Two Test matches were won recently thanks in the main to two outstanding partnerships. In the South Africa against New Zealand fixture, in form Jacques Kallis combined with Hashim Amla to rescue their side from a potentially perilous position into a match winning one.
Over the other side of the world in Brisbane, Australia were taking on Sri Lanka and already sitting in a fairly comfortable position when Michael Clarke joined Mike Hussey at the crease, this combination ensured that Sri Lanka were to be under immense pressure to register some serious runs in their first innings, a feat that was beyond the sub-continental side.
Amla and Kallis does not sound like a partnership that will have droves of spectators flooding through the gates in anticipation of Twenty20 style entertainment, yet this duo stuck to the old fashioned virtues of building an innings based first and foremost on solid defence and patience.
It was a testing time for the pair when Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith fell early, Shane Bond and Chris Martin were causing problems, and while South Africa at this point had an overall lead of 128, they were teetering on 20-2 with New Zealand tails up. This partnership still had to overcome the wily Daniel Vettori before any backslapping could take place.
It was to be a fascinating passage of play, in the traditional Test match sense.
Kallis's form of late has been of the highest standard, in Pakistan he made three centuries in four innings (he made 59 in his other innings). Amla is less certain of his place in the South African line up, and after failing in the first innings his heart must have skipped a beat when he edged Shane Bond to Brendon McCullum in the second innings when he was only on two. On such pieces of fortune cricketing careers are kickstarted, as Amla's appeared to be here, with a series of impressive punches down the ground, and his famed flicks through the legside that bore testament to his Asian roots.
Kallis remained unflustered, focused and determined to instigate a healthy lead for his side in his own style. His classical drives were evident as were his textbook pulls, but of course you cannot unload such orthodox devastation without the back up of a watertight defence.
A harsh evaluation, by many so called experts, of Kallis's batsmanship is his tendency to remain in first gear. Here he demonstrated his ability to pressurise the bowlers as he became the dominant batsman, exemplified by the 51 balls it took him to move from 100 to 150. He was prepared to take a risk in search of quick runs, and with the elusive double century in sight he sadly nicked one through to the keeper.
New Zealand were hindered by the injury to Bond, but do not let that detract from the match winning contributions of this South African pair. The partnership had taken their side to 350-3 (the next highest partnership in the entire game was 72), and consequently this Test was heading only one way.
Hussey and Clarke enjoyed a more relaxed type of atmosphere at the start of their vigil with the scoreboard showing 216-3, that was thanks to the foundations laid by Phil Jaques, Ricky Ponting and Matty Hayden. By the time Hussey was snaffled by the outspoken Marvan Atapattu, 245 more runs had been accumulated on an admittedly fantastic 'Gabba' track.
Of course even with an excellent batting track, things can never be taken for granted when the opposition possess a threat such as the mercurial Muttiah Muralitharan. Even without the eccentric Lasith Malinga, captain Mahela Jayawardene could boast an attack that would have many a nation exchanging envious glances.
The Sri Lankan attack worked exceptionally hard to make life difficult for the two Michael's, and there were lengthy periods of play where the Aussie duo had to rein in their attacking instincts and remain patient. One aspect of this partnership they did not neglect was the exemplary rotation of the strike, the judgement of singles to announce their aggressive intent even if the boundaries were not forthcoming.
Clarke was renowned as somewhat of a 'dasher', relinquishing his duty in the middle in search of a boundary to release the shackles. Yet here he was determined to await the right opportunity to pounce, he knew his time would come.
At the other end Hussey was as flexible to the situation as he is in any situation he finds himself in, knowing when to sit in and knowing when to squeeze the pressure on the fielding side, no wonder the Australian management were so keen for him to remain an integral part of the middle order rather than be shunted up to the opening spot. Although he would most probably have excelled there also.
Even the magician that is Murali had no answer to the these two. Their footwork to the spinner was decisive, whether that was in coming down the pitch, playing him on the front foot from the crease or using the whole depth of the crease to play him off the back foot. A real exhibition of how to play spin for youngsters throughout the world.
All four of the batsmen involved in the partnerships had to build their innings, were made to work hard for their runs from the start, and they all came through the tests and played a major part in helping their countries to start their series' with a crucial victory.
(Cricket Web, 13/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4726
Wednesday 14 November 2007
SA ensure no way back for NZ
New Zealand will rarely experience Test match days like today where so little goes right for them, at least they will hope such days do not come along too frequently.
Jacques Kallis (186) and Hasim Amla (176*) continued where they left off yesterday and thundered home South Africa's advantage with a partnership of 330, unsurprisingly it was the record third wicket partnership for South Africa against New Zealand. New Zealand's attack became depleted when firstly Shane Bond was withdrawn from the field of play due to an abdominal injury which puts his inclusion in the second and final Test into doubt, and later in the day Jacob Oram joined him in the treatment room after he suffered a hamstring injury.
South African captain Graeme Smith decided to give the visitors some light, yet brief, relief, when he declared with his side on 422-3, an overall lead of 530.
Things were not getting any better for John Bracewell and his men, opener Michael Papps was unable to assume his position at the top of the order due to a stomach illness he had picked up. As a result Stephen Fleming, who spent no time in the field due to the injury to his right arm when he was caught by a Dale Steyn delivery, was forced to engage in a fierce battle against the new ball.
South Africa's dominance was compounded when Fleming, Craig Cummins and Ross Taylor were all removed before the close of play, leaving New Zealand reeling on 57-3 still with two full days to play.
Batting conditions were near perfect for South Africa, the skies were clear blue and there was very little movement around for New Zealand either through the air or off the deck, and Bond and Chris Martin did well to restrict Kallis and Amla to very few scoring opportunities in the first hour.
There were few alarms for the home side throughout this mammoth partnership, and McCullum must still be rueing his dropped chance that Amla offered yesterday. He made his luck count however, and brought up his second Test century with a fine leg glance for four off Martin.
Kallis followed suit overs later and with typical elegance, picking up a delivery from Daniel Vettori and lofting him over mid wicket for a six, that was century number 28 for Kallis and his fourth in his last six innings. His stay at the crease should have brought to an end when on 108, he attempted to loft Vettori over the top, only to mistime and sky the ball, but sub fielder Michael Mason spilled what should have been a comfortable catch.
