After having watched cricket back home on television for so long, I had noticed how much was I missing when its telecast without any advertisements. It cant get better than watching it live on sky sports. Well there are commercial breaks in between, but occasionally (say once after 10 overs) , and not so frequent as we have in India. And they do not eat up the first and last balls of the crucial overs.
How else could I have noticed the mannerisms of VVS during the recent tour to Australia. The way he strokes the crease number of times after the over is complete before going to talk to the batsman on the other end, can only be seen when you are watching the sport completely without any interruption especially between overs.
I noticed another such mannerism in Morne Morkel during their recent series. While starting his run-up Morne would first walk towards the straight boundary a few steps before starting to turn around and run for his runup. Quite peculiar and easy to miss.
I might have seen them while viewing them on ESPN/Neo in India as well, but that is not the point. The joy of watching a sports to me is to follow it completely between and after overs. I love it when the camera keeps following a batsman or a bowler covering his every move during that between-over break. Its part of the game, and I think its a shame we have to put advertisements during that period. Not that we have not got enough of them all across the screen during an over.
Showing posts with label Cricket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cricket. Show all posts
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Friday, October 21, 2011
Finally India Wins a Series - after a long time
It seems a long time since I have seen the Indian team win. The last time I went to witness the games, when Indian toured England in the Summer earlier this year, we lost. And boy, we lost comprehensively. The ODI tournament was a bit of a fightback, after a complete 4-0 whitewash of test series. The fact that we just lost 3-0 in 5 ODI games, proves that we played better in the ODIs - one game was drawn, and another washed away by rain.
However, coming back to the ongoing series in India, we have won 3 out of 5 and have got - what cricket reporters love to say - unassailable lead of 3-0. Feels good !
What feels more good is to see the news coverage on print and other media. Just love it. Love the way English team is being hammered and the Indian team being glorified. However, fact being nothing much has changed between the last series in England, apart from the conditions. While, we can definitely win abroad, and the last series was lost because of injuries (and bad luck !), the English can not win in foreign conditions, especially in India.
A few news pieces which I loved , especially on the English wicketkeeper who I think jumps around more often than needed.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2011/content/story/537235.html
Cricinfo : "... The most culpable man was the wicketkeeper, Craig Kieswetter, who missed an early chance to remove Gambhir on 17, before dropping Virat Kohli off a Jade Dernbach bouncer at a crucial juncture. "
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/oct/20/england-india-one-day
Guardian Reports - "The experiment with Kieswetter is not working and there is no real reason to continue with it now, given his keeping in this match. Both Gambhir and Kohli were dropped and there may have been a stumping chance as well."
The Independent : "India sealed victory with four balls left when Dhoni imperiously smote the first and second balls of the final over for four. He has now scored 250 runs in his last four innings against England without being dismissed – 78no, 50no, 87no and last night 35no. The world supply of asterisks may be under threat. " - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/dhoni-wraps-up-series-then-sticks-knife-into-england-2373567.html
BBC : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15384514.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15396104.stm
Cricketnext.in : http://cricketnext.in.com/news/india-win-revenge-series-against-england/60957-13.html
However, coming back to the ongoing series in India, we have won 3 out of 5 and have got - what cricket reporters love to say - unassailable lead of 3-0. Feels good !
What feels more good is to see the news coverage on print and other media. Just love it. Love the way English team is being hammered and the Indian team being glorified. However, fact being nothing much has changed between the last series in England, apart from the conditions. While, we can definitely win abroad, and the last series was lost because of injuries (and bad luck !), the English can not win in foreign conditions, especially in India.
A few news pieces which I loved , especially on the English wicketkeeper who I think jumps around more often than needed.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2011/content/story/537235.html
Cricinfo : "... The most culpable man was the wicketkeeper, Craig Kieswetter, who missed an early chance to remove Gambhir on 17, before dropping Virat Kohli off a Jade Dernbach bouncer at a crucial juncture. "
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/oct/20/england-india-one-day
Guardian Reports - "The experiment with Kieswetter is not working and there is no real reason to continue with it now, given his keeping in this match. Both Gambhir and Kohli were dropped and there may have been a stumping chance as well."
The Independent : "India sealed victory with four balls left when Dhoni imperiously smote the first and second balls of the final over for four. He has now scored 250 runs in his last four innings against England without being dismissed – 78no, 50no, 87no and last night 35no. The world supply of asterisks may be under threat. " - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/dhoni-wraps-up-series-then-sticks-knife-into-england-2373567.html
BBC : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15384514.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15396104.stm
Cricketnext.in : http://cricketnext.in.com/news/india-win-revenge-series-against-england/60957-13.html
Saturday, May 01, 2010
World T20 in Caribbeans
Why do they have to play the world T20 in the Caribbeans. I know they have some good beaches, the people love cricket and its peaceful. But yes, that's the whole point I am trying to make, its way too peaceful. The grounds are small, crowds are well no crowds, and there is no noise. Bring it to the subcontinent and we will make a show of it. ICC will earn a lot more if its played here in BCCI's backyard. I know West-Indies cricket needs some redemption, but ICC will have enough money to pay them off as well and bring them out of their dire straits.
Another reason for not playing in Caribbeans is their low scoring grounds. They are detrimental for T20 if not for 50 over games. To be honest, I didn't like the World Cup in 2007 which was played there. Well, India not making it to super-8 was another BIG (read very BIG) reason. But you have to agree, slow and low scoring pitches will kill the interest.
Not to mention the timings in which the games are going to be played. India matches might be played in times that suite viewers in India, but there are a few matches which will be played when its wee hours in India. The telecaster (ESPN and CO) are going to be at loss for sure.
Well, now that its being played here, I cant say anything but start watching it and love it. Lets hope Dhoni's boys make it again as they did in the rainbow nation in 2007.
