Cricket

What teams do people support? Favourite players, form of game (limited overs, test matches, 20/20) etc.

Personally I'm an Aussie supporter but (as my sig/avatar would suggest :p) do have a soft spot for the Indians. It has been a great series so far and even though Australia has (for the most part) dominated it has never been boring. If only batters (from all teams) could pick up their game a bit it really has been a series for the bowlers.
My favourite Australian player is ummm probably Michael Clarke. He is a decent all-rounder and seems like a pretty good bloke.
As for form of the game, I love it all (I play cricket and when playing I really do prefer the 20/20 games as it does not completely consume my weekend :lol)

Oh my god! Are you a knight riders fan????? So am I!!! I love that team to death... only problem is they lost their match today against the Chennai Super kings. I was there in the stadium to watch the match (there were at least seventy thousand people in the stadium :rotfl:) and the match was awesome but as much as I hate to say this - the Kolkata Knight riders were creamed by the Chennai Super Kings. But it was a fun match to watch and I think these two teams are the teams to watch out for and the teams that would most probably make it to the finals :D

Today is the all important match between Mohali and Chennai and it is going to start in half an hour!!!!!!!!!!! I am sooooooooooooo freaked out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chennai Superkings won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!! :clap: I am soooooooo crazy excited by this :clap:

How did I miss this great thread???:hmm:
Anyway..mad cricket fan that I am..here goes:)

I love the NZ Cricket Team , the Indian and the Aussie team. Basically I support any team that plays good cricket..which means England too right now :)

My all-time favourite player is Adam Gilchrist.He's a legend!!!.Miss him since his retirement:( I also love Shane Bond but he never seems to play international cricket enough.But currently I like Luke Wright,Shane Watson( who was amazing in the IPL) and Michael Clarke

As for form of the game,I prefer some tradition still sticking to cricket..however when played in the good spirit I love any form of the game!:tu:

Love the game, hate 20/20.

That the Australian domestic T/20 competition is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken is so appropriate as T/20 is to cricket what fast food is to cooking.

Love the game, hate 20/20.

That the Australian domestic T/20 competition is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken is so appropriate as T/20 is to cricket what fast food is to cooking.

Yes, I agree:agree:
I dont mind watching a few T/ 20 games, but I hate people going overboard about T/ 2O and forgetting the good old tests and ODIs.

I mean, what next? 5 over games?

Then how on earth do you judge a player??:no:

IMHO..Test cricket is the best judge of cricketer's talent.T/20 is mostly luck sprinkled with the mantra" hit or die"..they dont care how the shots are or anything.All that matters is the ball reaches the boundary(even if its an inside edge).:relax:

As if the poor bowlers werent tormented enough, we have free hits too.:grumble:

As of now, I'm loving the Indo-Aus test..:tu::)

but as of now this test is going to be draw..... :(

Yeah..i know..its still Advantage Australia right now..and hey,Shane Watson did well:clap:;)
*looks guiltily at siggy*

lol... :no:shame on you! but I approve of course....! :drool::lol:

lol... :no:shame on you! but I approve of course....! :drool::lol:

;)..ah..a tame draw:no:...

To wake this thread again........

The India- Australia Border-Gavaskar series is done:tu: India have regained the trophy and what is certain is that Australia certainly has some rebuilding to do. Brett Lee's form or the lack of it, coupled with an inconsistent batting and not so wonderful bowling( save perhaps Jason Krezja) are huge signs of concern. But knowing the Aussies they'll bounce back, atleast they have to.:agree:

This series also marked the farewell of two of Indian and the World Cricket's wonderful players- Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly. Both have been matchwinners and brilliant additions to the game.:tu:

Yay the thread returns!

Ponting is copping a lot of anger over here for his decision to put on the wishy washy bowlers instead of copping the match ban. Most people seem to think we could have drawn the match. Personally I think Ponting just should have taken the ban but in the end I don't really mind that we lost. After all we're playing New Zealand next- an easy one...*shifty eyes*

Yeah..I heard Ponting's getting into trouble there..anyway...even if he had drawn the test, India would have won the series. I guess Ponting thought there was nothing to lose and went all out for it, and this time...it didnt work out. Though I do agree that using the part-timers wasnt the best thing to do- he could have gotten a ban for over-rate and have Watson, Krezja bowl. IMO, Lee's form or the lack of it, mostly killed Australia, though Watson did an excellent job.

After all we're playing New Zealand next- an easy one...*shifty eyes*
I'm an NZ fan:evil::lol:( not as obsessed as I used to be, though..ever since Shane Bond stopped playing:sad:)

Vettori spoke about how the Aussies are going to bounce back and how they're gonna get ready for that- lets see.:)

:lol: what are the chances the first person who replies is a Kiwi! Haha.

But if we'd drawn we would have kept the trophy, that's the thing people are upset about... I didn't get to watch much of the test at all (it was only on payTV) unfortunately...

:lol: what are the chances the first person who replies is a Kiwi! Haha.
:lol: Thats alright, I'm an Indian, but I support NZ even if its India they're playing against:relax::tu:

But if we'd drawn we would have kept the trophy, that's the thing people are upset about... I didn't get to watch much of the test at all (it was only on payTV) unfortunately...
I know..But you guys bounce back. I remember so many such amazing Aussie comebacks:) I really adore your team as much as I do mine( Adam Gilchrist is my all-time fav player!:tu:) and I'd want the Aussies to do great in the coming matches *not against NZ though:lol:*

I'm hoping for a close test between NZ and Australia but I expect it'll get poor ratings here because as sad as it is I don't think Aussies really care about the games vs NZ :( I don't know why but the matches against India and England always attract huge attention but the rest are sort of... neither here nor there.

I'm hoping for a close test between NZ and Australia but I expect it'll get poor ratings here because as sad as it is I don't think Aussies really care about the games vs NZ :( I don't know why but the matches against India and England always attract huge attention but the rest are sort of... neither here nor there.

Yeah I get it. England, as seen in the "Ashes" and India, as seen in recent times, have the strength and a history of good games with Australia, so I guess its more popular. Sadly, the trans-tasman rivalry seems to lack the sizzle..Anyway, fingers crossed for an awesome competitive game there!:tu:

England's come here to India for their tour- it seems like a good series is in the offing. England's got a good team- Cook, Wright, Bell, Broad, K.P, Flintoff- and we have a good team too. Here's hoping for a good series for both Aus-NZ and Ind-Eng:tu::)

By no means do we want to lose to NZ. I think Ponting would be hunted down as a national disgrace if he let that happen but the problem is Australia have won 24 times out of the past 26 games versus NZ. I think people are just so confident of a win that they've stopped caring :sigh: Hopefully NZ will give us a run for our money :evil: They have what looks like a great young team!

By no means do we want to lose to NZ. I think Ponting would be hunted down as a national disgrace if he let that happen
:scared: Yes, I can see that happening...

but the problem is Australia have won 24 times out of the past 26 games versus NZ. I think people are just so confident of a win that they've stopped caring :sigh: Hopefully NZ will give us a run for our money :evil: They have what looks like a great young team!
Yes they do, and Vettori sure has a few tricks up his sleeve:evil::p

Hopefully NZ will give us a run for our money :evil: They have what looks like a great young team!

I think it was cricket historian Gideon Haigh (or maybe not) who said that cricket is one of the few games where people don't mind their team losing so much if it is a good match.

It's a funny old game.

I think it was cricket historian Gideon Haigh (or maybe not) who said that cricket is one of the few games where people don't mind their team losing so much if it is a good match.

It's a funny old game.

