Sreesanth's bouncer to Kallis

What is fast bowling without aggression!

These days it’s a rare sight. Except few, not many fast men exhibit aggression, which would add spice to the contest.

On the field, at present, hostile characters are more seen rather than hostile bowling.

The Indian pacer Sreesanth is an erratic character and an antic loving personality. He has aggression but his bowling has been undisciplined so far. He is mostly famous for his comical antics on the field and ill-behaves towards the batsmen. But a bit more focus on his bowling could have made him an exciting fast bowler to watch.

On the morning of the 4th day of the Durban Test, Sreesanth seemed to be more focused on his bowling rather than his antics and waywardness. In the second ball of the 34th over, he produced a gem of a delivery to one of the best batsmen of modern-day cricket, Jacques Kallis.

The ball bounced at Kallis from short of a length and rose so sharply and then jagged back into him so viciously that Kallis wasn’t able to avoid it. He jumped and then arched back in an attempt to get out of the way. But the ripper of a delivery hit Kallis’ gloves and went into the safe hands of the gully fielder, Virender Sehwag.

What an exhibition of hostile fast bowling! 

This delivery is a part of Indian cricket folklore.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

South Africa v India - VVS Laxman is the guardian angel for the Indian tail-enders

In the second innings of the Durban test match, the Indian batting line-up discovered themselves in familiar position again – rusty. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were ferocious and the Indian top order was jolted in no time.

But one man stood firm against such a ferocious fats bowling. It was none other than the classicist from Hyderabad VVS Laxman. As usual, when the chips are down, Laxman took the responsibility to build the Indian innings.

Laxman’s composure is something unique. It provides enough sense of security not only in the Indian dressing room but the batsman batting at the crease as well. Especially the tail-enders find it enough comfortable to bat with Laxman. A batsman who assures the tail is very, very special. Inzamam-ul-Haq used to be such a special batsman and at present Laxman is such a gem.

The Indian’s start on the third day was shaky. Steyn, Morken and Tsotsobe rattled the toporder as three wickets fell in a quick succession. Laxman came at the crease but wickets kept on tumbling at the other end. Zaheer Khan came in to bat with Laxman.

Though Zaheer is not a novice with the bat but still not the man to fancy his batting and hang around on a track which was providing enough bounce to make the tail reel. But amazingly Zaheer was to hang around and counter the hostile bowling by the South African pacers with enough courage and patience.

At the other Laxman, though had his edges past the slips early, buckled down as he traditionally does on such situations and then with his calm stay at the crease provided enough assurance to Zaheer to make sure he stays there and contribute in building an effective partnership. 

Yes it was the assurance of Laxman that makes the tail bat well. Very few batsmen in modern day cricket can do such. There will always be proper guidance to the tail-enders and there will always be that sense of security ‘Don’t worry. I am here with you” from Laxman. He is the guardian angel for the Indian tail-enders. 

A valuable partnership of 70-run was scripted with Zaheer and how valuable will it be if India manages to pull out a victory here at Durban.

He was dismissed for 96 but I don’t think Laxman is disappointed fro missing a ton. Neither are we. We know he is not the man to chase after records, he is not the man to rue on missing a ton but, he is the man who gets happier after contributing for the team.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

South Africa v India - The importance of Zaheer Khan

Dale Steyn ended up the Indian resistance on the second day by picking up his sixth wicket, his fifteenth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The Indian team cam out to bowl against a very competent South African batting line-up who at Port Elizabeth made the Indian bowlers toil hard.

This South African batting line-up was needed to be jolted and India needed to inject an early blow. Who would be ideal person to inject that? Obviously, it would be Zaheer Khan. This time around, Zaheer had been fit and beaming with confidence. A fit and confident Zaheer is a hard nut to crack.

From the word go, Zaheer started to test the South African batsmen. He extracted enough bounce and movement from the pitch and each of his deliveries were posing a threat. A vital breakthrough came immediately - Graeme Smith was given the marching order with a ball banged on a perfect length with pace and that ball kissed Smith’s bat to the wicketkeeper. Zaheer was on song. Then it was time for Alviro Peterson to leave the crease. Zaheer pitched the ball on the leg-stump; Peterson went for the charge on the onside but discovered that his bails have been knocked off.

Zaheer’s energetic bowling and timely strikes had given the Indian bowlers enough momentum and for which suddenly we could notice that an erratic Sreesanth to bowl his heart out and the lanky Ishant Sharma became threatening. Ishant had bowled with pace and intent against Jacques Kallis. It was a different Indian bowling attack altogether. Kallis was run out and the South African batting line-up was reeling. The Indians were in a high.