One criticism generally levelled at Kallis is his inability to dominate attacks, to continue in his own bubble with seemingly little awareness of what his team requires. It is, one has to say, rather harsh criticism, and today he he was aggressive and never let the Kiwi attack settle, flaying anything short in length without neglecting his sumptuous drives. He raced from 100 to 150 off only 51 balls, Amla was the first to reach his century yet was only on 108 when Kallis was taking the plaudits for his 150.
The elusive double century seemed inevitable, and there was perhaps no-one more surprised than Jacob Oram when he induced a feathered edge from Kallis through to Brendon McCullum. His 186 had come off 262 balls (a strike rate of 70.99) including 25 fours and three sixes.
Amla continued in partnership with Ashwell Prince, but they never seemed in any kind of hurry, and why would they with over two days cricket still to play. They had put on 72 off 28.2 overs when Smith called them in.
Hashim Amla had reached his highest Test score when he passed his previous best of 149 against New Zealand last year, and today he looked solid. His technique at times a little unorthodox but definitely an improvement from when he first arrived on the international stage. If the Kiwi bowlers did not know before, they will be only too aware now that you cannot afford to stray onto his pads or even onto middle stump as his ability to flick the ball either fine or through straight mid-wicket is of the highest quality.
New Zealand had 17 overs to see out, and Dale Steyn, visibly buoyed from his five wicket haul in the first innings, came charging in with good direction and excellent pace. He accounted for Cumming in the fifth over, edging to the safe hands of skipper Smith.
The new ball was aiding exaggerated variations in bounce with a number of cracks widening and making batting conditions much trickier, as the pitch continued to dry out.
When Smith brought Andre Nel, he could not have hoped for a better outcome, as the big South African removed Fleming and Ross Taylor in his first over, which was in truth a bit of a mixed bag.
Nel had gone wicketless in the first innings and was not to be denied here, first slanting one across Fleming who offered a slightly open faced defence and edged for Smith to take a fine catch down low to his left. A bit of extra bounce was too much for Taylor producing another edge, this time to Kallis, the man can do no wrong at the moment, who took a comfortable catch.
McCullum and Styris ensured no further damage was done, but New Zealand need something near a miracle to save this game. The pitch only seems to be getting worse and the visitors will do well to last till tea on day four.
South Africa 226 Herschelle Gibbs 63, Mark Boucher 43, Shane Bond 4-73
New Zealand 118 Stephen Fleming 40, Dale Steyn 5-34, Makhaya Ntini 3-47
South Africa 422-3 dec Jacques Kallis 186, Hashim Amla 176*
New Zealand 57-3 Andre Nel 2-19
New Zealand trail by 473 runs
(Cricket Web, 10/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4714
Jacques Kallis (186) and Hasim Amla (176*) continued where they left off yesterday and thundered home South Africa's advantage with a partnership of 330, unsurprisingly it was the record third wicket partnership for South Africa against New Zealand. New Zealand's attack became depleted when firstly Shane Bond was withdrawn from the field of play due to an abdominal injury which puts his inclusion in the second and final Test into doubt, and later in the day Jacob Oram joined him in the treatment room after he suffered a hamstring injury.
South African captain Graeme Smith decided to give the visitors some light, yet brief, relief, when he declared with his side on 422-3, an overall lead of 530.
Things were not getting any better for John Bracewell and his men, opener Michael Papps was unable to assume his position at the top of the order due to a stomach illness he had picked up. As a result Stephen Fleming, who spent no time in the field due to the injury to his right arm when he was caught by a Dale Steyn delivery, was forced to engage in a fierce battle against the new ball.
South Africa's dominance was compounded when Fleming, Craig Cummins and Ross Taylor were all removed before the close of play, leaving New Zealand reeling on 57-3 still with two full days to play.
Batting conditions were near perfect for South Africa, the skies were clear blue and there was very little movement around for New Zealand either through the air or off the deck, and Bond and Chris Martin did well to restrict Kallis and Amla to very few scoring opportunities in the first hour.
There were few alarms for the home side throughout this mammoth partnership, and McCullum must still be rueing his dropped chance that Amla offered yesterday. He made his luck count however, and brought up his second Test century with a fine leg glance for four off Martin.
Kallis followed suit overs later and with typical elegance, picking up a delivery from Daniel Vettori and lofting him over mid wicket for a six, that was century number 28 for Kallis and his fourth in his last six innings. His stay at the crease should have brought to an end when on 108, he attempted to loft Vettori over the top, only to mistime and sky the ball, but sub fielder Michael Mason spilled what should have been a comfortable catch.
One criticism generally levelled at Kallis is his inability to dominate attacks, to continue in his own bubble with seemingly little awareness of what his team requires. It is, one has to say, rather harsh criticism, and today he he was aggressive and never let the Kiwi attack settle, flaying anything short in length without neglecting his sumptuous drives. He raced from 100 to 150 off only 51 balls, Amla was the first to reach his century yet was only on 108 when Kallis was taking the plaudits for his 150.
The elusive double century seemed inevitable, and there was perhaps no-one more surprised than Jacob Oram when he induced a feathered edge from Kallis through to Brendon McCullum. His 186 had come off 262 balls (a strike rate of 70.99) including 25 fours and three sixes.
Amla continued in partnership with Ashwell Prince, but they never seemed in any kind of hurry, and why would they with over two days cricket still to play. They had put on 72 off 28.2 overs when Smith called them in.
Hashim Amla had reached his highest Test score when he passed his previous best of 149 against New Zealand last year, and today he looked solid. His technique at times a little unorthodox but definitely an improvement from when he first arrived on the international stage. If the Kiwi bowlers did not know before, they will be only too aware now that you cannot afford to stray onto his pads or even onto middle stump as his ability to flick the ball either fine or through straight mid-wicket is of the highest quality.
New Zealand had 17 overs to see out, and Dale Steyn, visibly buoyed from his five wicket haul in the first innings, came charging in with good direction and excellent pace. He accounted for Cumming in the fifth over, edging to the safe hands of skipper Smith.
The new ball was aiding exaggerated variations in bounce with a number of cracks widening and making batting conditions much trickier, as the pitch continued to dry out.
When Smith brought Andre Nel, he could not have hoped for a better outcome, as the big South African removed Fleming and Ross Taylor in his first over, which was in truth a bit of a mixed bag.