It is and he's right. I dont mind my team losing, if it's a good match:)

I'd agree with that as long as it's not my Sturt team I play in. If I'm physically playing I WANT to win :evil:

I'd agree with that as long as it's not my Sturt team I play in. If I'm physically playing I WANT to win :evil:

Thats understandable:lol:

Well, due to the ongoing Battle Royale in Mumbai, the rest of the Hero Honda Cup between India and England has been cancelled.... but it does help that we've won all the five matches and the series with it.... :evil:

At the end of the first day in Adelaide New Zealand are 6 for 260-something according to a spectator I overheard on the tram :lol: Hurry up and get out! :grumble: *hides from lilyrose*

:evil: You cannot hide.....

* My NZ radar is always on...*

NZ will fight..atleast I hope they do

Arh...I hope they put up a much better show this time around. I'm actually hoping to watch some good matches to take my mind off things.:)

yeah me too... the first one was pretty interesting though.... This is the second test right?

Yes. The Second Test, in Adelaide, after Australia won the first in Brisbane.

Symonds just got out for an iffy caught behind so Australia are about 5/240

Weather has been great in Adelaide for this test. Much better than Brissy

*Revives thread, yet again*

Things are going great for India, as the team won the first two matches against Sri Lanka. The guys are in great form. Dhoni's been playing great, as has Ishant Sharma:D

Not so good news for Australia. They lost to NZ in a close low scoring game. Yay NZ!:clap: Also, S.A. now has the number one ranking:tu:

I do hope the Aussies get back to form. It's been some time, now.

I'm glad I'm not an Aussie supporter at the moment :p (though I am an Aussie). I don't care what people say about Shaun Tait, he's gotta go. Nobody can bowl that many wides and still be allowed to play first class cricket.

It's an interesting situation (and the true test of a captain) when a team loses its stars.
Ponting is not dealing well with the loss of his easy go-to men. How easy it must have been to know you had a McGrath, MacGill, Warne etc at the top of their form.

It only increases my respect for Alan Border.

Yes that's very much the problem at the moment. Almost all senior players are no longer in the team and those still playing arn't performing well (Hussey, Ponting). Also Andrew Symonds keeps getting himself in trouble which isn't helping.

Yes that's very much the problem at the moment. Almost all senior players are no longer in the team and those still playing arn't performing well (Hussey, Ponting). Also Andrew Symonds keeps getting himself in trouble which isn't helping.
I know! That is a problem.

India had the same problem a couple of years ago, when we were left with only old players like Ganguly, Laxman, Dravid who didn't really perform consistently. It took quite some time for us to get Dhoni, Ishant, an in-form Yuvraj. Australia is in a similar situation. Things are going to be tough for some time.

I remember when India kept losing every single series they played. They won by such a close margin against Bangladesh once. That shocked everyone! But yeah, we bounced back and built a great team.

Australia is also in the re-building stage, I guess. David Warner, I read, is considered by many as the rising star of Australian cricket. I've never seen him play. How good is he?

I've actually never heard of David Warner to be honest but I don't really follow the Australian team. The only reason I pick on Shaun Tait is because he plays club for Sturt which is also where I play. He plays for my club, my state and my country (though technically I'm a one-eyed Indian supporter :p Go figure) so it is important to me that he performs well. In every game I've ever watched him play he has bowled far too many extras and IMO is unacceptable.
Australia do have some good you guys in. Michael Johnson, Michael Clarke (though he's been there for a while now), Nathan Bracken just to name a few. There is hope but I think (like India) it will take a while to bounce back.
I hope that losing to NZ will open their eyes. I don't mean to sound insensitive towards NZ supporters (especially lilyrose :p) but NZ has always been a team Aust assume they can beat. A bit like England in recent years. I really hope the selectors were watching closely at last night's game.

Australia do have some good you guys in. Michael Johnson, Michael Clarke (though he's been there for a while now), Nathan Bracken just to name a few. There is hope but I think (like India) it will take a while to bounce back.
I agree. Tait does bowl a lot of extras, even more than Lee in his out-of-form days. I do love Tait's yorkers and bouncers though:tu:

Yes, I for one am rooting for Michael Clarke to help get things right for Australia, since Ponting isn't going to be around for a long time. Clarke is very talented and I'm sure he'll do well. Johnson, Bracken, Watson, Marsh-they are all guys who can do really well:tu:

But I think Australia is in need of more batsmen. With Gilchrist, Hayden gone, that is a huge dent for any side. Shane Watson is quite a good allrounder, but now I think the Aussies need a good opener.

I hope that losing to NZ will open their eyes. I don't mean to sound insensitive towards NZ supporters (especially lilyrose :p) but NZ has always been a team Aust assume they can beat. A bit like England in recent years. I really hope the selectors were watching closely at last night's game.
I know:lol: Yes, it was shocking that Australia lost to NZ, though I'm not complaining. Taylor played well, though.

I've actually never heard of David Warner to be honest but I don't really follow the Australian team.

Warner apparently set the world on fire with a good innings in hit and run but has since only had one decent dig.

India replaces Australia as the 2nd best ODI team in the world!

Also KP and Flintoff have each been purchased for $1.55M USD by their respective francises becoming the costliest players in the IPL.

Yep - Pietersen went to Bangalore. And my, Bangalore needs all the great form he is in, considering their performance or the lack of it last time around.

Flintoff went to Chennai( Oh yeah!:clap:) and Duminy to Mumbai. Shaun Tait was picked for the Rajasthan Royals which won the inaugural edition of the IPL in grand style:tu: The next round of bidding is sometime in March.

I hope my beloved Kolkata Knight Riders get some big names.

India replaces Australia as the 2nd best ODI team in the world!
How exciting! Australia really are going down hill... they beat NZ last night but it was by no means a 'big' win. Ponting didn't perform well again. One wonders how long it's going to be before he'll return to form. He is the captain after all. He needs to lead by example and at the moment Clarke is doing a far better job.

I hope my beloved Kolkata Knight Riders get some big names.
I'm sure they will:D

How exciting! Australia really are going down hill... they beat NZ last night but it was by no means a 'big' win. Ponting didn't perform well again. One wonders how long it's going to be before he'll return to form. He is the captain after all. He needs to lead by example and at the moment Clarke is doing a far better job.
I know. But actually, India is back to third place in the ICC Rankings because of their 68 run loss yesterday to Sri Lanka. We still won the series:tu::clap: But yes, India and Australia will be fighting for that second place for quite some time I'm sure;)

lilyrose
I know. But actually, India is back to third place in the ICC Rankings because of their 68 run loss yesterday to Sri Lanka. We still won the series But yes, India and Australia will be fighting for that second place for quite some time I'm sure


Which I'm really excited about. India are my team but Australia is my country so it'll make for some interesting times at my place :lol: Also it's always such a joy to watch India and Australia play. You get the whole package.

Which I'm really excited about. India are my team but Australia is my country so it'll make for some interesting times at my place :lol: Also it's always such a joy to watch India and Australia play. You get the whole package.
Absolutely. India is my country and Australia is one of my favourite teams and I really want to see them out of this mess. I love India-Australia clashes, they're better than the tradition rivalries Ashes and India-Pakistan matches, IMO. When both teams are in form, there's nothing less than a cracker of a match in store:tu: Here's hoping for that:)

Which I'm really excited about. India are my team but Australia is my country so it'll make for some interesting times at my place :lol: Also it's always such a joy to watch India and Australia play. You get the whole package.

Totally agree with you there. If you are a cricket fan then India-Australia is the clash to look forward too.
I'm excited about the upcoming series of India vs New Zealand too. Long time since India played them away from home.

The 5th NZ/Aust game was washed out so the series was a tie! Incredible...

And tonight's T20I (NZ/Aust) was a great game too. Australia won by a single run! Anybody who hasn't already should watch this great catch from Voges:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8VkcqgCR6M

:tu: top stuff

Brilliant stuff! I don't recall seeing such a tremendous catch for over a year:)

Thanks for sharing the video Sofie:)

I hope my beloved Kolkata Knight Riders get some big names.