The much gained momentum must be utilized at its maximum and thus, Zaheer Khan came to bowl again. He dismissed Ashwell Prince with a Jaffa - It was a ball that Zhaeer made to move away and angled it into the batsman; producing one of those balls that pitched on and held its line. Prince played around it and found his stumps arranged! What a ball!

Enters Harbhajan Singh make full use of this momentum. He bagged four wickets and South Africa were bundled out for just 131.

The Indian bowlers dished out an astonishing performance. It all happened due to Zaheer Khan whose inspiring bowling essayed a much needed momentum which helped the other Indian bowlers to utilize. Surely, Zaheer is the leader of this Indian attack.     

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

South Africa vs India - You have to love Sachin Tendulkar

Some cricketers are bon to be great. They are born to give greatness a new name and Sachin Ramesh tendulkar is that cricketer who is just born to give greatness a new name. Since his entry to this topsy-turvy world of international cricket, Tendulkar’s bat has been busy in rewriting the record books and he has simply turned the world of statistics upside down with his magical batting display.

At Centurion in the first Test against South Africa, India’s pride as the number one Test side in the world was at stake. They were bundled out for a 136 in the first innings and their bowlers were made to look club stuffs when the Proteas punished them in their first innings. India were trailing by a massive 484 runs. And in their second innings, India were reduced to 277 for 6.

But the little master decided to buckle down and hold at one end. He had Dhoni at the other end who had turned in to a murderer and took the Proteas attack to the cleaners. Dhoni’s knock was only possible due to the assurance from the other end where Tendulkar was rock steady. The Proteas were made to toil.

When Tendulkar was on his 80’s, the crowd at Centurion including spectators from both sides, started demanding the little champion’s 50th Test ton and in such situations, automatically a batsman’s concentration can get altered. But Tendulkar was in a different zone. His focus was to save the Test match and not the milestone.

Morkel and Steyn were and top and started to show their fury against Tendulkar with bouncers. But Tendulkar rather than getting carried away to play any rash strokes left them alone. The balls that kept low were negotiated with solid technique and he was giving the impression to the Proteas that what ever they do, they will not be able to dismiss him, Tendulkar was immortal at the crease.

At 97, Tendulkar was again digested with a flurry of bouncers but still he was cool as a cucumber and spent 10 deliveries without a run. In came Dale Steyn. Tendulkar got an inside edge to mid-wicket to add a couple. He was on 99. Then the little master played one through the covers to reach his 50th Test ton.

The  bat went high in the air, thanking the almighty and then responded the fans. Another milestone had visited the little master. But what more glaring was his concentration, solid technique and authoritative stroke-play even at this age. Simply brilliant!

I am one of his harsh critics but I cannot but love this man’s dedication towards his team. You have to love him

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - It was Shakib Al Hasan again!

At first it was 5 for 2 then there was a resuscitation-work from Imrul Kayes and Raqibul Hasan but then it was 71 for 4. The situation was not looking good and Bangladesh needed something from their captain to get them out of this rut. As usual Shakib didn’t dissatisfy us. He shone for Bangladesh with the bat this time around.  

Shakib Al Hasan took little time to settle and started to play his shots in a carefree manner and with the little Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib scripted a polished partnership of 116 runs for the fifth wicket. The partnership was more about well-timed singles, nudges and working the ball here and there with more brains rather than rush of bloods. Shakib scored 73, while Rahim made 63.

The foundation of a fighting total was made and the Bangladeshi lower order did blazed to swell the Bangladeshi total and later on, the Zimbabweans just could not cope against the guile of Abdur Razzak and Shafiul Islam.

Again, it was that man Shakib Al Hasan.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - Aren't we forgetting Shakib Al Hasan?

Bangladesh are euphoric about Razzak’s hat-trick and why not? Razzak has been brilliant in this match, but amid this euphoria should be forget one man’s critical contribution in this match? That man has created an enormous impact throughout this match and he is none other than our Shakib Al Hasan.

In the morning, Shafiul Islam gave Bangladesh the early break through, but that didn’t deter Bredan Taylor from unleashing an assault. Taylor took the attack to our bowlers and silenced the vociferous Mirpur crowd. Taylor was much needed to be stopped and who can do that job masterfully other than Shakib? 

