Mahendra Singh Dhoni picks Ravindra Jadeja over offie Ravichandran Ashwin

On the eve of the second Test here, there was talk about Ravinder Jadeja making it to the playing XI. Many had speculated that he might take Ajinkya Rahane's place. Though, on the morning of the match it was Ravichandran Ashwin who was marked for drinks duty. It was a decision that took many by surprise, starting probably with Ashwin.

For starters, the off-spinner did have a quiet match in Johannesburg. Not only did he go wicket-less across both innings, Ashwin also struggled to make much of an impact on the South African batsmen, even when they were under the pump in the second innings.

This is not the first time that Dhoni has opted for Jadeja over a regular spinner. Against Australia earlier in the year, Jadeja had come in place of Pragyan Ojha when India played three spinners on pitches that had plenty on offer for the tweakers. This time around, the conditions too probably had a lot to do with Jadeja's inclusion.

The wicket at Kingsmead has not only slowed over the years—it's definitely not the grass-bank that greeted India back in 1996—it's also gotten a lot drier. And in Jadeja, India have a more incisive spinner. He doesn't possess the variety and guile of Ashwin but the Saurashtra all-rounder is certainly one you expect to be at the batsmen in all his spells. Jadeja also is a far more accurate spinner, preferring to bowl within his limitations.

Similar tactics

The last time South Africa played a Test in Durban, they had been spun to defeat by Sri Lankan veteran Rangana Herath, a left-arm spinner who like Jadeja prides on his consistency, change of pace and subtle variations of pace and deviation. Interetsingly, South Africa too opted to go with a left-arm spinner with Robin Peterson replacing leg-spinner Imran Tahir. On the basis of what he dished up on Day One, Peterson did manage to concede fewer runs that what Tahir did in his first outing at the Wanderers. He also did create a couple of narrow shaves, especially with a couple of balls stopping on the batsmen.

With the pitch at Kingsmead expected to get drier and slower as the match progresses, India's new lead spinner does have a great shot at coming into his own, as early as when South Africa bat sometime on Friday or Saturday. That is if he doesn't suddenly decide to give his medium-pace a go.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mahendra-singh-dhoni-picks-ravindra-jadeja-over-offie-ravichandran-ashwin/1212179/0

Sachin Tendulkar grilled during CCL launch

When quizzed about whether he was missing the game Sachin Tendulkar said “I retired from Cricket gradually but the retirement factor has not hit me yet as it has only been a month. I cannot Imagine my life without cricket”

When the anxious audience asked about Sachin’s loyalties in CCL, he said he would support Mumbai as his cricketing journey from Mumbai and the fact that it is his hometown.

On a trickier note, Sachin Tendulkar was asked if the on field rivalries ever spilled off the pitch as well, the little master said “Because of the IPl, I got to make friends from all over the world. We have a perception about a player playing for the opposition and suddenly he is playing for your team and you want him to do well and moreover because of the hectic schedules these days, players don’t get much time to bond off the pitch.

More: http://www.cricketcountry.com/videos/sachin-tendulkar-answers-questions-during-launch-of-celebrity-cricket-league-79497

2nd Test, Day2: Dominant India will look to consolidate at Kingsmead

India were 181 for one when the day`s play was brought to a premature end eight overs after tea.

Vijay (91 not out) and Pujara (58 not out) put on 140 for the second wicket as South Africa`s bowlers toiled on an unresponsive pitch after Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss.

It was an inauspicious opening day for world champions South Africa after captain Graeme Smith said the team were determined to put in a good performance to mark star all-rounder Jacques Kallis` last Test.

Kallis, 38, announced on Wednesday that he would retire from Test cricket after the match, although he will continue to play one-day cricket in an effort to be selected for the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Kallis led the South African team on to the field at the start of play to the applause of his team-mates, spectators and umpires Steve Davis and Rod Tucker.

Morne Morkel claimed South Africa`s only wicket when he had Shikhar Dhawan caught at third slip off the first ball after the mid-morning drinks break. Dhawan made 29 in an opening stand of 41 with Vijay.

Morkel suffered a sprained right ankle while fielding on the third day of the drawn first Test in Johannesburg last Friday. It was initially expected he would be put of action for between seven and ten days but he passed a fitness test on Thursday morning after intensive treatment.

It was a good toss for India to win, with Dhoni noting that the pitch looked dry and good for batting.

It also gave India`s fast bowlers a chance to recover further from their exertions in Johannesburg, where India bowled 136 overs in the last innings without being able to clinch victory.

