India vs Pakistan: Virtual war

The venue: The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The occasion: The World Twenty20 final. The scene: The post-match press conference. Half an hour after India and Pakistan have wound up another satisfying cricket potboiler — three packed hours of compelling twists, suspenseful turns, a nerve-wracking finish and an India win — Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik is asked an enigmatic question by an Indian journalist: “Are you more happy that Pakistan made the final or more sad that you lost to India again in a World Cup?” Malik shoots back: “Aap movie bana rahe ho (are you making a movie)?”

The packed room bursts into laughter but the question isn’t as out of place as the sarcastic retort suggests. The reporter persists, and Malik gives in: “Definitely I’m happier that we made the final. India-Pakistan is just another game. That is the way players have always approached it. We have a job to do on the field.”

For the millions watching, though, it often hasn’t been that simple. Cricket between the two countries has always been associated with jingoism, yet it has made for some of the greatest on-field encounters the sport has provided.

Unfortunately, there have been many disconcerting incidents at grounds and political relations have all too often impacted spectators. But there’s still no better barometer for changing cultural processes than a fierce Indo-Pak cricket match. And gradually, attitudes appear to be evolving.

It’s remarkable how, post-Kargil, and following India’s ice-breaking 2004 tour to Pakistan, a soothing of public antipathy has helped Indo-Pak cricket grow. For example, Test matches now produce more results. Hanif Mohammad’s assertion that many matches had been drawn in the past (notably the dreary 1954-55 and 1960-61 series) because players were afraid to lose doesn’t hold ground anymore.

On the spectator front, passions have cooled but the appeal has increased. The excitement in both countries during the T20 final was unparalleled in recent memory. But Malik’s controversial statement after the game thanking all Muslims for supporting Pakistan didn’t generate as much public frenzy in India as it could have a decade back. This time, thankfully, the issue died the early death it merited. So on this tour, there’s no ‘Tebbitt test’, or should we say ‘Thackeray test’, for anyone: cricket might be the winner.

There were signs last time too. On Pakistan’s previous visit here in 2005, during the fifth ODI in April, a section of the Green Park crowd in Kanpur was needlessly raising anti-Pakistan slogans, and flinging chappals at a special enclosure for spectators from across the border.

Suddenly, Shahid Afridi, who eventually scored a 46-ball 102, decided to launch a furious onslaught. A flurry of fours and some booming sixes later, the same section was applauding, the hooting had stopped, the focus had shifted back to the game. It didn’t matter that Afridi was taking the game away from India. It was a knock too good to miss.

These are the sort of incidents which make India-Pakistan matches special. Players seem to raise their game, and spectators their attention spans. Everyone has their own ‘aha’ moment etched into memory: It could be Javed Miandad’s last ball six at Sharjah, it could be Tendulkar’s upper cut off Shoaib Akhtar for six at the Centurion World Cup game, it could be Hrishikesh Kanitkar’s winning run at Dhaka or Sunil Gavaskar’s mesmerising knock on a devil of a turner at Bangalore in his last Test.

Pakistan fans, of course, have more to choose from: for the best part of a rivalry dating back to 1952, they have dominated.

As another series looms, it’s cricket’s time to break down the wall again.

Younis Khan named vice captain for India tour

Lahore : As expected, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday named senior batsman Younis Khan as vice-captain for the Indian tour starting from November 5.

The PCB said in a statement that Younis would be deputy to Shoaib Malik for the five one-day internationals and three Tests in India.

The Pakistan team leaves tomorrow for India.

The appointment of Younis in place of opener Salman Butt will be seen by many as the first step towards his eventual appointment as captain, at least for the Test side, a position he had refused after the World Cup in March due to various reasons.

Younis was the vice-captain when Pakistan last toured India for a Test series in 2005 under the then captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

For Butt, the sudden demotion is indicative of the fact that he has lost favour with the board and selectors and may soon find himself out of the team unless he performs well.

Butt was not picked for either of the five one-dayers played against South Africa this month.

Pakistan, Australia not unbeatable: Ganguly

MUMBAI : With just over a week to go before India take on Pakistan, TOI spoke to Sourav Ganguly, India’s captain in two of the last three series between the two sides. Ganguly exuded confidence that India could come through the next six months with a good show.

