Is Eoin Morgan the right candidate to lead England's ODI side?

Not so long ago, Alastair Cook was England Cricket Board’s (ECB) most favourite person. Cook was their loyal child and in any trying circumstances, Cook has always received ECB’s utmost support. And for which it’s pretty hard to imagine that Cook has now been left in the cold by his most beloved Board.

On Saturday December 20 2014, the ECB sacked Alastair Cook as England’s one-day captain and confirmed Eoin Morgan as the next captain with less than two months before the start of World Cup. Cook doesn’t even feature in the 15-man squad for World Cup.

Captain Cook had become a liability for quite a while

Over the years, Cook’s one-day form has been dull. He had scored only one half-century in the last 22 innings and his last one-day hundred came 45 innings back. His slow-paced batting has also been a worry for England in this fast-and-furious age of cricket. Moreover, as a captain, he has failed to inspire his team – 36 wins and 30 defeats out of 69 matches.

Cook’s lack of ability to score runs was becoming painful for the fans and critics. In Sri Lanka, he was simply a helpless figure. Neither had he stayed at the crease longer nor did he show any urge to score runs in plenty for his team. And this has been Cook’s story for a long time now.

Surely, it’s hard to keep the faith in such a player who has failed to live up to the expectations time and again. The cricket pundits, fans and ECB’s most disliked person Kevin Pietersen have been vociferous regarding Cook’s axing from the one-day team and finally, Cook’s harsh critics will have plenty to smile at present.

Eoin Morgan a risky investment

It’s always sensible enough to replace the captain with a player who is in good form and also has leadership qualities. But, how logical is it to appoint Eoin Morgan as the captain? Like Cook, Morgan’s own form with the bat is also not good enough. In the last 19 innings he has scored just one half-century and this doesn’t do any justice to ECB’s decision.

But as a captain, Morgan averages almost 71 with the bat in eight matches and this might have encouraged the English hierarchy. Perhaps, they think that Morgan’s game will reach at its peak if he is made the captain.

Again, is Morgan a dynamic captain? At the eleventh hour, England needs a dynamic captain who can lift his team up not only with his performance but also with his captaincy prowess and man managing skills. Is Morgan the messiah whom the English one-day team is looking for?

ECB’s decision can’t be termed as bold but very risky. Former English spinner turned cricket columnist Vic Marks said, “The template for this World Cup seems to be the campaign in the Caribbean in 2010 when England won their solitary ICC trophy at the World T20. But the secret to England’s success then was that there was no template”.

Of course what he says is true – firstly, the twenty20 and 50-over formats are different. There is no scope for experimenting. You need to send a team which is well settled under a tried and tested captain in the World Cups.

Cook should have been removed from the one-day captaincy a long time ago to give the new captain enough time to gel well with his new job. But, it seems too late to appoint a new captain with the World Cup just knocking at the door. Whether Morgan has been the right choice or not as the captain, only time will tell.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 20/12/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/eoin-morgan-right-candidate-lead-englands-odi-side

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A challenging journey awaiting Bangladesh at the 2015 ICC World Cup

First of all, congratulations to the Bangladesh cricket team for such an emphatic win against Zimbabwe in both the Test series and the one-day series. Their dominating performances recently have made up for all the frustrations regarding the Tigers throughout the year. After losing 22 matches out of 27 across all formats till mid-September, such a performance has certainly reinstalled the lost confidence not just in the team but also among the fans. 

But one must not forget about the poor state of Zimbabwe cricket, and time and again, their lack of experience showed up. To Bangladesh’s credit, they have been able to capitalize on the weaknesses of Zimbabwe smartly.

Th Bangladesh bowlers, especially the spinners, were instrumental in thrashing Zimbabwe, but it’s hard to ignore the struggle of the Bangladeshi batsmen, with them losing a couple of quick wickets almost every time, and how they were found wanting against Tinashe Panyangara’s sharp pace and testing short-pitched bowling on placid tracks.

Even on batting-friendly tracks, the shakiness of the batsmen against a less competent pace attack was quite alarming as Bangladesh’s next mission will be the ICC World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand, where the conditions are hostile for the teams from the subcontinent.

The Tigers will face a tough challenge Down Under as they are not accustomed to playing in such conditions. They last toured Australia way back in 2008 and New Zealand in 2010. Except a few, a majority of the players have no idea about what playing in Australia and New Zealand means.

Neither in the batting nor in the bowling department, do Bangladesh have the players to put up a good show in Australia and New Zealand. Yes, there is a Shakib Al Hasan, but only one man can’t be relied upon to win every match.

Technically, Bangladesh batsmen lack an immaculate defence and are not very good back foot players. The batsmen lose their mojo whenever they are out of their comfort zone. Then, relying only on finger spinners can never fetch success as the hard and bouncy tracks in Australia are not helpful for off-spinners.

Leg-spinners, on the contrary, have always been productive Down Under, as a result of which Jubair Hossain is the new hope, but he is still too young to reap rich rewards on the biggest stage of them all.

Moreover, in Australia and New Zealand, medium-fast bowling can hardly pose a threat. A team needs a pace bowler who has the ability to bowl back of a length around the off-stump with sharp pace and deliver yorkers in the death overs consistently.

It was expected that the Bangladesh hierarchy would prepare pace-friendly tracks during the one-day series against Zimbabwe which would have helped the players a lot.

As a matter of fact, Bangladesh have never planned for the World Cup in an appropriate manner. Preparing seaming and bouncy tracks in domestic cricket or at least in one or two international matches has never been given sufficient importance. Moreover, sending the junior teams to Australia and New Zealand was never initiated. Such tours would have been a big learning curve for the Tigers. 

Time is short and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has plenty of work to do. They could possibly look at appointing someone like Aminul Islam as a consultant, who has a very good idea about Australian conditions, in the lead-up to the World Cup.

The current coach Chandika Hathurusingha is undoubtedly a very competent one, but he has not had enough time to organize his men well. With just a couple of months left for the quadrennial event, whether he can prepare his team well enough for Bangladesh to at least compete remains a moot question. 

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 5/12/2014 A challenging journey awaiting Bangladesh at the 2015 ICC World Cup

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Why Mohammad Amir deserves a second chance?

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent a letter to International Cricket Council (ICC), international cricket’s governing body to review the conditions of Mohammad Amir’s spot-fixing ban. As per the revised anti-corruption code, banned players could be allowed to return to domestic cricket before the end of their penalty if they meet certain criteria.