Dhawan and Vijay both looked confident at the start of the innings and the left-handed Dhawan struck four boundaries before edging a drive to Alviro Petersen at third slip.

Vijay batted patiently to notch a half-century off 102 balls, a statistic made notable by the fact that his fifty included 11 boundaries. By the close he had faced 201 balls and added another six fours.

Pujara followed up his 153 in the second innings in Johannesburg with another impressive innings, reinforcing his reputation as the successor to Rahul Dravid in playing the anchor batting role for his team.

He reached his fifty shortly before tea off 97 balls with seven fours. He faced another 20 deliveries before the close without adding to his tally of boundaries.

The match started in bright sunshine but by tea the ground had clouded over and the floodlights were on.

The umpires had several discussions about the light before taking the players off just over half an hour after the interval.

The tall Morkel looked the most dangerous of the South African bowlers, although the pitch did not offer any significant pace and bounce.

Vernon Philander had a probing second spell during which sent down four successive maiden overs, while Dale Steyn had the composed Vijay ducking with some short-pitched bowling from around the wicket just before play was halted.

India made one change, with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja replacing off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

South Africa also made a change of spin bowlers, with left-armer Robin Peterson coming in for leg-spinner Imran Tahir.

Today, India will look to score a good enough total to give their bowlers a chance to target the Proteas. With nine wickets still intake, MS Dhoni's men can hope to increase the run-rate a bit for a result, considering the way the series opener ended in a draw.

More: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-south-africa-2013/2nd-test-day2-dominant-india-will-look-to-consolidate-at-kingsmead_776616.html

India will be eyeing for a psychological advantage over SA on Day 3

India`s pace bowlers staged a dramatic turnaround with a devastating exhibition of swing bowling as South Africa suffered a stunning collapse to leave the first cricket Test more or less on an even keel here on Thursday.

The Indians lost five wickets for just 25 runs to be bundled out for 280 in their first innings but clawed back brilliantly to leave the hosts at 213 for six at close in an action-packed second day.

The hosts were cruising along comfortably at 130 for one before the Indian pacers wreaked havoc to completely change the complexion of the game on a Wanderers track which gave assistance to the quick bowlers.

The lanky Ishant Sharma (3/64)triggered the shocking batting collapse by dismissing Hashim Amla (36) and Jaques Kallis (0) off consecutive deliveries before Zaheer Khan got rid of captain Graeme Smith (68) -- all three wickets falling without a single run being added.

Mohammed Shami then struck for his team by evicting J P Duminy (2) and A B De Villers (13) in the same over to bring the Indians back into the game.

From 130 for one, the Proteas were suddenly struggling at 146 for six, losing five wickets in the span of 16 runs in the eventful last session.

The Proteas, however, recovered some lost ground with Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander stitching 67 runs for the unbroken seventh-wicket stand as Indian bowlers went wicketless for the last 21.3 overs.

Philander and du Plessis were batting on 48 and 17 respectively at stumps with South Africa still trailing by 67 runs.

The Indians were unlucky not to have the wicket of du Plessis as he was dropped on 17 by Rohit Sharma off Shami at the fag end of the day.

Smith and Hashim Amla started proceedings after tea, at 118/1, looking to further frustrate the Indians and increase their 81-run partnership for the second wicket. They could add only 12 runs though, before the drama began and wickets started falling in a heap.

Amla was the first to go. In the 37th over of the innings, he had cut Ishant over slips and it seemed like there might be some slow reverse swing available for the medium pacers.

In his next over, Ishant was on the money again, bringing the ball back into Amla sharply, as the batsman looked to leave and was bowled. Amla scored 36 runs off 74 balls, with six fours, as the floodgates opened.

Kallis walked in and walked out the very next minute, missing the line of another in-swinger and out plumb LBW. Ishant was on a hat-trick, but de Villiers had no problems facing up.

Buoyed by this revival, Zaheer got Smith trapped LBW in the very next over, as South Africa lost three wickets for no runs in nine deliveries.

The Proteas` captain made 68 runs off 119 balls, with eleven fours. This was the seventh time in 10 Tests that Zaheer dismissed him, and 14th overall across all formats, with 68 being the highest Smith has managed in those 14 innings.

Shami came on to bowl in the 45th over and the mayhem continued, as he struck on his first ball, removing Duminy caught at first slip by Murali Vijay. Two overs later, and it was de Villiers walking back, out LBW, as South Africa lost five wickets for 16 in just 39 balls.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni had rotated his three quicker bowlers all day as R Ashwin (0/25) bowled only six overs in the South African innings.

