The wait is definitely over! For at 2:30 GMT on the 17th of December, South Africa and Australia will begin the clash for the unofficial Test Championship. Ricky Ponting, Australia's captain will be hoping not to add "losing a Test Series in Australia" to his collection of trophies and valuables while a calm Graeme Smith will look to complete South Africa's journey to the peak of Test Cricket.
Much has already been said about the series, which in itself is an Australian quality, but it'll take more than words to plant this competition into the anals of Test history. For all the pre-series chatter in India, Australia failed to show up and the series didn't live up to expectations. Australia has a better team at home, a fortress they've held since the fall of the mighty West Indies.
For Australia, the result will not only help hide the obvious fact of their demotion from "World dominators" but reinstate that they are alive and well. They will field one of world cricket's strongest batting line-ups, coupled with a promising three-men pace attack, led by Brett Lee. Jason Krejza, the overlooked offspinner, will round off Australia's spearhead. There were indications that all-rounder Shane Watson might be included which would have strengthened both the batting and bowling but after the setbacks caused by defensive thinking, the Aussies must be trying to re-invent their aggressive persona to which there are good reasons.
It is true that they've held a mental edge over the Proteas ever since readmission. Australia may not be the force they were with McGrath and Warne at the helm, but perhaps they don't need to be. Both Ponting and coach Nielson hope that is the case and have been eager to get South Africa into the same muddle that saw previous contingents' disintegrate. Smith hasn't bitten the bait but has been confident enough to allow others like coach Arthur and Mark Boucher to speak highly of Dale Steyn, who has probably had two dozen articles written about him before a single ball has been bowled.
South Africa will need to do everything well. It might not need an awesome effort, but one that is clinical and consistent could be enough. Earlier this year, the Proteas won in England after four long decades and while they outperformed the host, they didn't perform at their best. Steyn, Ntini and Morkel weren't always on the mark and England did much to add to their own downfall; it is unlikely that Australia will be as generous. If the immense potential of Steyn and Morkel are manifested in this series, the Aussie's won't simply be "under some pressure" as some commentators put it nicely, they would be wishing for the series to end.
Tony Greig had made comments about the weakness of the Protea batting line-up but for the past year, they have been as responsible as the pacemen for ensuring South Africa's dominance across the globe. They batted long in Pakistan, India and England and almost never gave their wickets away. The top order of Smith, McKenzie, Amla, Kallis, Prince and AB form the most diverse and formidable batting line-up ever established after apartheid. But the key remains in balance and no where have we seen this than the recent travails of the Australians. With Warne and McGrath, there was little pressure on the batting while Hayden, Langer, Ponting and Gilchrist ensured there was little pressure on the bowlers as well. For South Africa's bowlers to succeed, their batsmen must do well and vice a versa.
In 2001-02, another clash between 1 and 2 ended quite emphatically going 3-Nil to Australia. South Africa was led by Shaun Pollock and an aging Allan Donald, who would retire months later. They were never able to break in early as Langer and Hayden established 50+, 100+ partnerships in each Test. Langer has retired but Hayden is still Australia's pace-setter despite a recent slump in form but it will be imperative for Steyn and Co. to knock Hayden and Ponting early. In that same series, the contest was quite even at the end of day 1 of the 1st Test with Australia 272 for 6. But a century from Damien Martyn took Australia pass the 400 barrier and South Africa never recovered. Smith and his team will have to win those key moments if they are to compete. They've shown themselves as a team that comes back strongly throughout the past year but going behind early against Australia in Australia is not advisable.
Some of my Aussie fans might complain that I haven't mentioned much about how Australia might tackle South Africa but the fact remains it is the Proteas who have to topple the tree. Australia remains the No.1 team in the world and their credentials speak for themselves, whether that will be enough to send South Africa back with whimper is upto to the Proteas.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
2008: The Year of the Protea
As the Year 2008 draws to an end, there is a sense of change in the air. A few months ago, this writer embarked on writing a nation's fairytale, a story that would end with the greatest prize of all. Yet through all the hopes, predictions and intelligent guesses, not even this writer could have envisioned what took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this afternoon. South Africa has been a respect cricketing nation across much of the globe, where their athleticism, skill and fighting qualities captivated us. But there was one country, where South Africa had not only been unable to garner respect, but were considered a bunch of comical under-achievers.
Any major sportsman who has tangled against an Australian team in Australia knows the difficulties such tours and engagements entail. Simply ask the countless captains who have descended to the land down under only to be demolished, polished and spat out tougher or broken. One doesn't need to stop at cricket either, just ask England's Rugby captain Martin Johnson. At Sabina Park in 1995, Australia struck the final nail on the crumbling West Indian empire as they became the unofficial Test champions. Since then, they grew from strength to strength, conquering every Test playing nation. In 2004, they broke through the Final Frontier, beating India and Sri Lanka in the sub-continent to engrave themselves in the annals of Test History.
Since the retirement of two of the greatest bowlers in the game, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, there was a sense of inevitability that the Mighty Aussies would no longer be so "mighty." There were signs in their struggles to achieve wins against Sri Lanka and India at home. A month ago, Australia's fall from Super-power status was highlighting by their failure to register a win in India, a task only achieved at the very peak of the empire. Yet, despite their expected weakening, no one, not the fans nor the pundits would have expected them to surrender their outback fortress. Not since the days of Ambrose, Bishop and Walsh had Australia lost a series at home. They saw off the Sultans of Swing; Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, the Fab Four; Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, and countless assaults by Brian Lara, Virendra Sehwage and English hopefuls.