According to PCB, Amir has fulfilled all the criteria and thus qualifies for reintegration.

Mohammad Amir was handed a five-year ban from the game after being found guilty of bowling no-balls on demand during the Lord’s Test against England in 2010. His teammates, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt were also handed bans. A year later, a London court handed out jailed terms to the three players and their agent.

 As a nation, Pakistan is wading through troubled waters and it is their sportsmen who, generally give them joy and pleasure to overcome the depressive situations. But this saga had hurt the passionate Pakistani cricket followers badly. Though Asif and Butt received no sympathy, many empathized with Amir simply because of his age and talent.

After ICC’s revised anti-corruption code, it seems that Mohammad Amir will be able to rekindle his international career. But few people don’t feel that Mohammad Amir should be allowed to feature in the national team again. According to them, his presence will pollute the dressing room environment and kill the desire to play the game.

Forgiveness is a trait that needs to be implemented in Amir’s case

I can realize those people’s anger regarding Amir’s crime and I endorse their feelings. But I also believe that forgiveness is a great virtue and a beautiful trait that cannot be practiced by all. It is one such character which is easier to preach than to practice. It requires a great magnanimity to forgive whether that person is a friend or an enemy and like Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong“

I agree that Amir had committed a crime and such an act tarnished the image of his nation and defamed the gentleman’s game, but one must not forget how naive and immature Amir was during that time. He was just a kid who came from a poor family and got excited by sudden fame and cash. He shook hands with the wrong people and thus, lost his way. For a kid like Amir, who hails from a poor family, such mistakes are not surprising and for which rather than leaving such kids in the cold, we must help them to rectify themselves.

Mohammad Amir deserves a second chance and it’s the duty of his teammates, cricket board and fans to welcome him and help him to flourish further.

As an optimistic person, I don’t think that his presence will diminish the desire to win or hamper the environment of the dressing room. But, the presence of a mercurial talent like Amir will act as a motivating factor. Not only Pakistan cricket, but world cricket also needs a talent like Amir. Talents like Mohammad Amir are born once in a few years and it’s hard to ignore such a prodigy.

Mohammad Amir has learnt from his mistakes

Years of struggle and trying circumstances have changed Amir a lot. He has tried his best to correct himself. Two years back in an interview Amir said, “I am cautious about trusting people. Just because a person appears to be nice doesn’t mean he is a good friend. He is obviously not if he pulls you down when he sinks himself”.

He continued, “There are situations in everyone’s life when one has to decide quickly about what to do. Choose the right way and forget about what will happen next because eventually it won’t be as bad as if you chose the wrong way”.

Shouldn’t Amir be given another opportunity? If Italy’s Paolo Rossi and West Indian Marlon Samuels can be forgiven, then why not Amir?

You have to forgive Mohammad Amir and if you can’t forgive him then the words of George Herber echo in my ears, “He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven”.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 25/11/2014 Why Mohammad Amir deserves a second chance?

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Pakistan cricket - Misbah-ul-Haq is a better captain than Imran Khan?

Some people simply make me angry when they say that Misbah-ul-Haq is a better captain than Imran Khan as because Misbah has won more Test matches than the Lion. Please do remember that the statistics don’t always give you the true picture. I am also aware of stats but while judging a cricketer I don’t only rely on them.

Misbah-ul-Haq might have won more Test matches, but he has not been successful outside home. His record in South Africa is shoddy while he has even failed to do well in Sri Lanka where he was supposed to do well as because the conditions were not alien. And again, Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy has never tested against the likes of Australia and England on their own backyard. Above all, Misbah’s Pakistan have never been a very consistent side under him and more often proved to be a very mediocre unit.

Misbah can be praised for stabilizing this team since 2010, but cannot be claimed as among the best captains as to be the best you need to have intelligence, courage and skill. I ask you, does Misbah possess all these?

Imran Khan was an ideal blend of intelligence, courage and skill. Imran Khan was POWER!

Under Imran Khan Pakistan developed into one of the most feared side in the world cricket. He galvanized a young unit into world beaters.

Imran’s men produced results outside home more and proved to be the most competent side in all conditions and against the top oppositions. Especially, against the mighty West Indies of 1980s, Imran and his young guns consistently challenged them in Test cricket. When all the others used to struggle against the Caribbean, Imran Khan’s team always used to make them sweat.

Be it winning trophies or be it conquering adversities or be it dishing out results in a consistent manner; Imran Khan’s men were simply brilliant.

And as a captain an Imran Khan is born once. Pakistan will get another Misbah, but they will never be able to produce another Imran. Imran was not only a high class allrounder, but as a captain he is still regarded as one of the best in the history of cricket – shrewd cricketing brain with plenty of innovative ideas and immensely courageous.

If you are still judging players on the basis of just stats then please mate, get a life!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Shakib Al Hasan has proved his worth again

The pressure of expectations on Shakib Al Hasan always remains high and to play for a team like Bangladesh, who have been the underachievers in world cricket till now, is never an easy task. He carries the hope of sixteen crore Bangladeshis. Even if Bangladesh lose, the loyal fans of Bangladesh cricket will be satisfied if Shakib does well. He is the heartbeat of every Bangladeshi.

Be it a rickshaw driver, a daily labourer or an elite, all will ask you first about Shakib’s whereabouts before Bangladesh’s position in a match. People will gather in front of those luxurious television shops whenever Shakib takes the center stage. If he hits a six or four or grabs a wicket, there will be a huge roar and it seems that one man has been able to capture the imagination of a nation which is in need of a hero.

Such has been Shakib’s impact not only over Bangladesh cricket, but over the whole country.

But amid those glorious performances and finest moments, Shakib Al Hasan’s cricketing journey has also been affected by controversies. And this year, most of the times, he has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

He suffered a three-match suspension on February for making a lewd gesture on live television. He missed two important matches for Bangladesh during the Asia Cup and he returned with a bang against Pakistan, but sadly the Tigers had lost a nail-biter to Shahid Afridi’s magic.

No sooner had things started to calm down, Shakib was handed another suspension by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in July as he disregarded the protocol by leaving the dressing room during the first one-day international against India and getting involved in an altercation with a spectator, who had allegedly harassed Shakib's wife.

Shakib’s absence was heavily felt and had made the Tigers to suffer as they struggled to get back on the winning track. The BCB also started to feel his importance.