They won't get Ponting.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/cricket/ponting-says-no-to-ipl/2009/02/20/1234633017217.html

Yep, I saw that. No Clarke, now no Ponting in the IPL.

Anyway, India( who've had a team uniform colour change, wearing a darker blue (http://specials.rediff.com/cricket/2009/feb/18slide1-team-india-sheds-light-blue-for-dark.htm)) plays NZ in the coming weeks and I hope it turns out to be a well-contested, thrilling series:tu:

Wab
They won't get Ponting.

Not sure we want him to be honest :sigh: Not the way he's been playing

You did say big names. If you want form you want none of the Australians who played IPL last year. It was an interesting stat uttered during a ABC broadcast of one of the South Africa tests, that every Australian who played IPL had performed below his average in the tests against India, NZ and SA.

It was an interesting stat uttered during a ABC broadcast of one of the South Africa tests, that every Australian who played IPL had performed below his average in the tests against India, NZ and SA.
That is an interesting stat. Shane Watson for instance, had an awesome IPL and was 'Man of the Series' , but he didn't have that good a run later in international cricket, though I remember he played quite well against India when the Aussies lost. I guess Ponting is woefully out of form now.

Wab
You did say big names. If you want form you want none of the Australians who played IPL last year. It was an interesting stat uttered during a ABC broadcast of one of the South Africa tests, that every Australian who played IPL had performed below his average in the tests against India, NZ and SA.
Well one assumes the 'big names' will be those who perform the best. Clearly this wasn't the case last IPL for the Aussies.

lilyrose
I guess Ponting is woefully out of form now.
Well he was playing for my team last IPL and if memory serves I think he batted well in one innings (I'll have to look that up) which is not what the team expected from the Australian captain, I'm sure.

McCullum's fifty takes NZ to a 7 wicket win (http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2009/feb/25india-new-zealand-first-twenty-20.htm) against India in the first T20 :tu:

And oh, the schedule for the IPL is out. (http://www.rediff.com/cricket/scheduleipl09.html) The inaugural match is between defending champions Rajasthan Royals(:clap:) and the Delhi Daredevils on April 10 in Jaipur.

I'd by lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed by that result :( I mean it's great for NZ and all but as an Indian supporter it is a bit of a downer. We'll bounce back though ;)

Great to see the IPL is steadily approaching :D Lots of ridiculously late nights for me ahead.

I'd by lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed by that result :( I mean it's great for NZ and all but as an Indian supporter it is a bit of a downer. We'll bounce back though ;)
Oh yes that'll happen!:D

Great to see the IPL is steadily approaching :D Lots of ridiculously late nights for me ahead.
:lol: I know. But most of the times, it will be worth it:tu:

NZ blank India (http://specials.rediff.com/cricket/2009/feb/27sld1-images-india-new-zealand-2nd-t20.htm) in the two match T20 series after snatching a thrilling last-ball win in the second T20. Great job by the home team:clap:

The first ODI begins this Tuesday and it is likely that Ishant Sharma might miss (http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2009/feb/28ishant-likely-to-miss-first-odi1.htm) the match due to injury.

England declared 6/600. West Indies then batted and declared 9/749 :rotfl: Sorry but how much must it suck to be an English cricketer right now! That really is astounding.

How much must it suck to watch such a boring match.

Its strange how the English cricketers always find themselves in these positions. Things back-fire for them a lot of times and end up in the most boring test matches ever.

Strauss did a great job last match, but they still drew the test and couldn't press for a win.

Just saw this on CNN: Sri Lankan cricket team attacked in Pakistan (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkiMxbHNH0BqgpWA2ZG6VD6wVTmAD96MCPE81)

Quote from link above
A Sri Lankan foreign ministry official said two players — Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana — were hospitalized. He said three more players were slightly injured and that the head coach, Australian Trevor Bayliss, also sustained minor injuries. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

This is terrible and more than shocking! It just goes to show the state of security in Pakistan, and I'm sure that its status of hosting cricket matches, will definitely come under a lot of scrutiny. Several teams including India, had refused to play in Pakistan, but then the Sri Lankan team agreed to play and this horrible attack has happened. This (http://www.rediff.com/index.html) site has more news and info.

I do hope that none of the players/coaches' conditions are too serious or life-threatening and I also hope that the ICC takes very serious view of this incident and looks into the security placements in Pakistan.

This attack is sure to have a huge impact on the 2011 World Cup (http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2009/mar/03niranjan-shah-lahore-attack-will-have-impact-on-world-cup.htm) which is supposed to partly be held in Pakistan.

In the midst of such a terrible event, India won the first ODI against New Zealand. The match was interrupted twice by rain, but India managed to win by a margin of more than a hundred runs. Here (http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/366623.html?CMP=OTC-GCN) is the scorecard. As a show of support and solidarity, cricketers of both countries were seen (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/team-india-black-caps-wear-black-armbands/86705-5.html) sporting black bands.

Virender Sehwag scored the fastest century ever by an Indian in ODIs (http://cricket.rediff.com/cricket/2009/mar/11/stats-sehwag-hammers-fastest-century.htm) to help India win (http://cricket.rediff.com/cricket/2009/mar/11/match-report-india-new-zealand-4th-odi.htm) the Series against New Zealand.

Virender Sehwag scored the fastest century ever by an Indian in ODIs to help India win the Series against New Zealand.

:tu: top news! 102 off 32 is astounding.

108* off 60 balls, I'm afraid. The fastest of course, was an awesome 37 ball 102 by Shahid Afridi :)

108* off 60 balls, I'm afraid. The fastest of course, was an awesome 37 ball 102 by Shahid Afridi

Ah that's the score I was looking at. Still an impressive effort though.

The good old tests are on: India vs NZ after India won the ODI series and NZ won the T20 Series.

The first day of the first test (http://cricket.rediff.com/report/2009/mar/18/india-new-zealand-first-test-day-one.htm) didn't start off too well for NZ as they were reduced to 60/6 at one stage. Ishant Sharma (http://cricket.rediff.com/report/2009/mar/18/ishant-rues-wasting-good-start.htm) did a great job picking 4 wickets :D But resilient as usual, Daniel Vettori and Jesse Ryder fought from an improbable position to quite a respectable 279 all out. Both batsman scored well-deserved centuries :tu::tu:

In reply, India were 29 without loss at close, with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir unbeaten on 22 and 6.

Looks like the IPL is going on the road.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/world/asia/23india.html?ref=world

People here are extremely disappointed that the Indian Premier League is ..well, not being played in India. Sachin Tendulkar also says he's disappointed (http://cricket.rediff.com/cricket/2009/mar/23/ipl-shifting-disappointing-tendulkar.htm) since this shifting means he doesn't get an opportunity to play in front of his home crowd. But come to it, the general elections are the obvious priority. We'd rather have a secure election than the IPL.

Opinion time:

Who would you like to see as England's World Twenty20 team-captain?

Opinion time:

Who would you like to see as England's World Twenty20 team-captain?
Hmm, I don't really know. I for one don't really attach too much of importance on being captain. But I'd still go with Strauss. Despite not being exactly lucky so far, I think he's a very responsible player who can handle pressure :tu:

Anyone catch yesterday India vs Pakistan game yesterday?
*does happy dance* :lol:
Minus the sloopy Indian fielding, they played in the batting - especially considering that Sehwag wasn't playing. Rohit Sharma did a great job, as did Sourav Ganguly. :clap:

I was happy with the England vs WI match - I couldn't watch it as it was on at the same time as the ^ match!