South Africa's record against Australia was poor and few could argue against the notion the Proteas were soft, frail, and all talk no walk. The Aussies fought their campaigns on two plains, the cricket field and the mind-field, and the expectation of South Africa "choking" when it really counted was such a reality that it was inscribed as divine scripture. The thought was fact and could easily appear on an Australian Residency examination next to a question pertaining to their greatest cricketer Sir Donald Bradman. But back in 2007, South Africa's captain Graeme Smith and Coach Mickey Arthur planned a course that would see them travel across the continents, facing the toughest Test tours of the modern era.
Their journey began with a strategy and responsibility. The South African teams of post-Apartheid consisted of more than a few talent players. Names such as Hansie Cronje, Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald, Gary Kirsten and Shaun Pollock will be remembered as some of the best of the modern age while Lance and an assembly line of all-rounders will remain in the imaginations (and nightmares) of those who witness their feats. The Proteas prided themselves on batting deep, bowling quick and having the best fielding outfit in cricket. Their triumphs and struggles were built around their strengths, many a game being won by a brilliant piece of fielding, a hostile spell of bowling or a late charge in the batting. But this strategy had its limitations and while the Proteas had the better of the rest of the Test World, they could never measure up against the Best of the Test World.
Smith and Arthur's plan was simple, build a strong batting line-up who would be responsible for scoring runs and winning the game, which would be set up by three hostile quicks, with a spinner to boot. It wasn't easy to implement due to the complexities of South African cricket's racial policies. The team also needed restructuring which would cost the place of one of the games' greatest ambassadors, Shaun Pollock. Their journey begun at home, where after suffering set-backs against strong Indian and Pakistan teams, South Africa fought back to register comfortable series victories. They even suffered a home loss to the West Indies, their first, but were able to regroup and fortify their position at home. It was during the home series against New Zealand that South Africa discovered an integral component to their climb up the Test ladder, Dale Steyn. Not since the heyday of Allan Donald did South Africa possess such a bowler with pace and swing to dominate batsmen.
South Africa took one step at a time and quickly secured away wins in Pakistan and Bangladesh, both vital stepping stones before facing the Big Three; India, England and Australia. Landing in India, few gave the Proteas a chance of standing face to face with the team long regarded as the heir to Australia's crown. Sehwage smashed his way to 300 in Chennai, dismissing South Africa's only talking point, their fast bowlers who were made to look like substitute club cricketers. But the Proteas fought back to take the lead in Ahmedabad and was only denied at Kanpur by a crumbling pitch from the early 90s.
Drawing the series in India was a major boost for the whole team and their vision forward but their journey was not confined to their skills on the field. South Africa had won a series in India back in 1999 but their next assignment in England had a history of pain reminiscent to the tragedy of Moses and the Promise land. Since readmission to international cricket, South Africa had drawn twice and lost once in England. They were undoubtedly the better side in each engagement but stumbled, choked at the final hurdle to extend their wait for a series victory to four decades. Again at Lords, the home of Test Cricket, South Africa's pedigreed bowlers failed to impress as England pilled on. A humiliating defeat seemed inevitable but this was a new South Africa and led by their Warrior captain Smith, secured a draw. They quickly found their feet and outplayed England at Leeds and setup a thrilling finish at Edgbaston, where all signs pointed towards an English comeback. There again, Graeme Smith scored one of the Greatest Test Centuries by a Captain to secure South Africa's Greatest Test win, ending their 40 year drought of success in England.
The victory in England was symbolic not only as a triumph on the field, but also one in the psyche. Few doubt an English victory at Edgbaston would have enabled South Africa to regroup for the Oval, a notion that was confirmed by Smith. South Africa had won a battle against their inner demons but there was still one left to exorcize. As with India and England, none of the pundits believed South Africa could win in Australia. Geoff Boycott, Ian Chappell, David Lloyd and Tony Grieg all thought South Africa would challenge England, India and Australia but fall short of victory. Strangely, the cricketing calendar was perfectly laid out, with the difficulty of the tour increasing at every stage and the Proteas never stumbled.
Finally, they arrived in Australia amidst much hype and expectation. Most Australians already predicted Smith's side to subside to their own expectations as before, to choke. As the second day of the 1st Test at Perth came to a close, Mitchell Johnson brushed aside the gloss of India and England in a matter of minutes to revive the scars of a generation of South Africans. I can't imagine how downtrodden the players and fans were that evening. Australia had already featured in the deepest desperate moments of South African sport but was willing to write another painful chapter. What did Graeme Smith say to his shaken teammates? Was this the calamites end to 18 months of hard-work? No, far from it.
South Africa's turn-around, given the moment and the history, was undoubtedly one the Greatest in Sporting History (some might equal it to England's reversal after the debacle at Lord in the 2005 Ashes series). Smith's men fought determinedly, not to salvage a draw from a situation of near hopelessness but to win in a manner most ominous. Their chase of 414 was the 2nd best in the history of Test Cricket and the greatest chase by a visiting team. The weakened empire of Australia was bewildered, the fans and the media stunned along with the rest of cricket's fraternity. Smith and the Proteas were one win away from completing their globetrotting journey and beginning a new era in Test cricket. Shock and surprise have been a common formula amongst the scattered blimps of Australia's reign but unfortunately, this strategy has a short shelf-life and South Africa had to out-do their incredible victory in Perth, to seal the series.
Boxing Day Tests at the MCG have been the sight of tourist massacres for years. Not even the Fab Four have been able to get the Aussies to sweat at these contests. Both teams began well; tugging and pulling, shifting the momentum one way and the other, neither willing to blink. But on the eve of the 2nd day, Australia's under-fire bowling attack surged ahead leaving South Africa a 196 behind with only 3 wickets in hand. What happened on day three mystified everyone as Australia struggled to dislodge JP Duminy or the tail that helped add 275 runs and register a useful lead. Unlike the Proteas at Perth, Australia didn't sense a great victory or a great escape but nevertheless fought hard. Their minds were clouded by the events of the 3rd day and their disappointment overwhelmed them. Ricky Ponting followed up his 1st inning 101 to register a valiant 99 only to hand a catch and the empire, to Smith at short cover.
