BBOTD-Maiden & her Keeper

Today’s Bday Bums are a classy combo, I have to tell that bcos the first ever woman cricketer to feature on sloshedcricket, “Mithali Raj” is sharing her bday with “Mark Boucher” today!!



Mark Boucher, is a well known glovesman all around the world. He just aint stopping! I wonder y? But he’s just 33 dressed as 36. Ah well, then he can play few more. Also, a good slogger who can intimidate any bowling attack with a few lusty blows. Conversely, I feel he never developed his batting any further. I mean he can be dependable to leave you when you needed him the most. Yes, of course he had a few unforgettable knocks like the unbeaten 50 he hit in the best match ever! When SAF chased Aus’s mighty 434. Wow!!! A few gritty match winning knocks, some crucial 50’s , few perfect finishes but then to have played so so so many games for ur national side and still playing the same level as he would 5 years ago is plain disappointing. He holds many records behind the wickets though; prized one might be the most no. of dismissals by a wicketkeeper in tests. His only competition Adam Gilchrist was a better batsman but, with the gloves they were on par. (Gilly holds the most dismissals by a keeper in ODI’s.) Boucher was the first wicket keeper to cross 400 dismissals in tests way back in 2007 itself. To this day, Boucher is an integral part of the South African team, yet to win a world cup! They are not called Chokers for nothing..



Mithali Raj, currently the top ranked bats-woman in the world, made her debut for India at a very young age, considering she is from an orthodox Indian family yet, representing the national cricket team. It is indeed a rare sight especially in India but, when u have exceptional talent like hers nothing can stop you from going. She has also captained the national side for a while, during which the team featured the 2005 WC finals losing to Australia.

BBOTD-Popeye

December 2nd happens to be the birthday of one of the most versatile Pakistani all-rounder, Abdul Razzaq. Highly under-rated for his batting and bowling skills, Razzaq slowly built a reputation in every department of the game. He has time and again rescued the team from loss and turned them into victories, such is his caliber. His bowling might have drawn flack of late but, his batting has improved for which, he is one of the most feared lower order hitters in the game. He has the potential to turn games around and it is due to talents like his and Azhar Mahmood Pakistan reveled in the late 90’s and gained much success. Razzaq was dropped from the team, mainly due to drop in pace in his bowling. He later joined the ICL, where he played for the Hyderabad Heroes. He was one of the star performers for them and they even won the second edition of the ICL, beating the Lahore Badshaahs in a best of 3 finals. His impressive performances in the ICL, paved way for him into the national team. He along with several senior cricketers quit the ICL thus, making him eligible to play for their national teams. In 2005, it was revealed that he was suffering an addiction to spinach which was causing him to suffer from nausea and sickness whilst playing. This led to him being known as "Popeye" by teammates.

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!