Anyone catch yesterday India vs Pakistan game yesterday?
*does happy dance* :lol:

I didn't :sigh: I was working at that time, but got minute-by-minute updates from my I-can't-believe-you're-not-watching-India vs. Pak!!!!!!!-friend :p

I'm happy the boys did well. :tu: :D The WC starts tomorrow. Hopefully, it's good fun and very competitive :D

I didn't :sigh: I was working at that time, but got minute-by-minute updates from my I-can't-believe-you're-not-watching-India vs. Pak!!!!!!!-friend :p I need to find me one of those for the future when I start working too. Hmm, wonder if the nearest Tesco sells them? :hmm:
Check out the highlights on youtube! :tu:

I switched on the radio during lunch-time, and there were playing highlights and fan-comments and some of the Indian-fans were still high for the win! :lol: I really wanted to go watch it live!

I'm also looking forward to the England vs Pakistan match! :tu:

*does cricket-super-happy-dance* :err:
:p

I'm really hoping we get good coverage of the T20 world cup. My tip is for India to win (again :relax:). The groupings are somewhat outrageous.

Group A: India, Ireland, Bangladesh
Group B: Pakistan, Netherlands, England
Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland

Hmmmm spot the group with the obvious bias? I bolded the teams I think will be in the Super 8. Group C got an especially raw deal :no: And Group A? Wow nice easy ride for India. I'm hoping the final will be India and Australia. Mostly because we (India) will win but also I think it'd be an excellent game :D

It'd also be nice to see a few surprises. The only differences I can see in the Super 8 from what I've picked would be in Group C. If any of the others didn't get through it'd be a huge upset. here's hoping for Scotland :p

I'm hoping the final will be India and Australia.
That would be a good match too, but on a personal level, I would mind seeing West Indies vs India. :D (It's probably be against the Aussies though!)

Wow nice easy ride for India.
Touch wood! India have this silly tendency of playing really awesomely against a tough team, but other times they tend to get over-confident and much-up! :lol:

^ It would take something truly catastrophic for India not to make the Super 8 :lol: I think ideally in the final I wouldn't want to see Australia (they bore me) but rather West Indies or Sri Lanka. Not sure why I said India/Australia :lol: As long as India are in, I'm not bothered :D

Also just looked up the broadcasting for the T20WC in Australia. It's only on payTV with the odd game on free to air :grumble: not happy!

I'm hoping for an India vs NZ final :elaugh:

But you know what, the most frequent feature in T20s I notice, is that they are so unpredictable. Sure, some teams who're in great form will do well, but sometimes, it's better to get ready for upsets :relax:

Anyway, I agree with your pick for the Super8 SoFie :agree: Unless of course Ireland or any of the other 'minnows' pull off a huge upset like they did in the 2007 World Cup. ;)

^ Maybe Scotland knocking out New Zealand? :whistle: :elaugh:

That's true, it is rather unpredictable but going by the form the teams are in I doubt we'll have many surprises. Andrew Symonds wont be playing for Australia by the looks of it.

^ Maybe Scotland knocking out New Zealand? :whistle: :elaugh:
*Goes to profile*

Andrew Symonds wont be playing for Australia by the looks of it.
I saw that! Too bad..he's a good player and I'm sure would have been awesome in this version of the game. But it's also good to see the Australian board take action, without being partial to anyone :)

As far as partiality goes, Symonds has had at least six second chances. In most professional codes he would have been sacked years ago.

Also just looked up the broadcasting for the T20WC in Australia. It's only on payTV with the odd game on free to air :grumble: not happy!
That sucks! :(
They might play the matches at the local pub, but it's nothing compared to the homey comforts!



E: England and Holland this afternoon! :clap:

As far as partiality goes, Symonds has had at least six second chances. In most professional codes he would have been sacked years ago.
I agree. But I guess the Australian Cricket Board finds itself in a tricky position in the sense that if Symonds is in the wrong, he needs to be punished but also, he's a remarkable player who adds so much to a team which isn't at its peak these days.

Holland vs England should be an easy one for England. Let's see by what margin they win :D

I'm not a fan of Symonds by any st stretch of the imagination so it's no skin off my back. Frankly, it's about time.

I'd really like to see Denmark give England a run for their money.

There's a really good piece on Symonds (and others) in Line and Length (http://timesonline.typepad.com/line_and_length/2009/06/symondss-pillocky-side-shows-through-again.html).

Great match today - the final ball of the Holland innings was great! :tu:

My dad and I usually pick a team to support (unless if India's playing) and he choose England and I was left with Holland. I really didn't expect this even through I sort of secretly wanted to have England win (must be that sentimental fluff in the water *spit*) :lol: it was a really entertaining match!

Glad the rain didn't come down too hard either. :grumble:

Poor Stuart Broad though! :(

On a serious note: Bangladesh are going down tomorrow!! :clap:

Poor Stuart Broad though! :(

One reason why you should never try a run-out on the last ball.

One reason why you should never try a run-out on the last ball.
I agree. The chance of getting it right is well, fairly minimal. Unless you're Jonty Rhodes of course :p

And thanks for the article Wab.

Holland defeating England was just the 'minnows' upsetting formidable teams scenario I was talking about earlier. I didn't expect an upset in the very first match though :lol:

New Zealand play Scotland, Australia play the West Indies, while India takes on Bangladesh today.

Upsets happen (which is the beauty of sports) as in when Bangladesh beat Australia in a pre-Ashes ODI in 2005.

Upsets happen (which is the beauty of sports) as in when Bangladesh beat Australia in a pre-Ashes ODI in 2005.
Or like when Ireland beat Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup. Upsets are good for the sport :agree: Stops teams from getting too complacent and makes way for some excitement.

I am so excited Netherlands beat England. England are probably my least favourite team, but really... Netherlands!? That's a bit embarrassing. Still, taking nothing from Netherlands, they obviously deserve it.

Australia 1-1 in the first over vs West Indies. The broadcast here is shocking :no:

Edit: Australia now 2-3. All 3 runs are from wides. Watson and Ponting both out for ducks.

Edit: Australia now 2-3. All 3 runs are from wides. Watson and Ponting both out for ducks.
:nc:

I mean, that's just the worst start Australia could have ever got!

Yep it's pretty bad. Theyr'e now 4-85 after 12.2 overs :no: They really need something special to get anything respectable now.

Yesterday's results:

Aus lost to WI- Disappointing and to be honest, this is a pathetic situation that the Aussies find themselves in.

India won well against Bangladesh- A confident, clear start for India :tu:

NZ won by a clear margin against Scotland- Again a confident and good start for us :D :clap:

The national womens teams are playing at the T20WC as well (not that you'd know :rolleyes:)

It is disappointing Australia lost, but at least they lost to a good, reputable team who are certainly world class...

Some of my favourite photos from the first 4 games (all from cricinfo.com):

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/monty3590/Picture12.png
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/monty3590/Picture16.png
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/monty3590/Picture15.png
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/monty3590/Picture17.png
Captains for the women's international teams. Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, West Indies, England, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka

Awesome :D I hope the womens teams get better coverage now that they're in a more visible world arena.

Well the Womens' teams play at most major events like this (they also play at The Ashes and when India last toured Australia for example) but it doesn't seem to help their cause much :sigh:

On a side-note looks like Symonds will be playing for Queensland this week. Just between you and me I think they were glad he got sent home :rolleyes:

Well the Womens' teams play at most major events like this (they also play at The Ashes and when India last toured Australia for example) but it doesn't seem to help their cause much :sigh:
I know..that's a pity. There were some celebrities talking about womens' cricket in India too. They encouraged the team and asked people to watch the women play, but sadly there were no takers :sigh:

On a side-note looks like Symonds will be playing for Queensland this week. Just between you and me I think they were glad he got sent home :rolleyes:
:lol:

Anyone following the T20 Cricket World Cup?

edit: England just won, nice one lads :)

Also just looked up the broadcasting for the T20WC in Australia. It's only on payTV with the odd game on free to air :grumble: not happy!