An hour after lunch on the 5th day, South Africa achieved their Holy Grail and a victory sweeter than any other. Australia's dominance at home, their last line of defense had fallen, signaling the end of a Great Australian Empire. For South Africa, Years of pain, anguish, blood, sweat and tears could finally be put to rest as a nation rises above its broken dreams, dreams on which Australia stood for so many years. For Smith and his team, the journey is almost over but as always, a new one is waiting to begin.
Any major sportsman who has tangled against an Australian team in Australia knows the difficulties such tours and engagements entail. Simply ask the countless captains who have descended to the land down under only to be demolished, polished and spat out tougher or broken. One doesn't need to stop at cricket either, just ask England's Rugby captain Martin Johnson. At Sabina Park in 1995, Australia struck the final nail on the crumbling West Indian empire as they became the unofficial Test champions. Since then, they grew from strength to strength, conquering every Test playing nation. In 2004, they broke through the Final Frontier, beating India and Sri Lanka in the sub-continent to engrave themselves in the annals of Test History.
Since the retirement of two of the greatest bowlers in the game, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, there was a sense of inevitability that the Mighty Aussies would no longer be so "mighty." There were signs in their struggles to achieve wins against Sri Lanka and India at home. A month ago, Australia's fall from Super-power status was highlighting by their failure to register a win in India, a task only achieved at the very peak of the empire. Yet, despite their expected weakening, no one, not the fans nor the pundits would have expected them to surrender their outback fortress. Not since the days of Ambrose, Bishop and Walsh had Australia lost a series at home. They saw off the Sultans of Swing; Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, the Fab Four; Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, and countless assaults by Brian Lara, Virendra Sehwage and English hopefuls.
South Africa's record against Australia was poor and few could argue against the notion the Proteas were soft, frail, and all talk no walk. The Aussies fought their campaigns on two plains, the cricket field and the mind-field, and the expectation of South Africa "choking" when it really counted was such a reality that it was inscribed as divine scripture. The thought was fact and could easily appear on an Australian Residency examination next to a question pertaining to their greatest cricketer Sir Donald Bradman. But back in 2007, South Africa's captain Graeme Smith and Coach Mickey Arthur planned a course that would see them travel across the continents, facing the toughest Test tours of the modern era.
Their journey began with a strategy and responsibility. The South African teams of post-Apartheid consisted of more than a few talent players. Names such as Hansie Cronje, Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald, Gary Kirsten and Shaun Pollock will be remembered as some of the best of the modern age while Lance and an assembly line of all-rounders will remain in the imaginations (and nightmares) of those who witness their feats. The Proteas prided themselves on batting deep, bowling quick and having the best fielding outfit in cricket. Their triumphs and struggles were built around their strengths, many a game being won by a brilliant piece of fielding, a hostile spell of bowling or a late charge in the batting. But this strategy had its limitations and while the Proteas had the better of the rest of the Test World, they could never measure up against the Best of the Test World.
Smith and Arthur's plan was simple, build a strong batting line-up who would be responsible for scoring runs and winning the game, which would be set up by three hostile quicks, with a spinner to boot. It wasn't easy to implement due to the complexities of South African cricket's racial policies. The team also needed restructuring which would cost the place of one of the games' greatest ambassadors, Shaun Pollock. Their journey begun at home, where after suffering set-backs against strong Indian and Pakistan teams, South Africa fought back to register comfortable series victories. They even suffered a home loss to the West Indies, their first, but were able to regroup and fortify their position at home. It was during the home series against New Zealand that South Africa discovered an integral component to their climb up the Test ladder, Dale Steyn. Not since the heyday of Allan Donald did South Africa possess such a bowler with pace and swing to dominate batsmen.
South Africa took one step at a time and quickly secured away wins in Pakistan and Bangladesh, both vital stepping stones before facing the Big Three; India, England and Australia. Landing in India, few gave the Proteas a chance of standing face to face with the team long regarded as the heir to Australia's crown. Sehwage smashed his way to 300 in Chennai, dismissing South Africa's only talking point, their fast bowlers who were made to look like substitute club cricketers. But the Proteas fought back to take the lead in Ahmedabad and was only denied at Kanpur by a crumbling pitch from the early 90s.
Drawing the series in India was a major boost for the whole team and their vision forward but their journey was not confined to their skills on the field. South Africa had won a series in India back in 1999 but their next assignment in England had a history of pain reminiscent to the tragedy of Moses and the Promise land. Since readmission to international cricket, South Africa had drawn twice and lost once in England. They were undoubtedly the better side in each engagement but stumbled, choked at the final hurdle to extend their wait for a series victory to four decades. Again at Lords, the home of Test Cricket, South Africa's pedigreed bowlers failed to impress as England pilled on. A humiliating defeat seemed inevitable but this was a new South Africa and led by their Warrior captain Smith, secured a draw. They quickly found their feet and outplayed England at Leeds and setup a thrilling finish at Edgbaston, where all signs pointed towards an English comeback. There again, Graeme Smith scored one of the Greatest Test Centuries by a Captain to secure South Africa's Greatest Test win, ending their 40 year drought of success in England.
The victory in England was symbolic not only as a triumph on the field, but also one in the psyche. Few doubt an English victory at Edgbaston would have enabled South Africa to regroup for the Oval, a notion that was confirmed by Smith. South Africa had won a battle against their inner demons but there was still one left to exorcize. As with India and England, none of the pundits believed South Africa could win in Australia. Geoff Boycott, Ian Chappell, David Lloyd and Tony Grieg all thought South Africa would challenge England, India and Australia but fall short of victory. Strangely, the cricketing calendar was perfectly laid out, with the difficulty of the tour increasing at every stage and the Proteas never stumbled.