Nel had gone wicketless in the first innings and was not to be denied here, first slanting one across Fleming who offered a slightly open faced defence and edged for Smith to take a fine catch down low to his left. A bit of extra bounce was too much for Taylor producing another edge, this time to Kallis, the man can do no wrong at the moment, who took a comfortable catch.
McCullum and Styris ensured no further damage was done, but New Zealand need something near a miracle to save this game. The pitch only seems to be getting worse and the visitors will do well to last till tea on day four.
South Africa 226 Herschelle Gibbs 63, Mark Boucher 43, Shane Bond 4-73
New Zealand 118 Stephen Fleming 40, Dale Steyn 5-34, Makhaya Ntini 3-47
South Africa 422-3 dec Jacques Kallis 186, Hashim Amla 176*
New Zealand 57-3 Andre Nel 2-19
New Zealand trail by 473 runs
(Cricket Web, 10/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4714
Can Australia's dominance continue
Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting are three Australian captains that have led their respective sides to unprecedented success, and together have made Australia into a nation that has dominated cricket since around 1995.
With the recent retirements of legendary leg spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest seam bowlers of all time in Glenn Mcgrath, the gritty yet highly effective opener Justin Langer, and the elegant strokeplayer that is Damien Martyn, the burning question now is, can Australia's superiority, in both forms of the game, continue ?
Another point of interest one must consider when assessing what is in store for this undoubtedly talented group of players, is what bearing will the resignation of coach John Buchanan have ? Buchanan signed off in emphatic style, ensuring his squad was widely recognised as the world's best. In case anyone was unsure, Australia won the ICC Champions Trophy, followed by the whitewash of England in the Ashes, and topped it off with a World Cup victory, all in the space of six months.
The new man with the task of continuing the excellent work is the former Head Coach at the Centre of Excellence, Tim Nielsen. To the outside cricket world it resembles a low profile appointment, but as is the case with Australia, they like to promote from within, and Nielsen had previously worked with Buchanan, who he sees as a mentor, in the national set up for three years.
There is no doubt Australia currently stand alone in the ICC rankings, especially in the Test match format, where barring the odd irrevocable blip, have produced cricket consistently of the highest standard for a number of years. In the one-day game, Australia have dropped off top spot only briefly when South Africa overhauled them in March 2007. It was the first time since the rankings began back in October 2002, that Australia had been off top place. Good sides recover from indiscretions, and this side in the past has not only recovered, but exacted the most severe brand of revenge. Ask England.
The one-day side is not expected to suffer from too much disruption. Warne and Langer were not recent members of the limited overs side, and the loss of Mcgrath simply offers a chance to an exciting youngster, and prepare them for the rigours of international cricket, and lead them inevitably on the right road to Test cricket.
They have a tough and hectic schedule ahead of them, and Nielsen along with his selection committee of Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Merv Hughes and Jamie Cox, will be keen to find the appropriate replacements for the retired quartet, and potential imminent departures in Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist will add further food for thought.
In 1984, Australia suffered a similar triple blow when Dennis Lillee, Greg Chappell, and Rod Marsh all retired at the conclusion of a Sydney Test against Pakistan, where Lillee had taken eight wickets, Chappell had scored 182 runs and Marsh had sneered six victims. This, combined with the loss a year later of Graham Yallop, Kim Hughes, Terry Alderman , Rodney Hogg and Kepler Wessels to a rebel South African tour, resulted in Australia slipping from one of the world's finest outfits to a side that won only one of its next 11 series (a series constituting three Tests or more).
The Australians have had an uncanny knack of producing players that immediately take to international cricket. Some of the most recent debutants in Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, and Stuart Clark, have all had a good grounding in the highly competitive state cricket, and have stepped up to the next level with a near seamless transition. Australia's trend of introducing seasoned campaigners has been fruitful, and even their inclusion of a number of young players has added a vibrancy to the side and the neceesity of a fight for places. There is no better situation to introduce youth, than into a side with a positive atmosphere, a winning feeling, and naturally, a side bursting at the seams with such highly skilled performers while offering the inexperienced players a relaxed environment to gain the experience to grow into high quality players (eg. Michael Clarke).
With the calibre of options available in the opening batsman department, it is almost expected that Phil Jaques adjusts to Test cricket immediately and nullifies the absence of Langer. Jaques' form since Langer announced his retirement has been in tune with his previous six and half years in first-class cricket, where he has amassed an incredible 10,491 runs at 56.10. He has two Tests to his name so far, but if he attains the consistency he has found in first-class cricket, you can be sure he will be eyeing a much longer stay in Australia's team this time around.
If Jaques fails to come to terms with the demands of Test cricket, you can be sure there will be batsmen knocking rather loudly on the door. Western Australia's gritty left-hander Chris Rogers appeared as Jaques' closest rival for the coveted spot. Last season he was awarded the State Player of the Year and Pura Cup Player of the Series for his return of 1202 runs at an average of 70.70. Fringe players like Brad Hodge and Shane Watson hopefully threw their name into the vacant position, but to overlook two natural openers that between them have made in excess of 18,000 first-class runs would surely be beyond unthinkable.
Clark's timely arrival on the Test scene has eased fears following the departure of Glenn McGrath. Both are bowlers whose main strength is to keep complete control of where they want the cricket ball to land, to maintain patience, create pressure, and force batsmen into something they are not entirely comfortable with. It sounds such a simple mantra, but there are very few bowlers capable of doing it.
The pace bowling department, in general, appears to be in a healthy state. If it is taken for granted that Brett Lee and Clark will be constant fixtures in the Test side, then Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait all bring alternative strengths to the side. If more pace is required, then Tait and Johnson will await the call, if it is swing, then Bracken will not be too far off a call, or someone to hit the deck hard and attain some away movement, then Tasmania's Hilfenhaus is perfectly placed.
A man like Shane Warne is wholly irreplaceable, and Australia will more than likely look to the man that has been deprived of so many internationals because of him, in Stuart Macgill, but at 36 he will only be a short term option. His Test record is impressive, in his 40 Tests to date he has claimed just under 200 victims at an outstanding average of 27.20 (his statistics against Bangladesh and in the farcical Test against the ICC World XI do flatter his figures a touch, yet he still averages 30.67 against all other nations). The fact remains, that if he was born in any other Test playing nation, that number of Test matches and dismissals would have been appreciably higher.