Perhaps they were tired towards the end, as du Plessis played with patience and Philander threw his bat around to put together 67 runs for the seventh wicket, taking them to stability.

Earlier, South Africa seemed to be in a solid position, scoring 118/1 at tea. Smith scored his 38th Test fifty -? and his eighth against India -- beginning the post-lunch session at 22 for no loss.

They only lost the wicket of opener Alviro Peterson (21), a sharp incoming delivery from Ishant trapping him LBW in the 14th over.

Amla and Smith then frustrated the Indian bowlers, who toiled hard and bowled better line and length as compared to the Proteas` attack on day one.

Smith was lucky as Zaheer induced an edge in 17th over of the innings, only for Ashwin to drop him at first slip. Smith was on 19 at that time. Thereafter they brought up their 50-run partnership in the 25th over, striking Ishant for two fours. The hundred for South Africa came up in the 31st over.

In the morning session, South Africa dismissed India for 280 runs in their first innings, their last five wickets falling for just 25 runs. India had begun the day at 255 for 5. Philander finished with 4 for 61 from 27 overs, while Morkel picked 3 for 34.

Dale Steyn bowled three overs on the second morning but he failed to add to his tally, finishing with 1 for 61. Kallis (1/37) took a wicket as well, while Imran Tahir (0/47) and Duminy (0/30) had gone wicket-less in their short spells on day one. For India, R Ashwin was the unbeaten batsman, 13 not out off 11 balls, with one four.

Starting at their overnight score, Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane looked to build on the platform provided by Virat Kohli`s hundred. The former was accounted by Morkel in the 99th over, out for 19 runs adding only two from yesterday. He faced 72 balls and hit three fours.

In the very next over, Philander made the ball leave off-stump just a tad and Rahane was out caught behind. He made 47 runs, adding only five to his overnight score, as India`s hopes for a 350-plus total were undone. He faced 137 balls and hit eight fours in his long stay at the wicket.

Philander then trapped Zaheer Khan (first-ball-duck) plumb off his next ball, and although Ishant denied him a hat-trick, he was bowled in the 102nd over for an 11-ball duck. Morkel then bowled Shami (0), finishing off the visitors` first innings.

On Day 3, Indian bowlers will try to bundled out SA in the first session of the day to take the psychological advantage over the home team, where as South African batsmen -- Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander – will try to take a good lead in their first innings.

More: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-south-africa-2013/india-will-be-eyeing-for-a-psychological-advantage-over-sa-on-day-3_775999.html

Kumar Sangakkara named ODI Cricketer of the Year: Did he deserve the award?

Bestowed with the honour of the International Cricket Council (ICC) One-Day International (ODI) Cricketer of the Year 2013, Sri Lanka’s perfectionist, Kumar Sangakkara has now stretched his love affair with the 10-year-old annual awards to three years. It all started in 2011, when he won the ODI cricketer of the Year prize for the first time. Since then, Sangakkara has bagged four more ICC awards, namely Cricketer of the Year 2012, Test Cricketer of the Year 2012, People’s Choice Award 2012, and the latest accolade.

Sangakkara’s class and performances, over the years, can never be a subject of speculation or debate. One of the most elegant batsmen of the last decade or so, the former Sri Lanka captain has broken several records in the book, and more importantly has played the role of a vital cog in his nation’s success, on the field. But if one were to evaluate his performances in ODIs from August 2012 to August 2013 (when performances are judged for the relevant ICC awards), and compare them to the performances of the other nominees in the same category over the same time period, should Sangakkara have won the ODI cricketer of the year prize then?

Sangakkara had to ward off competition from Saeed Ajmal and Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan, and Shikhar Dhawan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja of India to win the coveted award for the second time in his career. The fact that all the nominees in this category were from the subcontinent just goes to show which part of the cricketing world witnesses most number of ODIs in a year. But that’s a different discourse altogether. For the moment, let’s evaluate the performances of these six gentlemen during the applicable time frame, and try to come to a conclusion on whether the jury appointed by the ICC raised the right chit from the bowl or not.

  

Saeed Ajmal

The Pakistan spinner played 21 ODIs during this time period. He registered 41 scalps at an impressive average of 19.75, and struck once almost every 28 balls. He picked up 27 of the 41 wickets during the 15 matches played on foreign soil. Moreover, he accounted for 18 wickets in the subcontinent, compared to 23 outside. As a spinner, that statistic makes his success even sweeter. One of his two career five-wicket hauls in ODIs came during this period. During these 21 matches, he registered his best bowling averages (11.66 cumulatively) in a winning cause, when Pakistan were defending a total.