Shakib took the responsibility to halt Taylor's assaulting-mood. In the extra-cover position Shakib set Raqibul Hasan in a bit depper position which make any attacking batsman think that it would be easy to clear that area. Shakib dished out a well-flighted delivery, which set-up Taylor to attack Shakib over extra-cover but was out caught to Raqibul Hasan.

Shakib's plan worked and Bangladesh have fetched the wicket of the danger man, courtesy of some thinking captaincy. Shakib had noticed that Taylor was driving on the front- foot aggressively and thus, he made Taylor over-ambitious to drive on a flighted delivery which Taylor mistimed and as a result Zimbabwe's escalating run rate had been dented. 

Then, Dabengwa was well set and his brief 48-run stand with Taibu was again helping the Zimbabweans to gain the lost momentum. Enters, Shakib Al Hasan again to bowl in the 29th over - Shakib’s second delivery took Dabengwa’s edge and went for four. Before bowling the last ball of the over, Shakib noticed that, Dabengwa was preparing to attack him as the previous three balls didn’t fetch him any runs. Shakib could realize that, Dabengwa would shape-up to attack him and thus, he deliberately bowled a full toss which let Dabengwa to hit that straight to Shakib – another classic breakthrough as a result of some thinking bowling and another important breakthrough as a result of leading-from-the-front like leadership. 

The Zimbabwean captain was at the crease and with Craig Ervine, he was trying to get back Zimbabwe’s depleted momentum. Both of them were involved in a chicky little building-the-partnership stuff. They were milking the singles and couple more than cracking boundaries.

Shakib Al Hasan realized that another wicket is needed to halt this momentum and he returned to bowl again. If his second spell was tidier and thoughtful, then his third spell was attacking – he bowled with an attacking line and length to dent the Zimbabwean batters - Elton Chigumbura was done by an arm ball – Shakib had arrested another threatening Zimbabwean partnership and at 132 for six, Zimbabwe were at bay.  

Shakib came back to bowl again when the partnership of Craig Ervine and Prosper Utseya started to blossom. Zimbabwe had taken the Powerplay at the start of the 44th over to go for the final assault. But the rest of the show belonged to Razzak who notched-up a hat-trick with Shakib getting rid of Meth to gain his fourth wicket of the match.

Razzak’s hat-trick might have stolen the show, but Shakib’s impact on this match had been instrumental. Those crucial breakthroughs in the critical junctures of the match can hardly be undermined. Sadly, our fans and cricket pundits are too much obsessed with Razzak's feat rather than Shakib's brilliant cricketing brain. I have not seen any so-called experts to say about this. But it should have been highlighted as well.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - Great show by the Tigers

So, the Tigers have bounced back in style at Mirpur in the second One-day international against the cocky Zimbabweans. It was the sort of clinical performance which we expect from our boys.

The bowling of Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak was simply brilliant. The Zimbabwean innings was made directionless by the teasing left-arm spin of Shakib and Razzak.  

With four more overs of the Powerplay to go and with Ervine and Utseya still at the crease, Zimbabwe was targeting more than 220 in 50 overs. But Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hasan orchestrated a dramatic collapse. Utseya who was targeting the vacant midwicket area and was swinging his bat against the turn was caught by Naeem Al Islam in the last ball of the 45th over and in the next over Meth was caught and bowled by Shakib and in the 47th over Razzak trapped Price and Mpofu leg before to ensure that the target remains below 200. Zimbabwe had lost their last four wickets for jus two runs and Razzak became the second Bangladeshi bowler to grab a hat-trick in ODIs.

The Bangladeshi batters didn’t panic while chasing but ensured the victory without making the weather heavy.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - The Tigers' feet comes to ground

So, the Tigers start the One-day series against Zimbabwe with a defeat. The Bangladeshi boys had been brilliant on the field in the first-half of the game but, it didn’t matter much as because the hosts were left stunned with a nine-run defeat. Zimbabwe now lead the series 1-0.  

The visitors certainly deserve enough credit for being disciplined. Their temperament didn’t tilt despite the pressurized situation. The team which lost the battle of nerves had been the hosts. The running between the wicket had been shoddy and sadly, Mohammad Ashraful frustrated us again. That was a horrifying dismissal. You don’t expect such sort of dismissal from a batsman who has been playing cricket for almost ten years.