Pushing him for the spinners berth will be a duo that both represent South Australia, and the wily so-called one-day specialist Brad Hogg. All are currently in possession of Australian contracts. Dan Cullen is an off spinner, while his team-mate Cullen Bailey is of the Warne and Macgill school. The qualities of Brad Hogg are well documented, however, his ability to be equally as effective in the longer form of the game remains a matter of opinion.
Hogg has appeared in four Test matches, and has yet to make a vital contribution that would assure him as a front-running contender. He may be seen as a safe option with his knowledge of the game and his experience, and he has demonstrated his ability to bamboozle even the finest players of spin with his left-arm chinamen in the 50 over format. Doubts do remain over his wicket-taking potential in five-day cricket (exemplified by his mediocre figures in first-class cricket), and because of that Hogg may have to remain content with his selection in the one-day side.
Dan Cullen has already made his Test debut, when Australia travelled to Chittagong to play a series against Bangladesh, the game which has become famous for Jason Gillespie's double century. That was back in April 2006, and it was very much a spin strong side, as both Shane Warne and Stuart Macgill were present in the side. He has recently slipped out of immediate contention, due to a drop in form and his continual battle for a place in South Australia's Pura Cup side with Bailey. Cullen gets plenty of revolutions on the ball, and if the track suits, can acquire an excessive degree of spin, which along with his doosra, makes him a dangerous bowler if batsmen are looking to advance down the wicket.
The worry with Bailey is that he has only 18 first-class games to his name, and possible early promotion to the Australian side may result in a complete loss of confidence if he is not ready to make that step up. More suited to the longer version of the game, Bailey's potential is not in doubt, his readiness for Test cricket most certainly is.
It is moderately safe to suggest this will not be a repeat of the 1984 situation, with the quality of players to come into the side at a much more advanced stage in skill and high class exposure, instilling confidence to believe that they should manage to keep the winning momentum and mentality going.
It is impossible for Australia not to be weakened by this transition, and they will surely edge closer back to the chasing pack, but I doubt there is another nation out there with the consistency and ability to overhaul Australia just yet.
There are three teams from the sub-continent that all contain world class operators, but the days where they exemplify such excellence, are invariably followed by equally apportioned disappointments, especially when they are playing away from Asia.
England have suffered numerous injuries since the Ashes victory in 2005. Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones, Marcus Trescothick, Steve Harmison, Ashley Giles, Michael Vaughan, and even Matthew Hoggard, have all been missing from series', which has admittedly offered vacancies for potentially top drawer youngsters, but has hindered immediate results with their absence. Confidence and a winning habit has visibly disappeared for now, and they find themselves some way off the level of Australia.
South Africa are a difficult proposition at home, and have only ever been beaten by England and Australia in all the series that have taken place there. Their main weakness recently has been in the spin department, and while numerous have been tried, none have gone on to be consistent match-winners. The latest man to be given his chance is Paul Harris, and he helped spin his side to a series win in Pakistan in October 2007. The signs are good for Harris, he is a tall left arm orthodox spinner, who seems equally competent of bowling from round or over the wicket without disrupting his rhythm. However, South Africa have had many false dawns in the past with spin bowlers, and will be only too aware not to pin a nations hopes on Harris.
With no side apparently equipped to wrestle the baton from Australia, the Antipodean show simply has to carry on, for now. They may be weakened, but like wounded animals, that makes Australia a very dangerous opponent.
(Cricket Web, 07/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4698
With the recent retirements of legendary leg spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest seam bowlers of all time in Glenn Mcgrath, the gritty yet highly effective opener Justin Langer, and the elegant strokeplayer that is Damien Martyn, the burning question now is, can Australia's superiority, in both forms of the game, continue ?
Another point of interest one must consider when assessing what is in store for this undoubtedly talented group of players, is what bearing will the resignation of coach John Buchanan have ? Buchanan signed off in emphatic style, ensuring his squad was widely recognised as the world's best. In case anyone was unsure, Australia won the ICC Champions Trophy, followed by the whitewash of England in the Ashes, and topped it off with a World Cup victory, all in the space of six months.
The new man with the task of continuing the excellent work is the former Head Coach at the Centre of Excellence, Tim Nielsen. To the outside cricket world it resembles a low profile appointment, but as is the case with Australia, they like to promote from within, and Nielsen had previously worked with Buchanan, who he sees as a mentor, in the national set up for three years.
There is no doubt Australia currently stand alone in the ICC rankings, especially in the Test match format, where barring the odd irrevocable blip, have produced cricket consistently of the highest standard for a number of years. In the one-day game, Australia have dropped off top spot only briefly when South Africa overhauled them in March 2007. It was the first time since the rankings began back in October 2002, that Australia had been off top place. Good sides recover from indiscretions, and this side in the past has not only recovered, but exacted the most severe brand of revenge. Ask England.
The one-day side is not expected to suffer from too much disruption. Warne and Langer were not recent members of the limited overs side, and the loss of Mcgrath simply offers a chance to an exciting youngster, and prepare them for the rigours of international cricket, and lead them inevitably on the right road to Test cricket.
They have a tough and hectic schedule ahead of them, and Nielsen along with his selection committee of Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Merv Hughes and Jamie Cox, will be keen to find the appropriate replacements for the retired quartet, and potential imminent departures in Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist will add further food for thought.
In 1984, Australia suffered a similar triple blow when Dennis Lillee, Greg Chappell, and Rod Marsh all retired at the conclusion of a Sydney Test against Pakistan, where Lillee had taken eight wickets, Chappell had scored 182 runs and Marsh had sneered six victims. This, combined with the loss a year later of Graham Yallop, Kim Hughes, Terry Alderman , Rodney Hogg and Kepler Wessels to a rebel South African tour, resulted in Australia slipping from one of the world's finest outfits to a side that won only one of its next 11 series (a series constituting three Tests or more).
The Australians have had an uncanny knack of producing players that immediately take to international cricket. Some of the most recent debutants in Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, and Stuart Clark, have all had a good grounding in the highly competitive state cricket, and have stepped up to the next level with a near seamless transition. Australia's trend of introducing seasoned campaigners has been fruitful, and even their inclusion of a number of young players has added a vibrancy to the side and the neceesity of a fight for places. There is no better situation to introduce youth, than into a side with a positive atmosphere, a winning feeling, and naturally, a side bursting at the seams with such highly skilled performers while offering the inexperienced players a relaxed environment to gain the experience to grow into high quality players (eg. Michael Clarke).