In August, the BCB had reduced his suspension from six months to two-and-a-half months and for which he was available for selection for the series against Zimbabwe. Shakib bounced back in style.

He had announced his comeback by bagging six wickets in the first innings of Mirpur Test and in the second Test at Khulna, he simply blew away the Zimbabwean team both with the bat and ball. By dismissing Elton Chigumbura, he became the third cricketer to score a hundred and bag ten wickets in the same Test match. Imran Khan and Sir Ian Botham had done this before Shakib.

Moreover, since 2000, only on five occasions that a player has scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in a Test match and three of those have been by Bangladesh players.

Sohag Gazi had scored an unbeaten 101 and took 6 for 77 against New Zealand in Chittagong in 2013, but the other two were both achieved by Shakib Al Hasan: 144 and 6 for 82 against Pakistan in Mirpur in 2011, and 137 and 5 for 80 in the Khulna Test match against Zimbabwe.

Wow! That’s how champions rise to the occasion when the going gets tough. The more you try to suppress them, the more they will bounce back strongly. Time and again, Shakib has replied his ugly critics with scintillating performances.

Shakib Al Hasan is the ultimate champion of Bangladesh. He is not an Imran or Botham but he plays like them. Shakib is a cocktail of swagger, nonchalant, rhythm, anticipation and ego. Yes, he has a big ego, but his ego makes him determined enough to perform better each time he takes the field. Such egoistic champions are more often the nucleus of a team and for which such egoistic champions must be handled smartly and not harshly.

Shakib has proved his worth again. I hope his harsh critics realize his true worth as well.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 9/11/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/shakib-al-hasan-bangladesh-proved-his-worth

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan v Australia - Well done Younis Khan!

Younis Khan had caught my attention fourteen years back. In the second innings of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi, Pakistan were found wanting and they were in need of a brave batting display as the lead was not sufficient enough to challenge the might of the Lankan batting lineup.

A 22-year old batsman from Mardan rose to the occasion and imprinted his name in the history books by notching a workmanlike century in a record ninth wicket partnership with Wasim Akram as Pakistan staged a resilient but belated fight back. Sadly, Pakistan had lost against Sri Lanka in an absolute nail-biter, but Younis Khan’s brave knock had earned enough accolades from the critics.

he journey of Younis Khan had started, but it was not rosy at all. Time and again, he had failed to live up to the expectations according to his talent. Big hundreds were not coming and his stays at the wicket were short-lived. And thus, his place in the Pakistan team was never guaranteed. But Younis Khan never gave up. He continued to try harder to claim a permanent place in the Pakistan team.

The high voltage Indo-Pak series in 2005 proved extremely fruitful for Younis Khan. Till the third Test in Bengaluru, Younis Khan was a lost soul, but still the team’s coach Bob Woolmer never lost faith in him. Younis bounced back with a bang at Bengaluru by smashing a double ton and since then, he hardly looked back. The appropriate guidance of Bob had transformed Younis into a better player both technically and temperamentally.

Younis continued to deliver the best for Pakistan as a batsman, captain and a fielder. Under his captaincy, Pakistan went on to win the World Twenty20 in 2009 while under crisis, his bat always smiled to provide valuable runs for Pakistan. The steeper the odds, the more he seems to thrive.

But despite establishing himself as one of the most important members of Pakistan cricket team, Younis has always been the victim of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) whimsical treatments. Time and again, this great servant of Pakistan cricket has been treated shabbily. He was ousted from the captaincy in the most shameful manner in 2009 and then he was left in the cold for a brief period during Pakistan’s important away tours and for his dedications towards Pakistan cricket he has never received the due respect.

Not so long ago, before the start of the one-day series against Australia, Pakistan cricket’s hierarchy had announced the ODI team without including Younis. He made an ODI comeback during the Sri Lanka tour, not having played 50-over cricket for Pakistan since March 2013. He scored 3 in his only innings of the series before he had to fly home following the death of his nephew.

Chief selector Moin Khan said, “Our experiment with Younis in the ODI series in Sri Lanka backfired. Now all have unanimously decided to look ahead to our future with youngsters. His services for Pakistan are commendable, but now we have to take a step forward and he is also out of contention for the 2015 World Cup”.

Such an act simply annoyed Younis Khan, who said, “Don't let everyone be treated in a similar manner, those who have raised the flag of this country, don't disrespect them otherwise no youngster will play for Pakistan”.

But Younis Khan is a person who never gives up so easily. He is a Pathan warrior - committed, inspired, capable, and has the ability to conquer adversity. For a while he might be annoyed, but whenever it had been the matter of delivering for the country, Younis never stepped back, but gave his very best for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

In the ongoing Test series against Australia, he has slapped the hierarchy of Pakistan cricket by scoring heavily and so far, his achievements have been unique and they are well enough to tag him as one of the best batsman Pakistan have ever produced.

People like Younis Khan are cricket’s most prolific fighters who are born to inspire a generation. His rich vein of form against Australia has been a product of his sheer will power and commitment towards his team which can hardly be undermined. The Pakistan Cricket Board can’t afford to drop Younis from the World Cup squad. They should be ashamed of their harsh actions against Younis.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 01/11/2014 Pakistan v Australia - Well done Younis Khan!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Pakistan v Australia - The men in green have conquered adversity in style

The suspension of Saeed Ajmal by the ICC had dented Pakistan psychologically and continuous dismal performances in recent times didn’t do anything good to uplift the Pakistan team’s confidence. While Australia were all set to script another comprehensive win against Pakistan like the ODIs and T20I, the Pakistanis were found busy with off-field issues before the start of first Test.

But the Pakistan team always have the element of danger. No matter which team is playing, it always seems that the normal mechanism of control doesn’t exist. No Pakistan team will ever play the way as you expect.

You just never know which Pakistan team will show up - whether they would come together as a unit to tear an opponent in half or tear themselves into half. Either they are cornered Tigers one day or cornered chickens the other day.

The much experienced Australian batting had jolted against the left-arm spin of Zulfiqar – playing in his second Test - and legspin of an unknown young lad named Yasir Shah who was playing his first Test. Despite Pakistan’s respectable first innings total, it was least expected that, an inexperienced Pakistani attack would be able to put the Australian batsmen under pressure. But, Zulfiqar and Yasir had stranglehold the Australian batsmen.