It was again Shakib who looked to pull this match out of the fire by scripting a Michael-Hussey-like knock. He tamed the disciplined bowling of Price and Chibhabha by milking singles and couples and when they were put out of the attack Shakib unleashed his attacking strokes to make the silent Mirpur crowd to roar again. Shakib was well aided by Mahmudullah Riyad.

But things didn’t go well for the Tigers as the Zimbabweans went on to win the first ODI. In fact, the Tigers’ batting still looks shoddy. It lacks stability and the urge to to build partnerships. This defeat should be a wake-up call for the Tigers. The lessons must be learned as early as possible.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - It's time to focus with enough vigour and sizzle

The Zimbabweans are here for a five-match One-day (ODI) series and I can say with confident that the Tigers are in a better shape than the visitors. The Bangladeshi boys are more confident than the Zimbabweans and after the recent Banglawash over the Kiwis; the Tigers are determined to repeat the same feat against Zimbabwe whose current status is not pretty good.

But in cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty anything and in the limited-overs version the uncertainties happen more and which the Bangladesh must keep in their minds. In cricket or any other sports, the underdogs are a dangerous species. They can gift shockers at any moment and in the history of limited-overs cricket such species are the masters of devouring the best in no time.

As for example, the Tigers started the ODI series against New Zealand as the underdogs and according to many, they were no-hoppers but, the way the series had ended will remain as One-day cricket’s most eventful series ever. So, it’s hard to undermine any of the underdogs in the limited-overs versions. Such formats are ideal for the underdogs to trigger shocks and in that sense, Bangladesh must be well aware of Zimbabwe.

Every series is a new series; every game is a new game. All the glories of the past might be erased from the fans’ memory bank by a defeat at the hands of an underdog team and for which, no lackluster body language and over-confidence must be allowed.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have announced the team for the ODI series. The good thing is the return of Mohammad Ashraful in the side. Ashraful had a terrific domestic season and the achievement of gold medal in the Asian Games cricket as a captain surely has lifted his confidence. The nation wants Ashraful to fire.

But the omission of Shahriar Nafees doesn’t make any sense. Nafees has the reputation of slicing the Zimbabwean attack into pieces. He had also fared well against the Kiwis in the recently concluded ODI series in October. But in contrast, Junaid Siddiqui was shocking against the Kiwis with scoring just 71 runs in five matches and as a fielder Junaid was shoddy. Why Junaid was preferred over Nafees remains a moot question.

The BCB have still not clarified who will be the captain against Zimbabwe. I think they need to select a permanent captain. It is very important for Bangladesh to play under a permanent captain and I think, Shakib is the best man to lead the team. If Mashrafe has injury scares then I don’t find any reasons behind his selection. We can’t be emotional regarding selection policies.

The Zimbabwe team management are considering themselves as the underdogs. They are keeping themselves in touch with the reality but it’s not that they would surrender without a fight. One must not forget that this Zimbabwe side has defeated India and Sri Lanka at their home this year in the Micromax tri-nation tournament four months ago. Even though they were beaten heavily in the third ODI against South Africa but in the previous two ODIs they really scared the Proteas in the three-match ODI series last month.

Men like Brendon Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Raymond Price and Elton Chigumbura can crank up a surprise anytime. Certainly, since the last home series in 2009 a win by a handsome margin of 4-1 against Zimbabwe the Tigers have come a long way to claim themselves amongst the better sides in world cricket but, they must not take Zimbabwe lightly.

The series against New Zealand is past. It’s time to focus on a mission with enough vigour and sizzle.

Asian Games 2010 - Bravo Bangladesh!

Just watch what cricket is gifting Bangladesh. Just notice the amazing achievements of Bangladesh through cricket. Time and again cricket is making us smile amid so many unrests and pains. The people of Bangladesh will have another moment to cheer for. They can speak proudly that they are a Bangladeshi as Bangladesh have won a gold medal in the Asian Games by beating Afghanistan in the final.

The team sport of Cricket became a medal sport at the 2010 Asian Games. The last time cricket featured in a major multi-sport event was at the 1998 Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the Proteas won the gold medal by beating Australia. At a general meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia, held in Kuwait on 17 April 2007, it was announced that cricket would be included as a medal sport in the 2010 Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou. Matches would be played on a Twenty20 format. 

To win a gold medal in a multi-sport event is a dream of every country. Bangladesh’s participation in such multi-sport events in one word  has been pathetic so far. We hardly could manage any respect in any of the events let alone targeting the gold medals. But the inclusion of cricket had given Bangladesh a new hope. And at last the Tigers has delivered the goods.

