as many innings as Rahul Dravid- the man he is often compared to, only behind Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag. Second, the announcement of Arjuna Award being conferred to him came late in the evening. And the best part was that he was unbeaten on 128* at stumps, along with the other hero of the day- Ajinkya Rahane.
Rahane seemed in a different zone, right from the start. In a clear sign of counterattack, he did't hold himself back for anything short and made good use of the feet against the left-arm spinners. He played some crisps shot over the cover fielder, and brought up his 9th hundred at the fag end of the day. India made 137 off 30 overs in the post-lunch session, propelling their overall score to 344, at a rate of 3.8- and all this on a pitch that wasn't the best surface for batting. It has a low and slow attribute to it-which will make batting only tougher in the next four days.
Earlier, Virat Kohli won an important toss and had no second thoughts about batting first. With Mukund making way for Rahul, India opened with Dhawan and Rahul. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were playing with one seamer and 4 spinners- a strategy that will raise eyebrows. It meant return of their captain Dinesh Chandimal in place of injured Asila, debut for left-arm spinner Pushpakumara and Gunathilaka making way for Dhananjaya De Silva.
Dhawan started in the same fashion as Galle, with an onslaught of boundaries- before he was caught plumb by a Dilruwan Perera delivery, as confirmed by the DRS review taken by the home side. When Pujara joined Rahul, the latter took on the aggressor's role before losing his wicket in a mix-up between him and Pujara. Kohli fell quickly too, leaving India at 133/3.
On the second day, India would look to bat out Sri Lanka with another 600+ score and then make most of the pitch that looks to help spinners as the game goes into third day.
Kohli will look to seal the series. Pic courtesy: India.com
Match Details
Series: India Tour of Sri Lanka, July-Sep 2017
Venue: SSC Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Dates: August 3-7
Match of Series: 2nd test of a 3-match series
Series Status: India leading 1-0
Time: 10 am Local Time
India- Probable Starting Eleven India will take the field on Colombo with an aim to deliver the knock out blow to Sri Lanka, in what appears to be another battle of unmatched.The visitors will look to continue the winning ways, with the pitch likely to be support spin better than the Galle pitch. Given the nature of the pitch, Kuldeep Yadav might be introduced as the third spinner in place of Hardik Pandya. With Kohli confirming KL Rahul as the definite starter in the eleven, the second opener' slot will be a toss up between Shikhar Dhawan and Abhinav Mukund, with Dhawan likely to edge out the Tamil Nadu opener after his career best knock of 190 in Galle.
Sri Lanka will be boosted by the return of their new captain Dinesh Chandimal, who will make the batting order stronger by his return to the fragile middle order. Rangana Herath looks set to be the part of the match putting all the injury worries to rest. Kusal Mendis will return to his favourite no3 position in the order. Like India, Sri Lanka might be tempted to play three spinners, which would mean a debut for 30-year old left-arm spinner Pushpakumara. There is a chance of newly drafted all-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva to replace Gunathilaka, who is set to miss out after a poor show with the bat on debut. 1. Upul Tharanga 2. Dimuth Karunaratne 3. Kusal Mendis 4. Dinesh Chandimal(c) 5. Angelo Mathews 6. N Dickwella (wk) 7. D De Silva 8. R Herath 9. Dilruwan Perera 10. M Pushpakumara/Lahiru Kumara 11. Nuwan Pradeep Players to look out for Kuldeep Yadav( India)
Given he debuts, Kuldeep Yadav's chinaman can be too hot to handle on the turning Colombo pitch. Yadav had an impressive West Indies tour where he troubled the batsmen with his variations throughout the tour.
Upul Tharanga(SL)
The stylish left-hander didn't have a good Galle match but Colombo might change things, as his form would be key to Sri Lanka's batting at the top of the order. With Chandimal set to return, Tharanga can play his natural game with more ease- the exact counterattack SL needs to need the series in this test.
Biggest victory margin win in the opening Galle test has exposed the weaker team in the India-Sri Lanka test series. But Kohli's problems don't end there. This week, he will have to decide his two openers and it won't be an easy decision at all.
