Celebrating Cricket à Trois

Continuing our series on "Celebrating Cricket" here are few high adrenaline moments.

Once the grandfather clock in the English dressing room, he sure knows how to work on an appeal.

Harwood goes "Quick Gun Murugan" Style.

Unforgettable? This one sure is. Dada-giri @ Lord's.

One of the few to watch out, Md. Aamer goes ballistic every time he gets a wicket. Keeping up with the Pakistani tradition.

Gambhir seen here, living up to his name.

But, if you are more of a spiritual kind. Agarkar shows you how it's done.


Stay tuned for more only on "Wah! Cricket".

ICC World T20 - Semi Finals Preview

Alas, the semi-finals are here. Australia, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka the final four surviving teams. Here on, the loser doesn't get another shot at the title. No more depending on results from other games. Every man for himself, rather every team must now win. The line-up suggests Sri Lanka take on England in the first of the two semi-finals and "defending champs", Pakistan face off against Australia in the other encounter.


 England Vs Sri Lanka


    Poms have looked very strong and only bad weather has resulted their only loss in this tournament. Form of KP, finishers in Morgan & Wright, seamers, spinners they have had it all. If there was a run the Poms ever dreamed of it would not be better than this. Facing Lnaka will be a sigh of relief for them. They need to crack the top-order early and apply pressure on the inexperienced and naive Sri Lankan line-up. Malinga-Mendis will have to be negotiated. Should play Mendis positively and as late as possible. With the Ashes still a while from now, we could have a T20 treat if the two teams Aus and Eng make it through. England clearly have the upper-hand in this encounter.

   Lankans have fought hard and made it to the semi-finals once again. The semis being played in St. Lucia will give them some high. But, they are still struggling with Jayasurya's form with the bat. Batting still depends on Sangakkara, Dilshan and Jayawardene. They have dont well till now(not all at once) and would like to carry on for two more games. Malinga was been used by S'kkara in one over spells against India. Not sure if that is effective enough. Sure he got the breakthrus but, as a batsmen if Malinga goes off after bowling 6 balls I'm more than relieved. King Kumar might have to think on those terms. Mendis most likely to play against the Poms, as they haven't seen much of him. As always the islanders should give a tough fight to any opposition and on their day triumph.

Australia Vs Pakistan


   Ozzies clearly ahead of the rest as far as form is concerned. Coming into the semis crushing every opponent by huge margins, Aussies would like to continue the juggernaut. Already faced Pakistan once in the competition, the Aussies were cruising at 10 r.p.o. until the last over where Aamir bowled the WWWW0W  over. Nevertheless, Aus had a huge total and pushed aside any hope from the Pakis of an upset victory. The Aussie bowling attack probably the most feared at the moment. Dirty Dirk + Sloon + Itchy Mitch + Twatto and spin from SPD Smith, Pup and DJ. Batting looks top notch as well, even White Bear and Mr. Cricket have bailed out the team when Twatto, Warner, Pup, DJ miss the bullet. Champion stuff!

   But, Aus will not take the defending champs lightly. No team will take Pakistan on basis of current form. They are one unpredictable side and lift their game when one least expects them to. Boom Boom Afridi the capt. in charge, leads the team on his own terms and conditions. He will take any steps that are required to win a game (read "even take a bite"). Batting however hasn't been their strength of late. Looks brittle, but with the Akmal bros., Butt, Misbah, Boom Boom, Hafeez, Razzaq  there is some depth. Bowling has been the key, Ajmal Aamir leading the attack, Hafeez, Boom Boom and Razzaq/anyone who can roll his arm. But like Deccan Chargers did in IPL3 the defending champs mite just bite the dust in the semis. Or will they?

Steyn-tastic!!

I may have missed most of the test due to weekend and other customary activities but, I have no reasons now. Steyn blew the Indian batting order apart super-man style!! Sad he tried to fly as well(see pic) but could not. Biff consoled him tho' all's well.. Steyn took 7 wickets and wrecked India in the 1st test at Nagpur. India all out for 233 still 325 runs behind Saffers' 558 1st inn score.

Viru though seemed to be playing on a different track and he got his 18th test ton in the process. Viru played particularly well despite wickets tumbling around him. Innings wasn't bang bang boom booom à la Seh-whack but, he looked to score with ease and a big score was for the taking. I was genuinely surprised to see Smith dint use more of Wayne Parnell against Viru. Viru seemed settled after a while against Morkel Sr. and Steyn. And knowing his history against left-arm pacers I wud have bowled Parnell a lot more than what Biff did. Be it Bracken, Mitch Johnson, Tanvir, Perera, Mirando, Aamer... all have seemed to disturb Viru time and again. And surprisingly not Parnell only got Viru out herem actually Viru threw it away and Doominy caught it. So, I hope this dismissal sends Biff a clear cut message.



Apart from him debutant Badri made a half-century in India's cause. He can be better described by the pics below.