In the final, the Tigers’ opponent was the cocky Afghanistan who surprised Pakistan in the semifinals. Before the semifinal clash the Afghanistan coach Rashid Latif remarked that Afghanistan were a better side than Bangladesh. And of course, Rashid Latif deserved an answer for such a statement. 

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The Bangladeshi bowlers were at the top from the very start. They were accurate and nagging restricted the Afghans at 118 for 8 in 20 over. Naeem Islam, Shahadat Hossain and Mohamamd Ashraful picked two wickets each.

But chasing the total the Bangladeshi batting was reeling. The Afghan bowlers were wagging their tail and at 75 for 5, the Tigers were left at bay. Naeem Islam held the one end steady and a swashbuckling knock was the need of the time to reach towards the cherished goal. That goal was achieved through Shabbir Rahamn’s stormy knock of 33 off 18 balls.

Bangladesh needed 19 runs off the last two over as Shabbir Rahman  hit successive straight sixes off Karim Khan Sadeq's 19th over as Bangladesh raced to 119 with only three balls to spare. Sadeq conceded 17 run in that eventful over.

So, the gold medal has been achieved in a multi-sport event. Another glory is added in the history of Bangladesh sports. But it’s all because of cricket. Cricket has made us proud, cricket has again made us to say loudly, "Bravo Bangladesh."


Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Pakistan v South Africa - A wonderful Eid gift from Younis Khan

The Proteas started as the favourites against Pakistan for the first Test at Dubai. Without a doubt, they were the better side than their counterparts a as because not only they had the players to topple any team in the world but they were also oozing with enough confidence and team spirit.

At the other end, recent controversies simply had dented Pakistan’s mojo a lot. They were a side low in confidence and adequate team spirit.

But you can’t just write-off Pakistan that easily.

On the final day, Pakistan needed something special from their batsmen to counter the brilliant South African bowlers. They were in need of a brave heart to save the day for them and Younis Khan proved to be that brave heart.

In the early morning Younis was well supported by the gritty Azhar Ali and after Azhar’s departure, Younis batted the whole day with his captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Their stand of 186 ensured a safe and a hard fought draw. Younis was dropped three times but fortune favours the brave.

Younis Khan in the first session was cautious and watchful. But after the interval he flexed his muscles to essay some wonderful strokes. He leapt down the wicket to smite a floated offspinner from Botha high over long-on and followed that up with a powerful sweep to long leg.

Steyn returned with the old ball and was immediately slapped for two fours, through mid-off and deep cover. That prompted Smith to take the new ball - already overdue - and an eventful over was completed when Younis thrust his bat out at a ball he might have left and a thick edge burst through Kallis's hands at third slip to leave the fast bowler absolutely livid.

It appeared a fourth chance had been pouched when a delivery from Morkel ricocheted off Younis's pad and Amla plucked it out of the air at short leg, but Asoka de Silva decided there had been no inside edge and was vindicated by replays. Younis retaliated by scorching an imperious drive on the up through cover, and as the heat of the afternoon began to take its toll tempers frayed on both sides.

Morkel opted for a round-the-wicket line of attack once again and after a series of bouncers engaged in some heated banter with Younis. Both Misbah and Umpire Daryl Harper stepped in to appeal for calm, Harper warning Morkel for running on the pitch.  Younis flowed past his hundred with 12 runs in a single Botha over. When Younis raised his bat in delight it seemed that he was asking Ijaz Butt of why was he being left in the cold for so long?

It was a wonderful Eid gift from Younis Khan.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Sri Lanka v West Indies - Chris Gayle loves Test cricket

How to answer your harsh critics? Rather than wasting energy via words it’s better to answer them via solid performances.

Over the last one year Chris Gayle had been on the centre of all that had been happening in the West Indies cricket. Chris Gayle’s remarks on his loath towards Test cricket made the critics more vociferous. His stubborn attitude towards the West Indies Cricket Board portrayed him as a selfish person. He was ousted from the West Indies captaincy but was included for the team’s tour to Sri Lanka.

On a bright sunny day at Galle, the West Indies won the toss and elected to bat on a placid track. From the word go Chris Gayle’s bat, which looks more like a tooth pick in his hands, started murdering the Lankan bowlers. It was an absolute carnage!

A lazy drive touched the ropes; a mistimed shot would meet the fences at ease. The Sri Lankan bowlers could do nothing to stop Gayle’s brief stay at the crease. He walloped the spinners well over long-on in signature style and his pull shots were brutal. He plundered 25 runs in a 7 ball burst to bring up his 13th Test hundred which was to be his first hundred in the subcontinent.