Excerpts

How would you look back at the recent Australia series?

They were a good side and we played well in patches. The final scoreline (4-2, Australia) was far more closer than it looked.

Any particular gain from this series?

It is difficult to say. Murali Kartik bowled very well in this series; it would have to be his bowling.

We have a tough season coming up, how do you view it?

Oh yes, it is going to be six months of tough cricket. We have to be fit, fresh and back ourselves. Pakistan, Australia and South Africa are good sides and it will be good to play them.

Pakistan will be without Inzamam-ul Haq (retired) and possibly Shoaib Akhtar (fitness, disciplinary etc). Does that mean we start favourites?

I think the only person they will miss is Inzamam, the rest will be available for sure. I don’t believe in this favourite tag, but yes we have played good consistent cricket over the last eight-nine months… Belfast, England, Twenty20 World Cup. So we will have the confidence. Moreover, I also think that we have the players to beat them.

The last two times we’ve played, Pakistan’s batsmen rattled up big scores. Do you see a change this time?

Last time they had Inzy, who is a big influence. Pakistan will find it difficult to fill up his spot. But even last year with him in the side we beat them 4-1 in the One-dayers, as also in 2004. Anyway, it is all about how well a side plays on that particular day.

Their Test attack has a very dangerous look with Shoaib and Mohammed Asif?

They have a good attack, Shoaib and Asif are a good pair. But it will be different and difficult as they will be playing in India.

Two of their batsmen — Younis and Yousuf — have been very prolific. Will they impact the series as well?

But we have beaten them even when they had Younis, Yousuf and Inzy in the side. And the last time they toured we didn’t lose the Test series it was 1-1. We were pretty unfortunate not to win the first Test at Mohali, after we won in Kolkata, we had just one bad Test (Bangalore). That too we were unlucky to lose. Anyway, the past has no meaning because it will be a fresh start.

Will the Pakistan series be the right preparation for the Australia tour?

Australia will be a different kettle of fish. It will always be good to win against them.

In 2003-04 we surprised Australia by playing well in Test matches. Can we repeat that this time?

It all depends on how well we play. There is no reason why we can’t do it this time as well. We have a good Test bowling line-up with Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, RP Singh, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and, now, Murali Kartik is also bowling well. A good attack is always the key to winning a Test match.

On the last tour it was our experienced batting line-up which batted them out of the series. Do you see a similar role for the senior batsmen this time?

We have an experienced middle-order and the batsmen are in very good form at the moment. It was because of our batting line-up we have been able to beat England recently in the Test series. No other side except Australia has managed that in the last seven years. But this of course is a new series.

The Aussies have started targeting each and every player. Are they affected by the fact that Indians are giving it back to them?

I don’t read too much into this talking bit. What is most important is what you do in the middle. When you play hard cricket a lot of things happen, but ultimately what you do in the middle counts.

Finally, will a Test series win in Australia be the most satisfying moment of your career?

Well there have been quite a few moments like playing well against Australia, winning the 2001 series against them (Aussies), and winning in Pakistan, reaching the World Cup final, two Champions Trophy finals and playing a part in a winning squad in England. Yes a series win in Australia will certainly add to it.

I don’t fear any bowler: Uthappa

MUMBAI: With his bundle of big energy Robin Uthappa provided the new Team India with the gilt edge at the World Twenty20 and also in the recent clash against the Australians. His positive approach and awesome abilities have impressed everyone. The stocky and robust Uthappa seems here to stay with promises to deliver more and big in future. 

Excerpts:

We’ve seen a new Robin Uthappa post the Caribbean World Cup. What has brought about the big change?

I am a lot more open-minded now and that has worked for me. It has helped me use the opportunities that have come along. I’ve always said that I’d bat anywhere in the order if required, and I was again open to that idea. For me, the wont to do it was there and it has really worked.

Where do you draw all your positive energies from?

It’s just the way I am. I’m a very positive person. The fact that I’ve got a bunch of youngsters with me in the team also really makes the difference. I really enjoy the fact that I play with some very good colleagues, people who call spade a spade and who are honest. Also, from my faith. I am a believer in the Lord and I believe he’s got a purpose for everybody. And my purpose is to play for the country to the best of abilities. It’s a real good feeling.

You’ve played some good knocks of late but haven’t gone on to score big. Any worries on that count?

You do feel bad when you fail to get a big score. But, I enjoy the fact that I could contribute to the team and make the difference. That is what really matters. To score valuable 30 or 40 runs is also important as it could change the course of the game. A hundred is equally important and I am now looking to consolidate, score big. I believe in my abilities. Big scores will come.

Where did you learn playing the walking shot?

It’s something that I’ve actually picked up from Aussie opener Matthew Hayden, with my own little additions and subtractions to it. It works well for me. Basically, I visualise what I need to do. Even while preparing to play a shot, I see it in my head first. I only play it when I realise I can do it. I don’t practise these shots, it’s played more on confidence.

Do you fear any bowler?

Nobody in particular. But I find South Africa’s Mornie Morkel good. He’s sharp. I am yet to come across someone who’s exceedingly good.

Sunil Gavaskar feels you should bat up the order. What’s your take?

I have no complaints. In fact, I love playing the new ball. I firmly believe that there is no better place to bat than right at the top in any form of the game.

How difficult is it to shift from Twenty20 to One-Dayers?

Not much but going back is the big problem. Your muscle memory goes awry. You just keep going after the bowling and forget that you need to be calculative.

Are you yearning for a place in the Test team?

Yes. Very much. That is something that I really want to do and hopefully I will play well in the future and get there. In fact, most of my runs in domestic cricket have come in the longer version of the game. It suits the kind of player I am.

People are talking about some flaws in your batting?

A lot of people have been talking about my big initial movement and playing across, something that I have being trying to correct over the years. But things are in my control and I’m trying to iron it. I am doing my best to ensure that the bad habits don’t come back.

You have played under Rahul Dravid and now MS Dhoni. How different is their captaincy?

Both are very good and there’s not much difference between them. But their approach has been different. Dhoni’s ability to remain so cool and confident in any pressure situation makes him different. Who would give the ball to Joginder Sharma in the last over of the final. Also, the confidence Dhoni showed in RP Singh after he was hit for four overs in Mumbai (against Australia). In comparison, Dravid is a lot more composed and copybook in approach. I guess, Dhoni has his own style of doing things.

What has brought about the big difference in this Indian team?

Most of us have a similar approach. We have also played together at the junior levels. All of us have the on-your-face kind of attitude. It is that confidence which we’ve carried along into the team and maybe it’s showing.

Do the juniors find it difficult to get along with the seniors?

There is nothing like senior and junior in this team. This is the best phase of Indian cricket. Everything is so wonderful. I can put an arm around a Yuvi or a Bhajji and talk to them. It’s really really nice to have people like Sachin Tendulkar and others also around, who care for the youngsters.

Do you think there is a need for a chief coach?

A coach would surely make some difference. Strategies will be different, we can have more team meetings and the fringe players would be kept ready.

Isn’t too much of ODI/T20 cricket tiring?

It could be tiring. The body doesn’t have much time to recover, sometimes your mind also needs time to recover. Then you need to be strong to play so much cricket and you need to exercise to gain strength. I guess good space between games is good.

Will there be less pressure playing Pakistan than Australia?

Pressure will be pretty much the same. India-Pak always sees high-intensity games. But we are quite high on confidence at the moment. We made Australia quite uncomfortable. This is not the Indian side of the old. We aim to carry the same zeal forward and hopefully win the series, both ODIs and Tests.

Loots Bosman rejects ICL contract

Loots Bosman, the South African opener, has rejected a deal with the Indian Cricket League (ICL), and instead signed with the Indian Premier League (IPL), the ICC-sanctioned Twenty20 tournament.

“It was a tough decision. I still have the ICL contract. It’s difficult having a contract in front of you. It makes it tough to say no,” Bosman told Die Volksblad, a Bloemfontein-based newspaper.

The ICL was reportedly prepared to increase their initial offering of 2.3 million rand (approx US $350,000) for a two-year commitment after they learned of Bosman’s negotiations with the IPL. “I could have delayed my decision and dragged out the process. At the end of the day it’s still my decision. I also decided what was in the best interests of my wife Mandisa and our four-year-old daughter, Khanyi.”

