UP TO DATE:
· Kiwis beat Pak in the final ODI by 7 runs to win series 2-1.
· Johnson & Watson ruled out of the 7th and final ODI of the Ind-Aus series to be played in Mumbai.
· Indian team for the upcoming Ind-SL test series is announced.
Steam's Shot:
o Kiwi's possibly have the most brittle batting line up today, gone are days of Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns et al. This Kiwi side relies too heavily on McCullum, Taylor and probably Jesse. Bowling looks really good with the all-rounders in the team performing better than with the bat. But the 3rd ODI was a different tale. Pakistan failed to chase 211 after a superb bowling effort. The Pakistani batting looked painful @ 86/8 then a 100 run 10th wkt partnership by Saeed Ajmal and Md. Aamer brought the chase too close only to lose by 7 runs with 5 balls to spare. Kiwis win series 2-1.
Steam’s corner-This only raises one question in my mind. Is this Pakistan team serious about cricket that last more than 20 overs per side?
If it is to be the reason, all cheers as the team is now to face the Kiwis for 2 T20 internationals.
o Johnson & Shane Watson ruled out of the 7th ODI ! I thought the series was over... Really does it matter now if the Indians play the Aussie Women's cricket team?
o Indian side picked for the test series against Lanka at home. This was the bomber, why was Ashish Nehra dropped after so many consistent performances home as well as away. Poor lad has done nothing wrong, but won a few games for his side and picked the M.O.M as well. So is he secretly injured? Y would u pick Sreesanth who has no discipline whether bowling or otherwise and continue with Ishant who needs some rest and rehab and some re-thinking on his bowling career.
Steam’s session- Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha both feature in the race to play against Lanka. Bhajji must be very lucky to play considering his recent form.
Steam’s prediction- The two lads from T.N. Badri and Vijay are most likely to carry drinks in Ahm, K'pur & Mum. Unless, someone is nursing an injury from the set batting order. So, Tamil Nadu will miss their services in the on-going Ranji trophy games as well.
Mock’s Take:
o Kiwis,well,a team has to rely on its experienced players. Leaving aside the previous 2 matches, McCull had hardly scored any runs. Maybe the jinx of KKR just got over him :) Jesse is injured half the time. Kiwis rely mainly on their all rounders . Styris is back in the team and it has really added a new dimension to their side. Dan Vettori has definitely been an inspirational captain for the Kiwis.He has lead the team very well, be it batting, bowling or fielding. NZ may not have the strongest team on paper, but they have a real formidable attack. Pakistan, on its day can beat the world champions or can be defeated by minnows. Pakistan can play their best only for 20 overs. Its tailor made for them. They reached the finals of the 2k7 WC T20 and eventually won the 2k9 WC. They are good for playing FUN games like T20 not the other formats of the games, which are quite serious :)
o Would it even matter if Aussies dont play the next ODI! India sealed the series when they were 27/5.
o I have been a Sreesanth supporter and I am happy to see him back. After his performance in the Challenger series,it was sure that it would jus be a matter of few days to get into the side. He is the one of the most spirited cricketers I have seen Ishant is really good with the red ball and is exactly opposite with the white and it would be good to watch zaheer after a decade :P I feel sorry for Nehra who dint make the cut, but 3 seamers are more than enough. Mishra, I hope gets a chance to play, It shouldn surprise me if India plays 3 spinners.
Mocks prediction- It should be a great contest against the spinners. Murali Vs Bhajji, Mendis Vs Mishra , Herath Vs Ojha. It would be great to see the spinners ripping it !
Cheers,
Mock Wah & Steam Wah
Nice... carry on...
ReplyDeletecheers!!
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