With the calibre of options available in the opening batsman department, it is almost expected that Phil Jaques adjusts to Test cricket immediately and nullifies the absence of Langer. Jaques' form since Langer announced his retirement has been in tune with his previous six and half years in first-class cricket, where he has amassed an incredible 10,491 runs at 56.10. He has two Tests to his name so far, but if he attains the consistency he has found in first-class cricket, you can be sure he will be eyeing a much longer stay in Australia's team this time around.
If Jaques fails to come to terms with the demands of Test cricket, you can be sure there will be batsmen knocking rather loudly on the door. Western Australia's gritty left-hander Chris Rogers appeared as Jaques' closest rival for the coveted spot. Last season he was awarded the State Player of the Year and Pura Cup Player of the Series for his return of 1202 runs at an average of 70.70. Fringe players like Brad Hodge and Shane Watson hopefully threw their name into the vacant position, but to overlook two natural openers that between them have made in excess of 18,000 first-class runs would surely be beyond unthinkable.
Clark's timely arrival on the Test scene has eased fears following the departure of Glenn McGrath. Both are bowlers whose main strength is to keep complete control of where they want the cricket ball to land, to maintain patience, create pressure, and force batsmen into something they are not entirely comfortable with. It sounds such a simple mantra, but there are very few bowlers capable of doing it.
The pace bowling department, in general, appears to be in a healthy state. If it is taken for granted that Brett Lee and Clark will be constant fixtures in the Test side, then Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait all bring alternative strengths to the side. If more pace is required, then Tait and Johnson will await the call, if it is swing, then Bracken will not be too far off a call, or someone to hit the deck hard and attain some away movement, then Tasmania's Hilfenhaus is perfectly placed.
A man like Shane Warne is wholly irreplaceable, and Australia will more than likely look to the man that has been deprived of so many internationals because of him, in Stuart Macgill, but at 36 he will only be a short term option. His Test record is impressive, in his 40 Tests to date he has claimed just under 200 victims at an outstanding average of 27.20 (his statistics against Bangladesh and in the farcical Test against the ICC World XI do flatter his figures a touch, yet he still averages 30.67 against all other nations). The fact remains, that if he was born in any other Test playing nation, that number of Test matches and dismissals would have been appreciably higher.
Pushing him for the spinners berth will be a duo that both represent South Australia, and the wily so-called one-day specialist Brad Hogg. All are currently in possession of Australian contracts. Dan Cullen is an off spinner, while his team-mate Cullen Bailey is of the Warne and Macgill school. The qualities of Brad Hogg are well documented, however, his ability to be equally as effective in the longer form of the game remains a matter of opinion.
Hogg has appeared in four Test matches, and has yet to make a vital contribution that would assure him as a front-running contender. He may be seen as a safe option with his knowledge of the game and his experience, and he has demonstrated his ability to bamboozle even the finest players of spin with his left-arm chinamen in the 50 over format. Doubts do remain over his wicket-taking potential in five-day cricket (exemplified by his mediocre figures in first-class cricket), and because of that Hogg may have to remain content with his selection in the one-day side.
Dan Cullen has already made his Test debut, when Australia travelled to Chittagong to play a series against Bangladesh, the game which has become famous for Jason Gillespie's double century. That was back in April 2006, and it was very much a spin strong side, as both Shane Warne and Stuart Macgill were present in the side. He has recently slipped out of immediate contention, due to a drop in form and his continual battle for a place in South Australia's Pura Cup side with Bailey. Cullen gets plenty of revolutions on the ball, and if the track suits, can acquire an excessive degree of spin, which along with his doosra, makes him a dangerous bowler if batsmen are looking to advance down the wicket.
The worry with Bailey is that he has only 18 first-class games to his name, and possible early promotion to the Australian side may result in a complete loss of confidence if he is not ready to make that step up. More suited to the longer version of the game, Bailey's potential is not in doubt, his readiness for Test cricket most certainly is.
It is moderately safe to suggest this will not be a repeat of the 1984 situation, with the quality of players to come into the side at a much more advanced stage in skill and high class exposure, instilling confidence to believe that they should manage to keep the winning momentum and mentality going.
It is impossible for Australia not to be weakened by this transition, and they will surely edge closer back to the chasing pack, but I doubt there is another nation out there with the consistency and ability to overhaul Australia just yet.
There are three teams from the sub-continent that all contain world class operators, but the days where they exemplify such excellence, are invariably followed by equally apportioned disappointments, especially when they are playing away from Asia.
England have suffered numerous injuries since the Ashes victory in 2005. Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones, Marcus Trescothick, Steve Harmison, Ashley Giles, Michael Vaughan, and even Matthew Hoggard, have all been missing from series', which has admittedly offered vacancies for potentially top drawer youngsters, but has hindered immediate results with their absence. Confidence and a winning habit has visibly disappeared for now, and they find themselves some way off the level of Australia.
South Africa are a difficult proposition at home, and have only ever been beaten by England and Australia in all the series that have taken place there. Their main weakness recently has been in the spin department, and while numerous have been tried, none have gone on to be consistent match-winners. The latest man to be given his chance is Paul Harris, and he helped spin his side to a series win in Pakistan in October 2007. The signs are good for Harris, he is a tall left arm orthodox spinner, who seems equally competent of bowling from round or over the wicket without disrupting his rhythm. However, South Africa have had many false dawns in the past with spin bowlers, and will be only too aware not to pin a nations hopes on Harris.
With no side apparently equipped to wrestle the baton from Australia, the Antipodean show simply has to carry on, for now. They may be weakened, but like wounded animals, that makes Australia a very dangerous opponent.
(Cricket Web, 07/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4698
NZ lose by 85 runs in Tour game
It was not the ideal start for New Zealand in their tour of South Africa with defeat by 85 runs to the home sides 'A' team. It was far from perfect preparation for John Bracewell and his squad ahead of the opening Test against the full national side which gets underway on November 8.
If New Zealand were to gain an unlikely victory on the final day of this intriguing tour match, then much would depend on the overnight partnership of Ross Taylor (who begun the day on 79*) and Daniel Vettori.