Bosman said wanting to return to the domestic fold influenced his decision – the South African board has imposed bans on players who signed with the ICL, a move which will affect Lance Klusener and Nicky Boje. He becomes the seventh South African to join the IPL, increasing the strength of foreign players to 44. The US$2 million tournament starts on April 2008.

He could make his comeback to domestic cricket for the Eagles’ four-day match against the Titans starting on November 8, after completing a one-match suspension for his outburst against Mickey Arthur, the national coach. Bosman missed out on the ICC World Twenty20, as Arthur wasn’t convinced about his fitness.

Sri Lanka’s Sangakkara doubtful for first test

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara is struggling to be fit for next week’s first test against Australia due to a hamstring injury, Cricinfo Web site (www.cricinfo.com) reported on Wednesday.

The experienced vice-captain suffered the injury during Sri Lanka’s tour match in Adelaide and is doubtful for the test starting on November 8 in Brisbane.

“I would say it’s definitely a grade one tear but we will have to see when the MRIs are assessed,” Sangakkara said.

Sri Lanka play Queensland in a three-day tour match starting on Friday. Prasanna Jayawardene is likely to replace Sangakkara as wicketkeeper.

Younis says dropping Dravid a mistake

KARACHI (Reuters) – Senior Pakistan batsman Younis Khan believes India have made a mistake by omitting former captain Rahul Dravid for their first two one-day internationals.

Pakistan travel to India on Thursday for five one-day internationals and three tests.

“Dravid has led from the front and he is a fantastic player,” Younis told Reuters on Wednesday.

“If India doesn’t perform well in the first two games the blame game will start, and their selectors and team will come under more pressure. It is to our advantage.”

Younis, who was named vice captain for the India tour, said the series would be a defining one for the younger players and those still establishing themselves in the team.

“The pressure is very high playing in India. People have a lot of expectations from you and the media attention and hype is also great,” he said.

“It is a make or break tour for players.”

Decision to drop Rahul shocking: Jadeja

Describing as “shocking” the decision to sack Rahul Dravid from the national team, former Indian skipper Ajay Jadeja on Tuesday said selectors would be forced to recall the former captain soon.

“The decision was quite shocking. You don’t drop players, let alone somebody like Rahul, for not performing in three-four matches. Moreover, except in two of the matches, in the other games he came in the 42nd or 43rd over where it is difficult to score as many runs as the public wants,” Jadeja said.

Lashing out at the Indian cricket board and the quintet of selectors for harping on terms like ‘building a team for the future’ and ‘blooding juniors’, Jadeja said “When Ganguly was dropped, they talked of bringing in juniors. A year and a half later, they had to go back to Ganguly. In the same way, they will go back to Rahul after some time. This is not the way to build a team. It seems we are going round and round,” he said.

Jadeja also ridiculed the re-induction of Virender Sehwag for the first two One-dayers against Pakistan.

“Is he junior? He may be as great a player as Rahul, but he has not been in such sparkling form of late which justifies his induction. And then too, how can you justify the inclusion of a senior player like him in place of Rahul when you are laying stress on taking in juniors?” he said.

Continuing his tirade against the selection panel, Jadeja said “They seem to be making fools of everybody.

“It seems what Jimmy Amarnath said about them a decade back still holds good,” he said tongue-in-cheek, in an apparent reference to the former right hander dubbing the selectors ‘a bunch of jokers’”. On the ensuing five-match India-Pakistan One-day series, Jadeja predicted a close contest. “The result could be 3-2 either way. But I have a feeling that the individual matches may not be that close. The matches may end three overs before the full quota of overs.”

He praised MS Dhoni’s captaincy and said “I see all the signs in him of a perfect captain. But still, it may be a bit early to comment on him.”

Jadeja, however, asserted that the wicket-keeper stumper should also be made the skipper of the Test side.

Asked about the absence of quality all-rounders in the Indian side, Jadeja mentioned Dhoni (batsman plus wicket keeping) and Yuvraj Singh (almost an all-rounder).

But he said one should not compare the present lot of all-rounders with a legend like Kapil Dev. “Players like Kapil are born and not created. Its the same for Ganguly and (Sachin) Tendulkar. The greatness about great players is that they cannot be replaced.”