Gayle’s celebration on his hundred was an unconventional one: lying down on the mid-pitch for a moment to soak himself up with all the praises by his team mates and the crowd. After the celebration the Gayle juggernaut continued.

Chris Gayle’s unorthodox magnificence was at its best. There were more pulls along the midwicket, more savage cuts and plenty of brutal drives and thus, marched towards his double ton which included amazing 26 fours and 8 plundering sixes, the most by a West Indian batsman in a Test innings. The celebrations were more muted this time, with a wry smile and the raising of the bat sufficing.

On the second day, Gayle continued with his incredible batting and which broke plenty of records. First to go was the stadium’s top score. Mahela Jayawardene’s 237 run was eclipsed, Rohan Kanhai’s 256 which was the highest by a West Indian in the subcontinent, had been surpassed after the lunch and after tea Younis Khan’s 313 to make the highest score by any batsman against Sri Lanka and he surpassed his own highest score of 317.

Chris Gayle brought up his triple ton after the tea and celebrated by kneeling with his arms aloft and with this triple ton Chris Gayle etched his name in the history when he became just the fourth batsman after Don Bradman, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag to score a 300 plus runs.

Gayle’s magnificent form put Brian Lara’s 400 under threat and Lara might wake up in the morning to find out his record being broken by this tall lanky Jamaican beast. But Ajanta Mendis’ inspired spell brought an end to Gayle’s powerful knock of 333. He hit 35 fours and 9 sixes.

He might say that he disliked Test cricket but his brief stay at the crease never gave anyone the impression of Gayle’s abhorrence towards Test cricket. He was such a treat to watch. One might say about the placid nature of the track which aided Gayle a lot. But to score a triple ton it requires enormous amount hunger for runs with a rock solid Test-cricket-temperament. Chris Gayle has proved himself wrong. He loves Test cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - Well done New Zealand!

 The second Test at Hyderaband has ended in a draw and with that New Zealand’s splendid show continues in India. New Zealand who rank number eight in the ICC Test ranking have now drawn four consecutive Tests against India who are the number one Test team in the world at present since 2003.

The Kiwis posted 350 runs in their first innings riding on McIntosh, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder’s sound batting performances. McIntosh notched up a hundred and New Zealand’s steady batting progress was tarnished by Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. Finally, Harbhajan Singh’s bowling also has started to click alongside his batting. Good news for India!

In reply to New Zealand’s first innings total, the Indian batting response was cyclonic. Virender Sehwag was as usual severe on the Kiwi bowlers as he went on to make a quick 96. With Gambhir, Sehwag scripted an opening stand of 160 in no time.

But the spirited Kiwis came back with a strong answer and strangle hold the Indian batsmen. Daniel Vettori bowled non-stop and kept on teasing the Indian batsmen with his left-arm spinners. As soon as Sehwag left, the runs had dried up for India.

The Indian batting was again given the oxygen by the silky VVS Laxman who scored a fine 74 and yes again, Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan went on to score his second consecutive hundred of the Test series and the first ever number 8 batsmen to do that in the history of cricket. With Sreesanth, Harbhajan built a partnership of 105 runs for the last wicket to take a lead of 122. Daniel Vettori took five wickets.

The Kiwis second innings reply was better. The Indians had lost Zaheer Khan for an abdominal strain but there should have been a splendid response from Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha on a track which was supposed to help the spinners. The New Zealand batsmen progressed finely.

The Kiwi’s second innings belonged to Brendon McCullum. The man is more famous for his swashbuckling nature but, at Hyderabad, he showed that he is well-equipped for Test cricket as well. McCullum batted for nine long hours defying the exhausting heat and reaped the rewards for his hard work milking a toothless Indian bowling unit to get to the third highest score in the second innings in India. With McIntosh, he gave the Kiwis a solid opening start of 125 and even there was a bit bother, but with Kane Willamson he just batted out the Indians.

McCullum scored his runs with style and nonchalance. The spinners tried to unsettle him by bowling round the wicket but they all found themselves to be reverse swept for boundaries. There were his Mcscoop and those un-orthodox stroke plays which he uses in the limited-over versions.