Finally, they arrived in Australia amidst much hype and expectation. Most Australians already predicted Smith's side to subside to their own expectations as before, to choke. As the second day of the 1st Test at Perth came to a close, Mitchell Johnson brushed aside the gloss of India and England in a matter of minutes to revive the scars of a generation of South Africans. I can't imagine how downtrodden the players and fans were that evening. Australia had already featured in the deepest desperate moments of South African sport but was willing to write another painful chapter. What did Graeme Smith say to his shaken teammates? Was this the calamites end to 18 months of hard-work? No, far from it.
South Africa's turn-around, given the moment and the history, was undoubtedly one the Greatest in Sporting History (some might equal it to England's reversal after the debacle at Lord in the 2005 Ashes series). Smith's men fought determinedly, not to salvage a draw from a situation of near hopelessness but to win in a manner most ominous. Their chase of 414 was the 2nd best in the history of Test Cricket and the greatest chase by a visiting team. The weakened empire of Australia was bewildered, the fans and the media stunned along with the rest of cricket's fraternity. Smith and the Proteas were one win away from completing their globetrotting journey and beginning a new era in Test cricket. Shock and surprise have been a common formula amongst the scattered blimps of Australia's reign but unfortunately, this strategy has a short shelf-life and South Africa had to out-do their incredible victory in Perth, to seal the series.
Boxing Day Tests at the MCG have been the sight of tourist massacres for years. Not even the Fab Four have been able to get the Aussies to sweat at these contests. Both teams began well; tugging and pulling, shifting the momentum one way and the other, neither willing to blink. But on the eve of the 2nd day, Australia's under-fire bowling attack surged ahead leaving South Africa a 196 behind with only 3 wickets in hand. What happened on day three mystified everyone as Australia struggled to dislodge JP Duminy or the tail that helped add 275 runs and register a useful lead. Unlike the Proteas at Perth, Australia didn't sense a great victory or a great escape but nevertheless fought hard. Their minds were clouded by the events of the 3rd day and their disappointment overwhelmed them. Ricky Ponting followed up his 1st inning 101 to register a valiant 99 only to hand a catch and the empire, to Smith at short cover.
An hour after lunch on the 5th day, South Africa achieved their Holy Grail and a victory sweeter than any other. Australia's dominance at home, their last line of defense had fallen, signaling the end of a Great Australian Empire. For South Africa, Years of pain, anguish, blood, sweat and tears could finally be put to rest as a nation rises above its broken dreams, dreams on which Australia stood for so many years. For Smith and his team, the journey is almost over but as always, a new one is waiting to begin.
Farewell to Captain Mahela
Amidst the carnage, dead pitches and Australia's resurgence, Sri Lankan cricket fans have said Goodbye to their most successful leader. Unfortunately, for all involved, it wasn't the farewell anyone would have hoped for and it's quite understandable that the end of his reign has been overshadowed by the destructive events of Lahore. Either way, without delving on to the topic that has rightfully brought the game global attention, I think Mahela Jayawardene deserves a note.
It was said that Mahela was ear-marked for captaincy very early in his career. He debuted in the record breaking Test in Colombo where Sri Lanka pilled on 952/6 runs as Sanatha Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama made 340 and 225 respectively and combined to form the highest partnership in the history of Test cricket. Mahela made an attractive 66 with 10 boundaries and stamped his class and authority early as a stroke-maker in line with Aravinda De Silva.
But apart from all the promise, Mahela struggled to maintain consistency and at times failed to justify his place in the side. There were memorable performances but they were all too far and in between the droughts and lean patches. I recall his double century against India in the Asian Test Championship and more so his partnership with Marvan Attapattu, who he took over the captaincy from in 2006, in the last group game in Sharjah 00', which was made memorable by Muttiah Muralitharan recording 7 for 30. Mahela and Marvan put on 226 after the team was in a spot of bother at 25 for 2. Mahela scored a magnificent 128 off a 123 balls, every shot oozing with class and confidence.
But three years later, he struggled to assert any authority let alone score runs in the 2003 World Cup; accumulating only 15 runs in the whole tournament. Considering Sri Lanka was only eliminated in the Semi-finals is further damning evidence to what a poor, wretched campaign he endured. Many were calling for his head, including myself. It would be interesting to know what he went through back then. It is a struggle that many talented cricketers, sportsman and individuals go through and it is the "comeback" that speaks of their inner character.
He did come back with strong performances at home and continued to score heavily in Test cricket. Marvan Attapattu brought in a unique sense of captaincy to the side, giving each member belief and responsibility but a string of injuries bought his deputy, Mahela, into the frame and some, including myself questioned the decision, after all Kumar Sangakarra had shown as much class and leadership to be the obvious successor. But with the added responsibility of leadership, Mahela began to show his full potential both as a batsmen and a captain.
Under his reign, Sri Lanka became a potent force in Test cricket and had a string of victories in ODIs as well. Sri Lanka drew a famous series in England 1-1, drew a 2-Test encounter against New Zealand 1-1 and won their first victory in the Caribbean and a 1-all share of the series. It was the Caribbean that would witness Mahela's ultimate achievement. In the 2007 World Cup, Sri Lanka played a brand of exciting and enjoyable cricket that won huge praise and support. Their game was aggressive but not brutish, confident but not boisterous. Mahela himself made a mark in the semi-finals against a resurgent New Zealand team where he scored the best hundred, with due credit to Adam Gilchrist, of the tournament. It had the class of the Test century, coupled with the brutal climax. His innings all but punched the stuffing out of the Kiwis. Unfortunately, his team was unable to repeat the 96 heroics of Arjuna Ranatunge after being foiled by a whirlwind performance by Gilchrist, administrators and the weather.