M	W	Ave	5WI	BBM	SR
21	41	19.75	1	5/24	28.6

Misbah-ul-Haq

 Captaining a side forever in turmoil in no easy job. But Misbah has taken all the rotten tomatoes in his stride, and turned out to be a real champion cricketer. He played one more ODI than his teammate, Ajmal. Misbah scored 910 runs in the calendar year, registering nine 50s at an average of 53.52. The fact that he fell 90 short of 1000 runs in the calendar year meant that his name wasn’t taken in the same vein as a Shikhar Dhawan or a Virat Kohli. In the swinging and seamy conditions of England, he scored 173 runs from three matches, at an average of 86.50. Against the pace and bounce of the South Africans, he scored 227 in five matches, at 56.75. The fact that his average in away conditions never fell below 55 is proof of Misbah’s character as a batsman, and as a captain. And whenever he scored a fifty in a winning cause, his average rose to a mammoth 77.50.

M	R	Ave	50s	100s	BBI	SR
22	910	53.52	9	0	96*	70.76

Shikhar Dhawan

 Shikhar Dhawan had been on India’s domestic scene for quite some time now. Finally, when he got his deserved international break, the moustache-twirling southpaw from Delhi just let it rip. He went donuts. In the period between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013, Dhawan scored a satanic 666 runs from 13 ODIs, at a mouth-watering average for an opener, 55.5, and not to forget, at a strike rate of 92.75. During this period, he notched up two fifties, and converted three more to a ton. Every time he crossed the fifty mark, India won the match. Like Misbah, all his runs came away from home. And if one were to add his Test form, Dhawan had a dream year as an international cricketer.

M	R	Ave	50s	100s	BBI	SR
13	666	55.50	2	3	116	92.75

 Ravindra Jadeja

 Ravindra Jadeja’s career turned on its head, ever since bestowed with the moniker ‘sir’. Once the subject of all remodeled Rajnikanth jokes, Jadeja’s career took a complete U-turn during the last year. From being bullied by a few batsmen, he has now become India’s strike bowler in limited overs’ cricket. During the judging period, the all-rounder has played a vital role in India’s success.  He played 20 matches during this period, scored 334 runs at 41.75, but more importantly it was his bowling that took the cricketing world by surprise. He picked up 35 wickets at 18.48, including a five-wicket haul. He troubled batsmen around the world. They had no clue about which one would turn, and which wouldn’t. Out of his 35 scalps, 31 came in winning causes. The highlight of his career so far has to be the performance during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

M	R	Bat Ave	50s	100s	BBI	Bat SR	W	Bow Ave	5WI	BBM	Bow SR
20	334	41.75	1	0	61*	88.59	35	18.48	1	5/36	29.2

 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

 Over the last couple of years, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has established himself as the best one-day batsman in the world, and why not. He has scored the most important runs for his country when they needed him the most. Be it 15 required off four balls, or his team derailed halfway through an innings, Dhoni rises to the occasion when there is a crisis. One of the most composed cricketers in recent times, the Indian captain played 16 matches in the relevant period, amassing 508 runs at an average of 56.44, four points above his career average. As a wicketkeeper, he played a part in 23 wickets. But Dhoni’s contribution to his team cannot be completely evaluated through numbers alone. His average in a winning cause when India chased down a target shoots up to 128. Whenever the prolific Indian top order collapsed while batting first, captain cool kept the innings together more often than not, at an average of 77.50. During this period, Dhoni led his team to the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time.

M	R	Ave	50s	100s	BBI	SR
16	508	56.44	3	1	113*	88.96

 Coming back to Sangakkara…

 Compared to the above five contenders, Sangakkara has played about the same number of matches — 21. He scored 40 odd, runs more than Misbah, standing at 956. Dhawan scored a ton more than him, and had a better conversion rate. He scored two centuries and six 50s at 63.73. Sangakkara played a majority of his matches at home, 12. Away from home, he scored 400 runs compared to 556 at home. In matches when Sri Lanka found it difficult and lost Sangakkara could manage only 221 runs from 7 matches at a meager average of 31.57.

