I am a big Rahul Dravid fan and I am glad he has got back into the ODI sqaud. The only reason for this is the dismal performace of our young talent, Rohit Sharma, Raina in holding the middle order together consistently. With Yuvraj no longer a spring chicken, the next wave of youngsters need to step up and start making big scores.
In other cricket news, I shall be listening to Blofield, Agnew and Boycott on Test Match Special starting Thursday. Can't wait. Its been a pretty exciting Ashes mainly because of both teams playing really badly. I only hope they both play their best cricket in the final Test and we get a really exciting match. Might even stand in line for a ticket at the Oval!!
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Monday, August 17
Tuesday, September 18
India to host 2010 F1 Grand Prix | Top News | Reuters
This is great news. I remember writing earlier this year when rumours of this proposal broke out that I could not see Delhi hosting a race, especially a street race. The other illogical thread in earlier stories was India on the 2009 race schedule which was absurd, impractical and impossible.
Finally Mr.Kalmadi has been able to give a press conference about a F1 race in 2010 on a newly built track near Delhi, which should coincide with the Commonwealth Games preparation as well. So far, so good. Now for implementation of this ambitious plan..Mr.Kalmadi! We do not want to go the same way as the US Grand Prix.
Finally Mr.Kalmadi has been able to give a press conference about a F1 race in 2010 on a newly built track near Delhi, which should coincide with the Commonwealth Games preparation as well. So far, so good. Now for implementation of this ambitious plan..Mr.Kalmadi! We do not want to go the same way as the US Grand Prix.
Saturday, August 18
MotD
For the first time in two years, my saturday and sunday nights are not going to be taken up by Adrian Chiles, Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen, Mark Lawrenson and Alan Shearer. I am not going to be able to spend the evening having dinner (mostly chips and cheese with chilli sauce and mayo) and glued to the TV for an hour and a half or so watching MotD. For those philistines among you who do not know or scorn MotD, I pity you. For you are missing out on the the best part of being in the UK...the BBC and probably what is its best sports program. I loved MotD (sorry..Match of the Day) and would in fact break of all social engagements for the programme. I think its a combination of watching football combined with great presentation and insightful analysis that drew me to the program. After about a couple of programs, I was hooked. I used to have withdrawal syndromes if I couldn't hear Lineker's voice, Hansen's sarcasm and Lawrenson's accented opinion. I did not like Shearer that much because I suspected he was trying to be impartial and inoffensive unlike the other two who were quite opinionated.
Anyway, now I have to keep up with the BPL via internet and it is definitely not fun. I hated Adrian Chiles, very annoying nasal voice and slighltly obnoxious but loved MotD 2's "Two up Two Down" . Here,football is soccer and I don't watch but play. Still, I miss MotD. I cannot remember the number of times I have hurried a pleasant dinner with the Little One to be back home before 10:30pm. I think she began to get addicted as well. The worst time was when BPL finished and suddenly my weekend evenings were empty. Thats how they are now...and I have no intention of substituting MotD with Saturday night Live!!
Anyway, now I have to keep up with the BPL via internet and it is definitely not fun. I hated Adrian Chiles, very annoying nasal voice and slighltly obnoxious but loved MotD 2's "Two up Two Down" . Here,football is soccer and I don't watch but play. Still, I miss MotD. I cannot remember the number of times I have hurried a pleasant dinner with the Little One to be back home before 10:30pm. I think she began to get addicted as well. The worst time was when BPL finished and suddenly my weekend evenings were empty. Thats how they are now...and I have no intention of substituting MotD with Saturday night Live!!
Tuesday, August 14
Sporting news
I really miss being in England right now. I remember the last time India came to England, it was 2004 August and chatting with LA who was the only person in the group who followed cricket. Of course, now we have JF who also follows cricket and tries to convince people that a five day test is really interesting. When India played Pakistan I spent my day in the lab glued to the computer refreshing cricinfo every five minutes or attached speakers and listened to commentary. During that series people thought that I was some Indian weirdo with serious nationalistic issues and hating Pakistan but during the Ashes when I unashamedly had the commentary on in the lab rooting for england (as was everyone else in the world except the Aussies), I think people realised that I was mad! Of course, after the fateful smack on the eye I quickly acquired the label of "cricket representative" of the group.
Now, I get emails from LA saying the cricket is going badly. Oh if only I could have spent the day in the lab watching cricket once again,especially this series with India winning, my life would have been perfect.
Congratulations to Dravid and co. I woke up to watch the fourth days play and I remember thinking that I would have a bat and not enforced the follow-on for the same reasons that Dravid did. I agree with Andrew Miller's piece that endorses Dravid's decision to bat again and suggests that had he lost this test and in effect the series then the same fans who are pillorying him for his "cowardly" decision would be the ones that burnt effigies of him and called for his resignation.