When the series started, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay were the two primary openers and Mukund as the standby. But things changed in the week leading up to the game, as Vijay's injury meant a comeback for Dhawan as the standby opener with Mukund and Rahul slated to open. With less than 48 hours to the first test, Rahul caught a viral fever that meant he had to opt out of the Galle game. As luck would have it, Dhawan , who was not even the top three openers, walked into the opening eleven.
The Lady Fortune contributed to shine on Dhawan. Early in his innings, Dhawan edged a ball outside his off and a catch was dropped in the slips. Dhawan made most of that let off and went on to score an imposing 190 runs. That knock helped India get to 399 on Day-1 and set it up for the visitors. Mukund failed to get a start in the first innings and looked set to be replaced by Rahul. However, the Lady Fortune shone on Mukund too, as India opted to bat instead of following on after a big lead.
As it unfolded, Mukund scored a solid knock of 81, before falling at the fag end of the day's play, missing out on his maiden hundred. At the end of Galle test, both Dhawan and Mukund proved their mettle and with Rahul fit for the second game, it would be interesting if Kohli decides to play Mukund ahead of Rahul, or welcomes back the prolific Rahul despite Mukund's fifty.
Mukund might have his heart in the mouth, as Kohli ponders over the selections. It is a good problem to have after all, the problem of plenty.
The IPL carnival
has ended at last, with the focus back on another big-ticket event :The ICC
Champions Trophy. With the 2017 edition set to start in England and Wales, the
home team look the favourites to end on the winners’ podium. What's
amazing has been the turnaround they have done to reach on the top of this
pecking order. The context of their rise has been straight out of a fairy tale.
Lets set our
clocks back to ICC World Cup 2015 held in Aus-NZ. A shocking defeat to
Bangladesh handed England a humiliating early exit in the tournament. Things
looked dismal back then. Only months before the tournament, Morgan had been
appointed as the ODI captain, replacing Alastair Cook. The faith in Morgan
seemed to have
backfired.
" We've let our people down", Peter Moores- the then coach had said.
Media and ex-players were calling for an overhaul. The way ahead looked
uncertain. The county system (and the way T20 leagues had affected quality
players)-was being questioned. Humiliation had been inflicted on the field.
Eyebrows were being raised off the field. The renovation had to follow.The
lowly-ranked side had plunged to new ODI lows.
Fast forward to
May 2017, England look a refreshed side under the new coach Trevor Bayliss with
the captaincy reigns still with Eoin Morgan. The numbers speak for themselves.
Since that debacle, they have beaten NZ 3-2, SL 3-0, Pak 4-1, West Indies 3-0.
Ireland 2-0 and are leading SA by 1-0 in current series. Only once, they have
lost in this period, to India 1-2 in an equally contested series. Their batting
order looks stable and dangerous, the bowling looks fresh and the fielding
standards look sharper. Let us see how each department fares.
Openers( 8/10)
The Alex Hales- Jason Roy
combination has been a consistent hit at the top of the order-with both equally
able to bat destructively in those initial overs when the field is in. With the
England pitches relatively more favourable for batsmen in recent past, these
two can take the game away if they get going. The Eng-SA 3 match series will
give some time for Roy to find his touch again, as his strokeplay has not been
in full display in the recent past.
Middle-Order( 9/10)
Root, Morgan, Stokes and Buttler
form the deadly and enviable middle-order that boasts of 4 world-class limited
over players. Joe Root's phenomenal rise as a modern-day legend has gained more
voices with his limited-over game going to the next level. A perfect number
three- Root's presence gives England the anchor they need for the dire
situations. Morgan's ability to play both conventional as week as cheeky shots
gives England the ideal middle order flexibility for every kind of situation.
Ben Stokes has lived up to his IPL auction money by being the backbone of
Pune's splendid run in the IPL. He will hope to carry that form in the CT17.