When Taylor fell in the fifth over of the day, after adding only seven runs to his score, the writing was well and truly on the wall. Boeta Dippenaar took a sharp catch in gully off the bowling of Friedel de Wet to send the Kiwi dangerman back to the pavillion much earlier than New Zealand would have hoped.
Shane Bond displayed some stubborn resistance in an attempt to forge a partnership with his skipper Vettori to take the visitors much closer to their set target.
However, it was a lot to ask of Vettori, despite his recent good form with the bat (already he has made scores of 99 and 83 in this tour), and when Bond and Iain O'Brien both fell for six, New Zealand were on the brink of a confidence sapping defeat.
It was the occasional slow left-arm of Indian-born Gulam Bodi that ended Vettori's resistance when he bowled the spinner for 30.
New Zealand must improve in the batting department before they take on a South African team that is brimming with confidence gained through an impressive series victory in Pakistan.
South Africa 443 & 106
New Zealand 192 & 272 Ross Taylor 86, Brendon McCullum 77, Freidel de Wet 3-76, Lonwabo Tsotsobe 3-53
South Africa won by 85 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match : N.McKenzie (182 & 34)
(Cricket Web, 04/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4691&ImageURL=newsimages/newzealand_illustration20061229214422.jpg
If New Zealand were to gain an unlikely victory on the final day of this intriguing tour match, then much would depend on the overnight partnership of Ross Taylor (who begun the day on 79*) and Daniel Vettori.
When Taylor fell in the fifth over of the day, after adding only seven runs to his score, the writing was well and truly on the wall. Boeta Dippenaar took a sharp catch in gully off the bowling of Friedel de Wet to send the Kiwi dangerman back to the pavillion much earlier than New Zealand would have hoped.
Shane Bond displayed some stubborn resistance in an attempt to forge a partnership with his skipper Vettori to take the visitors much closer to their set target.
However, it was a lot to ask of Vettori, despite his recent good form with the bat (already he has made scores of 99 and 83 in this tour), and when Bond and Iain O'Brien both fell for six, New Zealand were on the brink of a confidence sapping defeat.
It was the occasional slow left-arm of Indian-born Gulam Bodi that ended Vettori's resistance when he bowled the spinner for 30.
New Zealand must improve in the batting department before they take on a South African team that is brimming with confidence gained through an impressive series victory in Pakistan.
South Africa 443 & 106
New Zealand 192 & 272 Ross Taylor 86, Brendon McCullum 77, Freidel de Wet 3-76, Lonwabo Tsotsobe 3-53
South Africa won by 85 runs
Cricket Web Man of the Match : N.McKenzie (182 & 34)
(Cricket Web, 04/11/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=1&NewsIDAuto=4691&ImageURL=newsimages/newzealand_illustration20061229214422.jpg
Pollock inspires SA to victory
South Africa levelled the ODI series with a convincing seven wicket win over Pakistan to make it 2-2 with a single game at Lahore to come.
The hard work was achieved in the first half by South Africa, when Shoaib Malik won the toss and elected to set the total as averse to chasing it, the hosts were impressively restricted to 230-9 thanks to a discplined Proteas attack.
Captain Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock came together at the fall of the first wicket and put on 159 to make light work of Paksitan's below par total.
Mohammad Asif appeared in this one-day series for the first time, having recovered from his elbow problem and took the place of Sohail Tanvir. For South Africa, Andre Nel replaced Charl Langeveldt, and vice-captain Justin Kemp lost his place to JP Duminy.
The track was predicted to favour batsmen over bowlers, but you would not have guessed when Pakistan quickly fell to 38-3. The experiment of Shahid Afridi as opener, that was successful to a degree in Faislabad, failed here in Multan, as Makhaya Ntini induced a typically aggressive mis-timed pull from Afridi to mid-on. Pollock accounted for Yasir Hameed, thanks to an outstanding diving effort from Herschelle Gibbs, while Mohammad Yousuf's impressive run of scores, 53, 117, 58*, came to an end when he turned blindly for an optimistic two that saw him short of his ground.
The South African opening attack of Ntini and Pollock were economical throughout, with the recalled Nel adding trademark fire and accuracy to the bowling options.
A partnership between Younis Khan and the consistent skipper Shoaib Malik, took Pakistan from their precarious situation to a much brighter 129-3, before Malik fell to a cleverly disguised slower ball from Jacques Kallis.
Younis batted sensibly and his exquisite placement was the key to his 82. On the odd occasion he went for the big hit, he succeeded by striking Pollock and Johan Botha for maximums over long-on, before he was dismissed in the 38th over.
A vital partnership of 60 off just over 10 overs between Kamran Akmal and Abdur Rehman enabled Pakistan to have a total on the board that they had the potential of defending.
If the home side were in any doubt how South Africa would go about their chase, then the opening 10 overs revealed everything. Smith and Gibbs had blasted their side to 65-0, and given them the kind of platform successful chases are built on.
Shahid Afridi has been Pakistan's pick of the bowlers in this series, and he did not disappoint his followers when he trapped Gibbs lbw with his first ball. The fact that umpire Billy Bowden may have misjudged the direction the ball was travelling in, was of no relevance to the buoyant Pakistan supporters, who thought their side may have shown early signs of fighting their way back into the contest.
Pinch hitting was deemed a thing of the past, but South Africa re-introduced the tactic with Pollock coming in at three. His positive strokeplay aligned with his ability to play spin well was the thought process behind his promotion.
His performance may have been beyond the management's wildest dreams as he took the attack to Pakistan, and with the solid and defiant Smith at the other end, the game was only going one way.
Iftikhar Anjum removed both the South Africans, but the damage had already well and truly been done, Pollock made 90 off 84 balls, with Smith a little more circumspect in his no-less important 81. Jacques Kallis was left with the simple task of flicking the ball square on the leg side to complete the victory.
Pakistan 230-9 (50 overs) Younis Khan 82, Shoaib Malik 45, Abdur Rehman 31 Johna Botha 2-41, Andre Nel 2-44
South Africa 233-3 (37.4 overs) Shaun Pollock 90, Graeme Smith 81, Herschelle Gibbs 39 Iftikhar Anjum 2-27
South Africa won by 7 wickets
(Cricket Web, 26/10/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4673
The hard work was achieved in the first half by South Africa, when Shoaib Malik won the toss and elected to set the total as averse to chasing it, the hosts were impressively restricted to 230-9 thanks to a discplined Proteas attack.