Both of them had bowled with enough spirit as their expertise and subtlety continuously flummoxed the Australian batsmen and for a single moment the absence of Ajmal was never felt.  Pakistan were more focused and resourceful than Australia and Misbah-ulHaq as a captain shrugged off his defensive mindset and was seen to more aggressive and proactive.

Who would have thought that a competitive Australian team would surrender meekly in Dubai? Who would have thought that an Ajmal-less team would devour the Australians in such a ruthless manner? But at Dubai, such eye-popping things did happen as because Pakistan - the underdogs before the start of Dubai Test - as a team were more focused and resourceful than Australia.

Pakistan cricket has never been without a crisis situation and time and again, controversies have hogged the headlines. But each time, they have bounced back well. The suspension of Saeed Ajmal was an unexpected blow for Pakistan fraternity, but by beating Australia in Dubai they have conquered adversity in style.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The WICB crisis - World cricket can't afford to lose West Indies

Those of us who started following cricket since the late 80s will be particularly troubled with the recent chaos in West Indies cricket as because, in those days, the West Indies were the undisputed champions of world cricket and everyone relished watching them in action. They were everyone’s favourite team.

But as time progressed, their dominating performances started to lose its shine. The charisma and magnetism, which made them so special, were lost and there had been an appalling deterioration in interest for playing cricket.

Over the years, the West Indies cricket has gone doldrums. Their players lack passion, heart and purpose and their problems can be attributed to a vacuum at the top. The men in charge have always failed to realize that their natural talents had dried out a long time back and nowadays, success is achieved through sheer discipline, strict professionalism and a strong work ethic. But sadly, the WICB had always been more interested in practicing whims rather than sense and sensibilities.

In February, this year, Dwayne Bravo, the one-day captain, along with other players met Wavell Hinds, who is both the President and Chief Executive of West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA). Hinds told the players that they would have to share an amount of their international earning as it was needed to fund the new first-class franchise system. The players agreed with Hinds’ proposal on condition that they receive back some amount in another form.

So, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Hinds with WICB’s President Dave Cameron in September. But according to Bravo, the players were hardly consulted about this matter and the team traveled to India without signing their new contracts.  

Dwayne Bravo suggested reinstating the old agreement temporarily until the Indian tour ended so that they all could discuss about the matter at length and renegotiate the terms of the new MoU. But Cameron didn’t agree with such and argued that since Hinds had already signed it, the new MoU would remain as it was.

The players thought that both WICB and WIPA are riding on the same boat and Hinds had been the main culprit. In a letter to Hinds, Bravo said that the players have lost confidence in Hinds because of the MoU he signed with the WICB on their behalf in which WIPA agreed to massive pay cuts - their Test, one-day and Twenty20 fees had been decreased by 75 percent. They also claimed that their International Cricket Council (ICC) fees have been decreased by "close to 100 percent" and that they would not be compensated for the use of their rights under the new deal.

But a stubborn Hinds declared that he would not resign and his reply to Bravo’s letter was, “I must take this opportunity to remind you that there is a process embedded in WIPA's memorandum and articles of association regarding the election and removal of officers, and that your call for some members of the current executive and board to resign is not supported by that process. We were placed here by the rules of our association, and will leave only according to the will of the majority of our membership as provided in those rules”.

The situation became bad to worse to worst and ultimately went out of control. The West Indian players protested against Hinds and Cameron by skipping the Indian tour and this move didn’t impress cricket’s powerhouse BCCI at all. They have already suspended all bilateral ties with West Indies and have threatened to take legal actions against them. This move will make West Indies cricket suffer badly as because playing against India have always been financially beneficial for WICB. And now if such tours don’t take place, then it will be tough for West Indies to exist. Ultimately they will sink.

The ICC released a statement regarding this matter on October 22 saying, “The ICC hopes that the matter will be resolved amicably, but clarified that, unless the matter is otherwise referred to it, it does not have the power to intervene in disputes resulting from a bilateral FTP tour”.  

Moreover, if the ICC applies its rules then under the ICC's Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, unanimously approved by the full council in June 2014, the WICB could face suspension from the ICC.

So, if they really face a suspension from international cricket then it will not only make them bankrupt but it will be a big loss for world cricket as well.

The core issue is all about who earns more money and not cricket. Neither Hinds nor Cameron nor Bravo and his men are sacrificing their egos. If they all don’t come to a solution, then the future of West Indies cricket looks bleak and it will not be good for world cricket at all as because world cricket needs West Indies to survive and improve.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 23/10/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/the-west-indies-crisis-world-cricket-cant-afford-to-lose-west-indies

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

ICC World Cup 1975 - Gary Gilmour's incredible all-round exhibition against England

Gary Gilmour in action during the World Cup 1975

Australia and England were involved in a very absorbing and throbbing semi-final at Headingley during the inaugural World Cup. In circumstances which contradicted Wisden’s assessment of ‘perfect weather, ideal conditions’, both the teams found themselves battling it out under overcast conditions and seaming Headingley track.

Tale of the Headingley Track

The semi-final match was to be played on the same track where Australia and Pakistan played against each other during a group encounter. During that time, the track was suitable for batting, but before the semi-final clash, the groundsman had watered the pitch and made it look much livelier. Even though the moisture on the pitch was expected to vanish with the progression of the day, but the damp conditions didn’t let it happen.

Australia’s shrewd pick

The Australian hierarchy included an unknown left-arm swing bowler named Gary Gilmour instead of offspinner Ashley Mallet. It was a shrewd move in these conditions as Gilmour’s inclusion was to create a heavy impact on this match.

Gary Gilmour wreaks havoc with the ball

Ian Chappell won the toss and elected to bowl first. England openers, Denniss Amiss and Barry Wood came out to bat. After Lillee’s first over, the English openers were expecting a lively burst from Thomson. But Chappell introduced Gilmour left-arm swing bowling. Immediately, Gilmour dismissed Amiss with a ball that pitched on the leg stump and hit Amiss’s pads after straightening.

Barry Wood confidently drove Lillee through the covers for the first boundary of the day, but his confidence took a setback when his off-stump was pegged back by a deceptive inswinger from Gilmour.

Rod Marsh catches Tony Greig in an acrobatic fashion

Tony Greig and Keith Fletcher joined together to do the repair work, but a superlative acrobatic catch by Rod Marsh dented the repair work: Gary Gilmour pitched one wide outside the off stump at which Greig slashed hard. The ball flew to first slip where Ian Chappell was standing to take a regulation catch, but Marsh flew to his right and in front of Chappell to grab a superman-like-catch.