His first Test double ton was brought up with a Mcscoop and this splendid knock consists of 22 fours and 4 sixes. He looked to have keeping a pace with Chris Gayle at Galle and looked to surpass Martin Crowe’s 299, the highest individual Test score, scored by a Kiwi batsman. But Sreesanth ended McCullum’s effort wit a mock motionless expression. McCullum was out for 225.

The Kiwis gave the Indians a target of 327 and Virender Sehwag’s 54 brought some cheer among the crowd who were frustrated with the home team’s efforts. I was expecting a bit more intent from the best Test side regarding this chase but sadly, I found no such intent among them.  

But, well done New Zealand. Despite not boasting with any big names, the Kiwis have been simply brilliant in both the Test matches.

How long can they maintain this fight back?

Time will answer.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - Harbhajan Singh's batting is a bonus but should not be at the cost of his bowling

 After the retirement of Anil Kumble it was thought that Harbhajan Singh will carry on the legacy of Kumble with enough guiles and with Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan was expected to reap a rich harvest. Zaheer Khan is as usual sharp and productive but sadly, Harbhajan has lost his wicket-taking abilities a lot.  

When India needed something from Harbhajan, for a while, he has always failed to deliver his team. But for Harbhajan if the wickets are not coming then he has decided to use the willow in most effective manner. In crisis moments, he might not have been able to fetch wickets but surprisingly he has been able to pluck important runs for his team quite consistently.  

 At Ahmedabad in the first Test against New Zealand, a good Indian reply on the first day met a sorry tale in the second day. India needed enough runs to post a fighting total. The cream of the Indian batting line-up had gone for the pavilion but, Harbhajan’s bat scripted 69 runs to post a respective total of 487.

In the second innings, it was a disastrous scenario for India at 65 for 6 and a shocking defeat was knocking at the door. Again, the bat of Harbhajan Singh scripted a hundred to ensure a safe draw.

In the second Test at Hyderabad, in reply to New Zealand’s first innings total of 350, India, despite Sehwag’s blast, were found wanting. New Zealand had been brilliant on the field and were desperate to stop any loose balls that were to be hit for boundary by the Indian batsmen. When Laxman was dismissed the Kiwis were jubilant and thought that thye had bagged the match.

But Harbhajan was still at the crease.

Harbhajan was never shy to play any aggressive shots but they were essayed in amore controlled manner. At 367 for 9, when Ojha left, India had gained a thin lead of 17 runs, but Bhaji decided to for more runs and with Sreesanth he essayed a partnership of 105 runs for the last wicket and India gained a lead of 122 runs. In the mean time Harbhajan Singh completed his second consecutive hundred of the series with 7 fours and 7 sixes. And with this he became the first number 8 batsman to score a consecutive hundreds in Test cricket. 

Harbhajan’s batting is more about entertainment – aggressive stroke-play but no brain-explosions. His batting speaks of a sense of responsibility, a duty which one must do when the team needs it most. He wields the bat almost like a Dhanraj Pillai and smacks the ball like Dhanraj hits the hockey ball and his batting instincts matches Virender Sehwag – if the ball is there to be hit then it must run towards the boundary.

Harbhajan’s batting is more productive than his bowling at present. To have such an effective batsman in the tail is a bonus for any team. But Harbhajan’s main task is with the ball. India needs his bowling more. It’s good that Harbhajan is turning out to be an allrounder but, that should not undermine his bowling at all.

India would love to have Harbhajan as the bowling allrounder and not as the batting allrounder. Harbhajan’s batting is a bonus for India but not at the cost of his wonderful offspinners.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Pakistan cricket - Another unwanted incident

I returned home after doing a hectic 24-hour duty on Monday. I was heavily tired and exhausted. After taking a shower and breakfast I was planning for having a nap to reduce my stress level.  

Before going to sleep, I was wandering on Facebook for a while and noticed Zulqarnain Haider’s status update: “(Zulqarnain Haider Cricketer) leaving pakistan cricket because get bad msg fr 1 man fr lose the match in last game on Sunday”.

Frankly speaking, I didn’t give that much importance thinking that it might be another fake account. But one and half hours before the match started, the cricinfo news said that Zulqarnain is missing from the hotel and can’t play the fifth One-day international (ODI). What bloody start to the classic contest!

I was trying to know the reasons. The cricinfo’s updates said that Zulqarnain received a text message in his mobile which threatened to kill him for not fixing the fourth ODI against South Africa. For which he managed his passport from the manager and then flew for United Kingdom. He was last seen at the Dubai airport before the start of the fifth ODI.

