It's go time in less than two days again and I know we've got people here who already follow cricket or who are getting into it. Here's the pool/group stage schedule (we'll get into knockouts later) in TeamLiquid.net format (just because we can):
Italics indicate Test-playing teams
Pool A Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Scotland
February 14 New Zealand <Hagley Oval, Christchurch> Sri Lanka New Zealand wins by 98 runs
Australia <Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)> England Australia wins by 111 runs
February 17 New Zealand <University Oval, Dunedin> Scotland New Zealand wins by 3 wickets (with 151 balls remaining)
February 18 Bangladesh <Manuka Oval, Canberra> Afghanistan Bangladesh wins by 105 runs
February 20 England <Wellington Regional Stadium> New Zealand New Zealand wins by 8 wickets (with 226 balls remaining)
February 21 Australia <Wolloongabba Cricket Ground (The Gabba), Brisbane> Bangladesh No result (no play due to rain - each team receives a point)
February 22 Sri Lanka <University Oval, Dunedin> Afghanistan Sri Lanka wins by 4 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)
February 23 England <Hagley Oval, Christchurch> Scotland England wins by 119 runs
February 26 Afghanistan <University Oval, Dunedin> Scotland Afghanistan wins by 1 wicket (with 3 balls remaining)
Sri Lanka <Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)> Bangladesh Sri Lanka wins by 92 runs
February 28 New Zealand <Eden Park, Auckland> Australia New Zealand wins by 1 wicket (with 161 balls remaining)
March 1 England <Wellington Regional Stadium> Sri Lanka Sri Lanka wins by 9 wickets (with 16 balls remaining)
March 4 Australia <Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA), Perth> Afghanistan Australia wins by 275 runs
March 5 Bangladesh <Saxton Oval, Nelson> Scotland Bangladesh wins by 6 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)
March 8 New Zealand <McLean Park, Napier> Afghanistan New Zealand wins by 8 wickets (with 63 balls remaining)
Australia <Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)> Sri Lanka Australia wins by 64 runs
March 9 England <Adelaide Oval> Bangladesh Bangladesh wins by 15 runs
March 11 Sri Lanka <Bellerive Oval, Hobart> Scotland Sri Lanks wins by 148 runs
March 13 Bangladesh <Seddon Park, Hamilton> New Zealand New Zealand wins by 3 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
England <Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)> Afghanistan England wins by 9 wickets (with 41 balls remaining - Duckworth/Lewis Method)
March 14 Australia <Bellerive Oval, Hobart> Scotland Australia wins by 7 wickets (with 208 balls remaining)
Pool B India, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, UAE
February 15 South Africa <Seddon Park, Hamilton> Zimbabwe South Africa wins by 62 runs
India <Adelaide Oval> Pakistan India wins by 76 runs
February 16 West Indies <Saxton Oval, Nelson> Ireland Ireland wins by 4 wickets (with 25 balls remaining)
February 19 Zimbabwe <Saxton Oval, Nelson> UAE Zimbabwe wins by 4 wickets (with 12 balls remaining)
February 21 Pakistan <Hagley Oval, Christchurch> West Indies West Indies win by 150 runs
February 22 South Africa <Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)> India India wins by 130 runs
February 24 West Indies <Manuka Oval, Canberra> Zimbabwe West Indies win by 78 runs (Duckworth/Lewis Method) Note: West Indies' Chris Gayle (215) becomes first player to hit a double century at a World Cup and the first non-Indian to achieve the feat in an ODI
February 25 Ireland <Wolloongabba Cricket Ground (The Gabba), Brisbane> UAE Ireland wins by 2 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)
February 27 South Africa <Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)> West Indies South Africa wins by 257 runs
February 28 India <Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA), Perth> UAE India wins by 9 wickets (with 187 balls remaining)
March 1 Pakistan <Wolloongabba Cricket Ground (The Gabba), Brisbane> Zimbabwe Pakistan wins by 20 runs
March 3 South Africa <Manuka Oval, Canberra> Ireland South Africa wins by 201 runs
March 4 Pakistan <McLean Park, Napier> UAE Pakistan wins by 129 runs
March 6 India <Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA), Perth> West Indies India wins by 4 wickets (with 65 balls remaining)
March 7 South Africa <Eden Park, Auckland> Pakistan Pakistan wins by 29 runs (Duckworth/Lewis method)
Zimbabwe <Bellerive Oval, Hobart> Ireland Ireland wins by 5 runs
March 10 India <Seddon Park, Hamilton> Ireland India wins by 8 wickets (with 79 balls remaining)
March 12 South Africa <Wellington Regional Stadium> UAE South Africa wins by 146 runs
March 14 India <Eden Park, Auckland> Zimbabwe India wins by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
March 15 West Indies <McLean Park, Napier> UAE West Indies win by 6 wickets (with 117 balls remaining)
March 18 South Africa <Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)> Sri Lanka South Africa wins by 9 wickets (with 192 balls remaining)
March 19 India <Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)> Bangladesh India wins by 109 runs
March 20 Australia <Adelaide Oval> Pakistan Australia wins by 6 wickets (with 97 balls remaining)
March 21 New Zealand <Wellington Regional Stadium> West Indies New Zealand wins by 143 runs Note: New Zealand's Martin Guptill (238*) becomes second player to hit a double century at a World Cup
Semifinals
March 24 New Zealand <Eden Park, Auckland> South Africa New Zealand wins by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining - Duckworth/Lewis Method)
March 26 India <Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)> Australia Australia wins by 95 runs
2015 ICC World Cup Final March 29 Australia <Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)> New Zealand
On February 15 2015 13:14 {CC}StealthBlue wrote: Wish I could understand Cricket, but it is interesting how much Nationalism seems to play when it comes to India v Pakistan.
Oooh NZ vs England, finally some big teams after so many days of UAE, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. I have high hopes for NZ this world cup, they are such a massively improved side.
Despite been English I've been really enjoying the games. I love seeing the Associate members play. It's great to see them having the time of their lifes playing the bigger sides. I really don't like the talk about removing them from future World Cups. How is that going to help Cricket grow in these places.
On February 20 2015 19:32 FuRong wrote: Today was one of the first games I actually watched most of. Not disappointed, England got wrecked.
Watching the highlightslow points right now. We where awful. We are going to struggle against the associate nations with performances like that. New Zealand are pretty good right now. But we didn't even give you a game that was a shocking batting perfomance.
Im paki but rooting for nz this tournament and i got southee on my fantasy team, last nights game was good to see :D My team for anyone who was wondering: Kohli Miller Umar Akmal Maxwell AB Afridi Sarfraz Ahmed Malinga Senanyka Southee Boult
On February 20 2015 19:13 Greg_J wrote: Despite been English I've been really enjoying the games. I love seeing the Associate members play. It's great to see them having the time of their lifes playing the bigger sides. I really don't like the talk about removing them from future World Cups. How is that going to help Cricket grow in these places.
With ireland at the forefront yes the associates show promise uae almost beat zim scotland almost upset nz etc
There's definatelly no clear cut gap between the worst Test sides and the top Associate Members any more like there used to be.
I have no interest in Test Cricket and would be happy for that to die to be honest. No one watches it anyway. Cricket should be a one day event and T20 is where all the action is. There's too much snobery and protecting financial interests and this leads to the Associate nations hardly ever playing any games. They should be allowed to play the propper Test teams all the time even if they get spanked. The only way to get any interest in Netherlands, Ireland, Afghanistan, Nepal, Kenya and UAE is to have their teams playing exciting T20's more often against all the other nations.
I'm sure there will be cricket pureists who only like Test cricket but the game should be about entertainment and action or it's just not going to have a global apeal
On February 21 2015 00:43 Greg_J wrote: There's definatelly no clear cut gap between the worst Test sides and the top Associate Members any more like there used to be.
I have no interest in Test Cricket and would be happy for that to die to be honest. No one watches it anyway. Cricket should be a one day event and T20 is where all the action is. There's too much snobery and protecting financial interests and this leads to the Associate nations hardly ever playing any games. They should be allowed to play the propper Test teams all the time even if they get spanked. The only way to get any interest in Netherlands, Ireland, Afghanistan, Nepal, Kenya and UAE is to have their teams playing exciting T20's more often against all the other nations.
I'm sure there will be cricket pureists who only like Test cricket but the game should be about entertainment and action or it's just not going to have a global apeal
"I'm sure there will be some people who have a different opinion to me, but mine is the correct opinion"
Plenty of people enjoy test cricket. And one day/20-20 games. I like them all, they're different.
Glad to see we have some buzz going! I've just updated the OP with the results so far.
On February 21 2015 00:29 oneofthem wrote: When i look at this game, it seems similar to baseball, but the stats and whatnot for it are alchemy level arcane.
I thought the same, being an American who enjoys baseball among other sports, but I've gotten to warm to cricket too. Legend has it that Babe Ruth got to practice cricket during a visit to Australia and was a deadly hitter there, while Sir Don Bradman was known as the Babe of cricket. There is an interesting ESPN feature featuring Justin Upton, Chris Young and two Indian-American cricketers comparing the two sports.
On February 20 2015 19:13 Greg_J wrote: Despite been English, I've been really enjoying the games. I love seeing the Associate members play. It's great to see them having the time of their lives playing the bigger sides. I really don't like the talk about removing them from future World Cups. How is that going to help Cricket grow in these places?
Ireland beating the West Indies was definitely my favorite game so far. I liked the big outcry against it when it first arose four years ago, and Ireland, having beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh, England and now the Windies over the last three World Cups (successfully chasing 300+ targets to win in two of those games) are definitely making their case. As it is, it's something I can live with - a World Cup qualifier where the two lowest-ranked Test-playing nations (full members) are put into the qualifier against Associates.
On February 20 2015 19:55 Greg_J wrote: Watching the highlightslow points right now. We where awful. We are going to struggle against the associate nations with performances like that. New Zealand are pretty good right now. But we didn't even give you a game that was a shocking batting performance.
I thought England always had the chance of starting 0-2 because they were playing both host nations away, even if they played well.
On February 21 2015 00:47 marvellosity wrote: "I'm sure there will be some people who have a different opinion to me, but mine is the correct opinion"
Plenty of people enjoy test cricket. And one day/20-20 games. I like them all, they're different.
I think that's a little harsh. Of course my opinion is only an opinion and I didn't mean to imply that any other opinion is wrong. There are definitely people who like Test Cricket. So I apologise if i came off as arrogant in the way I wrote that.
On February 21 2015 00:48 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: I thought England always had the chance of starting 0-2 because they were playing both host nations away, even if they played well.
Yeah even if England had played well. Which we didn't there was always a good chance of losing our opening two matches against teams not just better than us right now but also hosting the tournament. I think it's more the manner of the defeats which is embarrassing. We also need to be careful not to turn this thread into a ridiculous is Baseball or Cricket better thread because that will be pointless and achieve nothing and probably get the thread shut pretty quickly. But we do need to except the fact that despite been a global forum Team Liquid is a predominantly American and Asian dominated website (I think) and these communities will likely be very familiar with Baseball and not so much with Cricket. So perhaps a little discussion to the differences and explaining the game should be definitely be tolerated.
On February 21 2015 00:48 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: I thought England always had the chance of starting 0-2 because they were playing both host nations away, even if they played well.
Yeah even if England had played well. Which we didn't there was always a good chance of losing our opening two matches against teams not just better than us right now but also hosting the tournament. I think it's more the manner of the defeats which is embarrassing. We also need to be careful not to turn this thread into a ridiculous is Baseball or Cricket better thread because that will be pointless and achieve nothing and probably get the thread shut pretty quickly. But we do need to except the fact that despite been a global forum Team Liquid is a predominantly American and Asian dominated website (I think) and these communities will likely be very familiar with Baseball and not so much with Cricket. So perhaps a little discussion to the differences and explaining the game should be definitely be tolerated.
Definitely agree on the last bit. That's the last thing we want here - we need to be considerate, in my opinion, of those TL users who reside in countries where cricket is much bigger, such as England, Australia, India, New Zealand and Pakistan.
I miss the glory days of Chris Gayle's Gayle storms lighting up Bangalore in the IPL. It can't be more than a couple of years ago. But he just hasn't played like that for a little while now.
edit: West Indies giving Pakistan catching practice. Gayle departs with anouther poor showing TT, West indies 17-1
edit 2: Not going well for West Indies 28-2. Pakistan are bowling well.
On February 21 2015 07:01 Greg_J wrote: I miss the glory days of Chris Gayle's Gayle storms lighting up Bangalore in the IPL. It can't be more than a couple of years ago. But he just hasn't played like that for a little while now.
edit: West Indies giving Pakistan catching practice. Gayle departs with anouther poor showing TT, West indies 17-1
edit 2: Not going well for West Indies 28-2. Pakistan are bowling well.
Sohail length and line is good but soooooooooo many drops
Yeah good bowling,especially to start with the West Indies looked really uncomfortable. But pretty poor catching in the field. Not all those chances where easy but they are professionals and you would expect them to be taken.
On February 21 2015 08:35 Greg_J wrote: Yeah good bowling,especially to start with the West Indies looked really uncomfortable. But pretty poor catching in the field. Not all those chances where easy but they are professionals and you would expect them to be taken.
I mean jamshed drop vs the wahab catch was quite comical
On a side note, when they put up the nz eng scoreboard i just got this huge smile N E W Z E A L A N D B O Y S
West Indies where really struggling early on. Pakistan really didn't take the chances they created and now WI's are starting to get to a pretty good score and Pakistan now look out of ideas.
On February 21 2015 09:59 Greg_J wrote: West Indies where really struggling early on. Pakistan really didn't take the chances they created and now WI's are starting to get to a pretty good score and Pakistan now look out of ideas.
This fielding is a joke, windies can make 300 here
If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
On February 21 2015 12:17 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 21 2015 11:48 Cricketer12 wrote:
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
And now we get 3 hours of tuk tuk...if they live that long
My guess is no. Misbah is down for 7 and left Pakistan at 25 for 5 when Russell got him out.
For what its worth these two have talent...but i doubt they will last long
As far as I'm concerned, it's just Umar Akmal, Maqsood and Afridi as people they have left who can seriously hit. Unless someone in their tail pulls an Ashton Agar, this is still no contest.
On February 21 2015 12:17 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 21 2015 11:48 Cricketer12 wrote:
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
And now we get 3 hours of tuk tuk...if they live that long
My guess is no. Misbah is down for 7 and left Pakistan at 25 for 5 when Russell got him out.
For what its worth these two have talent...but i doubt they will last long
As far as I'm concerned, it's just Umar Akmal, Maqsood and Afridi as people they have left who can seriously hit. Unless someone in their tail pulls an Ashton Agar, this is still no contest.
On February 21 2015 21:33 GTR wrote: shame australia vs bangladesh rained out - weather around this time in australia is so unpredictable
Probablly not a bad result for Bangladesh. I am sure they would have put on a better show than England but I think most people would expect Australia to have beaten them in the end. 3 points from their first two games gives Bangladesh a good chance of getting out of the group.
I'd say it's bad news for England like the media are around here but frankly I don't think it matters. England have been so poor they don't stand a chance if they keep playing how they have been.
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
And now we get 3 hours of tuk tuk...if they live that long
I don't understand why Misbah gets so much shit. He inherited an absolute catastrophe where half the team were jailed and the other half were under suspicion too. Not only that but they have been unable to play home games since the Sri Lanka bus attack.
He turned that side around and is the sole reason they have been winning series in all formats the last few years. He still has a test average of 49, ODI average of 43 both of which are exceptional. The man is an absolute hero for what he has done for his country, would love to have him on the aussie team!
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
And now we get 3 hours of tuk tuk...if they live that long
I don't understand why Misbah gets so much shit. He inherited an absolute catastrophe where half the team were jailed and the other half were under suspicion too. Not only that but they have been unable to play home games since the Sri Lanka bus attack.
He turned that side around and is the sole reason they have been winning series in all formats the last few years. He still has a test average of 49, ODI average of 43 both of which are exceptional. The man is an absolute hero for what he has done for his country, would love to have him on the aussie team!
The issue I have with Misbah is his all round defensive mindset that he has spread to the entire team since becoming cpt. If he was on australia, he would be undoubtedly an amazing player, but with pakistani politics in play Misbah is a very bad influence, Hafeez, Jumshaid, Shezad, they have all turned into tuks. Furthermore there was little justification for playing younis. On top of that WHY WOULD HE ELECT TO BOWL FIRST ?!
On February 22 2015 14:20 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: I know we all enjoy India against South Africa, but let's not forget the other game. Sri Lanka against Afghanistan is going down to the wire!
Much closer than anyone expected I think, major props to afghanistan and to perera for winning the game for Sri Lanka
On February 22 2015 14:20 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: I know we all enjoy India against South Africa, but let's not forget the other game. Sri Lanka against Afghanistan is going down to the wire!
Much closer than anyone expected I think, major props to Afghanistan and to Perera for winning the game for Sri Lanka
For sure.
On February 22 2015 19:14 Greg_J wrote: It's frustrating seeing half of every game before I fall asleep. But I guess Australia/New Zealand are the other side fo the world.
On February 22 2015 12:50 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Is there anything AB de Villiers cant do? just ran out Rohit Sharma with a lovely throw
Just saw that on the highlights. Wow what a sensational bit of fielding.
Agreed - and the crazy thing was India were as good with those that game, and that's not something that can always be said when they play South Africa.
On February 21 2015 11:45 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: If you're not watching, as I type this, you had better get in on it somehow. As of this instant, Pakistan is - and I kid you not - 1 for 4. Yes, 1 for 4, with Jamshed, Younis and Haris all gone for ducks at the hands of Taylor and Holder.
And now we get 3 hours of tuk tuk...if they live that long
I don't understand why Misbah gets so much shit. He inherited an absolute catastrophe where half the team were jailed and the other half were under suspicion too. Not only that but they have been unable to play home games since the Sri Lanka bus attack.
He turned that side around and is the sole reason they have been winning series in all formats the last few years. He still has a test average of 49, ODI average of 43 both of which are exceptional. The man is an absolute hero for what he has done for his country, would love to have him on the aussie team!
The issue I have with Misbah is his all round defensive mindset that he has spread to the entire team since becoming cpt. If he was on australia, he would be undoubtedly an amazing player, but with pakistani politics in play Misbah is a very bad influence, Hafeez, Jumshaid, Shezad, they have all turned into tuks. Furthermore there was little justification for playing younis. On top of that WHY WOULD HE ELECT TO BOWL FIRST ?!
I have so many issues with what you have said here.
- How is he involved in the board politics exactly? And how is he a bad influence? I'm quite sure that actually scoring runs and winning series isn't a bad influence. - What makes him so bad with Pakistan if he would supposedly be better in Australia's team? He's the same bloke - What is wrong with a defensive mindset while batting? It sure works better than Afridi's method, look at their averages. - Does he even get to pick Younis? That is a selection panel decision. Which he isn't part of. - You mention Hafeez as being negatively influenced who isn't even playing through injury and bowling suspension cos he's a chucker - Why wouldn't he elect to bowl first? It was a reasonable decision. Not his fault Jamshed, Irfan and Afridi (twice!) dropped catches.
Finally, if he's such a bad influence, who replaces him? Afridi after he had the captaincy removed in 2011? Younis for the 10 millionth time? Hafeez who legally cannot bowl?
England won a game and still played like crap. One day cricket is just shockingly bad from England and has been for years. When will they grow some balls and start actually being aggressive. New Zealand are in fact on paper a pretty average team on paper but their batsman actually go out their and bat aggressively and force the game upon teams. Thats why they are probably the best bet to challenge South Africa/Australia for the title this world cup.
On February 23 2015 18:32 Pandemona wrote: England won a game and still played like crap. One day cricket is just shockingly bad from England and has been for years. When will they grow some balls and start actually being aggressive. New Zealand are in fact on paper a pretty average team on paper but their batsman actually go out their and bat aggressively and force the game upon teams. Thats why they are probably the best bet to challenge South Africa/Australia for the title this world cup.
The NZ squad is hardly 'average' on paper or otherwise
It is compared to the big boys. Also the ICC rankings say so too.
Australia India South Africa Sri Lanka New Zealand England Pakistan West Indes
New Zealand playing much better than India and Sri Lanka but the squad is not as good as either of those on paper. At this moment in time considering form and home crowd you would put them as joint favorites with Aussies to win the whole thing. Which imo is just purely down to brute force attacking batsman they have.
I always go back to the way the Aussies approached one day cricket when they had Hayden and Gillie opening the batting. That for me is how you should play ODI cricket, your 3rd and 4th choice batsman should be the knock it around guys whist the 2 openers should be the ones to abuse the power play for 10 overs and get a good start. Doesn't work all the time i agree but im pretty sure it is the best way to play ODI cricket, especially due to the amounts of T20 cricket and the mindset.
ICC rankings are not really indicative of anything, I remember when England was the number 1 test team in the world even though everyone knew SA was much stronger. I would like to continue but im not sure what you mean by 'on paper', do you mean statistically?
Since 2014 I dont think its particularly churlish to say that the NZ ODI bowling unit, for example, is better than both Sri Lanka's bowling attack (essentially Malinga + 1, normally Herath) and India's (which is pretty shoddy in general; performance against SA not withstanding)
On paper i mean as a reference to how pundits see it. Do pundits see New Zealand as a better squad than India and Sri Lanka no. But they are showing signs of being the dark horse for the tournament in their 3 displays so far.
I get what your saying to me that they aren't "bad" or "weak" i agree but they were never considered to be above where they are in the rankings which were updated on saturday.
But i was just using them as a reference for my point on the way England play. McCullum and co can really hit a ball and even the softer players in Taylor can smack it. Just think England bat like they play test cricket every format and it is just so predictable and boring.
I mean is any other ODI team as boring as England is to watch right now when they bat? I don't think so, every team has a well established big hitter. Aus = Warner and many more New Zea = McCullum South Afr = DeVilliers Sri Lana = Dilshan India = Raina/Dhoni West Indes = Gayle
England =....Jos Butler? Guy is a 1 in 10 innings guy if you're lucky. Other than that we rely on Moeen Ali who just doesn't seem to cut it. We need Hayles opening with Ali to get it going fast then add in Bell and Taylor to stroke with Root/rest to follow.
Ahh well im just bitter because our best batsman has been exiled for speaking the truth (Pietersen)
On February 23 2015 22:36 Greg_J wrote: Ian Bell 54 runs | 85 balls | 2 4's | 0 6's |
Against Scotland. He's playing Test Cricket.
Yeah i mean wtf he doing for fuck sake. Listening to Nasser and Strauss before the game they were like its time for them to try and get some confidence now and play some shots. Bell getting 54 runs and 2 boundaries!!! Is surely not getting any confidence and made him feel even more vulnerable!
Im not sure, when is the last time England played "expansive" cricket, probably under Fletcher but that was mainly due to having the likes of Pietersen and Flintoff in the team at the same time. But yeah i think the whole selectors and board at the ECB have to have a look at the way they coach/set the team up/play.
Take a note of the Aussies which everyone screamed at us to do 10 years ago and actually do it this time xD
On February 23 2015 22:58 Pandemona wrote: Im not sure, when is the last time England played "expansive" cricket, probably under Fletcher but that was mainly due to having the likes of Pietersen and Flintoff in the team at the same time. But yeah i think the whole selectors and board at the ECB have to have a look at the way they coach/set the team up/play.
Take a note of the Aussies which everyone screamed at us to do 10 years ago and actually do it this time xD
Could we throw the Andy Flower era (particularly 2009-2011) in there? I know that team only reached the World Cup quarters, but I also look at two Ashes series wins (including one in Australia) and the World T20 title.
On February 23 2015 22:58 Pandemona wrote: Im not sure, when is the last time England played "expansive" cricket, probably under Fletcher but that was mainly due to having the likes of Pietersen and Flintoff in the team at the same time. But yeah i think the whole selectors and board at the ECB have to have a look at the way they coach/set the team up/play.
Take a note of the Aussies which everyone screamed at us to do 10 years ago and actually do it this time xD
Could we throw the Andy Flower era (particularly 2009-2011) in there? I know that team only reached the World Cup quarters, but I also look at two Ashes series wins (including one in Australia) and the World T20 title.
It's not that im moaning about its the fact that in ODI cricket England play slow and boring cricket. They all had good eras in test cricket and T20 we are not "terrible" due to playing some guys that are attackers.
In ODI they just terribly slow. No flair players at all
On February 24 2015 03:38 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 23 2015 22:58 Pandemona wrote: Im not sure, when is the last time England played "expansive" cricket, probably under Fletcher but that was mainly due to having the likes of Pietersen and Flintoff in the team at the same time. But yeah i think the whole selectors and board at the ECB have to have a look at the way they coach/set the team up/play.
Take a note of the Aussies which everyone screamed at us to do 10 years ago and actually do it this time xD
Could we throw the Andy Flower era (particularly 2009-2011) in there? I know that team only reached the World Cup quarters, but I also look at two Ashes series wins (including one in Australia) and the World T20 title.
It's not that im moaning about its the fact that in ODI cricket England play slow and boring cricket. They all had good eras in test cricket and T20 we are not "terrible" due to playing some guys that are attackers.
In ODI they just terribly slow. No flair players at all
I don't know what it is about the 50-over format that spooks these folks. Maybe we could talk about the fact that folks who have succeeded at T20 level are not in play such as Craig Kieswetter (not in the squad) and Alex Hales (in the squad but not playing.)
New Zealand playing much better than India and Sri Lanka but the squad is not as good as either of those on paper. At this moment in time considering form and home crowd you would put them as joint favorites with Aussies to win the whole thing. Which imo is just purely down to brute force attacking batsman they have.
I always go back to the way the Aussies approached one day cricket when they had Hayden and Gillie opening the batting. That for me is how you should play ODI cricket, your 3rd and 4th choice batsman should be the knock it around guys whist the 2 openers should be the ones to abuse the power play for 10 overs and get a good start. Doesn't work all the time i agree but im pretty sure it is the best way to play ODI cricket, especially due to the amounts of T20 cricket and the mindset.
Wowowowwo slow down...
For starters. Sri Lanka is fielding their weakest team in a decade they are not on paper better than New Zealand. India too on paper are not better than New Zealand. Not even a bit. India has a strong batting lineup but is in no way vastly superior to NZ. The only position that India has New Zealand beat position for position is perhaps the second opener slot. I rate Sharma more than Guptill, and Sharma has been garbatge.
Thats about it. On current form even Williamson gives Kohli a run for his money so Im not giving him the edge there. Additionally and this is the most important part. New Zealand has the most potent new ball pair in the game and has for a while.
Now lets move on to "Aussies approach". The only reason Hayden and Gillie played the way they did was because thats how Hayden and Gillie played. And thats frankly pretty much how Warner and Finch play to. They had no such culture of opening bats like that prior to this. The closest anyone got to that would be Michael Slater, and maybe Dean Jones before him. Waugh (Mark) was a touch player, Taylor was like his nickname a tubby sort of cricketer. So it wasnt really the "Aussie approach". That would be giving them credit for something they didnt come up with.
It was actually Sri Lanka in 96 who came up with the idea of abusing the 15 over restriction (at the time) or as you would the powerplay to attack. Jayasuriya got a man of the tournament out of it. Also helps it was the subcontinent where he could short arm jab cuts and pulls on length balls around off stump, but thats besides the point.
Teams also bat very low these days. So the wickets in hand with a solid 4.5-5.5 an over is a more dominant batting strategy.
Nearly every team has competent hitters all the way down to 7 or 8. Atleast the established test playing nations do for sure.
Now as fun as clobbering teams in the powerplay sounds, with 2 new balls and the fact that we are finally having a world cup on pitches that have some juice + Show Spoiler +
(although still watered down to suit batsmen. Oh Hai BCCI, enjoying running cricket?)
that is not viable against better bowling attacks. Moeen Ali might be swatting the Scots around and hes got game for sure, but he cant be like that versus better attacks. He wont fare. Maybe a quickfire 30-40 odd but thats about it.
If anything this worldcup has proven, its that being circumspect early on and building an innings means you are nearly guaranteed a 300+ score unless your team cocks up. No one has been a better reflection of this than Dhawan. Need other examples ?
Williamson, Finch, Coetzer, Kohli, Joyce and a few others I cant think off but I know they are there...
And in this era of lousy temperaments scoreboard pressure is by far the biggest factor if you can put a string of balls in the same place. The SA - India is a pretty good indication of that aswell. I pick that one because Pakistan cocking up a chase of anything over 220 is standard and most of the other teams chasing 300 had a decent go of it but were never likely to chase it. Ireland ofcourse did.
Finally I dont think you can be to harsh on England. Yeah they got destroyed but to be fair they also played the 2 best teams at the tournament and at their home venues no less. Doesnt get harder than that. I expect they will qualify and lose their quarter. Thats about as good as they are.
Well you say the Aussies dont have an approach but from my knowledge of 1995 cricket onwards they always seemed to be the guys going after you in all formats of the game, aggressive strong cricket. The most bamboozling of this is they have yet to win a T20 world cup due to how good they seem to be in terms of aggressors. Always seems to be a new guy coming through ready to smash a 100 off 50 balls etc.
Might just be what i watch though but i try to keep up to date with alot
I still see Sri Lanka and India much deeper roster wise than New Zealand though, even if Sharma is out for India.
On February 24 2015 08:12 RowdierBob wrote: India's bowling is too weak. Their spinners aren't suited to Australian conditions. If their batting doesn't fire they're in big trouble.
I think it will come down to aus, nz, India and SA. From there it's a bit of a lottery given knockout format.
I think Australia NZ will be a big game in seeing how the rest of the tournament might go
On February 24 2015 06:06 Pandemona wrote: I still see Sri Lanka and India much deeper roster wise than New Zealand though, even if Sharma is out for India.
Initially, I would be inclined to agree, but I don't think the gap is that big. Since Zaheer Khan and RP Singh aren't here, India doesn't have a fast bowler to match Southee (which is something Sri Lanka can lay claim to because of Malinga.) Spin-wise...Hmm. No side that I can think of in this tournament has a real spin king, especially since Sunil Narine withdrew from the West Indian squad. Batting...I think that's where India and Sri Lanka have advantages since they're a bit deeper (though Brendon McCullum, in this form, is a match for any other batter in this tournament.)
On February 24 2015 08:34 Cricketer12 wrote: I think Australia-NZ will be a big game in seeing how the rest of the tournament might go
I really think so too. The way things are going, don't be surprised if that game determines who wins Pool A.
Guys, if you're not watching the West Indies against Zimbabwe, do so now. Chris Gayle just became the first non-Indian to hit a double century and the first to do it in a World Cup!
Edit: In the books. 215 from 147 balls with ten fours and an ODI co-world record 16 sixes. Highest score in a World Cup and the third highest score ever in an ODI. The only other players to have hit one-day double hundreds are (in order) Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma (twice). Amidst all this, Marlon Samuels also got a century and finished 133 not out.
On February 24 2015 06:06 Pandemona wrote: Well you say the Aussies dont have an approach but from my knowledge of 1995 cricket onwards they always seemed to be the guys going after you in all formats of the game, aggressive strong cricket. The most bamboozling of this is they have yet to win a T20 world cup due to how good they seem to be in terms of aggressors. Always seems to be a new guy coming through ready to smash a 100 off 50 balls etc.
Might just be what i watch though but i try to keep up to date with alot
I still see Sri Lanka and India much deeper roster wise than New Zealand though, even if Sharma is out for India.
Australia being aggressive cricketers has been the case since forever.Thats their nature But being aggressive cricketers doesnt mean anything in terms of being attacking against the new ball. They tend to respect it and keep a healthy rate. They dont try to kill it.
hes followed the same thing I mentioned earlier. The boundaries are short and the end of the powerplay just means one extra fielder outside the ring. The powerplay thing doesnt matter much anymore.
As I said Sri Lanka has a weak roster. They are relying on their old guard tor ride through this worldcup. They will drop significantly when the big 3 and Malinga retire after the world cup. Those 4 are pretty much the whole team.So I dont know what depth you are talking about.
Mathews has a lot of heavy lifting in his career for the next few years.
India has garbage bowling. When your best bowler is Ravi Ashwin in Australia you dont have much going for you. Yes they beat SA but again like, I said yesterday scoreboard pressure will turn the most toothless attack into demons if they are accurate enough. Ishant Sharma is also a shit bowler. Their batting ofcourse is world class no doubt
Look at the end of the day just look at their averages and compare them position for position. That is plenty of evidence on its own..
As for Australia having new guys smashing 100 of 50. Not sure what you watch but they arent very high or often in the list of people doing stuff like that. Part of that is that they dont get to play on flat decks or tiny grounds but they arent anywhere near there
T20 cricket rewards bits and pieces cricket. There is nothing surprising about Australia not having won a T20. They dont treat it with the sort of priority they do test and 50 over cricket.
Im that guy who gets up to watch test matches at 5 am CET. Believe me I know what im talking about.
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are a few big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
First player to record a T20 international century, an ODI double century and a Test triple century
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the world cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesnt let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murli and Vaas or Murli on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
On February 24 2015 16:23 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the World Cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesn't let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murali and Vaas or Murali on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
Okay. That's just what the Cricinfo commentary was saying. And I understand Zimbabwe doesn't have Australia's or New Zealand's bowling attack, but I don't think either of us could simply go out and score a double ton in any World Cup game, right?
On February 24 2015 16:23 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the World Cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesn't let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murali and Vaas or Murali on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
Okay. That's just what the Cricinfo commentary was saying. And I understand Zimbabwe doesn't have Australia's or New Zealand's bowling attack, but I don't think either of us could simply go out and score a double ton in any World Cup game, right?
Im not discounting the achievement but the list provides evidence to suggest that if you remove associates and Zimbabwe from the equation all of sudden the reading isnt pretty.
Im not saying anyone can do it. I'm saying whoever can do it is doing it against very very weak lineups. Good teams find a way to avoid being murdered.
On February 24 2015 16:47 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:42 Rebs wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:23 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the World Cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesn't let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murali and Vaas or Murali on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
Okay. That's just what the Cricinfo commentary was saying. And I understand Zimbabwe doesn't have Australia's or New Zealand's bowling attack, but I don't think either of us could simply go out and score a double ton in any World Cup game, right?
I'm not discounting the achievement but the list provides evidence to suggest that if you remove associates and Zimbabwe from the equation all of sudden the reading isnt pretty.
I'm not saying anyone can do it. I'm saying whoever can do it is doing it against very very weak lineups. Good teams find a way to avoid being murdered.
Sometimes, but not all the time. Sachin's original was against South Africa with Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis in their bowling attack and one of Sharma's was against Australia...no, wait, they did have an uncharacteristically soft attack there too. Saeed Anwar also darn near did it against India.
On February 24 2015 16:47 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:42 Rebs wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:23 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the World Cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesn't let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murali and Vaas or Murali on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
Okay. That's just what the Cricinfo commentary was saying. And I understand Zimbabwe doesn't have Australia's or New Zealand's bowling attack, but I don't think either of us could simply go out and score a double ton in any World Cup game, right?
I'm not discounting the achievement but the list provides evidence to suggest that if you remove associates and Zimbabwe from the equation all of sudden the reading isnt pretty.
I'm not saying anyone can do it. I'm saying whoever can do it is doing it against very very weak lineups. Good teams find a way to avoid being murdered.
Sometimes, but not all the time. Sachin's original was against South Africa and one of Sharma's was against Australia. Saeed Anwar also darn near did it against India.
All of which were in India on the flatest T20 decks imaginable. That isnt the scope of our discussion though. Because while its not like everyone is going around scoring 200+ in ODI's not everyone gets to play day in day out on flat decks either like the Indians do and they invest alottttt in it. Like more than the rest of the world combined so fair credit.
I was talking with respect to world cups. 9 of the top 10 WC scores involve Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Namibia, East Africa and the UAE. With Gayles 200 that makes it 10 out of 10.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka feature more often because they made every world cup for the past 40 years so more chances for someone to throttle them. Sri Lanka without Murali Vaas or a health Malinga are a joke
On February 24 2015 16:56 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:52 Rebs wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:47 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:42 Rebs wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:23 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the World Cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesn't let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murali and Vaas or Murali on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
Okay. That's just what the Cricinfo commentary was saying. And I understand Zimbabwe doesn't have Australia's or New Zealand's bowling attack, but I don't think either of us could simply go out and score a double ton in any World Cup game, right?
I'm not discounting the achievement but the list provides evidence to suggest that if you remove associates and Zimbabwe from the equation all of sudden the reading isnt pretty.
I'm not saying anyone can do it. I'm saying whoever can do it is doing it against very very weak lineups. Good teams find a way to avoid being murdered.
Sometimes, but not all the time. Sachin's original was against South Africa and one of Sharma's was against Australia. Saeed Anwar also darn near did it against India.
All of which were in India on the flattest T20 decks imaginable. That isn't the scope of our discussion though
I was talking with respect to World Cups. 9 of the top 10 WC scores involve Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Namibia and the UAE.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka feature more often because they made every World Cup for the past 40 years, so more chances for someone to throttle them. Sri Lanka without Murali, Vaas or a healthy Malinga are a joke
Fair enough. I just have to wonder...when this happens, is it more about a bowling attack, captain and fielding unit being bereft of inspiration or is it more about a batsman/batter who just takes an innings by the throat and becomes unstoppable? Obviously, I don't watch as much cricket as you guys do even though I enjoy it, so I may not be the best to answer.
On February 24 2015 16:56 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:52 Rebs wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:47 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:42 Rebs wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:23 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote:
On February 24 2015 16:16 tehh4ck3r wrote: What an innings!
On February 24 2015 16:16 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Also the highest partnership in ODI history
More records broken there than we could shake a bat at. Here are two big ones we haven't mentioned too much (the second is what you're talking about, Ultimo:
Highest ODI score by a West Indian (previous record: 189 not out by Sir Viv Richards against England in 1984)
Highest-scoring partnership in any ODI (with Marlon Samuels) (previous record: 331 by Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly against New Zealand in 1999)
Not NZ, it was Sri Lanka at Taunton in the World Cup. Ganguly went on a inside out six party and Dravid was just solid hitting safe shots for 4. India scored over 400 that day.
Most batting records in world cups involve Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and random associates. There is no coincidence there. Its just weaker attacks that eventually hit a destructive batsmen on a good day. Top level opposition doesn't let you do that. Sri Lanka minus Murali and Vaas or Murali on a bad day are a pathetic bowling attack.
Okay. That's just what the Cricinfo commentary was saying. And I understand Zimbabwe doesn't have Australia's or New Zealand's bowling attack, but I don't think either of us could simply go out and score a double ton in any World Cup game, right?
I'm not discounting the achievement but the list provides evidence to suggest that if you remove associates and Zimbabwe from the equation all of sudden the reading isnt pretty.
I'm not saying anyone can do it. I'm saying whoever can do it is doing it against very very weak lineups. Good teams find a way to avoid being murdered.
Sometimes, but not all the time. Sachin's original was against South Africa and one of Sharma's was against Australia. Saeed Anwar also darn near did it against India.
All of which were in India on the flattest T20 decks imaginable. That isn't the scope of our discussion though
I was talking with respect to World Cups. 9 of the top 10 WC scores involve Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Namibia and the UAE.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka feature more often because they made every World Cup for the past 40 years, so more chances for someone to throttle them. Sri Lanka without Murali, Vaas or a healthy Malinga are a joke
Fair enough. I just have to wonder...when this happens, is it more about a bowling attack, captain and fielding unit being bereft of inspiration or is it more about a batsman/batter who just takes an innings by the throat and becomes unstoppable? Obviously, I don't watch as much cricket as you guys do even though I enjoy it, so I may not be the best to answer.
Its a bit of both. When its your day its your day. No much oppositions can do about it sometimes. But all top teams have bowlers who if they do it right can stop the flow. I mean Chigumbura came threw 2 balls wide of Gayle and got him on the last one.
Everyone was offering him lengh and letting him swing close to his body. Ofcourse he will Murder you, hes a beast. Sometimes very obvious things dont occur to teams when faced with the onslaught and also it becomes sooo hard to execute when a guy whose seeing it so early and the size of a football is staring you down.
On February 21 2015 07:01 Greg_J wrote: I miss the glory days of Chris Gayle's Gayle storms lighting up Bangalore in the IPL. It can't be more than a couple of years ago. But he just hasn't played like that for a little while now.
Wooo hooo. Gayle storm He's taking wickets now too. edit: Scratch 2 for this monster
Well he has 22 ODI centuries but most of his heavy bashing was earlier in his career at the ODI level.|
Fact is he has had a mediocre 3-4 ODI years but that was always a question of mindset. 50 over cricket requires a significantly different methodology than 20 over and he was just having difficulty translating it. He averages like 14 in the last 2 years in ODI's so this was good for him.
Yeah before this 200 his best score was in the series against South Africa of 41, then alot of single figures and a 30 odd. (in the last few innings that is)
Still when it comes off players like Gayle and McCullum are a joy to watch. Make cricket entertaining even to those who don't consider the game fun.
On February 25 2015 00:17 Rebs wrote: Well he has 22 ODI centuries, but most of his heavy bashing was earlier in his career at the ODI level.
Fact is he has had a mediocre 3-4 ODI years but that was always a question of mindset. 50-over cricket requires a significantly different methodology than 20-over and he was just having difficulty translating it. He averages, like, 14 in the last 2 years in ODI's so this was good for him.
On February 25 2015 00:29 Pandemona wrote: Yeah before this 200, his best score was in the series against South Africa of 41, then a lot of single figures and a 30 odd. (in the last few innings that is)
Still when it comes off players like Gayle and McCullum are a joy to watch. Make cricket entertaining even to those who don't consider the game fun.
The one 50-over outing of his that I distinctly remember is his innings in Jaipur against South Africa in the 2006 Champions Trophy semis when he had 133 not out off 135 facing a darn good South African bowling attack - Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel and Jacques Kallis (and even Graeme Smith didn't give away runs for free with part-time spin.) The two innings of his before this that I remember more vividly were his 88 off 50 at the Oval in the 2009 World T20 (including 27 runs with three sixes and two fours in one over against Brett Lee) and his 75 not out off 41 in Colombo in the 2012 World T20 semis on the way to the Windies winning the tournament (including 6 sixes.)
Yeah, he has slowed down since bursting on the international scene for sure. However domestic T20 he is still such good fun. Shame the West Indes selection process is a bit random at this moment in time. Would be fun to see him in Test cricket again xD
On February 25 2015 05:16 Pandemona wrote: Yeah, he has slowed down since bursting on the international scene for sure. However domestic T20 he is still such good fun. Shame the West Indes selection process is a bit random at this moment in time. Would be fun to see him in Test cricket again xD
Didnt he become the first player to hit a 6 in the opening delivery of a test a couple of years ago vs Bangladesh?
On February 25 2015 05:16 Pandemona wrote: Yeah, he has slowed down since bursting on the international scene for sure. However, (in) domestic T20, he is still such good fun. Shame the West Indies selection process is a bit random at this moment in time. Would be fun to see him in Test cricket again xD
"A bit random" is being far too kind to the WICB, in my opinion. This 50-over side is missing three members of its 2012 World T20-winning team: Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Nerine (though the last was voluntary, as he was not confident that the ICC would clear his action.)
Ireland Vs UAE is coming down to an interesting conclusion. Ireland looked like they where going to do it easyily but have lost their big hitter. Now they just have to get through at a run a ball. But a wicket and this game could easyily swing.
On February 25 2015 20:12 Greg_J wrote: Ireland Vs UAE is coming down to an interesting conclusion. Ireland looked like they where going to do it easyily but have lost their big hitter. Now they just have to get through at a run a ball. But a wicket and this game could easyily swing.
Well they lost the wicket but they bat deep. O Brien did the job..
Interesting action this time out. Scotland looking to surprise Afghanistan after taking a flurry of wickets, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh go at it at the MCG.
Wow the highlights of Scotland Vs Afghanistan looked exciting. That miss from the direct hit attempt needed to take Afghanistan's final wicket when they themselves needed just 4 runs to win. So close.
AB what a player. If Messi and Ronaldo are competing for worlds best player this guy has no equal. He can do it all and he does it with class. An absolute monster, privilege to watch him play.
AB is just on another level. He's far and away the best player at this World Cup.
It's interesting that all the big games to date have been dominated by the team batting first. Hope we'll start to see some better chases (hard when going for 300+ though...).
On February 27 2015 20:33 RowdierBob wrote: AB is just on another level. He's far and away the best player at this World Cup.
It's interesting that all the big games to date have been dominated by the team batting first. Hope we'll start to see some better chases (hard when going for 300+ though...).
On February 27 2015 20:33 RowdierBob wrote: AB is just on another level. He's far and away the best player at this World Cup.
It's interesting that all the big games to date have been dominated by the team batting first. Hope we'll start to see some better chases (hard when going for 300+ though...).
The only teams who are strong chasing are New Zealand, Australia and India anyway. SA have a bit of a bottle problem otherwise they are the best to do it on paper.
Scoreboard pressure turns the best teams to chumps. Bat first is the template for this WC in Aus, The pitches are drop in and although some have bounce are pretty flat. Its harder to chase though because the bowling disadvantages such as dew and the pitch slowing up dont happen there so its harder to chase.
I was joking about Gayle been a bowler, even he was joking about it the other day. He said something along the lines of 'I'm not worried about my bowling' after making that 215 against Zimbabwe.
WIll Bangalore have Gayle, De Villiers, Kohli and Dilshan again this year. Could be spectacular.
Hahaha classic! Sucks that the West have to wake up so early though, but such is life
One thing I've always wondered about is how different countries perceive their own national teams. I've always felt as if South Africans are extremely fickle when it comes to supporting their own team. For instance, the same people who would be extremely negative and who would rip on SA, calling them chokers etc after a loss will usually completely and drastically change their opinions after a win.
It seems as if this also applies to the Australians, but is this true for everyone?
On February 28 2015 19:41 Hoender wrote: Hahaha classic! Sucks that the West have to wake up so early though, but such is life
One thing I've always wondered about is how different countries perceive their own national teams. I've always felt as if South Africans are extremely fickle when it comes to supporting their own team. For instance, the same people who would be extremely negative and who would rip on SA, calling them chokers etc after a loss will usually completely and drastically change their opinions after a win.
It seems as if this also applies to the Australians, but is this true for everyone?
Really? Everyone I know is super confident (often to a fault) of the national team, which is probably where the stereotype of obnoxious Australian cricket supporter comes from. Following every loss will be some variation of 'they got lucky, we'll smash em next time'.
I'm not sure I am representative of your average Brit. But I rediscovered cricket in the last 3 year or so watching the IPL and other T20 leagues. So I really just like to watch whoevers the most entertaining. I don't really know the England team as well as some of the other superstars but it would be nice if the England where a bit better though.
On February 28 2015 19:41 Hoender wrote: Hahaha classic! Sucks that the West have to wake up so early though, but such is life
One thing I've always wondered about is how different countries perceive their own national teams. I've always felt as if South Africans are extremely fickle when it comes to supporting their own team. For instance, the same people who would be extremely negative and who would rip on SA, calling them chokers etc after a loss will usually completely and drastically change their opinions after a win.
It seems as if this also applies to the Australians, but is this true for everyone?
Really? Everyone I know is super confident (often to a fault) of the national team, which is probably where the stereotype of obnoxious Australian cricket supporter comes from. Following every loss will be some variation of 'they got lucky, we'll smash em next time'.
Ah ok. I must admit I'm pretty much basing that all on a couple of articles I read some years back, when SA were playing Australia and we were winning the series pretty convincingly.
Ye, Australians are super confident and think they're the shit, but that's because they have consistently been able to prove it I do wonder though if their attitude towards their national team would be more like that of the South African supporters if Australia actually lost a bit more regularly than they do now. Hopefully not; the level of toxicity present in South Africa is really not something I would wish on any country.
omg omg omg England batsman played an aggressive shot and got 6 runs from it. Wowww :D
Morgan 16 from 25...can he show us why he got the captain or will he collapse
England 139-3 from 29 overs.
Wow England doing good :3 Took until Joe Root got his hundred for him to really free his arms. Coincided with us getting to 40 overs as well which again seems to be when they are allowed to go aggressive.
257-4 from 45 overs! looking good.a
Great finish for once, we lost a few wickets but Butler finally "finished" off the innings properly like he should. Also contreversy in the innings. Lakmal got warned twice and forced to end his over 2 balls short in the 49th! Was a full on beamer the 2nd time and the last 2 balls had to be bowled by Dilshan lol.
Oh Butler finished 39 from 19 balls. England total 309-6! :D
Yeah its a bit of catch 22. The way he played in the first 10 overs in the modern game is unacceptable. We got bailed out today but 235 is an atrocious score and wont fly. But he plays that way because he has no faith in his team at all. Like 0. And the thing is you cant do that as a captain. You absolutely have to back your players especially our 3 5 and 6 to come good otherwise they will also sense it and the negativity becomes cancerous.
So something has to give either Misbah has to stop being Pakistans Atlas and play freely or one of these idiots who are experts at getting 30 odd and loosing their wickets need to step up and be counted.
Doesnt help that we have nepotism and bad management ensuring that we cannot get an opening stand of more than 1.
The reason its also not fair to give Misbah stick for not scoring quicker is because he not a naturally gifted player. He is has a limited game and very specific scoring areas. Great middle batsmen you see these days, Kohli, Williamson, Steve Smith to name a few have every shot in the book and they have the ability to hit gaps and rotate the strike.
You will see knocks of over a run a ball with just two or three boundries and over a 100 runs
Its all very easy to complain about batsmen not rotating the strike but its not as easy as it sounds for someone like Misbah who if you bowl to a plan away from his strengths will have difficulty scoring. But to the simpleton he just looks like a blocker. And believe me he tries hes just not got the ability. Its actually a testament to how someone like him who was introced as a specialist hitter in the t20 world cup has managed to become so successful and actually carries us hard.
What other example in any sport can you imagine the least talented player in a squad over 40 years old carrying an entire team. Only fucking Pakistani's can pull this stupid shit. No money spent on infrastructure of first class cricket but we can take an entourage of 40 people to the world cup.
On March 01 2015 11:53 RowdierBob wrote: That might not be enough in Wellington as silly as it sounds. It's a very small oval.
I remember Australia playing NZ over there in a series a few year back and par was generally around the 320-330 mark.
The last time they played a series was like 09? To be fair par for Auckland was also 300. Atleast the last few games there and that was a cracker but not in the 300 mold.
And Sanga is such a legend. Sri Lanka were always coasting.
On March 02 2015 03:45 Rebs wrote: What other example in any sport can you imagine the least talented player in a squad over 40 years old carrying an entire team. Only fucking Pakistani's can pull this stupid shit. No money spent on infrastructure of first class cricket but we can take an entourage of 40 people to the world cup.
Bit unfair to call Misbah the least talented in that squad. Sadly, he reminds me a lot of Chanderpaul, the super old veteran who remains the only player on the team who gives a shit while the entire system around him cannibalises itself through greed, corruption and general incompetence.
On March 02 2015 03:45 Rebs wrote: What other example in any sport can you imagine the least talented player in a squad over 40 years old carrying an entire team. Only fucking Pakistani's can pull this stupid shit. No money spent on infrastructure of first class cricket but we can take an entourage of 40 people to the world cup.
Bit unfair to call Misbah the least talented in that squad. Sadly, he reminds me a lot of Chanderpaul, the super old veteran who remains the only player on the team who gives a shit while the entire system around him cannibalises itself through greed, corruption and general incompetence.
Its not unfair at all. In terms of ability he has the most limited amount. Ive seen every game since hes been in the squad.
He makes up for it in other ways but he has never displayed the range or stroke making ability the other players on the squad do. But he has real grit and hes a hero regardless. Chanderpaul is actually a very good parallel.
this is what pak needs to do to win, the fire and bite that they are batting with is critical to success, if only they can replicate this vs the big sidea
Offt that Maxwell innings looked nice. Guy hits the ball so well in T20, seeing him and KP alot when i was following the T20 bash was great. Glad to see him chip in with a healthy 88 off 39balls! 7 sixes and 6 fours. Guy is a big hitter for sure!
Odds on England losing to Afghanistan Greg haha? Or if they win they will average a run rate of like 4 an over in a snooze fest
I think I was just confuesed by there been far too many Mitchell's in the Australian team. England should beat Afghanistan but we have to play well to beat them nowadays. We can't just expect it anymore.
On March 04 2015 21:50 Greg_J wrote: I think I was just confuesed by there been far too many Mitchell's in the Australian team. England should beat Afghanistan but we have to play well to beat them nowadays. We can't just expect it anymore.
There are 3 Mitchell's in the team
Mitchell Johnson who is their spearhead and the test cricketer and cricketer of the year. One of the few genuine fast bowlers on the planet. The others being Dale Steyn and the other being...
Mitchell Starc, Australia's other spearhead.
Mitchell Marsh who you saw get hit for 19 in his first over. He did ball more overs after that. He was struggling with a possible hammy (a chronic problem) or ankle twist (which he might have got while bowling the over). Clarke kept him bowling to see if he could run it off or more like he asked Clarke to keep bowling so he could run it off. He did a pretty good job after the first over.
You also have to apprecate the fact that the reason he went for those runs is because the Afghans were swinging at everything they could because they are aware they arent capable of actually crafting innings against the Aussie attack which at the moment to me is the most powerful in the world cup. New Zealand has the best new ball pair but they havent yet played on these rank flat roads that Australia has produced for this world cup. Their bowling will suffer but their batting should make up for it.
Very happy. But its just one game and its unfair to say SA crumble since they have played in plenty of pressure situations and won in the recent past. It just becomes easier to highlight because of the nature of the games and because people tend to remember upsets more.
We still have alot of improving to do and it was just one of those days where we did half the things right and South Africa did slightly less than half.
On March 07 2015 20:41 Rebs wrote: Very happy. But its just one game and its unfair to say SA crumble since they have played in plenty of pressure situations and won in the recent past. It just becomes easier to highlight because of the nature of the games and because people tend to remember upsets more.
We still have alot of improving to do and it was just one of those days where we did half the things right and South Africa did slightly less than half.
Sure its too early to say, But SA haven't won against any good teams this World Cup so far, losing to their two hardest opponents (India and Pakistan). They are now tied on points with Ireland and Ireland have a game in hand
On March 07 2015 20:41 Rebs wrote: Very happy. But its just one game and its unfair to say SA crumble since they have played in plenty of pressure situations and won in the recent past. It just becomes easier to highlight because of the nature of the games and because people tend to remember upsets more.