That's because T20 (when Australia isn't playing) doesn't rate on TV. That's why Ten moved the IPL to ONE.

Anyone following the T20 Cricket World Cup?

edit: England just won, nice one lads :)

That's what we've been talking about :)

Pretty disappointed England beat Pakistan. Would have expected better from then :sigh: Still hoping for Netherlands to (somehow) make the Super 8 :tu:

Wab
That's because T20 (when Australia isn't playing) doesn't rate on TV. That's why Ten moved the IPL to ONE.
I know why they did it, doesn't mean I have to be ok with it. Even One's coverage of IPL was pretty lame.

Out in the sticks we don't get One. Looking forward to SBS carrying the Ashes without the endless inanities of Nine (though I mainly turn down the sound and listen to ABC when Nine's at the helm).

I really don't watch this sport on tv, though I used to live in India where I believe this sport was invented, and was the country that introduced it international. My gym teacher in India used to make us play it during P.E class, and even after school, it's just what Indian kids play. I used to play along. So I know the rules and I have played it multiple times, but I don't follow the scores and countries and everything.

Actually the first records of cricket come from England in the 16th century.

And it was the Empire which internationalised the sport.

I said, i believe, I wasn't sure.

^ Yes I know. I was just correcting you, not criticising.

Bangladesh are currently 5/69 after 12 overs against Ireland.

Bangladesh are currently 5/69 after 12 overs against Ireland.
Not bad at all. This seems a well matched contest. I'm rooting for Ireland :clap:

Though knowing my luck, that could spell doom for them :blush:

The first way for a team to start losing is have me support them :rolleyes:

Bangladesh ended up with 8/137. Ireland are currently 1/55 after 8. Slow start for them as well :shrug:

Ireland won by 6 wickets! :clap: Well done! :D They're into the Super Eights :clap::clap:

This, plus their performance in the WC, will hopefully put pressure on the ICC and the test nations to include a few ODIs against Ireland as an adjunct to tours of England (and Wales considering that this year will be the first time an Ashes match will be played in Wales).

If success isn't rewarded the game will wither.

Ireland won by 6 wickets! :clap: Well done! :D They're into the Super Eights :clap::clap:
That must mean so is India. Even if they lose to Ireland (HA!) they'll still get in. :clap: Makes me a happy chappy. New Zealand and South Africa are both in (Scotland is out).

England should be hoping that Netherlands beat Pakistan to give them a guaranteed ride to the S8 (or it'll come down to percentage).
The Australia/Sri Lanka game will be interesting. Both teams need to win that one (I'm not convinced SL can beat the West Indies).

This, plus their performance in the WC, will hopefully put pressure on the ICC and the test nations to include a few ODIs against Ireland as an adjunct to tours of England (and Wales considering that this year will be the first time an Ashes match will be played in Wales).

If success isn't rewarded the game will wither.
I agree :agree: Ireland did really well in the 2007 WC when they beat Pakistan and qualified to the super eights :tu: The ICC should look into including them more in the calendar of the big league.

The Australia/Sri Lanka game will be interesting. Both teams need to win that one (I'm not convinced SL can beat the West Indies).
Yep..this will be interesting..

Who's everyone rooting for? India and England for me!

Aus vs. Sri: 87-5 AUS! 14 overs...Sri Lanka bowling/fielding really well

It's sad to see the Australians going back home! :no:

I've started my first day at work for this summer (yay?) which means no live cricket for me! Thanks the Lord for Sky Sports Highlights! :D

Who's everyone rooting for?
Dude, it's India all the way!
England, sort of... second. :lol: Because I live and breath here...
(But I'll never forget that last over against Holland! :D )

:tu: Broad got three wickets today :clap:.. I think he was trying to make up for the last bowl against Holland. :D

On a totally random note: I think the new India t-shirt is awesome! I have the light-blue one, but now I want the navy one! ORANGE-bits = awesome! :rotfl:

It's sad to see the Australians going back home! :no:
Yeah :sigh:

I support NZ :D Always have, always will.. ;)

I support competitive cricket actually. I don't really mind who wins, though I do root for NZ :)

100% Indian supporter.

:rotfl: Australia are out! Oh my you have no idea what'll happen when they get back (I live in Australia). Personally I'm predicting a slaughter by the media (which frankly the deserve considering how they played). Now if Pakistan beat Netherlands by 3 wickets or 50+ runs I think that should mean England would also be out :elaugh: That would certainly make for an interesting tournament!

Green_Arrow
On a totally random note: I think the new India t-shirt is awesome! I have the light-blue one, but now I want the navy one! ORANGE-bits = awesome!
I'm not so keen on the new uniforms. Then again I'm not a fan of the old ones either :lol: But yes I suppose it's an improvement.

Oh my you have no idea what'll happen when they get back (I live in Australia). Personally I'm predicting a slaughter by the media (which frankly the deserve considering how they played)
They deserve it !! They've got a lot of work to do :no:

I'm not so keen on the new uniforms. Then again I'm not a fan of the old ones either :lol: But yes I suppose it's an improvement.
I don't really care :p Though the NZ uniform is the best :cool:

Actually the Kolkata Knight Riders have the best uniforms :lol: They're easily the most epic :D

But yeah I actually do like NZ uniforms. India don't have much to work with I guess especially if they stick with the flag colours :shrug:

lilyrose
They deserve it !
Absolutely. If they lose The Ashes this year (personally I don't like Australia or England (the teams) so I'm going for Australia just 'cos) they'll have some serious re-shuffling to do *cough-get rid of Ricky-cough*)

Absolutely. If they lose The Ashes this year (personally I don't like Australia or England (the teams) so I'm going for Australia just 'cos) they'll have some serious re-shuffling to do *cough-get rid of Ricky-cough*)
Is that pretty much the mood out there in Australia? Do people want Ponting out of the team?

Because I know that's what happens almost always here when India lose. People always want the non-performing captain out, even if he's been out of form only for a little time. It happened with Ganguly, it happened with Dravid; it even happened with Sachin.

It's hard to say, I couldn't give you a definite answer. There was some talk of axing Ricky a while ago (last year) but I'm not sure it ever progressed anywhere past 'talk'.

It's not just his captaining that's failing. He hasn't been performing with the bat. A duck against WI and 25 against SL is not good enough if you're captain of Australia.

It's not just his captaining that's failing. He hasn't been performing with the bat. A duck against WI and 25 against SL is not good enough if you're captain of Australia.
Yeah, I guess so.

Plus, the Aussies are not used to seeing their team perform so badly in quite a while :whistle:

Australia are out! Oh my you have no idea what'll happen when they get back (I live in Australia).

Put baldly, they are worse than Ireland and the Netherlands (at the moment).

That said, despite the protestations to the contrary, Australia's focus is where it shoud be; on the Ashes.

Even though he has publicly recanted his dismissal of T20, Ponting seems to have trouble taking the form seriously (which is a point in his favour if you ask me).

^ Well that's true but the problem is if you're captain of your country's team you should take it all seriously. It's your job to be a leader, even in situations you don't like.
If Australia lose the Ashes (which is quite possible) they will get a major shake-up. That's something the selectors cant ignore. Losing the series last year to India, poor performances in IPL (not by all but many Aussies), not even making the Super 8 in T20WC... it's embarrassing. Once the Australian team were to be feared, now they're somewhat of a joke :sigh:

Last ball finishes!! :sigh:

S.A vs NZ was a brilliant game, closely fought. S.A won by 1 run! :grumble: McCullum did really well with the batting and the bowlers did very well too. Every time it looked like NZ would get away with the game, SA took a wicket or slowed the flow of runs..which is good for them.