Pakistan lost the fifth ODI. After watching the ODI I went to sleep and kept thinking what kind of controversy Zulqarnain Haider will gift Pakistan this time around?

Today, after returning from the hospital I read the updates from the cricinfo and after reading those I started to think about the pathetic state of Pakistan cricket: Where is Pakistan cricket heading? Who are actually running Pakistan cricket? Are the players safe? Do they fix matches due to such death threats?

Many would say Zulqarnain did something stupid by not telling anything to the PCB or the team members and the officials. But why not say he didn’t find it safer enough to tell anyone about the matter? Perhaps, the crooks are still there in the team who are roaming free. They only play in the team to let the Pakistan team down and remains untouchable due to strong connections with the mafia.

The environment of Pakistan cricket is polluted. The youngsters don’t have enough honest people around to show them the right way and in turn they are taking the wrong path which is leading them to the don’t-know-zone. Trustworthy persons have become rarity in Pakistan cricket which is very sad.

Zulqarnain’s sudden escape has given rise to various questions the answers of which we might never get. But my curious mind says that, Pakistan cricket is being controlled by a third party whose main aim to tarnish Pakistan cricket and dent its image. Sadly, again, Pakistan cricket is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - Great show by the Kiwis

 Before the start of the first Test at Ahmedabad, the Kiwis were expected to get battered by the Indians as because, everybody thought that it would be tough for them to get out of that nightmarish tour of Bangladesh where they digested the Banglawash. But, you know what; these Kiwis are a bunch of fighters who bounce back from the most ridiculous of lean patches.

The Indians started the Test in a swashbuckling fashion. Virender Sehwag was in a belligerent mood and took the Kiwi bowlers to the cleaners while at the other end, the wise monk, Rahul Dravid’s sedate hundred helped India to finish the first day in a commanding fashion.

But it was a different story altogether in the second day. The Kiwis fought back strongly to dent a serene Indian progress. Despite the injury to their new ball bowler Bennett, the New Zealand bowlers did very well to restrict the Indians from posting a daunting total. Daniel Vettori led the attack and the Indians finished their first innings total at 487 which once looked to surpass 600 runs.

In reply, the New Zealand batters batted with enough patience and composure. Kane Williamson, who had been fantastic with the bat against Bangladesh, notched up his debut hundred while Jesse Ryder surprised everyone by curbing his natural stroke-play and scripting a hundred which was simply a un-Jesse-Ryder one! The Kiwis finished the first innings by posting 459 runs – a total which not expected from them as it was expected that they would find it tougher against the Indian spinners.

In the second innings the Indian batsmen found themselves on the mat against the controlled bowling aided by late movement of Chris Martin. Gambhir misjudged the line pushed well outside-off to the wicket-keeper, Dravid ended up poking at one away from his body to a delivery that held it’s line well just after Sehwag’s comical run out, Tendulkar was done by a late swing that kissed his bat’s thick edge and hit the stumps, Raina was caught by Taylor Off martin and India were reeling at 17 for 5. Chris Martin was on fire!

The Motera crowd was stunned to silent. The number one Test team in the world had just been given a punch on the face by a bowler whose bowling never had the teeth to harass the best in the business. But sheer work on basics and a well influx of good spirit can do wonders. Mind you, New Zealand had Bennett injured and Ryder, a part-timer, injured as well. Still their approach against India was much better than the Australians.

MS Dhoni and VVS Laxman put up a partnership of 50 but, Dhoni’s stay was cut short by Martin, who bagged five wickets and India ended the fourth day at 82 for 6.

On the final day, the unexpected didn’t happen. The Indians’ prestige was preserved by the man who is habituated to deliver the best for his team whenever it was needed. Yes, VVS Laxman stood up again to essay another composed knock of 91 as his 163-run stand with Harbhjan Singh ensured safety for India. Especially, Harbhjan Singh with the bat was enough sensible. An ideal blend of sensibility and aggression brought Harbhajan’s first Test hundred. The Kiwis were set a target of 294 and they finished the day with 19 for 1. The Test match, which was to be all India’s ended in a draw.

But this Test match belonged to the Kiwis. Their batting is the biggest gain in the first Test. After being harassed by Shakib and co in Dhaka a month ago, the Kiwi batsmen showed tremendous character and temperament to counter the Indian spinners. Their batting transferred confidence among the bowlers in the shape of Chris Martin who scripted an inspiring spell to put the Kiwis on command. And certainly, the Kiwis never give up till the end and especially, when they play against India in India.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar