INSIDE CRICKET

West Indies dominated world cricket during the 1970’s and the early 80’s. Australians dominated world cricket from late 90’s until recently. The real question that comes over to every one’s mind is that who is next going to dominate world cricket next. Few of the contenders who have the potential to dominate world cricket are South Africa, India and of course Australia. Australia is a very strong team even after the loss of McGrath and Warne. But still they no longer dominate other teams as they used to now a days. They are building a new team and the signs look ominous for the team’s future. South Africa, the next team which seems to be in contention to attain greatness, has a complete side. They have quality pace bowlers, world class cum explosive batting line up and match winning all rounders. They have the habit of choking during world cups. Some thing keeps eluding them at crucial junctures. South Africa has to identify that mysterious missing element that keeps eluding them to become a dominant side. Next comes India. The team is studded with exciting youngsters. The team also has greats like Sachin and Dravid in its rank. Under the leadership of M.S.Dhoni, the team has been making rapid strides. If only the team can improve its fielding and ruthless killer instincts, this team can become the dominant figure of world cricket. It is going to a triangular fight for greatness. Only time can say who will emerge triumphant.

The test series between Pakistan and Australia promises to be an exciting encounter between the bat and the ball. The Aussies have a very formidable batting line up. The Pakistani bowling attack looks really penetrative and versatile. Asif, Aamer and Gul are well complemented by Kaneria and new comer Saeed Ajmal. Ponting, Watson and Hussey form a part of the devastating batting line up. The series promises high octane entertainment. The pitches in Australia are one of the best wickets for test matches. Most of the matches played in Australia produce results because of the sportive wickets. It offers bounce, pace, carry and little turn. It is suitable for stroke making. All these factors combined together promises to make the series between Australia and Pakistan a very interesting one. The trump card for the Australian team is Shane Watson. He has been in terrific form. Back to back centuries in the Champions league establishes the fact. The Pakistani bowlers must devise a way to get him out early for a cheap score. Pakistan’s trump card is definitely going to be Umar Akmal. He along with his skipper Mohammed Yousuf must keep the middle order intact to improve any chances of Pakistan winning the series.

The rate of burn out for a pace bowler is very high in the Indian cricket. Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma are classical examples of this phenomenon. Irfan Pathan, when he made it to the Indian cricket team was a bowling sensation. He could swing the ball into the right handed batsmen by a long way. He used to bowl at the high 140’s km per hour speed. His fall started as he was catapulted to stardom. He was touted to be the greatest all rounder to have ever played for India after Kapil dev just after a couple of innings playing one drop. Soon he lost his swing, pace and he eventually lost his way and got dropped from the side. Ishant Sharma’s case is very similar too. The reason behind his failure can be attributed to the advent of the Indian premier league. The youngster’s burn out was as a result of a tiring itinerary. Munaf Patel is also another example of an Indian pace bowler cutting down upon his pace to prolong his career. Indian cricket board must somehow follow the rotating policy as followed by the Aussies. The board should cut upon the no of matches the Indian team plays per year. This can save the promising youngsters from fatigue and injuries. Rotating policy if followed will also improve the bench strength of the Indian cricket team.