Captain Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock came together at the fall of the first wicket and put on 159 to make light work of Paksitan's below par total.
Mohammad Asif appeared in this one-day series for the first time, having recovered from his elbow problem and took the place of Sohail Tanvir. For South Africa, Andre Nel replaced Charl Langeveldt, and vice-captain Justin Kemp lost his place to JP Duminy.
The track was predicted to favour batsmen over bowlers, but you would not have guessed when Pakistan quickly fell to 38-3. The experiment of Shahid Afridi as opener, that was successful to a degree in Faislabad, failed here in Multan, as Makhaya Ntini induced a typically aggressive mis-timed pull from Afridi to mid-on. Pollock accounted for Yasir Hameed, thanks to an outstanding diving effort from Herschelle Gibbs, while Mohammad Yousuf's impressive run of scores, 53, 117, 58*, came to an end when he turned blindly for an optimistic two that saw him short of his ground.
The South African opening attack of Ntini and Pollock were economical throughout, with the recalled Nel adding trademark fire and accuracy to the bowling options.
A partnership between Younis Khan and the consistent skipper Shoaib Malik, took Pakistan from their precarious situation to a much brighter 129-3, before Malik fell to a cleverly disguised slower ball from Jacques Kallis.
Younis batted sensibly and his exquisite placement was the key to his 82. On the odd occasion he went for the big hit, he succeeded by striking Pollock and Johan Botha for maximums over long-on, before he was dismissed in the 38th over.
A vital partnership of 60 off just over 10 overs between Kamran Akmal and Abdur Rehman enabled Pakistan to have a total on the board that they had the potential of defending.
If the home side were in any doubt how South Africa would go about their chase, then the opening 10 overs revealed everything. Smith and Gibbs had blasted their side to 65-0, and given them the kind of platform successful chases are built on.
Shahid Afridi has been Pakistan's pick of the bowlers in this series, and he did not disappoint his followers when he trapped Gibbs lbw with his first ball. The fact that umpire Billy Bowden may have misjudged the direction the ball was travelling in, was of no relevance to the buoyant Pakistan supporters, who thought their side may have shown early signs of fighting their way back into the contest.
Pinch hitting was deemed a thing of the past, but South Africa re-introduced the tactic with Pollock coming in at three. His positive strokeplay aligned with his ability to play spin well was the thought process behind his promotion.
His performance may have been beyond the management's wildest dreams as he took the attack to Pakistan, and with the solid and defiant Smith at the other end, the game was only going one way.
Iftikhar Anjum removed both the South Africans, but the damage had already well and truly been done, Pollock made 90 off 84 balls, with Smith a little more circumspect in his no-less important 81. Jacques Kallis was left with the simple task of flicking the ball square on the leg side to complete the victory.
Pakistan 230-9 (50 overs) Younis Khan 82, Shoaib Malik 45, Abdur Rehman 31 Johna Botha 2-41, Andre Nel 2-44
South Africa 233-3 (37.4 overs) Shaun Pollock 90, Graeme Smith 81, Herschelle Gibbs 39 Iftikhar Anjum 2-27
South Africa won by 7 wickets
(Cricket Web, 26/10/2007)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=2&NewsIDAuto=4673
Will 'Roy' and Yuvraj crack the top level?
Upon the completion of the third ODI between India and Australia, I marvelled at the undoubted talents of Andrew Symonds and Yuvraj Singh, who each played innings with an effective blend of attractive drives and deft deflections, however I contemplated why neither of these two wonderful ODI players are not automatic selections in the longer form of the game.
Five day cricket is of course, a whole new ball game, but the way these players destroy international attacks, including bowlers of the highest quality, cannot help but leave you feeling short changed when they are unable to transfer their destructiveness onto Test level.
Naturally it is not expected of either of these entertainers, to play in the extravagant manner that they demonstrate in ODI's, and certain refinements in their mental approach as well as an element of patience is an absolute must for them to gain consistent Test selection.
So let us take a look at Andrew Symonds. This Queenslander could quite conceivably look at home in Australia's Rugby side, such is his physique. He must have been one of those rather pleased with the Aussies new tight fitting clothing, and he uses his power to his benefit. He muscles balls over the boundary, when his timing is lacking, his strength is always there, similar in comparisons to fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden.
Symonds was only considered a ODI regular, following his timely 143* against Pakistan in the World Cup 2003. Up until that point, he had struggled to come to terms with cricket at the top level and influence matches in the way he is now capable of. These days the Australia side is considerably weakened if his dreadlocked appearance is absent from the starting line-up. This is not the case in Test cricket, where his brief appearances have sparked of a player unsure whether to stick or twist. His natural instinct is to attack, and within the Test environment, he attempts to curb his impulse, and the end result is a confused and frustrated batsman.
Shot selection and patience are two things that land constantly at Symonds door. His belief that he belongs in the one-day game, enable him to remain calm and carefree at the crease, so too does his knowledge in how to build an innings in the pressure of a one-day game, which he has learnt with experience. His mind that clouds his Test innings is clear when playing in pyjama cricket, as his masterful displays build to a crowd pulling crescendo.
His laidback and attacking endeavour need to accompany him when he dons the baggy green. Perhaps, such is his determination to succeed in the proving ground of Test cricket, he becomes nervous and approaches his game with a mindset and technique of alien concepts. Keeping it simple is Symonds mantra, and while he may need to rein in his big hitting in his whites to a degree, his positivity is what got him where he is today.
His Test average currently stands at a below average 27.26, after 13 matches. At 32, it may be now or never for Symonds, with Shane Watson, who he tends to be in direct confrontation with for the number six spot, picking up further injuries, and Symonds last two innings for Australia in Test cricket being 156 and 48, it may just prive to be the catalyst he needs to enjoy similar success in this format.
Yuvraj Singh is unfortunate to have three legends of Indian cricket currently ahead of him in the Test line up. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly possess a place ahead of Yuvraj, as does VVS Laxman, who may be the man under the greatest threat following Yuvraj's ODI performances that can not go unnoticed in selection, despite one-dayers being a wholly different entity.
If Symonds game is based on power, Yuvraj hones in on exquisite timing. His expansive flourish as he drives the ball through the cover region is a joy to behold, unless of course you're the bowler. Yuvraj strikes a long ball, but does it with style, and you cannot help but be astounded by the ease in which he sends the ball out of the stadium.