M	R	Ave	50s	100s	BBI	SR
21	956	63.73	6	2	169	89.34

 When you compare the above statistics and numbers, ICC’s decision of choosing Sangakkara can be definitely questioned and challenged. Since these annual awards are based on a player’s individual performances and how they impact their team’s performance as a whole, Sangakkara is not a clear winner, by any margin of thought. Misbah has been captaining a sinking ship, and has been doing it marvelously. Dhoni, apart from scoring runs, has strengthened his team’s position at the top of ODI rankings as a skipper. Jadeja has donned the uncomfortable hat of being India’s all-rounder quite brilliantly. Dhawan has been a batting phenomenon, to say the least. So, choosing Kumar Sangakkara as the ODI Cricketer of the Year is a decision that demands debate as these awards, even if not as prestigious FIFA awards, go a long way in effecting a player’s reputation and confidence.

Tendulkar’s novel suggestion to MCA

Sachin Tendulkar suggested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) can create opportunities for youngsters in inter-school and inter-collegiate cricket by allowing 15 players to compete in each team.

“Talented youngsters will get chances to display their talent at the school and college level. It is those kids who are borderline cases who should not suffer from lack of opportunity,” said the maestro.

He was speaking at a felicitation function by the MCA on Tuesday.

He said: “Mumbai cricket should take the lead and I am sure Indian cricket will follow. It is because of Mumbai’s club culture that we produce cricketers and teams worthy of winning the Ranji Trophy for many years.

“When I played club cricket, 15 players would get the chance to showcase their batting and bowling ability in matches. I wish more kids could be given the same. Selectors will also benefit from having more players to choose from. As a former cricketer, this is what I feel.”

Mumbai’s dominance

Tendulkar touched upon Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy. “For the Mumbai Ranji team, I know the situation is tough with many seniors away playing for India. This challenge should bring out the best in you and I will be the first one to join you in celebrations if Mumbai can win in this situation.”

Defending champion Mumbai has to play the remaining league games without Zaheer Khan, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, all away on national duty.

Noted coach and Dronacharya awardee Ramakant Achrekar was also felicitated by the MCA president Sharad Pawar, joined on stage by his famous ward Tendulkar, who helped his mentor cut the cake on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

Former India captain Ajit Wadekar also spoke about Achrekar’s rise from a dreaded batsman in tennis ball cricket into a serious coach who moulded a talented kid into a world cricket icon.

More: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tendulkars-novel-suggestion-to-mca/article5422308.ece

'Left-handed' compliment: Zaheer Khan will do well in South Africa, says Chaminda Vaas

There are a lot of similarities between former Sri Lanka opening bowler Chaminda Vaas and India’s Zaheer Khan. Apart from being left-arm seamers, the duo has possessed the same skills and style of bowling.

They have walked a similar path for their respective teams too. From being the lead bowlers to falling out of favour and then making dramatic comebacks with hard work, passion and hunger to play for the country. They share the love for county cricket in England too.

With so much common between the two, Vaas, a much senior bowler with 355 Tests and 400 ODI scalps, is not in touch with Khan but will certainly have his eyes on India’s tour of South Africa where Khan will make a comeback. And he is sure that Khan will deliver the goods.

“When I saw him a couple of years back, I thought he was going to finish his cricket. His fitness and bowling were not up to the mark, but he is a strong and determined lad,” Vaas told dna on the sidelines of an event organised by Wills Realtors.

“I have seen his recent pictures. He has lost a lot of weight and is keen to get back into the team and perform. He knows his abilities and knows what is expected from him. Being a fast bowler, you need to be patient and in the mean time handle pressure and perform well in international cricket,” the 39-year-old added.

Vaas is expecting Khan to do well in South Africa. “He has proved himself everywhere. He has done well on English and South African pitches. The conditions in South Africa will be seamer-friendly and I am sure he is going to do well for India there,” said Vaas.

Khan is 35, but Vaas feels age won’t be a factor. “It is only in the subcontinent that we look at age.
When you are past 32, people think his cricket is finished while players from other countries play Test cricket till 35-36. In Australia, some start at 32. If you have proper fitness and are keen to perform, then age is not a barrier and you will do well for the country. Sir Richard Hadlee played for New Zealand till the age of 40. If fit and performing extremely well, then why not? I feel Zaheer can play international cricket for another two to three years. I feel he has a lot of cricket left in him and I wish him all the best,” he said.

Like Khan, Vaas has also played a lot of county cricket in England for different teams and felt it helped him a lot.

“It’s not easy for a fast bowler. Out of seven days, you play six days a week for six months. There are 16 four-day games, 12 pro-40 matches and then 12 Twenty20 ties. It a great experience playing. It’s not easy to pick up wickets. You have to be patient and bowl from one side and take wickets. To realise how important county cricket is, I would want every player to play at least one season,” Vaas added.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-left-handed-compliment-zaheer-khan-will-do-well-in-south-africa-says-chaminda-vaas-1927033