We still have alot of improving to do and it was just one of those days where we did half the things right and South Africa did slightly less than half.
Sure its too early to say, But SA haven't won against any good teams this World Cup so far, losing to their two hardest opponents (India and Pakistan). They are now tied on points with Ireland and Ireland have a game in hand
SA is still coasting in second place. India has a lock on first with just Zim and Ireland to play (India will probably throttle them). So the game in hand isnt ideal.
Also its kinda unfair to call Pakistan one of 2 of SA's hardest opponents when they sent 400 past the team that beat us by a 160 runs.
The 3 teams battling it out for the second and third are Ireland and the West Indies. The West Indies have a gimme against the UAE and so do SA. India just has Ireland left aswell who they will beat comfortably.
That leaves Pakistan and Ireland to knock each other out. Whoever wins that game qualifies period. So it doesnt change much in the context of the grp Accept that West Indies gets an easy ride to the next round because either Pakistan or Ireland will knock each other out.
Irelands bowling is about as good as my the local cricket club here in Washington DC. Their batting is worldclass but fortunately our batting is just about as good as theirs (in terms of displayed ability but is not as consistent ) and our bowling is 3 times better at its average than their best so unless we fuckup we should take it easy.
Its kind of hard to judge Pakistan (you know this better than me) because they switch from great to terrible so quickly but I think their batting is waaaay deeper than the Windies and when they click Pakistan's bowlers are also better than Taylor + scrubs. It also wouldn't surprise me if the Windies do drop the game against the UAE
My point re:SA wasn't that they wouldn't make it to the knockout, but that they will meet either Australia or Sri Lanka in the quarters and based on the games I watched, they will lose, which is kind of sad for one of the 3 big favourites before the tournament started.
On March 08 2015 03:37 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Its kind of hard to judge Pakistan (you know this better than me) because they switch from great to terrible so quickly but I think their batting is waaaay deeper than the Windies and when they click Pakistan's bowlers are also better than Taylor + scrubs. It also wouldn't surprise me if the Windies do drop the game against the UAE
My point re:SA wasn't that they wouldn't make it to the knockout, but that they will meet either Australia or Sri Lanka in the quarters and based on the games I watched, they will lose, which is kind of sad for one of the 3 big favourites before the tournament started.
They dont bat deeper than WI for sure. Maybe other teams but not many teams outbat the WI. They bat deeeep. Their problem is WI are Marat Safin of cricket. Super moody and stubborn.
Andre Russell comes in at 8 and he is a genuine all rounder. We have Afridi coming in and 7 and he counts as a genuine nothing on Aussie and NZ pitches.
No one will lose to the UAE.
SA will make it to the knockout play Sri Lanka and probably win ez. Sri Lanka lives and dies by the big 3 and Malinga. Not good enough.
Sometimes teams lose because they havent been tested in a certain way under certain conditions and while its deflating the introspection can do more good than harm.
India and NZ for example could have peaked to early and may not be ready for a push comes to shove game which is a frequent occurrence in WC (usually SA are the culprits).
Look SA still boast 3 of the top 5 run scorers in this WC. You dont stop being a great team if you lose a couple of games. Just not a winning one. They are a great team but clearly not a winning team.
I would still count them as favourites along with NZ Aus and possibly India.
Went to the Aus-SL game today cause a mate had a spare ticket. Maxwell's innings was sublime and I was worried for a moment when Sangakkara and Dilshan had that huge partnership but we won in the end thankfully.
It was also a relief that Watson got some runs today. Big boost to his confidence.
Also why the fuck do fielders suck? Literally 90% of catchable balls were dropped.
On March 08 2015 20:58 GTR wrote: Went to the Aus-SL game today cause a mate had a spare ticket. Maxwell's innings was sublime and I was worried for a moment when Sangakkara and Dilshan had that huge partnership but we won in the end thankfully.
It was also a relief that Watson got some runs today. Big boost to his confidence.
Also why the fuck do fielders suck? Literally 90% of catchable balls were dropped.
Those Clarke drops... no way those would have had happened if it was 2010 non cripple Clarke
Lets see if England can chase this 275 down. Should be good enough to do this one...Hales batting at 3 is strange for me i would have had him opening with Ali and moving Bell down to 3
We're not even going to get close. The thing that's most worrying is nothings gone wrong. We're just not good enough.
edit: The only good thing for England is that if any of the English batsmen can do it Root and Butler are the two you would pick. One more wicket wins the game for Bangladesh though and the rates only go up at the moment.
edit 2: Well there you go Roots out. Bangladesh win.
Yeah the bowler doing all the damage is a simple medium pace bowler, who is just getting it to nip a tiny bit. It's not like it is some Kallis level medium pace, he is literally no better than Bopara lol. Good lord TT
Oh look a batsman is playing aggressive shots and is reaping the benefit! Butler trying to save England from elimination. 46 from 39balls - 198/6
Yeah Jordan to come in next who is a very strong lad and will be able to hit a few boundaries, but the issue is it probably is only a few before he hits himself out. This is looking doable indeed.
Butler 62 from 48
and just like that 47 from 30! Tense game in Adelaide
Sigh really, what a way to throw your wicket away xD I believe this might just be in the balance on Jordan and Woakes and still in the doable category. Jordan can hit it and Woakes is a strong lad also.
This run out call, he's made his ground but the bat has bounced up. I think he's out.
edit: I can't tell.
edit 2: I thought the benefit of the doubt might save him because it's so close. But it's been given out and that's probablly the right call. But it's so unlucky.
edit: Smash and that's it. Bandgladesh deserved to win.
edit 2: That got a lot closer than I thought it would at one point. But poor poor batting. Bangladesh deserved to win. But they didn't do anything special we where just hopeless with the bat.
Emulating the Football team faultlessly. I dont think Bangladesh have ever taken 10 wickets without a spinner taking atleast 1 wicket (im not sure about this but I'll bet thats a real stat). You guys just turned theyre also bowlers into match winners on a drop in Adelaide pitch.
On March 09 2015 20:44 Rebs wrote: Emulating the Football team faultlessly. I dont think Bangladesh have ever taken 10 wickets without a spinner taking atleast 1 wicket (im not sure about this but I'll bet thats a real stat). You guys just turned theyre also bowlers into match winners on a drop in Adelaide pitch.
The commentator on the English stream said that it's the third time it's happended. But that surprises me I would have believed it had never happended before if I hadn't heard otherwise.
On March 09 2015 20:44 Rebs wrote: Emulating the Football team faultlessly. I dont think Bangladesh have ever taken 10 wickets without a spinner taking atleast 1 wicket (im not sure about this but I'll bet thats a real stat). You guys just turned theyre also bowlers into match winners on a drop in Adelaide pitch.
Noo footballers always get out of their group and whilst they disappoint it isn't to this level...
On March 09 2015 21:12 RowdierBob wrote: TL really needs a ROFL emoticon at times like this.
One of the most insipid tournaments from a professional sporting team I've ever seen.
And there was no room for Kevin Peterson in this team. Rigghhhtttt.
Lol, he said he always wanted to come back and he is the best player England have still by a million miles. However the new ECB chairman supposedly said he is selectable again but idk. Not even he could save us, need a complete overhaul and fast.
On March 09 2015 20:44 Rebs wrote: Emulating the Football team faultlessly. I dont think Bangladesh have ever taken 10 wickets without a spinner taking atleast 1 wicket (im not sure about this but I'll bet thats a real stat). You guys just turned theyre also bowlers into match winners on a drop in Adelaide pitch.
Noo footballers always get out of their group and whilst they disappoint it isn't to this level...
On March 09 2015 21:12 RowdierBob wrote: TL really needs a ROFL emoticon at times like this.
One of the most insipid tournaments from a professional sporting team I've ever seen.
And there was no room for Kevin Peterson in this team. Rigghhhtttt.
Lol, he said he always wanted to come back and he is the best player England have still by a million miles. However the new ECB chairman supposedly said he is selectable again but idk. Not even he could save us, need a complete overhaul and fast.
On March 09 2015 20:44 Rebs wrote: Emulating the Football team faultlessly. I dont think Bangladesh have ever taken 10 wickets without a spinner taking atleast 1 wicket (im not sure about this but I'll bet thats a real stat). You guys just turned theyre also bowlers into match winners on a drop in Adelaide pitch.
Noo footballers always get out of their group and whilst they disappoint it isn't to this level...
On March 09 2015 20:44 Rebs wrote: Emulating the Football team faultlessly. I dont think Bangladesh have ever taken 10 wickets without a spinner taking atleast 1 wicket (im not sure about this but I'll bet thats a real stat). You guys just turned theyre also bowlers into match winners on a drop in Adelaide pitch.
Noo footballers always get out of their group and whilst they disappoint it isn't to this level...
Our footballers didn't... ^_^
Ahh well yeah but that was this world cup just gone and i tried to forget it but thank you anyway 2-1 to italy 2-1 to uruguay and we were out. 0-0 to Costa Rica who went further than both Italy and Uruguay is not bad either :D None of those are Bangladesh level TT
I don't know Bangladesh are top 10 in the world. That's about the same ranking as the teams that knocked us out of the football World Cup. It's possible I am been a bit facetious since less countries play cricket.
On March 09 2015 21:57 Greg_J wrote: I don't know Bangladesh are top 10 in the world. That's about the same ranking as the teams that knocked us out of the football World Cup. It's possible I am been a bit facetious since less countries play cricket.
You are being totally facetious because there is the top 8 and then by a distance everybody else. Teams like Ireland and Scotland only have professionals because of the county circuit. Teams like the UAE, Afghanistan and half of Zimbabwe are amateurs. i.e they have day jobs and play cricket on the side. Zimbabwe was competitive in the early 2000's but the country went to shit and so did their sport.
Bangladesh have had plenty of investment but frankly they have another 10-20 years because no one wants to play them and if you dont get your asses whipped by the top teams you dont get to improve. Its that simple
Im sure this stat may have been thrown at you plenty of times but Mahmudullahs century was first by a Bengali batsment in WC cricket. Period. Mahmudullah was a number 8 who was in the team as a bits an pieces cricketer in 2011.
They have 1 world class player in Shakib and 1 above average player in Mushafiqur Raheem. The rest of their players are about as good as your county division 2.
Cricket is a very closed sport and smaller countries dont get to improve because none of the top teams want to play them. So they throw them a bone by letting them play a worldcup every so often.
And you have England and Australia to thank for that because they literally have the BCCI's balls in their mouth with one hand and are yanking their shaft with the other. They have created a system that benefits the big 3 (India mostly) way more than anything you can complain about in Football. If Fifa is bad the ICC belongs to greedy seedy and completely immoral Indian tycoon. And thats because India makes more money for cricket than the rest of the world combined, which if you look at it from their perspective is kinda justified.
And now India is going to coast to the semi's at Englands expense.
wow Bang in the quarters? I thought maybe Eng pace attack could save them this WC...
Really hoping WI get out as well, Pak Ire and SA in quarters would be incredible, and its still possible, though somewhat unlikely...
No matter what I think this WC has confirmed there is no justification for the 10 team WC, although the current WC format is terrible, maybe something like '92? Or Martin Crowe's Blueprints, I don't know if I agree with all of it but it's pretty damn good. http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/841885.html
Ireland Zimbabwe and apparently Bangladesh have shown real bite and spirit this World Cup, UAE have given some incredible games, and Afghanistan look to have the basics down. No, they arent Top 8 level, but they are all worth putting effort into. Ireland could even go to quarters.
On March 10 2015 16:40 GTR wrote: if it weren't for zimbabwe being fucked over the last decade, i reckon hamilton masakadza would have become one of the world's best batsmen.
No he wouldnt have. But yes Zimbabwe did get pretty badly fucked over.
On March 10 2015 16:40 GTR wrote: if it weren't for zimbabwe being fucked over the last decade, i reckon hamilton masakadza would have become one of the world's best batsmen.
No he wouldnt have. But yes Zimbabwe did get pretty badly fucked over.
Masakadza is pretty good and taylor was top 10 a couple years ago
On March 10 2015 16:40 GTR wrote: if it weren't for zimbabwe being fucked over the last decade, i reckon hamilton masakadza would have become one of the world's best batsmen.
No he wouldnt have. But yes Zimbabwe did get pretty badly fucked over.
Masakadza is pretty good and taylor was top 10 a couple years ago
He's pretty average and extremely over rated because he was the only one on the team for a period who was half decent. Guys like Taylor and Sean Willams are much better players and have actually scored against tough opposition.
Besides if's and buts dont do nothing. I could say we would be one of the top teams in the world we've been pretty fucked aswell but you cant make excuses for why someone isnt as good as they can be.
On March 11 2015 16:20 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Most people decline with age, not so for Sangakkara
Orr Dilshan for that matter. Sanga is a legend and probably my favourite player alongside Amla and De Villiers so when he scores I am not to surprised. I am just as impressed with Dilshan rediscovering his touch.
On March 11 2015 16:20 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Most people decline with age, not so for Sangakkara
Orr Dilshan for that matter. Sanga is a legend and probably my favourite player alongside Amla and De Villiers so when he scores I am not to surprised. I am just as impressed with Dilshan rediscovering his touch.
so the group stages are finally done, its going to be SL vs SA, bangladesh vs india, aus v pakistan and WI vs NZ. Bangladesh vs India and WI against NZ seems they might extremely one sided, the other two are much more interesting imo
Australia should throttle us pretty easily. On paper man for man they are way better than us. We have a ragtag bunch of second stringers who have really only beaten SA who had a bad game. Our only hope is that the Aussies go hard at us like they did NZ and our pace attack takes them by surprise. Even then the pace battery on the Aussie side is way beyond anything our batsmen are capable of handling.