After a highly successful campaign, Sri Lanka and Mahela fell back into a mould of inconsistency. The team's performances at home came under increasing scrutiny, losing 5-match ODI series to England and India with Jayawardene becoming the first captain to surrender 3 consecutive home series. While his luck at the toss was significant, especially against a powerful Indian line-up, it was not enough to excuse to poor performances. With mounting political pressure, Mahela decided to give up the captaincy and regain his prowess as a world-class batsman. With the 2011 World Cup, only two years away he thought it would give ample time for a new leadership to establish and prepare itself and if wisdom prevail that team will be led by his vice and best friend, Kumar Sangakarra.
Mahela and Kumar have become one of Sri Lanka's prolific pairs and share the world record for the highest partnership in all forms of the game; a magnificent 624 against South Africa with whom Mahela had a special relationship. In the process, he scored 374, the highest by a Sri Lankan or sub-continental player and given the illustrious names of Tendulkars, Gavaskars, Miandads etc. it truly was a special performance.
In Sangakarra, Sri Lanka have a born-leader; one like Mahela must have been earmarked to serve his national team. If he is chosen to lead this team to 2011 and beyond, rest assured that Mahela's contribution's to Sri Lanka as a batsmen and senior player will not diminish. So, as we say "Goodbye" to Mahela, we look forward to seeing more of his best in the years to come. Glorious cover drives, delicate cuts, one-handed slip catches and more.
It was said that Mahela was ear-marked for captaincy very early in his career. He debuted in the record breaking Test in Colombo where Sri Lanka pilled on 952/6 runs as Sanatha Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama made 340 and 225 respectively and combined to form the highest partnership in the history of Test cricket. Mahela made an attractive 66 with 10 boundaries and stamped his class and authority early as a stroke-maker in line with Aravinda De Silva.
But apart from all the promise, Mahela struggled to maintain consistency and at times failed to justify his place in the side. There were memorable performances but they were all too far and in between the droughts and lean patches. I recall his double century against India in the Asian Test Championship and more so his partnership with Marvan Attapattu, who he took over the captaincy from in 2006, in the last group game in Sharjah 00', which was made memorable by Muttiah Muralitharan recording 7 for 30. Mahela and Marvan put on 226 after the team was in a spot of bother at 25 for 2. Mahela scored a magnificent 128 off a 123 balls, every shot oozing with class and confidence.
But three years later, he struggled to assert any authority let alone score runs in the 2003 World Cup; accumulating only 15 runs in the whole tournament. Considering Sri Lanka was only eliminated in the Semi-finals is further damning evidence to what a poor, wretched campaign he endured. Many were calling for his head, including myself. It would be interesting to know what he went through back then. It is a struggle that many talented cricketers, sportsman and individuals go through and it is the "comeback" that speaks of their inner character.
He did come back with strong performances at home and continued to score heavily in Test cricket. Marvan Attapattu brought in a unique sense of captaincy to the side, giving each member belief and responsibility but a string of injuries bought his deputy, Mahela, into the frame and some, including myself questioned the decision, after all Kumar Sangakarra had shown as much class and leadership to be the obvious successor. But with the added responsibility of leadership, Mahela began to show his full potential both as a batsmen and a captain.
Under his reign, Sri Lanka became a potent force in Test cricket and had a string of victories in ODIs as well. Sri Lanka drew a famous series in England 1-1, drew a 2-Test encounter against New Zealand 1-1 and won their first victory in the Caribbean and a 1-all share of the series. It was the Caribbean that would witness Mahela's ultimate achievement. In the 2007 World Cup, Sri Lanka played a brand of exciting and enjoyable cricket that won huge praise and support. Their game was aggressive but not brutish, confident but not boisterous. Mahela himself made a mark in the semi-finals against a resurgent New Zealand team where he scored the best hundred, with due credit to Adam Gilchrist, of the tournament. It had the class of the Test century, coupled with the brutal climax. His innings all but punched the stuffing out of the Kiwis. Unfortunately, his team was unable to repeat the 96 heroics of Arjuna Ranatunge after being foiled by a whirlwind performance by Gilchrist, administrators and the weather.
After a highly successful campaign, Sri Lanka and Mahela fell back into a mould of inconsistency. The team's performances at home came under increasing scrutiny, losing 5-match ODI series to England and India with Jayawardene becoming the first captain to surrender 3 consecutive home series. While his luck at the toss was significant, especially against a powerful Indian line-up, it was not enough to excuse to poor performances. With mounting political pressure, Mahela decided to give up the captaincy and regain his prowess as a world-class batsman. With the 2011 World Cup, only two years away he thought it would give ample time for a new leadership to establish and prepare itself and if wisdom prevail that team will be led by his vice and best friend, Kumar Sangakarra.
Mahela and Kumar have become one of Sri Lanka's prolific pairs and share the world record for the highest partnership in all forms of the game; a magnificent 624 against South Africa with whom Mahela had a special relationship. In the process, he scored 374, the highest by a Sri Lankan or sub-continental player and given the illustrious names of Tendulkars, Gavaskars, Miandads etc. it truly was a special performance.
In Sangakarra, Sri Lanka have a born-leader; one like Mahela must have been earmarked to serve his national team. If he is chosen to lead this team to 2011 and beyond, rest assured that Mahela's contribution's to Sri Lanka as a batsmen and senior player will not diminish. So, as we say "Goodbye" to Mahela, we look forward to seeing more of his best in the years to come. Glorious cover drives, delicate cuts, one-handed slip catches and more.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Ashes are here!