He did not agree that the Indian team badly needed a new coach. “Unless you are talking of a big name, you have to accept that the present coaching staff (bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad) and fielding coach (Robin Singh) are doing a good job. The two of them are very hard-working and disciplined.

“They have got victories, and got respect of players. Earlier, you had a big name, but you know what happened,” he said.

Jadeja was all praise for the Indian Premier League promoted by the BCCI. “It’s a most wonderful thing that has happened to Indian cricketers. The players will not get into the team for being born at some place, or because they work for an organisation. The players will be evaluated solely on the basis of their performance.”

Jadeja felt the India Cricket League had taken a backseat.

“Most of the players in the ICL, save some like Dinesh Mongia and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, don’t even feature regularly in the state sides. The league has opened up possibilities for second-rung players.”

Ponting, Gilchrist, Lee, Symonds to set afire opening season of IPL

Mumbai, Oct 30: The cream of Australian cricketing talent, led by captain Ricky Ponting and vice captain Adam Gilchrist, together with eleven other Aussies and Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Loots Bosman of South Africa have signed on to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off in April next year.

These players, along with 29 others from New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies who signed earlier, will participate in the league matches of the inaugural IPL Twenty20 championship, scheduled to commence from April next year, said a release here today.

Those who signed up today, apart from Australian captain Ricky Ponting and vice captain Adam Gilchrist, included Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi and South African batsman Loots Bosman.

The IPL will also witness a star-studded line up of Australians like Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Brett Lee, Mathew Hayden, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Jhonson, Simon Katich, Jason Gilliseppe and Cameron White taking the total of international cricketers that have signed up to play in the IPL to 44.

IPL had already signed the likes of Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Glen McGarth of Australia; Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram of New Zealand; Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka; Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Albie Morkel, A B deVilliers and Shaun Pollock of South Africa; Shivnarine Chanderpaul of West Indies; and Mohammed Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan for participation in the inaugural tournament.

Indian Premier League chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi said ”We have great pleasure in announcing today, the induction of some of the finest talent from the World One-Day Champions Team Australia. I

 am sure that the cricket loving public of India would cherish the opportunity to see the world champions turn out for their local teams. The induction of the prodigious Aussie talent, I am sure, will add a whole new dimension to the cricket that it played in the Indian Premier League.”

Sri Lankan cricket star Muralitharan likely to miss Test warm-up

BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) — Star bowler Muttiah Muralitharan is expected to be rested for Sri Lanka’s final warm-up match ahead of next week’s first cricket Test against Australia at the Gabba.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene indicated the spin wizard would sit out the three-day game with Queensland starting on Friday after his marathon bowling stint against the Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI at Adelaide Oval.

Muralitharan, nine wickets away from outstripping Shane Warne’s Test record of 708, proved his fitness from a bicep injury with 4-122 off 44 overs in Monday’s drawn three-day match.

A team spokesman said a final decision on Muralitharan’s availability was yet to be made after the Sri Lankan team arrived here Tuesday.

But Jayawardene hinted that Muralitharan was likely to miss Friday’s game as the tourists look to ease their trump card into the two-Test series starting at the Gabba on November 8.

“If he continues the practice and all that, if he’s happy with his rhythm we’ll probably keep him out,” Jayawardene told reporters.

“So if Murali feels that he’ll probably need another match before the Test match we’ll consider that, but if not we’ll probably keep him out.”

There are no fitness concerns for Muralitharan after he sent down 25 overs on Sunday and another 19 Monday in his first game back since injuring his bicep playing for English county Lancashire in August.

Fears have been voiced he could receive unsportsmanlike treatment in Australia, where he has been called for “throwing” on two previous tours and subjected to constant crowd calls of “no ball.”

Meanwhile, the team spokesman confirmed vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara (hamstring) would miss the Queensland match.

“He is getting better but he is definitely out of the tour match against Queensland,” the team spokesman said.

Replacement Sujeewa de Silva has been sought for left-arm pace bowler Chanaka Welagedara (thigh), who bowled only six overs (1-23) against the Chairman’s XI.

De Silva played in the last Test series against Bangladesh in July and has been called over from Zimbabwe where he is playing with the Sri Lanka A side.

“If he (de Silva) arrives in time he will probably play in that (the tour match against Queensland) — he’s been playing some good cricket,” Jayawardene said.