As for us playing well in Australia. Not sure where that comes from but our record in Aus and South Africa has always been beyond miserable.
Additionally none of the players in this squad have played in Aus before this WC except Umar Akmal let alone playing Australia in Australia. The only thing going for us is that we have played at the Oval twice in this world cup so we will atleast have some familiarity.
That having been said familiarity gained against Irelands dibbly dobbly piss bowling attack is like preparing to wrestle a lion by petting a mouse.
And mind you the WI are a very scary one day team. That game is in no way a wash.
All this having been said I am actually of to NZ and Australia this weekend to watch both semi's and the final so I'll be praying for a miracle. Would be a dream to watch an India Pak semi in Sydney.
We're going to have to disagree on WI, i really dont rate them whatsoever. You can only play what's in front of you but even the games they won comfortably they look whatever, maybe your perception of them is because pakistan lost to them so badly? or maybe you've just watched them more than me.
WI are a team that will beat the teams they're better than and lose to teams they're not as good as, I never feel they can cause an upset, whereas Pakistan (who is a better but similiar level team) has shown that they do they have 'another level' (awful cliche) they can get to in desperation.
India playing at the SCG is always super fun so you'll definitely have a good time. Although it would much funnier if Bangladesh knock them out after knocking out England
On March 16 2015 20:52 Ultimo Hombre wrote: We're going to have to disagree on WI, i really dont rate them whatsoever. You can only play what's in front of you but even the games they won comfortably they look whatever, maybe your perception of them is because pakistan lost to them so badly? or maybe you've just watched them more than me.
WI are a team that will beat the teams they're better than and lose to teams they're not as good as, I never feel they can cause an upset, whereas Pakistan (who is a better but similiar level team) has shown that they do they have 'another level' (awful cliche) they can get to in desperation.
India playing at the SCG is always super fun so you'll definitely have a good time. Although it would much funnier if Bangladesh knock them out after knocking out England
No, us losing badly has nothing to do with it. I live in Washington DC and wake up at 4 am after getting out of work at 9 or 10pm just to watch a random bi lateral series. It would be pretty sad if I were to make that connection.
Losing a game where we missed our lengths and let every player get 60-80 odd and then proceeded to knick everything on or outside off stump doesnt make the Windies a special team or anything.
While the form in the WC in important alot of it goes out the window in the knockouts. My reasoning is a bit different.
They are good with the new ball and their batting while shaky is destructive if it gets set. The measure of how good a chance a team has to win an ODI game comes down to how many "weapons" they have and pressure.
The Windies dont know what the word pressure means. But they can also be too casual. NZ on the other hand, well it will keep getting worse for them. I mean when was the last team a NZ team had the same sort of expectation as the All blacks. Ill tell you. Never. Its a new place for them. It will be hard, and they are already showing some signs from the Bangladesh game. Its not about how well you peak its about when you peak. So the knockouts is where the real world cup starts. (minus England lol)
If you look at Ausralia for example all the way down to 10 the team is full of them at every facet of the game.
The WI might be even more inconsistent than we are but they too have weapons that go all the way down to 10. Teams like these you cannot write off.
Where they lose out is that they recently just havent had the kind of fire you need.
Maybe you are under rating them because they got thrashed by South Africa, but the India game there were serious jitters and the first two games they lost to Ireland and SA were not indicative of the teams real capability.
They also bat all the way down to number 10 where you have Andre Russel coming in. And have good balance and options in their bowling. Albeit some weaknesses.
You can have them 7 down for a 100 and then A Russel - Sammy partnership will take them to 250+ or even 300.
Dont get me wrong NZ will prob win, but it will be a competitive game.
NZ is an interesting case. Their batting looks pretty shaky past the top 4. If you can get mccullum and say guptil out cheaply I think they're really vulnerable.
But their bowlers have been awesome in the NZ conditions which is a huge advantage.
New Zealand v West Indies should be an extremely easy win for New Zealand, I see Baz and Williamson winning it.. India v Bangladesh should also be an easy win, but Bangladesh have improved drastically throughout the tournament. Pakistan v Australia, with Pakistani heritage, this is the match I look forward to the most, but Aus look really good right now South Africa v Sri Lanka, this might be the most balanced match, as without KS and ABD these teams are pretty shaky
New Zealand v Sri Lanka NZ continue their win streak vs Lanka Pakistan v India, Its a World Cup, we know how it will end
New Zealand v India New Zealand are better suited to the conditions I feel, though India have found their touch in the conditions through the WC, New Zealands quicks are a force to be reckoned with, and as such, I believe will win them the game.
On March 17 2015 18:59 RowdierBob wrote: Final is in Aus don't forget. NZ quicks won't be anywhere near as effective here.
just to refresh my memory, NZ v Aus was played in NZ right?
yea, in Eden Park
I'll be there ! I have a day before the game. My nephew is flying in from Pak im coming in from DC any ideas for activities ?
you're going to have ask a kiwi, ive only been to auckland once when i was 12 lol
Well I know a few aussies who work with me here and plenty of friends in Melbourne and Sydney so I am set there. Sadly I know 0 people from New Zealand, and I dont really have time for touristy. islandy stuff just like places to hang out is what im looking for and maybe something a 15 year old + Show Spoiler +
who is cricket crazy
will enjoy. Im sure they have plenty of activities lined up. This is about as much tourism they are going to get.
On March 17 2015 18:59 RowdierBob wrote: Final is in Aus don't forget. NZ quicks won't be anywhere near as effective here.
just to refresh my memory, NZ v Aus was played in NZ right?
yea, in Eden Park
I'll be there ! I have a day before the game. My nephew is flying in from Pak im coming in from DC any ideas for activities ?
you're going to have ask a kiwi, ive only been to auckland once when i was 12 lol
Well I know a few aussies who work with me here and plenty of friends in Melbourne and Sydney so I am set there. Sadly I know 0 people from New Zealand, and I dont really have time for touristy. islandy stuff just like places to hang out is what im looking for and maybe something a 15 year old + Show Spoiler +
who is cricket crazy
will enjoy. Im sure they have plenty of activities lined up. This is about as much tourism they are going to get.
sorry, I have fam in Aus but none in NZ, maybe check out the Shire? The lord of the rings set?
It's been 2 years since I visited AUS or NZ and I strangely enjoyed the game there, even though I've never seen it before. Well, it was more the stuff around the game (meetings/watching in Pubs, watching on TV in Hotel room, socializing with ppl on the bus station talking about the game, etc.) that got me interested, but I disgress - I'm kinda interested in watching again. But I don't know how, so perhaps someone can help me out (via PM if you prefer).
Is there a way to watch the games online ? Like any TV station broadcasting, when you are currently traveling in the Netherlands and Germany ? Or any streams ?
Well thats the end of the great ODI careers of Jayawardene and Sangakkara, thankfully we'll still be seeing them in test matches for a while longer.This is also SA's first ever knockout win at the world cup lol
On March 18 2015 19:08 Nagvalk wrote: Yip, probably one of the worst world cup records out there. It all started when Duckworth-Lewis screwed us against England in 1991.
That was 92. And Duckworth Lewis did not screw you in 92. Duckworth Lewis did not exist then.
It was another retarded system developed by Richie Benaud that revised targets by removing the team batting firsts worst overs in terms of runs scored.
So if you scored 250 in 50 overs and played 5 maidens and the match was reduced to 45 overs due to rain then it would be 250 from 45.
Thats a simple explanation but you can see why its retarded.
I can't believe South Africa have never won a knock out game before, crazy stuff. Congratulations to them. As a neutral I want to see South Africa's big batting come out again further in the tournment. Sri Lanka didn't even give them anything to chase.
Really hoping for a Pakistan upset against my boys today. Clarke can't be allowed to get away with his hubris of the last few months and our selectors in general have made some really questionable calls.
On March 20 2015 13:44 DropBear wrote: Really hoping for a Pakistan upset against my boys today. Clarke can't be allowed to get away with his hubris of the last few months and our selectors in general have made some really questionable calls.
Misbah hundred pls!
Boooo, come on Australia. Though im curious what you mean by Clarke's hubris
On March 19 2015 04:22 Greg_J wrote: I can't believe South Africa have never won a knock out game before, crazy stuff. Congratulations to them. As a neutral I want to see South Africa's big batting come out again further in the tournment. Sri Lanka didn't even give them anything to chase.
It's a little bit misleading given we had the Super 6 format for three WCs (99, 03, 07) and SAF did win games in that second round format even though they technically weren't knockout games. But they did choke in a lot of semi final games.
On March 20 2015 15:43 RowdierBob wrote: Our bowling is really, really good.
Yea, not helped by a bunch of stupid batting by Pakistan though, Afridi in particularly was swinging crazily at everything when they were already 5 down. The 2 Maxwell dismissals were seriously terrible
On March 19 2015 04:22 Greg_J wrote: I can't believe South Africa have never won a knock out game before, crazy stuff. Congratulations to them. As a neutral I want to see South Africa's big batting come out again further in the tournment. Sri Lanka didn't even give them anything to chase.
It's a little bit misleading given we had the Super 6 format for three WCs (99, 03, 07) and SAF did win games in that second round format even though they technically weren't knockout games. But they did choke in a lot of semi final games.
It's only misleading of your feeling sorry for them. just because they didn't get to a play a quarter here or there didn't excuse it.
Also 03 they didnt make it past the first round at home. Pressure . 03 and 07 were pretty forgettable tournaments. Australia too good
On March 20 2015 15:43 RowdierBob wrote: Our bowling is really, really good.
It is very good but nowhere near how good it needs to be for India. If you are banking on Indians to self destruct that's not happening.
I wouldn't have minded getting blown away by good bowling but here or batting was as usual irresponsible. it's a good indication of the kind of people we are.
Today only Starc was a world beater. Hazelwood got wickets and so did Maxwell but these were boundary balls ot innocuous deliveries that were embarrassingly dealt with.
Oh my lord. this is why we cant have nice things Pakistan. Not enough runs. Your only real strike bowler, bowled the most aggressive spell of the world cup which has every Aussie in the commentary box raving and gushing.
Thats the upside of having 2 world class batsmen like Smith and Clarke in the middle, if one goes cheap, you can rely on the other to consolidate. Commiserations Rebs, Wahab has had 6 dropped catches from his bowling, which is the most in the World Cup so far.
On March 20 2015 19:57 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Thats the upside of having 2 world class batsmen like Smith and Clarke in the middle, if one goes cheap, you can rely on the other to consolidate. Commiserations Rebs, Wahab has had 6 dropped catches from his bowling, which is the most in the World Cup so far.
Dude if I made a montage of all the catches that were dropped of our bowlers that were absolute dollies (especially in the slips)
Imran Khan had it worst. He probably lost atleast 50-60 wickets to dropped catches. Wasim about the same. Waqar prob less like 20-30 odd. In all formats test and ODI
I play cricket in alumni tournaments when I go home on holidays. I dont play much compared to the rest of my batch who play pretty much every weekend and are very good for amateurs.
But do you know why I always get picked to play ?
Because I am a good fielder. Look you can lack talent in bowling or batting. Some are better than others. But fielding. Fielding is something anyone can be good at. All you need is some athleticism (+ Show Spoiler +
which you should have as a professional anyway, otherwise wtf are you doing there) and
At an amateur level with a hard ball I save more runs than more people score and I dont drop catches. And that is all stuff Ive retained just from hard work in high school + Show Spoiler +
i played varsity soccer and basketball not the most popular sports here
But lets be honest, except that spell from Wahab we were at no point the better side and that showed today. Our batsmen were impetuous and retarded as usual and the one time Misbah decides to not hunker down and share responsibility they dropped that responsibility over and over again into Aaron Finches hands and gave Hazelwood of all people a 4 for
.
The game was over at 213. The rest was just us trying to pretend we were involved. Yeh maybe if those catches were taken the game would have been a bit hairy. But we were never winning it after Misbah and Harris got out. That was it.
I expected to lose but my hope was that if we lost it would be because Australia beat us.
Australia didnt beat us today. They just showed and took what we gave them happily.
"Wato you struggling ? Here let me pummel you with fire and brimstone so that you edge one and my team mates drop it. In form now? Awesome ! Cheers mate.
The problem is that we lose because of whats in our heads.
Everything considered I am just happy we made the top 8. Other teams have it worse *cough* England *cough*
Imagine if Australia didnt have Mitchel Starc, Johnson and Faulkner/Maxwell/Wato.
That was the state of our bowling lineup. Wahab Riaz was a 4th choice seamer and probably wouldnt make the team if Irfan, Junaid Khan and Saeed Ajmal were in. So to that end it was a decent world cup.
But you knowsome things were clear
These fuckers like Fukmal and Maqsood dont even train in domestic cricket because now that they are in the national team they are too good for it. These guys need to get the boot and thats it. Done, unless they go and play domestic and work hard and learn to score big they dont get a way back in no matter how many games we lose. Problem is if we as a people were that far sighted and nothing more than bullshit nepotism and politics.. oh who am I kidding.
Some big hitting last Night. Guptill was a whole long list of superlatives. Great to see those 8 6's fro Gayle in reply. He's almost better when his backs playing up he can't run. Just stands there and hits them.
As an dual national South African and New Zealand... This game is both exciting and demoralising... I get a team in the final but lose one in the process -.-
The SA duo of Faf and AB seem to have gotten into a groove now... Looking like a 320ish score imo.
I just tuned in, what did I miss (rain?). and what what does "D/L" mean (newbie here) ?
Also, is geting ~300 feasible ? I remember a statistic in the India/AUS games, where they respectively won 90%+ games if they needed to chase less than 270. So 300 is like 50/50 ? Doable on a good day ?