It is a sporting event like no other; one that has captured and captivated generations from both sides for over a century. And how fitting that this most unique and grandest of competitions is played for a simple urn, one that makes the Undertaker’s urn look extravagant. The Ashes are almost here…
I remember my first Ashes Test. I was a young boy who had just discovered the wonderful world of Test cricket in the summer of 1996 with MTV’s telecasts of India’s and Pakistan’s tour of England. Australia and England opened the series 1997 at Edgbaston - a name I would remember for years to come as a venue for high quality cricket. Mark Taylor’s Australia was dismissed for just over a 100 and England began to build a massive lead through future captain Nasser Hussein’s double hundred and Graham Thorpe’s 138. Taylor fought for all his worth and managed to give England a target of 119, which they achieved easily to go 1-0 for the series.
The 2nd Test at Lord’s was marred by rain but not before Glenn McGrath proved his credentials as one of the up and coming greats of the modern era with 8 for 38. During that Six Test series, which ended 3-2 in favor of Australia, I witnessed for the first time what the Ashes meant for these two nations. The series was akin to a war, with every game representing a battle and within each Test, there were skirmishes; McGrath v Atherton, Warne v England, Flintoff v Ponting, Warne v KP etc. Perhaps the very reason that the Ashes have stayed the ultimate Test series is not merely down to its age or numbers, but to its clash of personalities.
England and Australia share a strange history, one which unites and divides them simultaneously. After all, who are Australians but… yes you know where I am going. During the magical series of 2005, one commentator put it as bluntly as – It’s those former convicts coming back to England to slaughter the vicious pigs who sent them there! Thus, Australia’s arrival in England has been a bit more special than the tour down under and since Australia had become dominant at home for almost two decades, tours of England were more competitive.
This summer promises to be the most tightly fought Ashes since anyone would care to remember. Australia isn’t the dominant force they were just 3 years ago when they served up the ultimate hammering, 5-0 whitewash down under. While England was confident in 2005, they still had to battle against two greats of cricket history, McGrath and Warne. This time around, only one legend stands in their way along with a few hopefuls. England on the other hand, have come through some early turbulence to settle down, placing all their eggs in one Ashes’ basket. Two architects of the 2005 triumph are still in England’s camps but this encounter might as well be decided by the new faces, by the boys who might become men. The Ashes have been an opportunity to step back to the past, enjoy a good cuppa tea and reminisce on the good ole days but 2009 is about the future, not merely of the players on the field but the very existence of the game.
So, without further adieu, let the battles begin and may they be glorious.
I remember my first Ashes Test. I was a young boy who had just discovered the wonderful world of Test cricket in the summer of 1996 with MTV’s telecasts of India’s and Pakistan’s tour of England. Australia and England opened the series 1997 at Edgbaston - a name I would remember for years to come as a venue for high quality cricket. Mark Taylor’s Australia was dismissed for just over a 100 and England began to build a massive lead through future captain Nasser Hussein’s double hundred and Graham Thorpe’s 138. Taylor fought for all his worth and managed to give England a target of 119, which they achieved easily to go 1-0 for the series.
The 2nd Test at Lord’s was marred by rain but not before Glenn McGrath proved his credentials as one of the up and coming greats of the modern era with 8 for 38. During that Six Test series, which ended 3-2 in favor of Australia, I witnessed for the first time what the Ashes meant for these two nations. The series was akin to a war, with every game representing a battle and within each Test, there were skirmishes; McGrath v Atherton, Warne v England, Flintoff v Ponting, Warne v KP etc. Perhaps the very reason that the Ashes have stayed the ultimate Test series is not merely down to its age or numbers, but to its clash of personalities.
England and Australia share a strange history, one which unites and divides them simultaneously. After all, who are Australians but… yes you know where I am going. During the magical series of 2005, one commentator put it as bluntly as – It’s those former convicts coming back to England to slaughter the vicious pigs who sent them there! Thus, Australia’s arrival in England has been a bit more special than the tour down under and since Australia had become dominant at home for almost two decades, tours of England were more competitive.
This summer promises to be the most tightly fought Ashes since anyone would care to remember. Australia isn’t the dominant force they were just 3 years ago when they served up the ultimate hammering, 5-0 whitewash down under. While England was confident in 2005, they still had to battle against two greats of cricket history, McGrath and Warne. This time around, only one legend stands in their way along with a few hopefuls. England on the other hand, have come through some early turbulence to settle down, placing all their eggs in one Ashes’ basket. Two architects of the 2005 triumph are still in England’s camps but this encounter might as well be decided by the new faces, by the boys who might become men. The Ashes have been an opportunity to step back to the past, enjoy a good cuppa tea and reminisce on the good ole days but 2009 is about the future, not merely of the players on the field but the very existence of the game.
So, without further adieu, let the battles begin and may they be glorious.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Fools to believe?
It's probably not fitting for such a piece to arrive a day after a leaked dossier on "Fredless chickens/pussy" English cricket, or a humiliating innings lost within 3 days at Headingly, but even as Andrew Strauss and co. built-up for the Ashes, the signs were ominous and the question that pops to my mind is... was this a worthy side to win the Ashes? England's record over the past half-a-decade is poor at best despite what Strauss might claim. They have lost home series to India, South Africa and drew 1-1 against Sri Lanka. They lost in Sri Lanka, India and even in the flatbeds of the Caribbean’s. To get to the point easier, England's only Test series wins in the past two years read like a Twitter post. So, after a truly terrific performance at Lord's, calls for a repeat of 2005 etc. how did we come to this?
The statistics are clear and disturbing; England's batsmen have failed miserably at accumulating runs and looking at the hundreds scored by both teams, 80% into the series shows Eng 1 (thanks Strauss) Aus 7. The current 1-1 standing would probably be more on account of Australia's failings rather than England's ascendancy. I’m no English die-hard, so this isn’t just barmy slamming either but it is credit to the Ashes that even with such stats, the score line remains tantalizingly at 1-1. It opens a number of possibilities for the Oval. Does Fred come back for a farewell performance to be remembered? Does Ricky Ponting get the monkey off his back? Will England regain the Ashes, cause let’s face it they won’t get to touch it until it’s hosted in the British Isles again.