His technique appears to be one that should come through the examination of Test cricket, if you were being hyper-critical, you may point to the fact he tends to go hard at the ball at times, which may cause him one or two problems, but a player as talented as Yuvraj could easily counter such a slight discrepancy.
Had Sourav Ganguly not fallen out of favour during Greg Chappell's tenure as Indian coach, then Yuvraj may well have represented his country less than the 19 Test matches he has appeared in so far.
His two Test centuries have both been in Pakistan, and in losing causes. His maiden century came as early as his third Test, and when he came to the wicket, his side were in trouble at 94-4. He was the last man out, and had helped India to reach respectability with the score on 289, he had made 112 off 129 deliveries. A cool temperament in high pressure situations is priceless, and this gifted batsman from Chandigarh appears to tick the relevant box.
When given the opportunity to establish a permanent position in the Indian middle order, Yuvraj, however, has not yet fully accepted the offer. His poor form on the West Indies tour in 2006, where he scored 104 runs in seven innings at an average of 17.33, was enough for him to lose his place, a position he is yet to win back.
He has shaken off the tags that accused him of lacking commitment, and is now a determined young man, that has served up his ODI performances as a hors d'oeuvre, and now his entertained public are sitting back and awaiting the main course in terms of exhilarating Test performances.
Both Symonds and Yuvraj are outstanding fielders and handy part-time bowlers, further enhancing their options to the Test sides, but it is their batting that is their strength, and the key for such attacking natured players is to remain composed if they are unable to attain a strike rate they are more familiar with. These are two quite brilliant one-day performers, and seem more than capable of illuminating the Test scene with their flashy brand of batting.
(Cricket Web, 10/10/07)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4616
Five day cricket is of course, a whole new ball game, but the way these players destroy international attacks, including bowlers of the highest quality, cannot help but leave you feeling short changed when they are unable to transfer their destructiveness onto Test level.
Naturally it is not expected of either of these entertainers, to play in the extravagant manner that they demonstrate in ODI's, and certain refinements in their mental approach as well as an element of patience is an absolute must for them to gain consistent Test selection.
So let us take a look at Andrew Symonds. This Queenslander could quite conceivably look at home in Australia's Rugby side, such is his physique. He must have been one of those rather pleased with the Aussies new tight fitting clothing, and he uses his power to his benefit. He muscles balls over the boundary, when his timing is lacking, his strength is always there, similar in comparisons to fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden.
Symonds was only considered a ODI regular, following his timely 143* against Pakistan in the World Cup 2003. Up until that point, he had struggled to come to terms with cricket at the top level and influence matches in the way he is now capable of. These days the Australia side is considerably weakened if his dreadlocked appearance is absent from the starting line-up. This is not the case in Test cricket, where his brief appearances have sparked of a player unsure whether to stick or twist. His natural instinct is to attack, and within the Test environment, he attempts to curb his impulse, and the end result is a confused and frustrated batsman.
Shot selection and patience are two things that land constantly at Symonds door. His belief that he belongs in the one-day game, enable him to remain calm and carefree at the crease, so too does his knowledge in how to build an innings in the pressure of a one-day game, which he has learnt with experience. His mind that clouds his Test innings is clear when playing in pyjama cricket, as his masterful displays build to a crowd pulling crescendo.
His laidback and attacking endeavour need to accompany him when he dons the baggy green. Perhaps, such is his determination to succeed in the proving ground of Test cricket, he becomes nervous and approaches his game with a mindset and technique of alien concepts. Keeping it simple is Symonds mantra, and while he may need to rein in his big hitting in his whites to a degree, his positivity is what got him where he is today.
His Test average currently stands at a below average 27.26, after 13 matches. At 32, it may be now or never for Symonds, with Shane Watson, who he tends to be in direct confrontation with for the number six spot, picking up further injuries, and Symonds last two innings for Australia in Test cricket being 156 and 48, it may just prive to be the catalyst he needs to enjoy similar success in this format.
Yuvraj Singh is unfortunate to have three legends of Indian cricket currently ahead of him in the Test line up. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly possess a place ahead of Yuvraj, as does VVS Laxman, who may be the man under the greatest threat following Yuvraj's ODI performances that can not go unnoticed in selection, despite one-dayers being a wholly different entity.
If Symonds game is based on power, Yuvraj hones in on exquisite timing. His expansive flourish as he drives the ball through the cover region is a joy to behold, unless of course you're the bowler. Yuvraj strikes a long ball, but does it with style, and you cannot help but be astounded by the ease in which he sends the ball out of the stadium.
His technique appears to be one that should come through the examination of Test cricket, if you were being hyper-critical, you may point to the fact he tends to go hard at the ball at times, which may cause him one or two problems, but a player as talented as Yuvraj could easily counter such a slight discrepancy.
Had Sourav Ganguly not fallen out of favour during Greg Chappell's tenure as Indian coach, then Yuvraj may well have represented his country less than the 19 Test matches he has appeared in so far.
His two Test centuries have both been in Pakistan, and in losing causes. His maiden century came as early as his third Test, and when he came to the wicket, his side were in trouble at 94-4. He was the last man out, and had helped India to reach respectability with the score on 289, he had made 112 off 129 deliveries. A cool temperament in high pressure situations is priceless, and this gifted batsman from Chandigarh appears to tick the relevant box.
When given the opportunity to establish a permanent position in the Indian middle order, Yuvraj, however, has not yet fully accepted the offer. His poor form on the West Indies tour in 2006, where he scored 104 runs in seven innings at an average of 17.33, was enough for him to lose his place, a position he is yet to win back.
He has shaken off the tags that accused him of lacking commitment, and is now a determined young man, that has served up his ODI performances as a hors d'oeuvre, and now his entertained public are sitting back and awaiting the main course in terms of exhilarating Test performances.
Both Symonds and Yuvraj are outstanding fielders and handy part-time bowlers, further enhancing their options to the Test sides, but it is their batting that is their strength, and the key for such attacking natured players is to remain composed if they are unable to attain a strike rate they are more familiar with. These are two quite brilliant one-day performers, and seem more than capable of illuminating the Test scene with their flashy brand of batting.
(Cricket Web, 10/10/07)
http://www.cricketweb.net/article.php?CategoryIDAuto=3&NewsIDAuto=4616
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