Fielding Restrictions = PowerPlay/less outfielders allowed in the first 10 overs, right ?
Normally I've seen batsmen playing ALOT more securely in the beginning overs so far (just watched 3 of the Quarters though, missed the groupstage). Or does McCullum play that aggressively all the time o.0. It looks as if he was batting the last 10 overs with tons of wickets still in hand. 71 after first 5 overs... I guess if he continues that way, the Kiwis can take a step back in the Midgame...
Or does McCullum play that aggressively all the time o.0. It looks as if he was batting the last 10 overs with tons of wickets still in hand. 71 after first 5 overs...
NZ really looks nervous now. Not sure why, if they play it safe and get like 50-70 in the next 10-14 overs they should be good enough to score 80-100 in the last 10 when they can bat all out again (if they dont lose more wickets by then). I guess pressure is building up / they feel hardpressed to score now - didn't had to lose Guptill earlier just b/c they risked scoring more points =/
On March 24 2015 17:01 Talaris wrote: NZ really looks nervous now. Not sure why, if they play it safe and get like 50-70 in the next 10-14 overs they should be good enough to score 80-100 in the last 10 when they can bat all out again (if they dont lose more wickets by then). I guess pressure is building up / they feel hardpressed to score now - didn't had to lose Guptill earlier just b/c they risked scoring more points =/
Might be a lack of confidence in their own batting lineup, NZ's lower order batting is really unreliable
On March 24 2015 17:26 RowdierBob wrote: Hmmm not sure I rate NZ middle order highly. I think they crumble under pressure here although Steyn might not bowl much...
It feels that way probably because theres such a noticeable gap in quality between Ross Taylor and Elliott, but they still have some pretty dangerous batsmen outside their top 4
I guess as I got no clue about fielding tactics or individual players strength it just feels like a real nailbiter right now. Could be done by NZ batsmen, could be saved by SA bowlers. Good to watch.
On March 24 2015 18:15 Talaris wrote: If they survive Tahir good enough, it's doable. Nice stepping it up of the last partnership in a match as important as such one.
He only has 1 over left, up to the other bowlers now if they want a shot.
On March 24 2015 19:09 GTR wrote: I'd love to go to the semi-final at the SCG but tickets are only available for the Category A seats which are like $250 =/
Did you try and get them this week? The general tickets got sold out a while ago
I'm torn, half of me is laughing at South Africa for choking again and the other half feels really bad for them. They don't have any dickheads anymore and watching Morkel and de Villiers so upset got to me.
If there is any ground India can upset Australia on it's the SCG. No idea who is going to win
On March 24 2015 19:20 DropBear wrote: I'm torn, half of me is laughing at South Africa for choking again and the other half feels really bad for them. They don't have any dickheads anymore and watching Morkel and de Villiers so upset got to me.
If there is any ground India can upset Australia on it's the SCG. No idea who is going to win
India have a terrible record at the SCG though, only winning 1 of their past 14 outings at the ground
On March 24 2015 19:54 RowdierBob wrote: SAF didn't choke that one, gotta give NZ credit.
yeah they didn't choke. things just didn't go their way. the weather break hurt them pretty bad to. Congratulations new Zealand. I'm going to support them in the final.
On March 24 2015 19:54 RowdierBob wrote: SAF didn't choke that one, gotta give NZ credit.
They did choke. Dropping Elliott in the second last over with everything on the line in such a comical fashion. Let alone the pair of gilt-edged runout chances missed. They didn't choke as hard as they have in the past but they still choked.
OMG just witnessed the greatest cricket moment in NZ history. What a match.
The last six landed just to my right. Have tons of vids Im sorting through. Didnt think NZ crowds could compete with ours from the subcontinent but man what a party. Still washing the beer out of my hair.
Off to Sydney then. Hope its another cracker.
P.S "Choke Steyns everywhere." Elliot you beauty
On March 24 2015 19:09 GTR wrote: I'd love to go to the semi-final at the SCG but tickets are only available for the Category A seats which are like $250 =/
Its totally worth it.I have A cat for both semis and the final. Right behind the arm
edit: thinking about it. TBH If your just there to drink, party and have a good time then CAT A might be too much. But for me CAT A is a must
On March 24 2015 21:57 Rebs wrote: OMG just witnessed the greatest cricket moment in NZ history. What a match.
The last six landed just to my right. Have tons of vids Im sorting through. Didnt think NZ crowds could compete with ours from the subcontinent but man what a party. Still washing the beer out of my hair.
On March 24 2015 19:09 GTR wrote: I'd love to go to the semi-final at the SCG but tickets are only available for the Category A seats which are like $250 =/
Its totally worth it.I have A cat for both semis and the final. Right behind the arm
On March 24 2015 21:57 Rebs wrote: OMG just witnessed the greatest cricket moment in NZ history. What a match.
The last six landed just to my right. Have tons of vids Im sorting through. Didnt think NZ crowds could compete with ours from the subcontinent but man what a party. Still washing the beer out of my hair.
Off to Sydney then. Hope its another cracker.
P.S "Choke Steyns everywhere." Elliot you beauty
On March 24 2015 19:09 GTR wrote: I'd love to go to the semi-final at the SCG but tickets are only available for the Category A seats which are like $250 =/
Its totally worth it.I have A cat for both semis and the final. Right behind the arm
If anyone's wondering why I have time to do this. I have way to much data left on the sim I got here and i went straight from the game to the airport. I should be in Sydney in a few hours.
And sorry. I should correct myself. Not the greatest moment. Its perhaps better to say the greatest moment so far...
FUCKING bleak... well played NZ hope they win it all... Really sad to see Steyn so off color today and Philander (who's going to get some real hate at home) also finding zero rhythm all game. Urg this wasn't some rotten choke down to weather or incredibly bad decisions (1999), just small chances we usually take not coming through on the day and since its the world cup we kinda had the bad premonition in the air anyway sigh. Hope NZ can put one more performance together to take the final....god forbid Aus winning that would be disgusting!
The question for me is why Philander was picked ahead of Abbott. Every time Abbott plays he does work and Philander was injured. Bad selection move imo
On March 24 2015 23:49 DropBear wrote: The question for me is why Philander was picked ahead of Abbott. Every time Abbott plays he does work and Philander was injured. Bad selection move imo
I was bitching about it all game. I am a real fan of Kyle Abbot and I think Philander is painfully over rated. Hes a metronome who requires conditions that suit his shape away seam to be effective and that too only if he is in rhythm
Steyn and Philander both had miserable world cups and did themselves no favors. Guy like Starc and Boult have raised their already high levels and here Steyn got clobbered out of the game by Baz and he never made it back.
On March 24 2015 19:09 GTR wrote: I'd love to go to the semi-final at the SCG but tickets are only available for the Category A seats which are like $250 =/
Its totally worth it.I have A cat for both semis and the final. Right behind the arm
edit: thinking about it. TBH If your just there to drink, party and have a good time then CAT A might be too much. But for me CAT A is a must
unfortunately as i'm a student with no job and paying my rent through social benefits it's a luxury i can't afford
Fucking incredible game yesterday. Gutted I couldn't be there (had to turn down tickets because I was teaching t_t) but couldn't be happier with the result. I have this gut feeling it's going to be an NZ vs Aus final but Aus winning
Got back from the game last night at about 2am. Hugging strangers in the rows in front and behind, man I haven't ever experienced a crowd or a game the like of last night.
It was very frightening to see AB and Miller in full flight. Also agree with Bob that the SA adjusted total was reasonable. However, I would say Faf/AB/Miller/JP are one of the best groups of slog overs batsmen around, so they may well have scored more than 346. Regardless, 330+ from 50 overs is even more difficult than 298 from 43.
Whichever team lost this match could look back at several missed opportunities. This was one of the most intense and most human games of cricket around. The anxiety and pressure was palpable. NZ's missed catches, the unnecessary Guptill runout when NZ were cruising, and Corey's inability to get off strike in the over when he was dismissed, could all be looked at as 'what if' moments. Unfortunately for SA, it was the rain, their missed runouts and missed catches that will go down as the 'what if' moments. Such is the nature of a contest between two even teams that goes to the wire.
Commiserations to SA. I thought you guys weren't going to beat SL after the woes against India and Pakistan, but you gave them the most crushing knockout defeat at world cups before putting on one of the thrilling ODI matches of all time. The match was played in awesome spirit - a good contrast to the last world cup match between the two teams. Sorry we couldn't meet in the final.
For the other semi, I think Australia are favourites but that it will be a hard-fought match. India are a different team in big tournaments and they knocked Australia out of the last world cup. This is not the India that failed to win a match on their Australian tour. Anyway, both the Kiwis and the Saffers have banished their Aussie demons in recent years. We will provide a great contest for whomever advances tomorrow. Quality Kiwi quicks have a history of success in Australia.
This is true. I just remember the tri-series in the early 2000s - the first coming of Bond - where Australia failed to get to the finals for the first time against us and South Africa (they crushed us in the finals). There was another tri-series in the mid 2000s with England when we should have got to the final but for a botched chase against the Poms... Fleming was in and on a slow 80 or 90, but didn't follow it through. The only other big ODI series in Australia was when we blew a 2-0 lead to draw it 2-2 with the last rained out. But that was 5 or 6 years ago I think... :/
Yea, its pretty sad that the Australian Cricket Board refuses to arrange matches with NZ or teams like Pakistan more often, i cant remember the last time we had a test series against NZ. Instead of trying to grow the game by playing against smaller cricketing nations such as Ireland and Afghanistan, what we really need is even more matches against India and England because playing them 10 times a year is clearly not enough. Its ridiculous.
Worried about the kiwi quicks on Aussie pitches. Much bouncier and they won't get anywhere near as much swing. NZ is super balanced though and has the best spinner left in the tourney.
Aus v india could come down to toss. Both will want to bat first and it will be an advantage IMO.
Hmm we're on track for about 340 if things go well here. Not sure that will be enough as silly as it sounds. I'd say par is about 330 on this pitch so India is well in it.
On March 26 2015 15:26 RowdierBob wrote: Hmm we're on track for about 340 if things go well here. Not sure that will be enough as silly as it sounds. I'd say par is about 330 on this pitch so India is well in it.
There is no way in hell we are getting 340
Another magnificent knock from Captain Courageous, best player in the history of the game.
On March 26 2015 15:26 RowdierBob wrote: Hmm we're on track for about 340 if things go well here. Not sure that will be enough as silly as it sounds. I'd say par is about 330 on this pitch so India is well in it.
There is no way in hell we are getting 340
Another magnificent knock from Captain Courageous, best player in the history of the game.
You talking about Clarke again? If so, seriously?
328 is a good defendable score, though you feel the Indian bowlers really should have been much more disciplined in the final few overs
So what's India's tactic right now ? Do they try to Bat it safe, perhaps wait for a weakness in bowling and then and go all out in the 2nd PP or the last 10 overs ? Won't they run out of overs at that pace first ?
They play so much different than the kiwis yesterday trying to get those 300+ runs...
Hmm they have time to get their eye in and then attack. If Australia could have got to 350 it would have put a lot more pressure on India to take more risks.
It's 50/50 right now. If India can keep things ticking along without losing wickets and need 90ish off last 10 then they'd be good.
On March 26 2015 17:54 RowdierBob wrote: Hmm they have time to get their eye in and then attack. If Australia could have got to 350 it would have put a lot more pressure on India to take more risks.
It's 50/50 right now. If India can keep things ticking along without losing wickets and need 90ish off last 10 then they'd be good.
Aus just needs wickets.
Yeah India just needs to stay in and consolidate right now, though if Hazlewood and Johnson continue like this, the Indian batsmen will need to take more risks. Big wicket just as I type this, Kohli's rubbish WC continues
Who is this Hazlewood guy btw? I thought he literally was only in the team in group stage because of an injury? Then he like carried Australia so hard in the one match. His average is phenomenally good for an ODI bowler this world cup.
On March 26 2015 18:03 Pandemona wrote: Who is this Hazlewood guy btw? I thought he literally was only in the team in group stage because of an injury? Then he like carried Australia so hard in the one match. His average is phenomenally good for an ODI bowler this world cup.
One of Australia's many young fast bowlers, he displaced Siddle in the test team already. He was always in squad but Aus rotate him and Cummins from match to match because neither of them have much experience (also Cummins is currently injured)
On March 26 2015 19:23 RowdierBob wrote: Good bowling here but the passivity from India is weird.
With the crisis India were at around the 20 over mark it doesn't surprise me that much. Now that they're in the last 15 I'd expect things to become a lot more explosive. But they dont have many wickets in hand so they're probably going to come up short.
On March 26 2015 19:23 RowdierBob wrote: Good bowling here but the passivity from India is weird.
With the crisis India were at around the 20 over mark it doesn't surprise me that much. Now that they're in the last 15 I'd expect things to become a lot more explosive. But they dont have many wickets in hand so they're probably going to come up short.
Let me ask another newbie question here: What happens if it's 100% sure that a team comes up short ? Like 10 Balls left, but 65 runs needed. Will they call it a day or play until the last ball then ?
On March 26 2015 19:23 RowdierBob wrote: Good bowling here but the passivity from India is weird.
With the crisis India were at around the 20 over mark it doesn't surprise me that much. Now that they're in the last 15 I'd expect things to become a lot more explosive. But they dont have many wickets in hand so they're probably going to come up short.
Let me ask another newbie question here: What happens if it's 100% sure that a team comes up short ? Like 10 Balls left, but 65 runs needed. Will they call it a day or play until the last ball then ?
Play continues until the last ball. Even at 36+ runs an over required XD
On March 26 2015 19:23 RowdierBob wrote: Good bowling here but the passivity from India is weird.
With the crisis India were at around the 20 over mark it doesn't surprise me that much. Now that they're in the last 15 I'd expect things to become a lot more explosive. But they dont have many wickets in hand so they're probably going to come up short.