Frank Hayes, the next man in, on-drove and hit the first boundary off Gilmour, but his stay at the crease was cut short by Gilmour’s nip-backer against which Hayes tried to shoulder his arms – the ball hit the pad and Australia’s appeal for lbw was upheld.

By trapping Fletcher leg before, Gilmour had bagged a five-for and became the second bowler in the history of one-day cricket to do such after Dennis Lillee who achieved such feats in the same tournament. And by dismissing Alan Knott with another inducker, Gilmour had become the first bowler in the history of one-day cricket to bag a six-wicket haul.

Gilmour was simply irresistible on that way. He generated extravagant movement both in the air and off the surface. He relied more on pitching the ball up and most of his deliveries were induckers which resulted in four leg-before wickets. Gilmour finished with figures of 6 for 14.

England all out for 93

At 37 for 7 the game was almost over for England. But the English captain, Mike Denness, decided to fight back and showed enough resilience to score 27 runs. But his resistance was ended by Lillee who replaced Walker after lunch. Geoff Arnold added some valuable runs, but England were finally all out for 93 runs in 36.2 overs.

Gilmour delivers with the bat for Australia

Chasing 94 runs in 60 overs was supposed to be a cakewalk for the strong Australian batting line-up. But against Arnold, Snow, Old and Lever, the Australian batting line-up jolted.

Arnold trapped Turner lbw and John Snow, who was bowling with extreme pace, dismissed both the Chappell brothers in the space of nine balls. Then it was the turn for the local boy Chris Old to add further misery for the Aussies. Bowling first change, Old bowled with hostility to disturb the stumps of McCosker, Ross Edwards and Rod Marsh to leave Australia reeling at 39 for 6.

Gary Gilmour in action with the bat

Gilmour came out to bat and joined Doug Walters. He shunned the wait-and-watch theory and smashed a quickfire unbeaten 28 runs and qaushed further embarrassment. The partnership between him and Walters was worth 55 runs off just 58 balls. There was once a slice of luck for Gilmour as he was dropped by Greig at slip while the score was at 78 for 6.

Gary Gilmour’s allround performance is still regarded as one of the best in the history of one-day cricket and ICC World Cup. It’s a pity that such a talented cricketer didn’t live up to the expectations and faded away.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 11/10/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/icc-world-cup-1975-gary-gilmour-allround-exhibition-australia-england

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

ICC World Cup 1975 - Sri Lanka's courageous display against Australia's furious pace

Duleep Mendis needed medical treatment after being hit on the head by Thomson

Sri Lanka and East Africa were the non-Test status teams to participate in the inaugural ICC World Cup in 1975. Both teams suffered heavy defeats in their respective opening matches. The Kiwis thrashed the East Africans while the Sri Lankans were mauled by the Caribbean pace battery.

In their second match, East Africa were, as expected, pummeled by the Indians at Leeds, and at the Oval the same fate was expected in case of Sri Lanka because this time around, their batsmen had to face the fury of Lillee and Thomson who were as lethal as the West Indian pace battery.

Australian batsmen feed on Lankan bowlers

After the horrifying experience against West Indies, the Sri Lankan captain Anura Tennekoon didn’t want to expose his batsmen against Lillee and Thomson earlier in the morning and decided to field first on a placid Oval track after winning the toss.

But Tennekoon’s decision didn’t favour Sri Lanka as the Australian openers - Rick McCosker and Alan Tuner made the Lankan bowlers to toil hard. Turner hit nine fours and one six to script a knock of 101 runs. The opening stand of 182 runs was ended as legspinner Somachandra de Silva accounted for the wicket of Alan Turner. De Silva accounted for the wicket of McCosker as well and after a while Lalith Wasantha Silva Kaluperuma dismissed Ian Chappell cheaply to bring the Sri Lankans back into the game.

But Sri Lanka’s joy didn’t last long as Greg Chappell and Doug Walters started to dent the Lankan bowlers by scoring at a rapid pace. A partnership of 117 runs for the fourth wicket came up quickly and the Australians posted a huge total of 328 for 5 in 60 overs.

Sri Lanka’s gutsy reply

Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson delivered thunderbolts but the Sri Lankan openers, Ranjit Fernando and Sidath Wettimuny weathered the storm well. After scripting a cautious opening stand of thirty runs, Fernando was castled by Thomson’s sheer pace. Bandarna Warnapura and Wettimuny added 54 runs for the second wicket. Ashley Mallet dismissed Warnapura but that didn’t dent Sri Lanka’s momentum at all.

Duleep Mendis joined Wettimuny and both of them batted with courage and confidence to give Ian Chappell enough headaches. The Sri Lankans were 150 for 2 in 32 overs and were well on course to chase down Australia’s mammoth total.

Dennis Lillee (L) and Jeff Thomson

The Sri Lankans did weather the fury of Lillee and Thomson earlier, but when Ian Chappell introduced both of them for a second burst, they were too hot to handle. Especially Thomson was devastating. As Chappell recalled, “The two little Sri Lankans (Duleep Mendis and Sunil Wettimuny) were going boom, boom, boom and I said to Thommo (Jeff Thomson), look, these guys certainly can play on the front foot, let’s see how good they are on the back foot”.

The fury of Jeff Thomson

Jeff Thomson transformed into a demon when he came back to bowl in his second spell. Thomson continued to bang the ball short with extreme pace and thudded into the batsman’s body again and again. According to Wettimuny, “It was like a flash. I couldn't see the ball”. Remembering that spell, Mendis said, “It was the fastest spell of fast bowling I had ever faced in my life. He was averaging over 100 miles. It was seriously fast and we had no protection. You couldn't pick the ball cleanly from his action that he had - plucking the ball from behind - and over that, he was firing them at top speed. It was a great challenge”.

Mendis and Wettimuny’s resistance against Thomson didn’t last long as a Thomson snoter hit Mendis on the head and immediately he went down on the pitch as if he was shot in the head with a gun. The figure of Mendis lying on the pitch was a sad sight. He was taken to hospital for further medical management.

Duleep Mendis being taken off the ground after he was hit by a Thomson snorter

Then Thomson knocked down Wettimuny. Thomson delivered a fast inswinging yorker which hit Wettimuny’s foot badly and he yelped in pain, but received no sympathy from Thomson, who uttered, “Look, it's not broken, you weak bastard. But if you're down there next over, it will be”.