It was a low scoring game, but woah, are we unlucky as usual ! :sigh: Still, it was a great match and extremely competitive :tu:

If anybody is interested, Australian women beat English women by 5 runs :tu:

Netherlands are out of the tournament :( Which means England are in :grumble:

So I think that now means:

India, Ireland, West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, Pakistan and South Africa make up the Super 8. Nothing too surprising except I would have expected Australia over Sri Lanka and perhaps Bangladesh over Ireland (but that was close).

If anybody is interested, Australian women beat English women by 5 runs :tu:
Great! :tu: At least the women are doing well for Australia.

Indian women lost to NZ though :p

India, Ireland, West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, Pakistan and South Africa make up the Super 8. Nothing too surprising except I would have expected Australia over Sri Lanka and perhaps Bangladesh over Ireland (but that was close).
I agree. I'm very happy Ireland got in though. They've been consistently performing for quite a while now :)

I enjoy watching Malinga's bowling style - it's weird but in an awesome way! :D

That monkey stunt was awesome! The catch, throw, jump, smack back over the border by Murali (I think) was jokes! :D

^ That was an amazing play (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44MeAzjcqUY)!

India beat Ireland easily :D (8 wickets). Good win for Sri Lanka too.

I'm not a fan of Malinga actually :whistle:

But good for India- to win by a clear margin :tu:

^ I think he brings something a bit different to the game. I'm not keen on him on a personal level, but as a cricketer I think he's something a bit special ;)

Hysteria, thanks for the clip! :tu: It was fun to watch it again (and share on facebook!) ;)

I'm not a fan of Malinga actually :whistle:
Must be the hair! :lol:
Not to be a traitor to the India team, but I think he's probably one of my favourite bowlers around. :tu:

Must be the hair! :lol:
:lol: Not just the hair :p

I like my fast bowlers to have a clean bowling action* Cough* Shane Bond *Cough*, thank you :p

NZ outclassed Ireland yesterday :D :clap: Also, as expected, S.A. crushed England. :relax:

NZ outclassed Ireland yesterday :D :clap: Also, as expected, S.A. crushed England. :relax:
Both of these things make me very, very happy :clap: If India cant win (HA like that'd happen) I hope NZ does :)

:lol: Not just the hair :p
I like my fast bowlers to have a clean bowling action* Cough* Shane Bond *Cough*, thank you :p
You know how I feel about my favourite fast bowler and hair :lol:


SL and Pakistan tonight should be interesting. Pity it's not being shown here :grumble:

If India cant win (HA like that'd happen) I hope NZ does :)
:clap:

You know how I feel about my favourite fast bowler and hair :lol:
:lol: Yes, I do :p

SL and Pakistan tonight should be interesting. Pity it's not being shown here :grumble:
I think SL have a slight edge..let's see :D

Also, Symonds has lost his contract (http://cricket.rediff.com/report/2009/jun/12/andrew-symonds-loses-australia-contract.htm) for 2009-10 season. This is definitely a huge blow for him, but it shows how seriously the Australian cricket board has taken his 'long record of indiscipline'.

I think South Africa might win this time, although I hope for India to win.


SL and Pakistan tonight should be interesting. Pity it's not being shown here :grumble:
Yes, that should be interesting. Hmm... can't you watch it online?

sugar_quill
Yes, that should be interesting. Hmm... can't you watch it online?

I tried doing that last week but the stream is weak and breaks up a lot :grumble:

I think South Africa might win this time, although I hope for India to win.
It's West Indies vs India ;) I really think West Indies might have the edge but fingers crossed for India.

lilyrose
Also, Symonds has lost his contract for 2009-10 season. This is definitely a huge blow for him, but it shows how seriously the Australian cricket board has taken his 'long record of indiscipline'.
Good! I think it was Wab who mentioned if it was any other sport he would have been ditched ages ago. He's had far too many chances and wasted them all.

I tried doing that last week but the stream is weak and breaks up a lot :grumble:

Oh, that's not good.

It's West Indies vs India ;) I really think West Indies might have the edge but fingers crossed for India.
I meant SA might win the tournament. :) Sorry, I wasn't clear. And I agree that WI have the edge, but with India, you never know.

^ Ooh I see. I think it'll be SA and India in the final but think India will win. Final 4 teams: NZ, India, SA, WI. Here's hoping anyway.

Oh, well, there you go. India lost to WI. They should have batted better! Bravo was outstanding though :tu:

Today, S.A take on WI- this could be very interesting, as they've been two amazing teams so far in the tournament.

NZ play Pakistan. Go NZ! :clap:

^ Ooh I see. I think it'll be SA and India in the final but think India will win. Final 4 teams: NZ, India, SA, WI. Here's hoping anyway.
I don't think India will make it to the final.
For the semi finals, I think it will be SA and WI from group E and NZ and SL from group F.

I can't seem to get use to seeing with Vettori with a beard!
I lost the bet with my dad for the NZ vs Pakistan match. :no:

Looking forward to the England and India match.
India have to win this one to stay in the competition.
*fingers crossed*

I can't seem to get use to seeing with Vettori with a beard!
I don't mind it at all :whistle: :p

I lost the bet with my dad for the NZ vs Pakistan match. :no:

:sigh: That was an embarrassing loss. Gul was too awesome, yes, but NZ should have played better. Very embarrassing performance yesterday. :(

It's just the thing I didn't want to see *facepalm*

Looking forward to the England and India match.
India have to win this one to stay in the competition.
*fingers crossed*
I know! Judging by the teams alone, India ought to win this one. But with their form sort of slipping, I guess, they need to play convincingly, as a unit to win.

*fingers crossed*

Pretty bummed out we lost to WI but at least we they're a quality team. If we lose to England I'll have to go into hiding for the next month :(

Pretty bummed out we lost to WI but at least we they're a quality team. If we lose to England I'll have to go into hiding for the next month :(
I might have to join you too if NZ get out for 99 another time :grumble:

6 overs gone - Ireland are focused! :tu:

3/92 from 13 :tu: good work from Ireland!

What happened today!??? :grumble:
Someone pinch my arm, please

*throws hissy fit* I cant believe we lost to England. ENGLAND! That's the most humiliating thing. Sounds stupid but I would have preferred to lose to Ireland. England, the ultimate insult :grumble: I think we're officially out now. Even if we win the next game, we cant make it :( Now I'm jumping on the NZ bandwagon.

MS Dhoni apologised to Indian fans after they were dumped out of the World Twenty20 at Lord's.
Apology not accepted. :td:

Speaking of bandwagon jumping, logically I should be jumping in with the England supporters, as my 'back-up team' (coz I occupy space in their country), but right now I'm pretty miffed with them!

I'm still in shock...

Right now though, I think I'm going to root for the S.Lanka... (Malinga! :rockon:)

*throws hissy fit* I cant believe we lost to England. ENGLAND! That's the most humiliating thing. Sounds stupid but I would have preferred to lose to Ireland. England, the ultimate insult :grumble: I think we're officially out now. Even if we win the next game, we cant make it :(
:upset: I was horrified too! WHAT were they thinking??!!

So much for the " We've been in this situation before, we know how to handle it.." And Yuvraj Singh's as usual arrogant 'warning' to England before the game. Big whoop.

Now I'm jumping on the NZ bandwagon.
:clap::clap:

I hope they do really well. :huggles: They need to put behind the embarrassing loss to Pak as an off day and concentrate on the coming games.

To be honest, if I have to pick the favourite to win the WC now, it would most certainly be S.A. Followed by W.I.

Apology not accepted. :td:
Agreed.

They know what they're in for when they get home :relax:

:upset: I was horrified too! WHAT were they thinking??!!

So much for the " We've been in this situation before, we know how to handle it.." And Yuvraj Singh's as usual arrogant 'warning' to England before the game. Big whoop.
Seriously, they need to grow up. WI and SA obviously have a good grip on strategy this time around, seems many of the other teams missed the memo.