In all likelihood we might have won the game if Dravid enforced the follow-on, but equally there was a risk considering India's last innings shenanigans we might have contrived to lose the game and I suspect memories of chasing 123 in Barbados in 1996 must have risen in Tendulkar's mind. In the long run nobody will remember this drawn test but will definitely remember the series win, just as few people today remember the exact sequence of Kapil's 1986 series win.
My only regret is that it isn't a five match series. We now have seven meaningless one-dayers which in my opinion are worthless compared to another couple of tests. For all I could care, we should eliminate one-dayers completely from the cricket schedule and have test series like these with sporting wickets like the ones prepared for this series. I am really looking forward to the Twenty-Twenty WC and see how that takes the Indian sub-continent's imagination as that will probably decide its fate on the international sporting calendar.
Other sporting news - Woods wins again and manages to avoid a major year drought, cycling needs to revamp their entire athlete list and rugby union had some great matches over the weekend. The All Blacks have still to have a warm up match while France,Wales, Ireland,England and Scotland have all had a couple already. No betting man would like to bet against the All Blacks reaching the finals of the WC and no betting man would like to bet on them winning it given their horrendous history in the WC. C'mon NZ for once, please win!
Now, I get emails from LA saying the cricket is going badly. Oh if only I could have spent the day in the lab watching cricket once again,especially this series with India winning, my life would have been perfect.
Congratulations to Dravid and co. I woke up to watch the fourth days play and I remember thinking that I would have a bat and not enforced the follow-on for the same reasons that Dravid did. I agree with Andrew Miller's piece that endorses Dravid's decision to bat again and suggests that had he lost this test and in effect the series then the same fans who are pillorying him for his "cowardly" decision would be the ones that burnt effigies of him and called for his resignation.
In all likelihood we might have won the game if Dravid enforced the follow-on, but equally there was a risk considering India's last innings shenanigans we might have contrived to lose the game and I suspect memories of chasing 123 in Barbados in 1996 must have risen in Tendulkar's mind. In the long run nobody will remember this drawn test but will definitely remember the series win, just as few people today remember the exact sequence of Kapil's 1986 series win.
My only regret is that it isn't a five match series. We now have seven meaningless one-dayers which in my opinion are worthless compared to another couple of tests. For all I could care, we should eliminate one-dayers completely from the cricket schedule and have test series like these with sporting wickets like the ones prepared for this series. I am really looking forward to the Twenty-Twenty WC and see how that takes the Indian sub-continent's imagination as that will probably decide its fate on the international sporting calendar.
Other sporting news - Woods wins again and manages to avoid a major year drought, cycling needs to revamp their entire athlete list and rugby union had some great matches over the weekend. The All Blacks have still to have a warm up match while France,Wales, Ireland,England and Scotland have all had a couple already. No betting man would like to bet against the All Blacks reaching the finals of the WC and no betting man would like to bet on them winning it given their horrendous history in the WC. C'mon NZ for once, please win!
Wednesday, August 8
50 greatest sporting insults | Football - Times Online
50 greatest sporting insults | Football - Times Online
This is not a very good collection but still fun to read. I particularly like the one about Shaq in the comments. Basketball player Shaquille O'Neal on whether he had visited the Parthenon during his visit to Greece: "I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."
Cannot wait for Aug 9th and the first test to begin. Should be interesting. I dont know whether India is going to be able to shrug off the win-lose curse. I sincerely hope they do considering that I have to wake up at 3am everyday to watch the match, the least they can do is draw. Anyway, I suspect a lot of it is going to have to do with winning the toss. Do not expect the Oval pitch to be dry and crumbly, rather a green top and crumbling on day 4 and 5.
Lets hope its a good match and that Sreesanth can stop acting like an idiot and instead bowl like he did in South Africa.
This is not a very good collection but still fun to read. I particularly like the one about Shaq in the comments. Basketball player Shaquille O'Neal on whether he had visited the Parthenon during his visit to Greece: "I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."
Cannot wait for Aug 9th and the first test to begin. Should be interesting. I dont know whether India is going to be able to shrug off the win-lose curse. I sincerely hope they do considering that I have to wake up at 3am everyday to watch the match, the least they can do is draw. Anyway, I suspect a lot of it is going to have to do with winning the toss. Do not expect the Oval pitch to be dry and crumbly, rather a green top and crumbling on day 4 and 5.
Lets hope its a good match and that Sreesanth can stop acting like an idiot and instead bowl like he did in South Africa.
Thursday, May 24
Kumar Sangakkara sledging Shaun Pollock
I got this from traitorous Indians! Its really funny and nice sledging.
Scrivening Day 9
Just finished draft of paper and have sent it to ARS,SG and AM for corrections. Hopefully, by next week to AVSH. Now, to get back to analysing data.