But Wettimuny didn’t give up easily and decided to carry on. And yes, he was on strike when Thomson returned to bowl again and again, Thomson banged in another yorker into the same spot again – Wetimuny’s foot was broken and with that his confidence ebbed away.

Mendis and Wettimuny were admitted in the same hospital for treatment and were discharged the next day. But Wettimuny was forced to walk on crutches because of a damaged instep while Mendis missed Sri Lanka's last match with a lingering headache.

Sri Lanka didn’t give up but continued the fight back

Sri Lanka’s hope of scripting a win was dented by the departure of Wettimuny and Mendis but they refused to get intimidated by the fury of Australian pace. Anura Tennekoon and Michael Tissera continued the Sri Lankan fight and added 82 runs for the third wicket. Tennekoon scored 48 while Tissera 52 runs but, it was not enough as they lost the match by 52 runs with six wickets intact.

While bowling the bouncers Jeff Thomson said, “They were only little fellas so you couldn't call it a bouncer exactly”. Indeed, they were little fellas but they were not short of confidence and courage. The Australians might have won that day, but, Sri Lanka had received all the accolades for their courageous display.

This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 4./10/2014  ICC World Cup 1975 - Sri Lanka's courageous display against Australia's furious pace

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Faisal Caesar

West Indies vs Pakistan 1975 - The first nail-biting match in World Cup history

Since its inception, one-day cricket’s sky high popularity and tremendous ability to generate revenues made the International Cricket Council (ICC) think about staging a multi-national tournament like the FIFA World Cup. To hold a tournament of Test matches was impossible because of the constraint of time and huge expenses. But in case of one-day cricket such problems didn’t exist.

So, after a lot of planning and debate, the first cricket World Cup was staged in England in 1975. The Prudential Insurance Company, who had been sponsoring one-day matches between England and a visiting team from 1972, became the first official sponsors of the inaugural World Cup.

Worried organizers and sponsors

The opening match of the tournament between England and India had been a poor advisement of limited-overs cricket. India’s response to England’s mammoth total was dodgy and it simply soared and incensed a capacity crowd at Lord’s. Then there were more one-sided matches which made the organizers and sponsors worried about this new concept. They started to think whether it would be sensible enough to exercise such concepts in future.

But the organizers and sponsors’ worried faces ebbed away after Pakistan and West Indies dished out an absolute humdinger at Birmingham. In a glorious afternoon, two of cricket’s most mercurial teams gifted a nerve-jangler which gave the tournament a new life.

During that time, both Pakistan and West Indies had some charismatic talents in their team. Players like Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Mushtaq Mohammad, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts and Sarfraz Nawaz were the spectators’ favourite sons and they didn’t offer any dullness even for a single moment.

While the West Indies started the tournament in dominating fashion, the Pakistanis failed to live up to the expectations.

Must win game for Pakistan

In their group match against Australia, Dennis Lillee had blown away the Pakistan batting line-up with sheer pace and for which, the next match against West Indies became very much important for Pakistan. They had to win that match to remain afloat in the tournament. The Pakistani captain Asif Iqbal couldn’t play due to an illness and thus, Majid Khan was captaining Pakistan on that day. Asif’s absence didn’t create any headache in the Pakistani camp as the highly talented Wasim Raja, who boasted a terrific record against the West Indian pacers, replaced him.

The Birmingham stadium was jam-packed. Both the Pakistani and West Indian supporters triggered an absolute carnival atmosphere. The crowd was noisy and it seemed that the match was taking place either at Barbados or Karachi.

Pakistan post a fighting total

Majid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first. The Pakistanis lost Sadiq Mohammad early, but it didn’t matter much as Majid and Zaheer notched-up a 62-run stand for the second wicket. Richards’ part-time off spin bowling broke the Majid-Zaheer partnership.

Mushtaq Mohammad joined Majid and added 57 runs for the third wicket. Majid departed after scoring a composed sixty runs. Wasim Raja joined Mushtaq and from the word go he started to score runs at a rapid pace. He forged critical partnerships with Mushtaq and Javed Miandad to boost the Pakistani scoreboard. Wasim scored a 57-ball 58 with six scorching boundaries as Pakistan notched up a fighting total 266 for 7 in 60 overs.

Sarfraz Nawaz rocks the Caribbean top order

The West Indian chase started in a shaky manner. Pakistani pacer Nawaz had turned into a demon and rocked the Caribbean batting line-up with movement and controlled bowling. Greenidge, Fredericks and Kallicharran were all Sarfraz’s victims and 36 for 3 became 99 for 5 as West Indies’ chances of winning the match looked impossible.

Clive Lloyd and Bernard Julien added 46 runs for the sixth wicket, but Lloyd fell to Miandad’s leg spin and at 203 for 9 it was all over for West Indies with 16 overs still left.

Roberts and Murray script history

A frustrated looking Deryck Murray was joined by young paceman Andy Roberts. Both of them were not well-equipped with the bat and Pakistan’s victory seemed to be a matter of time. But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty and no game is finished until the last ball is bowled.

The Pakistani bowlers, who made the West Indian top, middle and lower middle-order batsmen to reel, started to find it tough to dismiss Murray and Roberts. They stayed calm and picked up singles, couples and boundaries without creating any hassles. In the end, five runs were required off the last over.

Pakistan captain Majid Khan, in search of the last wicket, bowled his main man Sarfraz out and this tactic backfired. He had no better options left and had to throw the ball to Wasim Raja to bowl the last over.

Andy Roberts was on strike. He tried to pull Raja but the ball hit his pad and they ran two. Two more runs were fetched from the midwicket region. One run was required and both Murray and Roberts were determined to run for it no matter where the ball went.

Roberts tapped Raja to midwicket to steal the winning run and knocked Pakistan out of the World Cup.

The World Cup had tasted its first ever nail-biting match and thus, the tournament had gained the much needed momentum.  

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 29/09/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/west-indies-pakistan-1975-first-nail-biting-match-world-cup-history

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Should the ICC be so harsh against bowlers?

Nothing is going right for Bangladesh cricket at the moment. Repeated defeats and controversies off the field are making the Bangladesh cricket fraternity reel. Until now, Bangladesh cricket fans have hardly received any rejoicing news. Shameful defeats and controversial news have made them doleful and disquieted.