IPL contenders – Part Deux

The list of contenders for the auctions is just getting stronger day by day. Especially now with the Pakistani players getting their visas approved from the Indian high commission and Lalit Modi enforcing that they have to go through the players’ auction once again. But, it remains to be seen which teams go aggressive during the bidding process. Today, we will discuss a few prospects for the Indian Premier League.

Mohammad Aamer


Ideally, he must be one of the top picks in this format of the game. After the success of Sohail Tanvir with the Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural IPL, many teams would be tempted to get their hands on the current sensation Mohammad Aamer. His consistency, discipline and charge that he carries are all plus points in his game. This lad can only get better from here and shud not be a very pricy deal. Whichever franchise get hold of him, have made a point.

Steam’s shot: HOT (worth if you get him cheap)

Michael Clarke


Now that Pup has been named the captain of the Aussie national T20 side, he seems to find the need for competitive T20 games a lot more and has announced his availability for the 3rd season of the IPL. But, it remains to be seen if any of the franchisee owners will spend big bucks for this star player, keeping in mind the limited budget and his contract will be valid only for this season, as fresh auctions will take place for the 2011 season onwards.

Steam’s shot: HOT pick but NOT likely (2011 perhaps)

Not so LATEST Ooohs & Aaahs

Yes, since the time we posted the BAD N.E.W.S. Mock is feeling a lot better. A lot of his organs are responding now, still many important ones to function. Anyways, this gave me some time to post a lil on what else, yes! Cricket. I’ve missed so much, so much that I feel horrible. So, let’s get started.


The Pak-Kiwi 1st test was a cracker; I did miss writing about it but, not watching it. Even on the fifth day with Umar and Malik at the crease Pak were cruising, until they dug up their own grave. Kudos to both teams, for some fab cricket nevertheless. Bond was at his best (a lil off-color here n ther) which means it was time for him to get injured. And he obliged, Shane Bond’s been ruled out for the rest of the series. Some things haven’t changed a bit. Aye, Shane? Looking forward to the rest of the series, Asif looked good.. real good!

Steam’s prediction: Misbah comes in at 3 instead of Fawad Alam

By the way, can anyone solve this mystery behind this Pak cricketer’s name? Friends from Pakistan, pls feel free. Name the cricketer u see below:


Is it?
a) Mohammad Aamer
b) Muhammad Aamir
c) Mohammad Aamir
d) Muhammad Aamer

What’s the new trend with confusing ppl with ur names? C’mon guys, decide ur name atleast! I remember Younis Khan a.k.a Younus Khan. Now, don’t follow senior cricketers in all this.. Is this happening due to Urdu to English translation? I can’t figure out anything better.

Well, elsewhere in the beautiful land of South Africa, two South African teams played a few T20 intl’s and ODI’s. The South Africans representing England have done well so far. They are even ahead on numbers, that’s cool! But when they lose, they get thrashed! No sympathy for u guys. Anyways good to see Trott getting along well with his SAF buddies, Anderson my God, deserves an Indian wedding : ) he’s been quite good. Old man Collingwood, the one of the few non-SAF-ers playing has shown intent but, for what nobody knows. When the time comes he will be axed no matter what so, jus chill dude and enjoy the safari. Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright have been by far the biggest newsmakers to me. Looks like the time for itsy bitsy all-rounders and sloggers is back.

Steam’s suggestion: Injuries beware!

Down under in Australia, another West Indian team landed to play some.. yea, Cricket!!! I wonder why? Seriously. The boys dint look like they were playing for the same team. I wonder how long that will take to settle. Calypso King Gayle made a fine return, the team losing the first test by more than an innings. No Sarwan, he’s injured or faking it! Chanderpaul seems lost in his hiatus. These three are the key with the bat no doubt; Adrian Barath scored a century on debut, good luck to him but, lot more to improve. Is Jerome Taylor injured? And Pollard? Australians on the other hand meant strict business; only room for improvement might be sending Watto to the middle order and going with a genuine opening pair. Mike Hussey got a few runs to silence some critics for a while, how much is needed to shut them completely? No one knows!

Steam’s take: Aus win. Win big!

India actually managed to win the 2nd test played at Kanpur against Sri Lanka who played 3 genuine spinners + Dilshan. Indians just batted like nothing cud be more simple, scored 600+ but, this was also the return of one peculiar human species namely, Sreesanth. He picked a 5-fer in the 1st innings, helping Ind enforce follow-on the Lankans and then the Lankans collapsed again in the second innings. It was suicide stuff especially when Murali+Mendis+Herath failing miserably. Captain Kumar Sangakarra still believes they can win the 3rd test (starting today) and level the series. Well, they sure have started well 117/1 at lunch on day 1, good going guys!

Steam’s quote: “Fortune favors the brave.”

For lots more keep tuning in to sloshedcricket. Just say, Wah!

OFF THE MARK!

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 :)

Mock’s pick- I place my bet on Pakistan for the 2 T20 Intls against the Kiwis.

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