Cricket in Lanka


Every time a major tournament starts, all the good memories start coming back to me : Dhoni’s winning six in WC 2011, Sreesanth’s catch in WC 2007, Bhajji’s magical delivery to get rid of Umar Akmal in the semi-final, Yuvraj’s six sixes..  Like all other tournaments, India start as one of the more powerful contenders for the title, and anything less than the trophy would be disappointing for the fans. Considering how erratic this format is, and especially in this tournament, it’s impossible to pick the strongest team. India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies look very good.

A not-so-convincing win against Afghanistan, caused some frustration, but that’s okay. Sehwag and Gambhir  haven’t  really played the kind of cricket we are used to see them play. Hope they come good in the next few matches. The big thing to look forward to is of course, Yuvraj Singh. Being the star of India’s world cup win in 2011 and 2007, the expectations are no less. It’s been more like an emotional and inspiring thing to see him play. Two players who have been in great form are Irfan Pathan and Virat Kohli. It’s good to see Pathan come back in the playing eleven after so long. And, no adjectives would be enough to describe Virat Kohli. Here’s the man who, I feel is the only batsman on the planet right now who could even think of going closer to where Sachin Tendulkar is. Fielding and batting both look good, though bowling looks a little weak. Similar was the situation in 2011 WC, which the Indians lifted.

Past few years, Pakistan has been one of the more unpredictable teams. They play extraordinarily when you least expect them to. Their cricket board being a mess, their players have been on and off the team for quite some time, retiring and making a “come back”. Another team which could’ve been stronger, had their cricket board acted in a more mature way is the England Cricket Team. Their stubbornness in not changing stupid rules to allow a player like Kevin Peterson may reflect in the team’s performance. That man could have made a huge huge difference. The inventor of “switch-hit”, he has the ability to give a lost match, a new direction. Well, this is England’s luck. Such politics will not do any good to the game.

With Chris Gayle, Pollard, Sunil Narine and Bravo, all being the big performers of IPL 2012, West Indies has got the swords to tear apart the opponents. Here’s another board, who had issues with their players for a long time. Resolving their differences with Gayle, they have done something in the interest of the country. Now, South Africa!! They start every tournament as the strongest team on paper, but the story has a predictable end. After the tournament ends, the world mocks them for choking again. England football team has a similar history.

English footballer to South African Cricketer : “I can totally understand your feelings bro”. 



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