Not even with a horrible display of on-field umpiring has England been able to wrap their hands around the elusive urn but if history is anything to go by – dodgy umpiring is part and parcel of England’s great exploits of the past decade or so as the series victories in Sri Lanka and the 1998 win against South Africa further demonstrates. So, after the high of 2005, England has descended back to the reigns of Michael Atherton. Still, what about Australia? I think it’s safe to assume this isn’t a battle between two great teams but a scrapper between two wounded sides. Australia has always displayed a sense of discipline, aggression and hard work and that at times can compensate for the lack of genius. It was said during the T20, that South Africa’s efficient unit was boring and were simply a “better England,” if that was the case perhaps Ponting’s men are simply a stronger, better England team themselves.
My earlier pieces highlighted the battle for Test supremacy by Australia, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and England. Of these sides, England and Australia have fared the worst. If there’s anything less than a 2-1 result to Australia, we will see a new Test number 1, which would be a note worthy prize given South Africa’s dedication and hard-work throughout perhaps one of the most challenging season of cricket ever played. Sri Lanka have held their home advantage to good measure and it will be interesting how the giants of South Asia battle it out later on when Sangakarra’s men visit India. Either way, the Ashes are alive and what better way to finish the 4th Test with both teams going in 1-1. The Oval has been flat but has also staged many English victories (many dead rubbers too). But Strauss will have to lift his men (or throw some out) to the highest of heights if he is to stage what could probably be one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. Till then, we wait.
The statistics are clear and disturbing; England's batsmen have failed miserably at accumulating runs and looking at the hundreds scored by both teams, 80% into the series shows Eng 1 (thanks Strauss) Aus 7. The current 1-1 standing would probably be more on account of Australia's failings rather than England's ascendancy. I’m no English die-hard, so this isn’t just barmy slamming either but it is credit to the Ashes that even with such stats, the score line remains tantalizingly at 1-1. It opens a number of possibilities for the Oval. Does Fred come back for a farewell performance to be remembered? Does Ricky Ponting get the monkey off his back? Will England regain the Ashes, cause let’s face it they won’t get to touch it until it’s hosted in the British Isles again.
Not even with a horrible display of on-field umpiring has England been able to wrap their hands around the elusive urn but if history is anything to go by – dodgy umpiring is part and parcel of England’s great exploits of the past decade or so as the series victories in Sri Lanka and the 1998 win against South Africa further demonstrates. So, after the high of 2005, England has descended back to the reigns of Michael Atherton. Still, what about Australia? I think it’s safe to assume this isn’t a battle between two great teams but a scrapper between two wounded sides. Australia has always displayed a sense of discipline, aggression and hard work and that at times can compensate for the lack of genius. It was said during the T20, that South Africa’s efficient unit was boring and were simply a “better England,” if that was the case perhaps Ponting’s men are simply a stronger, better England team themselves.
My earlier pieces highlighted the battle for Test supremacy by Australia, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and England. Of these sides, England and Australia have fared the worst. If there’s anything less than a 2-1 result to Australia, we will see a new Test number 1, which would be a note worthy prize given South Africa’s dedication and hard-work throughout perhaps one of the most challenging season of cricket ever played. Sri Lanka have held their home advantage to good measure and it will be interesting how the giants of South Asia battle it out later on when Sangakarra’s men visit India. Either way, the Ashes are alive and what better way to finish the 4th Test with both teams going in 1-1. The Oval has been flat but has also staged many English victories (many dead rubbers too). But Strauss will have to lift his men (or throw some out) to the highest of heights if he is to stage what could probably be one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. Till then, we wait.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Shrugg Off at Your Own Peril
With the 2nd Test between India and South Africa wrapped up there have been many calls from commentators and officials concerning India's lackluster performance. The Indian team, government and perhaps even the public seem to be very uninterested in this series and if Motera wasn't a wake-up call, Graeme Smith will have to call upon some racist taunts to get some attention.
South Africa, on the other hand, has been determined to have a good showing. The Bangladesh tour prior to the tournament would have been a great opportunity to try out some new talent; as Norman Ardense, head of South African cricket, recommended. But No! South Africa's coach was determined to make the Bangladeshi tour a dress-rehearsal for India and on began the jousting over transformation policy. (To read more on my thoughts visit http://helensgamble.blogspot.com/)
But India have been distracted. Since day one in Chennai, they have looked deflated and tired. Their eyes and ears (and pockets) have been directed more at the IPL than any international fixture in the future. But by blaming the IPL for India's horrible performance is unfair and dangerous. They have under-estimated the Proteas already... repeat that notion at your own peril.
The issue here is, strangely, a form of over-confidence. "We lost at Motera because of the pitch... We lost because of the IPL... but now we are going to win because for Kanpur, it's going to be a dustbowl and South Africa will struggle."
South Africa learned quickly from their mistake in 2006 - when the Indian pacers (Lead by Sreesanth) demolished their line-up in the first test at Johannesburg. India, it seems like, have not. Already putting the blame plainly on the pitch and IPL, they are falling to look deeper within and address what exactly is going on. The South Africans will do well to keep silent and be confident - they are at the threshold of a great series win... but it's not over yet and judging by the signs - they know it.
South Africa, on the other hand, has been determined to have a good showing. The Bangladesh tour prior to the tournament would have been a great opportunity to try out some new talent; as Norman Ardense, head of South African cricket, recommended. But No! South Africa's coach was determined to make the Bangladeshi tour a dress-rehearsal for India and on began the jousting over transformation policy. (To read more on my thoughts visit http://helensgamble.blogspot.com/)
But India have been distracted. Since day one in Chennai, they have looked deflated and tired. Their eyes and ears (and pockets) have been directed more at the IPL than any international fixture in the future. But by blaming the IPL for India's horrible performance is unfair and dangerous. They have under-estimated the Proteas already... repeat that notion at your own peril.
