Thursday, November 09, 2006

Video: Kangaroos behaving like chimps

The uncouth Aussie team shown here insulting a cabinet minister of India.

"Would they have done such a thing to their prime minister or premier?
In India, we are brought up to respect our elders."
~ Sunil Gavaskar


Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Hiya buddy, get off stage


Sunil Gavaskar sent out a strong reminder to newly crowned Champions Trophy winners, Australia: “In India, we respect our elders.”

Gavaskar, who said he was “hurt” to hear about Ricky Ponting tapping BCCI president Pawar to get him off the stage during the Champions Trophy presentation on Sunday, stressed that he was “not amused” over another incident, which showed disrespect to the senior leader, reports Mid-Day.

"I am not amused by one of the Australian players who said, ‘Hiya buddy’ when he went up to receive his medallion from Mr Pawar... Just receive it quietly..."

About the nudging:

"Would they have done such a thing to their prime minister or premier? In India, we are brought up to respect our elders"

~ Sunil Gavaskar

A word to the not so wise Aussies: pride cometh before the fall, mates.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

How to score at faster run rates

Don't Panic. If the bowling is good with a new ball and the openers don't tear away, stay calm. The solid opening partnership is still an excellent base to work from. When the bowlers are on top it's more important to graft and stay in than try and rattle along at a fast rate.

Set a target. Knowing the par score for a ground and set smaller goals along the way to make it easier to achieve. This way you are focussed on time constraints from the first ball rather than a slow rate followed by a mad dash in the last few overs.

Get the order right. Batsmen like to know where they are batting in the order so changing things around should be a low priority. However, sometimes the situation might need a certain style of player to go in. Good players will always be happy to move the order in the interests of the team.

Bat to 11. 9, 10 and Jack may not be very skilled with the bat, but they can learn how to stay in to save games and give the strike to the other end to keep the run rate ticking over. Even the lower order need to have discipline and awareness of the game situation.

Rotate the strike. When a team is bowling well there is nothing more annoying than having quick singles taken. In club games there are always places to score a sneaky run (like targeting a weak fielder). It keeps the scoreboard going and with a bad ball an over punished you could get the rate up to 6 easily.

Keep talking. When I see batsmen not talking between overs I know the fielding side are on top. Talking allows you to stay focused on the task, relaxed and discuss scoring areas. It's also helpful for outgoing batsmen to advise the incoming player as they cross.

Know team strengths. Every player has a different style. Everyone should know their place in the team: Blockers should be prepared to run well and give the strike, hitters and nurdlers need to understand each other's roles and players in form can take more of the strike.

I must admit, it's a tall order to ask the average club side to reach the levels of a well drilled international team. But any side can focus on the basics and drag their run rate up to a level where you will become a considerably better batting side. Then all you need to do is take 10 wickets!

by David Hinchliffe, ECB Cricket Coach.

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Chappell's tenure with Team India may be over post WC

Coach Greg Chappell's association with Indian cricket may be over after next year's World Cup, Australian media reported today against the backdrop of the team's early exit from the ongoing Champions Trophy, reports MSN India.

Chappell, who has a two-year contract with the Indian team till the World Cup, and the Indian Cricket Board have agreed to part ways after the mega event in West Indies next April, the 'Courier Mail' daily reported today without quoting any sources.

Methinks his fortune may change if he helps Team India win the World Cup.