To be honest, if I have to pick the favourite to win the WC now, it would most certainly be S.A. Followed by W.I.
That sounds about right but I think WI will win (having said tht SA wiil probably win :lol:)

They know what they're in for when they get home :relax:
They should be praying they'll be ignored like Australia was when they got home.

They should be praying they'll be ignored like Australia was when they got home.
That is never going to happen here :yuhup:

The media will have a field day. Especially because Dhoni has been very rude to the media of late and has even stormed out without answering questions and all that. It'll be payback time for the media here :lol:

What's been up with Dhoni? I didn't even see a report about Australia being kicked out of T20 on prime time TV. Had to wait for the late news :rolleyes: And they forced a little article in the back of the paper with no picture saying they lost on purpose (more or less) to prepare for the Ashes... hmmm nice attempt at a save there Ricky.

LOL wow really, a loss to prepare for the Ashes ? Oh Ricky, never change :lol:

I thought Pakistan played very well in the final and deserved it.

Yes while they weren't my favourite team to win they definitely deserved it. SL didn't bat all that well at all :no:

If Australia lose the Ashes now they have no excuse and Ricky's head will be on the chopping block. He'll have some serious questions to answer...

Waiting for July 8 when the real cricket starts.

Sophia Gardens will be a real wild card.

Yes I'm quite over T20. I don't mind it for a few games but IPL and then the T20WC is too much. Both have been overly average which doesn't help. Having said that I find The Ashes to be a total bore too. Bring on Season 2010.

Pakistan and West Indies will be heading here for 09/10.

Day one of the Ashes and KP proves beyond doubt that he is either stupid or selfish. There was no reason to play a low-odds T20 shot on the first day of a Test.

Yes I'm quite over T20. I don't mind it for a few games but IPL and then the T20WC is too much. Both have been overly average which doesn't help.

Pakistan and West Indies will be heading here for 09/10.

Pakistan played superbly in the T20 final. Really felt they deserved it.:cool:

Yeah, MAJOR T20 overload. but Test cricket isn't exactly the way of the future. (though Australia is STILL the world's best team in test cricket).

Still can't get over our tremendous victory! (Akmal,Shahzeb and Afridi played SUPERBLY under pressure. Especially Afridi. He's turned into a fine, seasoned all-rounder)

Pakistan will be heading where in 09/10?

So who's everyone rooting for in the Ashes ? Even though I'm currently in Australia, I'm still going for England LOL.

I'm an England fan and things are looking good at the moment, Australia are five wickets down but the Clarke/Haddin partnership needs to be broken soon.

I'm an England fan and things are looking good at the moment, Australia are five wickets down but the Clarke/Haddin partnership needs to be broken soon.

Yeah, Australia can still force a draw out of this match. They're still the best test-cricket team out there, despite losing their footing in the ODIs and T20s.

Btw, England really did waste time out there in the 1st Test. To say that they didn't is being naive. I'm rooting for England.

Here's hoping England win the third test !

I don't support Australia or England (although I am Australian) but I hope Australia win mostly because I just don't like the English team very much- which is a poor reason I know :lol:

I personally find Aust/England matches very dull. They have a completely different atmosphere to say Aust/India or Aust/SA for example.

LOL. I don't like the English team much either but I like the Australian one even less so yeah (and seeing as you are Australian I don't feel bad in saying that LOL - I'm in Australia at the moment and everyone expects me to support them and I'm like er no).

And I agree with you on the atmosphere part - the Aus/England matches do tend to be rather dull.

Oh I agree sort of :lol: I dislike the Australian team quite a lot (they've lost all their most charismatic players (Waugh, Warne, McGrath, Gilly) IMO and now they're just any old team. But still, England only just nudge out Australia for being my least favourite team :lol: India all the way!

I agree, India all the way :D

I'd hardly call this series dull...in the past there have been some really dull Eng/Aus matches because Australia were so dominant, but the 2005 series was one of the best I've ever seen and this series has been pretty good so far, with the tense draw at Cardiff and then the turnaround at Lords with Flintoff bowling amazingly.

I find pretty much all Aust/Eng matches boring because of the lack of personality in the teams (post Waugh/Warne/Gilly/McGrath). Hate to say it, but it's more than just a game when you get to professional level. If you think of top athletes in other sports (Roger Federer comes to mind) they are popular not only be cause they're the best, but they're entertaining to watch. Sure a close game is a good game but especially with test matches it's nice to have teams with a bit of personality. That might sound harsh but the Eng/Aust rivalry has died out so much. Ricky used to be out for blood but now it's all "oh jolly good we'll sure try our hardest :D" hmm great.
My favourite draw to watch is NZ/India. Two very very good teams, very charismatic and entertaining teams and they really add something extra to what can be, at times, a dull sport.

I did this for another forum(a cricket forum I post on). It's key Ashes players as Harry Potter Characters.

After my thoughts on Graham Onions' resemblance to Neville Longbottom, I (with some help from Hakon) starting thinking about which roles in the Harry Potter series are being filled by players in this series. It's more about their role, than their appearance, now. :)


Andrew Flintoff as Harry Potter
The key figure in the fight for good - the hero of the saga.

James Anderson as Ron Weasley
The right-hand-man in the quest - in the past has been a bit useless, but now does well. Gets the hot girl.

Paul Collingwood as Hermione Granger
Really important to fighting against evil, but nobody particularly wants to acknowledge it. Works very hard, is good at the job she's given, but it doesn't feel right if she's in charge. (No Stuart Broad jokes)

Graham Onions as Neville Longbottom
He looks like him. And is also not particularly threating in appearance, but is able to chop off the top part of your order/snake

Stuart Broad as Ginny Weasley
Looks pretty, the important people seem to love them, but what do they actually do?

Michael Vaughan as Albus Dumbledore
The former leader, who has had great success in the past - but is no longer around. Has had other achievements, but will be most remembered for battling against the dark forces

Kevin Pietersen as Severus Snape
He's good, no wait he's South Africanevil, no good, no South Africanevil. Used to be in charge, but had to hand the reins over.

Andrew Strauss as Minerva McGonagall
Now in charge of the good side, but everyone really preferred the other bloke.

Steve Harmison as Hagrid
He's a big bloke, isn't he!

Ravi Bopara as Terry Boot
Who?

Ian Bell as Dennis Creevey
Are you sure you're old enough to be here, mate?

---

Ricky Ponting as Lord Voldemort
The Dark Lord, the leader of all evil in the world.

Shane Watson as Bellatrix Lestrange
Fights for the forces of evil, yet is strangely, and unexplainably, ridiculously attractive

Mitchell Johnson as Draco Malfoy
Was given a job to do. Couldn't do it. However, the Dark Lord doesn't want to replace him, so someone else has to do the job for him

Troy Cooley as Peter Pettigrew
Used to be on the good side, but betrayed his friends to join the Dark Lord

Ben Hilfenhaus as Fenrir Greyback
Needs a shave

LOL I completelty disagree with most of them but that was fun :lol:

My favourite draw to watch is NZ/India. Two very very good teams, very charismatic and entertaining teams and they really add something extra to what can be, at times, a dull sport.
:agree: I totally agree! :love: They're such fun to watch :tu:

And that's a nice list Jamee999 :D

Stuart Broad as Ginny Weasley
Looks pretty, the important people seem to love them, but what do they actually do?

Shane Watson as Bellatrix Lestrange
Fights for the forces of evil, yet is strangely, and unexplainably, ridiculously attractive
So true! :lol: Loved this!