Waiting on their heels is arguably England's ODI dynamite- Joss Buttler, who
doubles up as their wicket-keeper. His form in the last 15-18 months has been
central to England's resurgence in ODIs. With Johnny Bairstow, the shining star
in India's tour, on the bench- England's middle order looks its strongest
middle order in the last decade.In high-scoring games, this famed middle-order
will be key to England's fortunes.
Lower-Order( 8/10)
The cunning Moen Ali and the
useful bat of Chris Woakes make the batting look deep and dependable. If
England decide to field two spinners ( the other being Rashid) or Liam Plunkett,
the batting order would extend further down.
Spin Cupboard and The Pacers
(6.5/10)
Moen Ali will be the first choice
spinner owing to his additional batting abilities, with Rashid's wily leg-spin
as the backup if needed. Joe Root might turn his arm if needed as filler. The
fresh-legs in pace look an exciting prospect and also the weakest link in
the England's battalion- Woakes has established himself as the other pace all
rounder in the team after Ben stokes. Mark Wood and Chris Woakes might open the
attack for the home team, with Ben Stokes and Plunkett as the other medium-pace
bowlers. The left-arm pacer David Willey and tall Jake Ball are the other
options for Morgan, in case Plan A doesn't work.
Overall, England's deep and
quality batting makes it the side to beat in this ICC Champions Trophy 2017. I
would give England 8/10 overall. It remains the team to watch out for.
SQUAD : Eoin Morgan (Captain), Jos
Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Sam
Billings, Jake Ball, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Ben Stokes, David Willey,
Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
The batsman has stepped out of his crease, only managing to defend the ball to the fielder stationed at mid-off. It is a sign that he is trying to break free. The required run-rate is climbing up with every passing ball. The confidence, meanwhile, is not.
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15 balls for his 2 runs. The tension is clearly visible in his eyes- which are constantly looking around at the field. He is sweating profusely under the batting helmet. The close-in fielders are reading the situation and chirping around. "It is a walking wicket", the wicket-keeper sledges. The silly mid-on fielder joins in the fun. The 40,000 plus turnout in the audience is cheering every dot ball. The pressure is enormous.
The thoughts in his mind are coming up faster than the bowler. "Should I take more time before I find the timing? Should I go for the big one to unsettle the attacking field?"
The next ball is tossed up again. This time, the doubt planted in previous ball has crept in. He doesn't step out. The feet are adamantly stuck on the crease. The bat comes down late-almost as an afterthought, and the ball goes past the inside edge into the keeper's gloves. The ooohs and aaahs follow. This could have been the curtains for the batsman.
His eyes flit between the field and the scoreboard. 16 balls, he tells himself. The cover has been moved to an attacking short-cover for the careless drive. He pays attention to the minor adjustment and makes up his mind to go above the short-cover if it is in his zone. He instantly changes his mind-looking at the two slip fielders standing like predators lurking around in the bushes. " What if I miss the line and end up edging it", he does the maths in an instant. "But I need to do something here, the runs are drying up", he builds the thought in favour of the aerial shot.
Even before he is finished with the thought, the next ball comes out of the leg-spinner's hand. the batsman plants the front-foot ahead, gears up for the shot over short-cover and swings hard at the ball. His eyes light up in concentration. The ball, coming from the back of the hand, turns the other way. Like a snake, it surreptitiously finds a way between the swinging bat and the outreached front foot, and crashes into the middle stump.The deception by wrist movement has done the damage.
The rattle is loud. The distraught batsman doesn't have the courage to look back at the rubble. He has been familiar with this sound. The fielders converge. The bowler conceals his excitement, almost because the prize hasn't been a big wicket of a settled batsman.The pre-meditated shot doesn't come off. And the muffled thoughts inside the batsman's head are vanished in an instant. In a way, he feels lighter to be relieved of the tortuous 20 minutes in the middle. The things start to look simple in hindsight. The walk to pavilion is a thought-provoking one. Like life flashing before your eyes at the time of death, he watches his mistakes in slow-moving snapshots.
He knows what had happened, The mind had given in. Everything else was a consequence.