The crackdown on chucking

Recently, the news of Al-Amin Hossain being reported by the ICC for his bowling action came as a shocker for Bangladeshi cricket fans. The young lad is the sixth bowler – second Bangladeshi along with Sohag Gazi and the first fast bowler to be reported for a suspected bowling action by the ICC officials since July.

The ICC wants cricket to be played fairly and are determined to wash way all the dirt which threatens to dent the spirit of the game. Their war against corruption is still on while suddenly, the war against ‘illegal bowling action’ has cropped up again. We thought that the ghost has been buried long time back, but it’s not. 

During the ICC cricket committee’s meeting in June, the members were not convinced with the activities of biomechanic lab at the University of Western Australia in Perth where the suspected bowlers are usually sent for testing and correct their actions. And for which the ICC decided to standardize the whole process by accrediting a number of other labs around the world where they can fulfill their required needs. The ICC recommended changes to provide the match officials enough support from the biomechanics to identify illegal bowling actions.

Such steps from the ICC proved too handy for Sri Lanka’s Sachithra Senanayake and New Zealand's Kane Williamson, who were reported and banned from bowling due to illegal bowling actions. Then on September 9, 2013, the suspension of Pakistan’s offspinner Saeed Ajmal shocked the cricketing world. According to the ICC, Ajmal’s action was deemed to be illegal for all deliveries.

Old fossils re-appear

Now, if the ICC has really been unsatisfied with the work of biomechanic lab at the University of Western Australia in Perth then automatically it puts a big question over those bowlers who had gone there for testing and correction of their bowling. Legendary off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan’s bowling action received a green signal from there as well. Now, will the ICC rethink about legalizing Muralitharan’s bowling action if they are not convinced with the biomechanic lab at West Australia?

Over the years, ICC’s attitude towards bowlers has been like a step-father. Modern day bowlers can hardly breathe. They are simply afraid to innovate. A reverse swing becomes a black art while a doosra is regarded as witch spell. Is cricket a place only for batsmen to exhibit their innovations? If we can accept a leg glance or reverse sweep or switch hit then why is there a problem in accepting a doosra or reverse swing?

Yes, things should be done in a legal way and the ICC must allow bowling innovations to breathe by modifying rules. Let the bowlers enjoy their fair amount of freedom like the batsmen. The ICC should not be too rude towards the bowlers. It will be pity if such bowling innovations meet a tragic end.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 12/09/2014  Should the ICC be so harsh against bowlers?

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Faisal Caesar 

By insulting Imran khan the cricketer you people are making yourself a big joke

I am a layman in politics and don’t understand political intricacies well. In fact, except one or two legendary politicians of our country, politicians have never been my favourite personalities. I don’t nurture any negative feelings about any politicians but frankly speaking, for some unknown reasons, politics and politicians have never been my subject of interest. 

In that sense, Imran Khan's political journey has never attracted me and I have no interest of what the Lion is doing in politics. I never wanted Imran to join politics and I wanted his contribution more in world and Pakistan cricket. Though, I think that, Immi will achieve bigger feats in politics as because you will not find a determined man as him.

But to question Imran Khan’s cricketing abilities , his achievements as a cricketer and his contributions towards Pakistan cricket is noting but stupidity. Some of the comments regarding the cricketer Imran Khan from his own countrymen have been simply funny and annoying. I question their cricketing knowledge and creditability as a cricket follower. By insulting the cricketer Imran khan you people are making yourself a big joke! In fact, at present, there won’t be any idiots like you people in this world.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Aftab Ahmed - A sad end to a promising cricketing career

Aftab Ahmed was arguably one of the most exciting talents ever to emerge from Bangladesh. But sadly, his cricketing journey didn’t last longer. Bangladesh cricket saw the end of another promising career in a sad manner.

The young talent from Chittagong

Aftab Ahmed was born in Chittagong and it was because of his father’s influence he took cricket seriously. His talent started to catch the attention of the selectors and during the Under-19 World Cup in 2002 the selectors were highly impressed with his confidence and aggressive stroke-play.   

Aftab was picked in Test squad in the following year against England, despite failing to impress in the warm-up matches. His selection was not welcomed by the local press and the little boy had to wait one more year to play for Bangladesh. Aftab’s dawn was just breaking.

Aftab was just playing his third one-day international at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka. The Tigers were defending a mere total of 146-run against the touring New Zealand side. From that New Zealand side, chasing such a total was supposed to be a cakewalk, but suddenly a little man’s gentle medium-pace bowling simply made the New Zealand batting order to reel.

From 76 for 1, the Kiwis had slumped to 133 for 7. Among those seven wickets, that little boy had grabbed five and each dismissal was celebrated with a smile full of life – a silent local crowd had found something to cheer. Even though his selection in the team was as a batsman, he caught everyone’s attention with his bowling and since then, he bowled ten overs in most of the matches he played in.

His batting was a celebration

The talent of Aftab dazzled more in limited-overs than Test cricket. Very soon he established himself as one of the vital members of Bangladesh cricket team. He was an aggressive stroke-maker and bulldozed the bowlers with his bat mercilessly. He was happier on the front foot, but could shift his balance on the back foot as well and execute the hook and pull shot with enough confidence. He was able to drive, cut and loft with enough power and could innovate when needed. Aftab’s batting was a celebration of sport.

But when the situation demanded, Aftab used to check his attacking instincts and played the role of a sheet anchor. He was involved in quite a few effective partnerships during his short limited-overs cricket career which proved critical in scripting Bangladesh’s success. His batting became a symbol of courage and confidence in Bangladesh cricket.

Sad end to a promising career

In 2008, Aftab and many of the national team players joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) and were handed a ten-year ban by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). After playing in the ICL for one year, he quit and made himself available for national team selection. But that confidence of Aftab was lost. He was last seen to play for Bangladesh in 2010 and since then, he became an unknown face.

Recently, Aftab announced his retirement from all forms of the game. It’s pretty hard to accept the sad end of such a promising career at the age of 29. But the fact is, yet another talent from Bangladesh has failed to fulfill the expectations.

So far, many promising talents have emerged from Bangladesh cricket, but sadly they didn’t last longer. Why such things happen remain a moot question. The BCB must be smart enough in preserving such talents. They need to act like a sensible guardian. We wish to see flowers blossom and not fade away.