I must be the only person who doesn't find Shane Watson cute :lol:

I loved these ones and I guess those were the only ones I agreed with:

Ian Bell as Dennis Creevey
Are you sure you're old enough to be here, mate?
Ricky Ponting as Lord Voldemort
The Dark Lord, the leader of all evil in the world.
Mitchell Johnson as Draco Malfoy
Was given a job to do. Couldn't do it. However, the Dark Lord doesn't want to replace him, so someone else has to do the job for him

:lol:

Speaking of Draco Malfoy and Suart Broad, anyone else think Stuart Broad and Tom Felton look really alike or is that just me ?

Jamee999 from that list I gather you think the Australian team is the root of all evil... Cant wait until the Ashes are over and the interesting cricket starts :scared:

Of course they're the root of all evil, they're the Australian cricket team. :D

Ah, I see that we've given up our pretence of being good at cricket. It lasted longer than usual.

Australia are kicking butt in the fourth test! England all out for 102, what a joke. Australia currently ahead by 335 (England 0-8 in the 2nd innings). Good work by Ponting an North :tu:

ETA: I read something last week which said that India have taken Australia's place as the #2 ODI team :D Fills my heart with joy (but 2nd and 3rd place are very close so that could change if Australia win/retain the Ashes).

I'd hardly call this series dull...in the past there have been some really dull Eng/Aus matches because Australia were so dominant, but the 2005 series was one of the best I've ever seen and this series has been pretty good so far, with the tense draw at Cardiff and then the turnaround at Lords with Flintoff bowling amazingly.

Agreed.

I'm not calling this series dull in particular. I find all Eng/Aust contests dull because they lack the charisma and personality other matches (IMO) have.

The 4th test was entertaining not least of all because it was so one sided. Well not so much entertaining, but interesting to watch, particularly when Broad was batting in the second innings and they had half a shot.

This last test has been pretty entertaining no ?

I think so, perhaps just because England have been doing well :)
Did anyone listen to Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton on test match special today? They were pretty hilarious.. possibly slightly drunk. Trying to steal the job of Jonathan Agnew.

It would have been almost impossible for England to lose that, but I was getting a bit worried with the way Ponting & Hussey were going. The run outs obviously were the key moments in the 2nd innings, Clarke's was so so close but I think they got it right, Ponting was definitely short. Part of me did want them to get to something like 400-7 today though and take it to the fifth day :lol:

I was trying sooo hard to understand the series... I got a bit interested in cricket cos i spent the last 2 years in England.. And then i worked with a couple of Indian guys for a while, and they were nuts about cricket. But here in France, obviously, who knows about cricket...

So uhm, glad England won even tho it's a total mystery to me!:lol:

Is anybody else kinda... happy Flintoff has retried? He might be a good player but he comes across as being very big-headed and self-obsessed to me.

Hopefully now Ponting will be replaced. He's become the 'old man' of the team and while experience is good, he's shown he doesn't have all that much to offer anymore. He said that they got kicked out of T20 so early because they wanted to prepare for the Ashes... wow that worked out great Ricky!

Is anybody else kinda... happy Flintoff has retried? He might be a good player but he comes across as being very big-headed and self-obsessed to me.

Freddie is a bit annoying in the Warne mould and wasn't as great as he was made out to be but he tends to be more of a team player than Pietersen. (There's no "I" in team but two in Kevin Pietersen.)

Ricky Ponting has retired from international T20. Seems like a token gesture to me. He had to do something, so may as well get out of T20 and stay in real cricket.

Give him his due, Ponting was never a fan of T20.

Tough luck for South Africa. Their ICC tournament jinx continues. Great innings from Graeme Smith though. IMO not the best decision by Strauss to deny Smith a runner.

South Africa out once again. They find new ways of going out all the time in the ICC tournaments. Big mistake by SA in terms of venues. Should have played Sri Lanka at the Wanderers instead of Centurion.

India will probably follow them out, even though I am desperately hoping that that's not the case...:whistle:

Yes it looks like India will follow them out as well which sucks.

I was really expecting SA to progress this time.

Today marks 20 years of Sachin Tendulkar in international cricket (http://www.cricinfo.com/sachinat20/content/site/) and well, it's safe to say that he's achieved every major record. Here in India, almost everyone's a Tendulkar fan and I know he's got fans worldwide. :D

Of course, the usual debate is about whether Sachin is the greatest batsman ever. Never having watched Don Bradman myself, I'd definitely say it's Sachin. But of course, even if he isn't the greatest ever cricketer, he's one of the unforgettable greats.

So..any other Sachin fans here? What is your favourite Sachin Tendulkar shot? Favourite innings?

His straight drive is my all-time favourite shot! :tu: The paddle sweep is genius too. My favourite Sachin batting performances are too many to list. But some would be the brilliant knock in Sharjah, the match-winning 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup, every single century against Australia ( Most recently, the 175 in Hyderabad )

Sachin is one of those legends I would be proud to say I watched in action. :love: :)

As an Indian supporter (and general cricket lover) I'm a huge Tendulkar fan. He really is a wonderful athlete. I'll have to think about favourite innings, there are so many.

I'm disappointed in the result of the last India/Australia series but wow there were some great games in there! Nice to see the two teams fighting it out again rather than the one-sidedness we've seen in many international games recently.

I like 20/20 cricket.


I watched pretty much the entire 20/20 World Cup

I detest Test cricket. It just goes on too long, with the exception of The Ashes, where my English patriotism (or nationalism perhaps?) overwelms my sense of boredom.

In that sense, it's like golf. Normally I find it tedious, but if Europe loses to the USA in the Ryder Cup, I am incensed.

Anyone who watched Day 2 of third Australia v West Indies test would put up a good argument against it being boring.

In an incredible display Chris Gayle (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/gayle-house-rock-blazing-ton-lights-up-waca-test-20091217-l067.html?autostart=1) scored the fifth fastest century in test history, reaching the ton in 70 balls. One of his six sixes ended up on the roof of the Lillee-Marsh Stand.

There was almost a mid-pitch brawl.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/trio-face-disrepute-charges-over-stoush-20091217-l001.html

Anyone who watched Day 2 of third Australia v West Indies test would put up a good argument against it being boring.

In an incredible display Chris Gayle (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/gayle-house-rock-blazing-ton-lights-up-waca-test-20091217-l067.html?autostart=1) scored the fifth fastest century in test history, reaching the ton in 70 balls. One of his six sixes ended up on the roof of the Lillee-Marsh Stand.

There was almost a mid-pitch brawl.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/trio-face-disrepute-charges-over-stoush-20091217-l001.html

Chris Gayle has to be one of my favourite players and I love test cricket but he's always reported saying that test cricket is dead and T20 is the way forward. I guess it all comes down to what your personal opinion of cricket is, I was always brought up with the impression that cricket was the sort of game you could watch at the same time as reading a book :lol:

Test cricket is fantastic!
People say that fans prefer limited overs to Tests, well all I can say is each has got its own charm and a real fan of cricket will know how to appreciate both.
Chris Gayle mind blowing innings this week and Sehwag's fantastic almost-triple centurylast week, how can it get boring??

Test cricket is more about skill which is why I prefer it. I also love the way momentum can change really quickly and how matches can swing either way so you don't know the result until the final day.
People say it's boring, but I'm telling you that with the amount of cricket I've watched, you get a lot of boring, one sided Twenty20 and List A matches.:lol:

The England - SA series is certainly not boring. Just when you thought, the first test would be comfortable draw, England collapse like pack of cards and just manage to hold out for a draw. In the second test, its South Africa that collapsed and unfortunately for them, it happened far too early to hold out.
Third test starts tomorrow and I hope South Africa pull level in the series.

SA tends to go well at Newlands, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

As for test cricket being boring, day 5 at Centurion was one of the most exciting finishes I've ever seen, far more exciting than the average ODI. I think that if you take the time to learn the subtleties of test cricket, then it's never really boring, 'cause there's a lot going on under the surface. The only time I find it boring is when a team is trying to bat for a draw.