Day 8 was a six hour working day. Spent till 2pm working and then played a cricket match at the Magdalen ground. DT scored a lovely 120 with Aussie NL playing a solid supporting innings of 50 odd. Amazing partnership of 187 which is probably the highest for any wicket at Linacre but also for any wicket against Magdalen.
My meager contribution was a 10 run - 5 ball slog of the penultimate over. What frightened me was how unfit I was. After taking a brace of couples, I was gasping for breath and got out to a rank bad ball simply because I had no intention of running.
Must remind myself to write a post about English chat on a cricket field. The two best you tube videos on sledging are both from wicketkeepers. Shall post them soon.
Day 8 was a six hour working day. Spent till 2pm working and then played a cricket match at the Magdalen ground. DT scored a lovely 120 with Aussie NL playing a solid supporting innings of 50 odd. Amazing partnership of 187 which is probably the highest for any wicket at Linacre but also for any wicket against Magdalen.
My meager contribution was a 10 run - 5 ball slog of the penultimate over. What frightened me was how unfit I was. After taking a brace of couples, I was gasping for breath and got out to a rank bad ball simply because I had no intention of running.
Must remind myself to write a post about English chat on a cricket field. The two best you tube videos on sledging are both from wicketkeepers. Shall post them soon.
Saturday, May 19
Watch Dada trying to speak Hindi!
This is the funniest thing I have ever heard. Reminds me so much of Bombaya hindi. Listen carefully and finally the Manjrekar's awful comment. BTW..also my first You Tube post.
Monday, May 7
Snooker final
Selby vs Higgins. Selby a qualifier,23 years old crucible final debut vs Higgins - world champ, finalist with all the experience. Thank God for BBC and their broadcasting of the final. I love watching snooker. The precision, spin, tactic, strategy, patience, suspense. So much better than Spiderman or an 8 hour cricket game.
C'mon Selby! You can do it. 14-12 after clawing back from 12 - 5 down, surely you must believe you can win.
C'mon Selby! You can do it. 14-12 after clawing back from 12 - 5 down, surely you must believe you can win.
Friday, May 4
Two Faced
I wish I could have seen this match. It must have been frightfully difficult to play for both players although Federer must have found it more difficult. Swiss tennis God is intelligent enough to change his game when he plays on different surfaces whereas Spanish BullDozer (looks like a bull and his games put me to sleep) has the same game on every surface, which is why I suspect he won.
Interesting concept. Personally, I grew up on clay and for my old game I preferred clay but I then started to serve and volley and although never played on grass in India, Oxford spawned a new love affair with the grass.
Notwithstanding the fact that I would be throughly embarassed to watch myslef play now(my year long lay off stems from a horrible thrashing by North Oxford and a non-existent backhand), I still love to play on a good grass court. Its gorgeous!
One more thing I am going to miss.
Interesting concept. Personally, I grew up on clay and for my old game I preferred clay but I then started to serve and volley and although never played on grass in India, Oxford spawned a new love affair with the grass.
Notwithstanding the fact that I would be throughly embarassed to watch myslef play now(my year long lay off stems from a horrible thrashing by North Oxford and a non-existent backhand), I still love to play on a good grass court. Its gorgeous!
One more thing I am going to miss.
Monday, April 16
My only world cup post
SL seem destined to lose to Australia today and because they are the only subcontinental team left and traitorous friends also support the team.My prediction for the semifinal line up has come true, except I thought SA might make it more comfortably, but you can never really bet on them in a WC, can you?
My viewing is restricted to bedtime BBC highlight packages which invariably put me to sleep. In fact, cant rememebr ever watching an entire package right through.
Might watch the final though, although I must admit more interesting things like snooker world championships are starting next week, and Ding plays Hendry in the first round..what a match up.
Can't wait.
My viewing is restricted to bedtime BBC highlight packages which invariably put me to sleep. In fact, cant rememebr ever watching an entire package right through.
Might watch the final though, although I must admit more interesting things like snooker world championships are starting next week, and Ding plays Hendry in the first round..what a match up.
Can't wait.
Saturday, February 3
Calcutta cup - England win
My prediction came true. It was England running riot against Scotland - Jonny being the lynchpin and centerpiece for their thumping win and astounding performance. Slightly magical, he scores a drop goal, 6 penalties and a try in his first international outing in 1200 days.
Anyway, England have a lovely schedule-Italy next before they take on favourites Ireland. Tomorrow is a big match, Ireland vs Wales in what I suspect would be the really first contest of the Six Nations.
Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup this year. Should be fun - wish I didnt have exams and a thesis to write.
Anyway, England have a lovely schedule-Italy next before they take on favourites Ireland. Tomorrow is a big match, Ireland vs Wales in what I suspect would be the really first contest of the Six Nations.
Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup this year. Should be fun - wish I didnt have exams and a thesis to write.
calcutta cup -update 7
Its half-time and England go into the break 17 -10 ahead.
I am off to make some dinner - dinner made - Pulioghare rice and I dont think I shall be writing in the second half.
I dont think Scotland will be able to come back in the second half. England have played very well and very strong in all departments.
Lets see what happens?
I am off to make some dinner - dinner made - Pulioghare rice and I dont think I shall be writing in the second half.
I dont think Scotland will be able to come back in the second half. England have played very well and very strong in all departments.
Lets see what happens?
calcutta cup -update 6
England havent allowed the Scots to have the ball for the last 10 minutes ever sicne scotland scored the try. Scotland are being forced to play defensively and england are powering through the Scotland defense.
Its all england now and scotland just manage to keep it out.
Can scotland show some character to come back.
5 minutes left in the half.
England score through Jason Robinson - great move. stretched the scot defense from touchline to touchline and a classical try scored.
JW again - misses and england are 7 points ahead. C'mon scotland .
Its all england now and scotland just manage to keep it out.
Can scotland show some character to come back.
5 minutes left in the half.
England score through Jason Robinson - great move. stretched the scot defense from touchline to touchline and a classical try scored.
JW again - misses and england are 7 points ahead. C'mon scotland .
calcutta cup -update 5
Good scottish tackling and england are being made to work hard for every yard. England have just become slightly indisciplined and just as I say that, scotland hand england a penalty.
Johnny scores easily from 30m to bring england within 1 point. This is what England have been missing. Charlie Hodgson was good, but JW is in a different class.
England off the restart - Ellis makes a great run to reach within 5m of the line, kick back out by scotland, and another run back by england and another england penalty which JW puts away easily to give england a 12 -10 lead.
JW has scored all England's points.
Johnny scores easily from 30m to bring england within 1 point. This is what England have been missing. Charlie Hodgson was good, but JW is in a different class.
England off the restart - Ellis makes a great run to reach within 5m of the line, kick back out by scotland, and another run back by england and another england penalty which JW puts away easily to give england a 12 -10 lead.
JW has scored all England's points.
calcutta cup -update 4
Scotland need to get back to equal terms.
Scotland are using bizarre tactics. they are kicking behind england into touch but are not contesting the line-out.
NOW THEY CONTEST and a bad line-out by england and Scotland SCORE!!!
FIRST TRY!! and can Chris patterson put more space between the teams. And a beautiful kick to have scotland leading 10- 6.
Scotland are using bizarre tactics. they are kicking behind england into touch but are not contesting the line-out.
NOW THEY CONTEST and a bad line-out by england and Scotland SCORE!!!
FIRST TRY!! and can Chris patterson put more space between the teams. And a beautiful kick to have scotland leading 10- 6.
calcutta cup -update 3
Restart from england - turnover by Joe Wesley and Johnny kicks the drop goal in within one minute of the restart.
6-3 england.
6-3 england.
calcutta cup -update 2
England driving from the line-out. Scottish 22 now. Scotland get the penalty and kick into touch into the english half. line-out - and england take them out while he is in the air. Scotland have the penalty - 42m to goal.
Can Chris Patterson, the best kicker in the world last year. Best strike rate last year. Beats Dan carter easily.
Anyway, he misses after the build up and we are back to 3 - 0 england.
Scotland have another penalty from kicking distance. C'mon scotland, you cannot afford to miss.
Chris patterson again and its straight through the posts.
3 -3 now and its match on.
Can Chris Patterson, the best kicker in the world last year. Best strike rate last year. Beats Dan carter easily.
Anyway, he misses after the build up and we are back to 3 - 0 england.
Scotland have another penalty from kicking distance. C'mon scotland, you cannot afford to miss.
Chris patterson again and its straight through the posts.
3 -3 now and its match on.
calcutta cup -update 1
England have started strongly, like I predicted. Scotland haven't had any possession to speak off and have already conceded a turnover.
England have made a scorching run and crossed the line, but couldn't ground the ball. Video referee decision.
5 meter scrum - England put in and england moved soctland a good ten yards the last time around. What happens now? Scotland are holding firm, the ball slips put and Scot 9 forces the knockon from the english scrum half. Scotland scrum.
Penalty england and Johnny is kicking... his 828th point for england. Wilkinson is back. His first points in three years.
11 minutes and its 3 -0 england
England have made a scorching run and crossed the line, but couldn't ground the ball. Video referee decision.
5 meter scrum - England put in and england moved soctland a good ten yards the last time around. What happens now? Scotland are holding firm, the ball slips put and Scot 9 forces the knockon from the english scrum half. Scotland scrum.
Penalty england and Johnny is kicking... his 828th point for england. Wilkinson is back. His first points in three years.
11 minutes and its 3 -0 england
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