Note: This article has been published on Sportskeeda on 30/08/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/aftab-ahmed-sad-end-promising-career

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh Football - The Sylhet crowd has given us new hope

Not the kind of result which the Bangladeshis would have expected from the Under-23 football team. They lost the match by 1-0 against the Nepal Under-23 team in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Sylhet National stadium. Especially, the Sylhet crowd would have loved to see the hosts leaving the ground victorious.

But the Sylhet crowd deserves a big thank you. The atmosphere was absolutely electrifying. It seemed like a carnival.  The Sylhet crowd has proved again that football's appeal in Bangladesh has still not vanished. Still football attracts the mass community.

 If the appeal of soccer has vanished in Dhaka then this can never be the yardstick to measure the popularity of football in Bangladesh. Neither the opinion of a group of idiotic people can ever ring football’s death bell in Bangladesh.

Why doesn't the Bangladesh Football Federation popularize soccer outside Dhaka? Did they ever try such?

I get annoyed when I see some of the ex-football stars of Bangladesh to say, "Once soccer had a golden time in Bangladesh". Oh come on man! Why didn't you people try to revive that golden time? Every sport in a country passes through a transition period but that transition period must be overcome with appropriate planning and of course the legends of the past have always proved critical in overcoming such hard times.

But, what have our past football legends done? We have only seen the great Salahuddin to give efforts. But, is one person's effort enough? How many football academies do we have?

Cricket has emerged as the most popular sport in our region but cricket was never a threat to soccer. Some idiots have made cricket a threat. The inability to understand the pulse of the public and lack of vision and effort has let the downfall of soccer in our country.

But this is not the end of the story. Bangladesh football can rekindle its glorious past. The Sylhet crowd has given us new hope.

Sitting back and basking in past glories won't bring back the glory days. You need to stand up and do something to bring the change and I think our past footballers can do that. I am always optimistic.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Mahela Jayawardene’s retirement will see cricket losing one of its best leaders

The first time I saw Mahela Jayawardene in action was against England in Australia during a tri-nation one-day tournament. That match is still remembered by many due to the tussle between Australian umpire Ross Emerson and Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga, but few tend to remember a young man’s valiant contribution which ensured Sri Lanka a dramatic win.

Jayawardene, the batsman

Amid a complete hopeless situation, a young lad remained calm and composed to notch-up a brilliant hundred and thus, I came to know about a young man named Mahela Jayawardene who could follow the footsteps of Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga in the near future. And the young man did carry on De Silva and Ranatunga’s legacy splendidly.

Since that knock at Adelaide, Jayawardene’s career started to flourish. His bat continued to essay some of cricket’s prolific knocks and gradually he became Sri Lankan cricket’s most valuable and respected player. With the bat in his hand, he had been an artist in an era when most of the batsmen were more addicted in bludgeoning the cricket ball. Very few sights in world cricket had been as pleasant as Mahela Jayawardene’s batting – his silken drives through the covers and wristy flicks off his pads have always been a cricket romanticist’s treat.

Then there were those cuts and dabs behind the stumps – both against the spinners and pace-bowlers and some well-timed strokes in the ‘V’ were pure gems.  Blessed with an excellent hand-eye coordination, playing the ball late has been one of Mahela’s assets and he has been such a batsman who was the master in playing strokes all around the wicket.

Taking over captaincy

But, over the years, this little man’s brilliant captaincy and sound cricket brain kept on impressing me time and again.

This quiet and polite guy inherited Sri Lanka’s captaincy by default during the England tour in 2006 when the touring captain Marvan Atapattu was injured. In the first Test at Lord’s, the Lankans were all set to digest a heavy defeat and amid such circumstances, a captain needed to script something special to maintain the confidence of the team.

Jayawardene rose to the occasion and defied all the odds to score a brilliant hundred and ensured one of Sri Lanka’s greatest escapes in their Test history. His 119 in the second innings was a captain’s rearguard which converted a first-innings deficit of 359 runs into an overnight lead of 22 runs. With that knock Mahela answered his critics who always used to say that captaincy would affect his batting and with that Lord’s hundred the Lankans, who were written-off by many before the tour, rediscovered their self-confidence.

After a shoddy performance at Edgbaston in the second Test, the Lankans bounced back strongly at Trent Bridge to level the Test series and they returned home from England with their heads held high by beating the English team comprehensively in the one-day series. What was supposed to be a one-sided affair in favour of the hosts, turned out to be a memorable one for Sri Lankans and the credit must go Jayawardene who lifted up the morale of the team by leading from the front.

One of Sri Lanka’s greatest leaders

In the following years, as a captain, the right-handed batsman had been superlative. He stabilized Sri Lankan cricket and even his second stint as Sri Lanka’s captain in 2012-13 was highly significant as because during that time, Sri Lankan cricket was again in need of stability and again, Mahela installed self-confidence in the team.

The most striking thing about Mahela Jayawardene’s captaincy had been his innovativeness and attacking instincts. He was never that sort of captain who usually waited for things to happen, but more often than not, he used his brain to make things happen – suddenly there would be a wide third or fourth slip, a man at extra-cover or short mid-on or mid-off, a leg slip, some tricky bowling changes or a surprising shuffle in the batting order – Mahela’s brain always remained busy to bring his best for Sri Lankan cricket.

Even when he was not captaining the side, he was never shy to pass on productive advice to the captain and during such times his cricket brain never used to stop working. It always kept on thinking about new innovative ideas which made captains like Kumar Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews reap rich harvests. He was one of Sri Lanka’s most influential captains ever.

Describing Jayawardene, former Sri Lankan coach Paul Farbrace said: “As a leader, and a team man, there is no one you would rather have around than Mahela. Even when he's not captain, he's the leader of that Sri Lanka team, and I think Angie [Angelo Mathews] has learned a lot from him over the past few months. Everything he does is always for the team and for Sri Lankan cricket. There is not a selfish bone in his body. For any overseas coach, he's your go-to guy, because he's thinking about everyone in the team - the seniors, the juniors, support staff - everyone. He's a real people person and that's his great strength. He is a world-class player and a world-class person. Sri Lankan cricket will not realize how much he means to the team, until he's gone.”

Jayawardene will retire after the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. Another great player will leave the scene. You will keep on missing his artistic batting, but I shall always miss his unique and brilliant cricketing brain.

Note: This article has been published on Sportskeeda on 08/08/2014 http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/mahela-jayawardenes-retirement-cricket-losing-best-leaders

Thank You

Faisal Caesar