Who will be the next Champions ? I think one of India, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka will lift the trophy this time. See for yourself, in 2007 India beat Pakistan to win it. In 2009, Pakistan beat SL to win it, which goes to show the fire-power the three countries from the subcontinent have. Its the IPL as well which will help in giving the boys a confidence. Other than Pakistan, almost every player from SL and India played and had match practice in the IPL.
But do not leave out Bangladesh, another neighbor and Zimbabwe the underdogs who have won both their warm-up games in the build up to the WT20 upsetting Australia.
I think this time the WT20 will be fun, more fun than last time.
Another reason for not playing in Caribbeans is their low scoring grounds. They are detrimental for T20 if not for 50 over games. To be honest, I didn't like the World Cup in 2007 which was played there. Well, India not making it to super-8 was another BIG (read very BIG) reason. But you have to agree, slow and low scoring pitches will kill the interest.
Not to mention the timings in which the games are going to be played. India matches might be played in times that suite viewers in India, but there are a few matches which will be played when its wee hours in India. The telecaster (ESPN and CO) are going to be at loss for sure.
Well, now that its being played here, I cant say anything but start watching it and love it. Lets hope Dhoni's boys make it again as they did in the rainbow nation in 2007.
Who will be the next Champions ? I think one of India, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka will lift the trophy this time. See for yourself, in 2007 India beat Pakistan to win it. In 2009, Pakistan beat SL to win it, which goes to show the fire-power the three countries from the subcontinent have. Its the IPL as well which will help in giving the boys a confidence. Other than Pakistan, almost every player from SL and India played and had match practice in the IPL.
But do not leave out Bangladesh, another neighbor and Zimbabwe the underdogs who have won both their warm-up games in the build up to the WT20 upsetting Australia.
I think this time the WT20 will be fun, more fun than last time.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
English summer of 2009
After winning the Ashes against the not so Mighty Australians, English cricketers are in a holiday mood. At least it seems so when you see them play against Oz in the ongoing 7 one dayers.
Its 3-0 now.After losing 3 matches in a row, its difficult for them to come back.
Australians are eying 7-0 whitewash here. Huge win that will be !
Though I am not a big fan of the English but I think 7-0 is not possible. I wont be surprised if England come back and win all the four in a row. But its highly improbable considering the form of the Oz players and the lack of it in the English camp.
Stranger things have happened in Cricket though. If its a 7-0 win, I will 'eat crow'. Literally.
Its 3-0 now.After losing 3 matches in a row, its difficult for them to come back.
Australians are eying 7-0 whitewash here. Huge win that will be !
Though I am not a big fan of the English but I think 7-0 is not possible. I wont be surprised if England come back and win all the four in a row. But its highly improbable considering the form of the Oz players and the lack of it in the English camp.
Stranger things have happened in Cricket though. If its a 7-0 win, I will 'eat crow'. Literally.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
IPL 2 : the story so far...
The IPL 2 started, and with a bang. In SA this year, because of elections in India.
Indian Premier League, but why the heck in SA ?
The IPL shifted to SA, and the reason, indian government, mainly the states unable to promise security for the tournament because of the on going general elections. And would you believe the irony, there are elections in SA as well, and that too during the IPL. Well, it does not matter for them i think, as they have better neighbors than ours.
Pathan smacking Mendis
As an Indian cricket fan, I got immense pleasure seeing Mendis whacked out of the ground. Especially after the much hulla created around him. So much so , that he was called the next big bowler, and was been compared among the ranks of Murali, Kumble et al. And if you ask me, he got the much needed beating. Along with this, what pleased me was that the team coached by Buchanan, lost. He probably will call for another captain just for the super overs. SRK, what about having another coach altogether to do impart some coaching to John Buchanan.
Gavaskar's Love for the Carribeans
Every time Sunny is in the commentary and any of the players come to bat from the West Indies, he breaks into his Caribbean accent. He can not help it. He just has this love-hate relationship with the West Indies. Love , because he loves the place, in fact calls Trinidad and Tobago his second home. Hate because he has been troubled by the West Indian pacemen and the spectators so much during his playing days.
Whats with all this "thanks to the sponsors"
If you have noticed, the commentators , in IPL 2 keep on thanking the sponsors every now and then. As if this was the first tournament being sponsored ever. As if the "Citi moment of success", and "DLF maximum" were not enough to do the advertisement.
Indian Premier League, but why the heck in SA ?
The IPL shifted to SA, and the reason, indian government, mainly the states unable to promise security for the tournament because of the on going general elections. And would you believe the irony, there are elections in SA as well, and that too during the IPL. Well, it does not matter for them i think, as they have better neighbors than ours.
Pathan smacking Mendis
As an Indian cricket fan, I got immense pleasure seeing Mendis whacked out of the ground. Especially after the much hulla created around him. So much so , that he was called the next big bowler, and was been compared among the ranks of Murali, Kumble et al. And if you ask me, he got the much needed beating. Along with this, what pleased me was that the team coached by Buchanan, lost. He probably will call for another captain just for the super overs. SRK, what about having another coach altogether to do impart some coaching to John Buchanan.
Gavaskar's Love for the Carribeans
Every time Sunny is in the commentary and any of the players come to bat from the West Indies, he breaks into his Caribbean accent. He can not help it. He just has this love-hate relationship with the West Indies. Love , because he loves the place, in fact calls Trinidad and Tobago his second home. Hate because he has been troubled by the West Indian pacemen and the spectators so much during his playing days.
Whats with all this "thanks to the sponsors"
If you have noticed, the commentators , in IPL 2 keep on thanking the sponsors every now and then. As if this was the first tournament being sponsored ever. As if the "Citi moment of success", and "DLF maximum" were not enough to do the advertisement.
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