Let me ask another newbie question here: What happens if it's 100% sure that a team comes up short ? Like 10 Balls left, but 65 runs needed. Will they call it a day or play until the last ball then ?
Theoretically they could still win (by bowling 50~ no balls or wides) so play continues
On March 26 2015 21:25 Pandemona wrote: Yeah finals is perfectly set up and Aussies 60-40 favorites for me.
I think that i about right. Aus have the home ground advantage and more experience on the big stage, even though NZ beat them in the group stage.
Plus Aussies at MCG beat India and South Africa in the last 2 months there. Seems to be "close" ish games those score cards suggest but i can (unhappily) say that Aussies are a much better unit than they were 2-4 months ago
Also I'm loving the chat about how we're underdogs and how our quicks will struggle under different conditions. Seriously, I've been shit-scared going into every match as the favourites. It's great to finally be back where we perform best - as the nuggety underdogs.
On March 27 2015 12:43 metzninja wrote: Can't wait for the final. It's going to be SICK.
Also I'm loving the chat about how we're underdogs and how our quicks will struggle under different conditions. Seriously, I've been shit-scared going into every match as the favourites. It's great to finally be back where we perform best - as the nuggety underdogs.
Yah its great, sets the team up to give it their all without pressure.
I like the Aussie team but I would prefer NZ to win.
Hoping for a crazy game at the G. Will serve them right for not letting NZ practice at the G last year. because "lol India is coming, sorry Kiwis"
Aussie still favourites though, Someone is going to have to play match winner alaa Prince Kane and Boult. The Aussies dont make the same mistakes twice though and their mettle is legendary.
I wonder what all the indians are going to with their finals tickets.
The Semi was the most partisan crowd ever. Except it was all Indian
On March 28 2015 00:01 Rebs wrote: Ill have my kiwi hat jacket and face paint.
I like the Aussie team but I would prefer NZ to win.
Hoping for a crazy game at the G. Will serve them right for not letting NZ practice at the G last year. because "lol India is coming, sorry Kiwis"
Aussie still favourites though, Someone is going to have to play match winner alaa Prince Kane and Boult. The Aussies dont make the same mistakes twice though and their mettle is legendary.
I wonder what all the indians are going to with their finals tickets.
The Semi was the most partisan crowd ever. Except it was all Indian
I AM SO HYPE FOR NZ since october i pegged them as WC champs really hope they can do it
Your vote: Who will be the final's Man of the Match?
(Vote): Michael Clarke (Australia) (Vote): Steve Smith (Australia) (Vote): Mitchell Johnson (Australia) (Vote): Mitchell Stark (Australia) (Vote): Aaron Finch (Australia) (Vote): Brad Haddin (Australia) (Vote): James Faulkner (Australia) (Vote): Martin Guptill (New Zealand) (Vote): Grant Elliott (New Zealand) (Vote): Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) (Vote): Tim Southee (New Zealand) (Vote): Trent Boult (New Zealand) (Vote): Kane Williamson (New Zealand) (Vote): Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) (Vote): Other
On March 28 2015 05:13 SantosPhillipCarlo wrote: So many of us said we wanted to see a rematch in the final after Auckland, and boy, it's going to be a good one.
Poll: The 2015 Cricket World Cup Final - Head?
Australia (11)
79%
New Zealand (3)
21%
14 total votes
Your vote: The 2015 Cricket World Cup Final - Head?
Your vote: Who will be the final's Man of the Match?
(Vote): Michael Clarke (Australia) (Vote): Steve Smith (Australia) (Vote): Mitchell Johnson (Australia) (Vote): Mitchell Stark (Australia) (Vote): Aaron Finch (Australia) (Vote): Brad Haddin (Australia) (Vote): James Faulkner (Australia) (Vote): Martin Guptill (New Zealand) (Vote): Grant Elliott (New Zealand) (Vote): Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) (Vote): Tim Southee (New Zealand) (Vote): Trent Boult (New Zealand) (Vote): Kane Williamson (New Zealand) (Vote): Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) (Vote): Other
Dan will be the X factor. There has been little to no swing at the G. Win the toss bat first. Win the game with scoreboard pressure. Its sad that the toss is such a big factor at the G but you can thank AFL and drop in pitches that are as flat and bare as a Kiera Knightly's tits + Show Spoiler +
(with all due respect to Kiera Knightly, a gorgeous lady)
Its been a good trip so far. Was weird in Sydney. 70 percent Indian fans. And the Aussies obnoxious drunks that they are had a bit of an unfair go at them around town after the game. Especially since they were just harmlessly walking home.
Granted they were probably sick of how Sydney looked more like Mumbaifor 2 days, which was annoying for me aswell. But still
Not their fault Indians care more about the game than they do, have more money than they do and are pretty much everywhere.
it didnt really care who won. But I will be going all black for the final.
On March 28 2015 15:54 Rebs wrote: Dan will be the X factor. There has been little to no swing at the G. Win the toss bat first. Win the game with scoreboard pressure. Its sad that the toss is such a big factor at the G but you can thank AFL and drop in pitches that are as flat and bare as a Kiera Knightly's tits + Show Spoiler +
(with all due respect to Kiera Knightly, a gorgeous lady)
Its been a good trip so far. Was weird in Sydney. 70 percent Indian fans. And the Aussies obnoxious drunks that they are had a bit of an unfair go at them around town after the game. Especially since they were just harmlessly walking home.
Granted they were probably sick of how Sydney looked more like Mumbaifor 2 days, which was annoying for me aswell. But still
Not their fault Indians care more about the game than they do, have more money than they do and are pretty much everywhere.
it didnt really care who won. But I will be going all black for the final.
Sadly I imagine it'd be much the same over here. We're pretty poor winners and losers over here
I think it's going to be everyone supporting NZ apart from the Aussies ofc. Can't wait for tomorrow :D
On March 28 2015 20:18 Ultimo Hombre wrote: The final is going to be Clarke's last ODI match, hopefully we can send him off as a WC winner
I saw that. That would be a good story. Speaking of that...what I would love to see is that if Australia wins, they drape Phil Hughes' #64 jersey over the Cup or something to honor him.
On March 28 2015 15:54 Rebs wrote: Dan will be the X factor. There has been little to no swing at the G. Win the toss bat first. Win the game with scoreboard pressure. Its sad that the toss is such a big factor at the G but you can thank AFL and drop in pitches that are as flat and bare as a Kiera Knightly's tits + Show Spoiler +
(with all due respect to Kiera Knightly, a gorgeous lady)
Its been a good trip so far. Was weird in Sydney. 70 percent Indian fans. And the Aussies obnoxious drunks that they are had a bit of an unfair go at them around town after the game. Especially since they were just harmlessly walking home.
Granted they were probably sick of how Sydney looked more like Mumbaifor 2 days, which was annoying for me aswell. But still
Not their fault Indians care more about the game than they do, have more money than they do and are pretty much everywhere.
it didnt really care who won. But I will be going all black for the final.
Sadly I imagine it'd be much the same over here. We're pretty poor winners and losers over here
I think it's going to be everyone supporting NZ apart from the Aussies ofc. Can't wait for tomorrow :D
Well if its any consolation, I was around the casino with the some friends and hit the tables for a bit because I wanted to wait for the liquor to wear off before I drove back. Won like 250 off a table playing people who shouldve been asked to stop drinking way earlier. And Im a casual poker player at best.
On March 28 2015 15:54 Rebs wrote: Dan will be the X factor. There has been little to no swing at the G. Win the toss bat first. Win the game with scoreboard pressure. Its sad that the toss is such a big factor at the G but you can thank AFL and drop in pitches that are as flat and bare as a Kiera Knightly's tits + Show Spoiler +
(with all due respect to Kiera Knightly, a gorgeous lady)
Its been a good trip so far. Was weird in Sydney. 70 percent Indian fans. And the Aussies obnoxious drunks that they are had a bit of an unfair go at them around town after the game. Especially since they were just harmlessly walking home.
Granted they were probably sick of how Sydney looked more like Mumbaifor 2 days, which was annoying for me aswell. But still
Not their fault Indians care more about the game than they do, have more money than they do and are pretty much everywhere.
it didnt really care who won. But I will be going all black for the final.
Sadly I imagine it'd be much the same over here. We're pretty poor winners and losers over here
I think it's going to be everyone supporting NZ apart from the Aussies ofc. Can't wait for tomorrow :D
Well if its any consolation, I was around the casino with the some friends and hit the tables for a bit because I wanted to wait for the liquor to wear off before I drove back. Won like 250 off a table playing people who shouldve been asked to stop drinking way earlier. And Im a casual poker player at best.
On March 29 2015 13:28 Ultimo Hombre wrote: Two in quick succession, Williamson gets caught bowled by Johnson, will Ross Taylor finally do something for NZ this WC
Bat first.. get 300+ ... bowl first bowl out for less than 200..
They are just soo.. pfftt. Anyway good game. Had good fun at the game. The former chairman of the Kenyan Cricket Board was sitting next to me so had a good chat about some of the behind the scenes working of an organization that makes Fifa look like innocent kittens.
Hats of to Steve Smith. He's developed a near unbreakable technique (its not text book but its damn effective and honestly textbook is just old English farts who decided how the game should be played)
A good sending off for michael clarke ODI career. Australia played better on the day there fielding, batting and bowling was much better. I thought it might have been a lot closer like the last time they played in New zealand. But it seemed that New zealand were too nervous playing at the mcg in such a big crowd or australia outplayed them completely. Anyway new zealand should take credit they still had a very good world cup. Australia was just a better side.
On March 30 2015 00:53 Greg_J wrote: Congratulations Australia.
How long untill the IPL starts?
As I had to google what IPL means *blushes*, I also found that it starts April, 8th, this year.
How do you guys watch this ? watching WC got me craving for more...
You can find streams easily.
I can pm you sites if you want.
IPL is T20 smash and bang cricket. Watered down batsmen dominated version of the game to cater to people who dont want to spend more than 2-3 hours to watch a game.
20 overs a side, The thing with the IPL is that its mega money and so most top players will go there so its high quality stuff.
Part of the reason one day cricket is so aggressive now is because of T20 and IPL. Its also the reason teams like NZ are better because there is more money because of IPL and also there is alot of knowledge sharing because its a franchise system where different nationalities get together
Before a guy from NZ which isnt a major cricket country would get his match fees from International games and really didnt have anything left over when they retired. Now with IPL you are motivated to play more cricket because the money is there and you will get decent retirement income. Back in the day a John Wright a former NZ captain worked as a sales clerk as a department store after retiring (he became a coach later.)
The down side is these players prefer IPL to the domestic game or county cricket which make you better players overall.
Anyone can smash and bang for 20 overs a side but it also means you lose alot of the arts to play the longer format of the game.It gives less skilled players who are hitting specialists more margin for error
Obviously there are more variables and this is a terribly incomplete assessment but it should give you a good idea.
What it is for sure, is exciting and innovative=with lots of boundary hitting (hence its popularity) And since its in cricket crazy India the atmosphere is always intense.
On March 30 2015 00:53 Greg_J wrote: Congratulations Australia.
How long untill the IPL starts?
As I had to google what IPL means *blushes*, I also found that it starts April, 8th, this year.
How do you guys watch this ? watching WC got me craving for more...
You can find streams easily.
I can pm you sites if you want.
IPL is T20 smash and bang cricket. Watered down batsmen dominated version of the game to cater to people who dont want to spend more than 2-3 hours to watch a game.
20 overs a side, The thing with the IPL is that its mega money and so most top players will go there so its high quality stuff.
Part of the reason one day cricket is so aggressive now is because of T20 and IPL. Its also the reason teams like NZ are better because there is more money because of IPL and also there is alot of knowledge sharing because its a franchise system where different nationalities get together
Before a guy from NZ which isnt a major cricket country would get his match fees from International games and really didnt have anything left over when they retired. Now with IPL you are motivated to play more cricket because the money is there and you will get decent retirement income. Back in the day a John Wright a former NZ captain worked as a sales clerk as a department store after retiring (he became a coach later.)
The down side is these players prefer IPL to the domestic game or county cricket which make you better players overall.
Anyone can smash and bang for 20 overs a side but it also means you lose alot of the arts to play the longer format of the game.It gives less skilled players who are hitting specialists more margin for error
Obviously there are more variables and this is a terribly incomplete assessment but it should give you a good idea.
What it is for sure, is exciting and innovative=with lots of boundary hitting (hence its popularity) And since its in cricket crazy India the atmosphere is always intense.
Even as a paki my allegience has shifted slightly through the years Mumbai is still my favorite but last year i fell in love with KPXI
On March 30 2015 00:53 Greg_J wrote: Congratulations Australia.
How long untill the IPL starts?
As I had to google what IPL means *blushes*, I also found that it starts April, 8th, this year.
How do you guys watch this ? watching WC got me craving for more...
The IPL will go on for about 2 months and in that time their will be one or two "tours" which is when a team travels to a country for a month or two, and play games across all three matchups (test odi t20) so if you still want to watch longer matches be on the lookout for that. 95% of cricket ends up being these bilateral tours. I know in sometime in April-May Pakistan travels to Bangladesh for example
On March 30 2015 23:50 BLinD-RawR wrote: it never occurred to me to ask but how do people outside see the IPL?
buy an ipl stream pkg, I usually just follow games on cricinfo, at my parents house he has some tv channel subscription so there is always cricket to watch there
I used to follow cricket as a kid and lost almost all interest in it for most of my life. But IPL was on UK TV the last couple of years and its amazing entertainment. So many close games, so many great hits and so many great catches too. It's really got me back into cricket and a real shame this years is only available on pay TV in England. There won't be any more future me's who just sit down and watch it over dinner because it's on and realise how awesome it is.
EPT
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