The issue here is, strangely, a form of over-confidence. "We lost at Motera because of the pitch... We lost because of the IPL... but now we are going to win because for Kanpur, it's going to be a dustbowl and South Africa will struggle."
South Africa learned quickly from their mistake in 2006 - when the Indian pacers (Lead by Sreesanth) demolished their line-up in the first test at Johannesburg. India, it seems like, have not. Already putting the blame plainly on the pitch and IPL, they are falling to look deeper within and address what exactly is going on. The South Africans will do well to keep silent and be confident - they are at the threshold of a great series win... but it's not over yet and judging by the signs - they know it.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Cricket: Proteas Rising?
I waited months for this serious... The one Steve Waugh so eloquently labeled "the final frontier," well at least for Australia. In the last few months people have been consumed by India's tour of Australia and the emergence of Twenty20, the ICL and now the IPL... but in the midst of all the media generated hype, my eyes were focused on a re-surgence in the trough of Africa that the media ignored and the world took no notice.
I first saw Graeme Smith play against Pakistan in 2002-3 season against a good Pakistan attack just before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. I felt he should have no only been included in the squad but played during the tournament... it wasn't the most finesse or daring innings I had seen - an impressive debut nonetheless; but there was something very different. I told my-self and my brother I recall... He'll be something great someday... lo and behold, a couple of months later he was named South Africa's youngest captain. The ride has been up and down; Agonizingly denied a first test series win in England at the Oval, Stephen Flemings mind games in a ODI series drubbing and that hopeless streak where they lost 12 out of 13 games or so... but the performances improved - although there was still enough inconsistency to label them second tier.
After the World Cup blunder of 2007; a feeling Graeme Smith described as one of his worst moments... the Proteas began to rebuild and formed a new policy - unfortunately at the expense of their greatest wicket-taker Shaun Pollock - of three quicks supported by a spinner. This was the formula to success, no bits and pieces, medium-pace all-rounders etc. The emphasis was clear and then the missing link! South Africa's success in the 90's was thanks to their pace-bowling line-up lead by Allan Donald. No successor for Donald had been found since that fateful day he was assisted off the pitch against Australia. Pollock was consistent, Ntini had a great season or two, Nel gave his heart out... but there was no Donald! No equivalent to "White Lightning" until a young understudy with raw pace, took on a maturity and consistency that was unmatched in World Cricket.
All the talk was on Brett Lee, leading Australia's attack against Sri Lanka and India... but at the other end was Dale Steyn - knocking batters over in Pakistan, eliminating (anihilating, demolishing... no word would tell you just how glorious the slaughter was) Kiwis and then taking out the West Indies - one at a time (The most amazing feat was in the 2nd test, when he put aside his 145 kph deliveries to stick to 130 kph swinging-Pollock like deliveries to pick up 4-for... all because of a slight injury). This boy was not all pace and although Brett Lee faced a tougher challenge, Steyn was showing the confidence and importantly, maturity that had taken Lee years to develop.
Coming to India was never an easy task. Australia had their troubles and surprisingly, South Africa have been a more successful unit in this end of the subcontinent and with no world-class spinner. Many gave the Proteas a chance at drawing the serious - already the Indian Government had decided this "battle for number 2" wasn't worth covering for public audience. Of-course, India was bubbling in their successes down-under, basking in the media and millions of $$$ of the IPL, over-confident, unaware and out of focus - much like many Indian teams that are NOT playing against Australia - for its clear that only the Aussies call for any attention.
Many friends who knew of my Protea-stripes were ranting and calling for my head at the end of day 3 in Chennai. I was un-fazed because I knew this team was made of sterner stuff... and it would take more than a statue walling a club on a dead bed (or an ent stuck to its roots swinging at naked goblins and ur-kai) to destroy their resolve. The next day the champions immerged! Cutting down the Indian batting line-up to pieces and batting resolutely. Batting out the final day at Chennai was an achievement and nothing in test cricket can be taken for granted - especially for touring sides in the sub-continent.
And then came Ahmedabad and complains of the pitch. Indian captain Anil Kumble, with three seamers on a greenish pitch, won the toss and decided to bat and then begun one of the most unbelievable sessions of cricket I have witnessed in my 12 years of absolute coverage. I am not a big Twenty20 fan but this was the greatest session of Twenty20 I had ever seen! Steyn, Ntini and Morkel turned in stellar performances and were aided amply by the Indian batters to demolish the home side for 76. Not even the fair-weathered Kiwi batters could out-do such a performance. South Africa's response was severe, professional and nailed, no, engraved the result of the 2nd test. Three days later, lying in bed, watching the final moments of a ruthless display by the bowlers, batsmen and fielders, it was fitting that India and the world finally took note.
With one more test to go, India have the time, talent and importantly - home advantage, to square the series but many who didn't give this team a chance at winning or even drawing, today stand rebuked. I thought Gerald Manjola's comments of Graeme Smith and his boys thumping Kumble's team were ... too dramatic and unrealistic: a close dogfight sure... but a thumping? With the 3rd Test a few days away, both can recuperate and prepare for a dog-fight. Determination has been the key so far; it remains to be seen if Smith's teams' determination and skill will be enough to put the final cuts on series that the Proteas and myself had been waiting for all this time.
I first saw Graeme Smith play against Pakistan in 2002-3 season against a good Pakistan attack just before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. I felt he should have no only been included in the squad but played during the tournament... it wasn't the most finesse or daring innings I had seen - an impressive debut nonetheless; but there was something very different. I told my-self and my brother I recall... He'll be something great someday... lo and behold, a couple of months later he was named South Africa's youngest captain. The ride has been up and down; Agonizingly denied a first test series win in England at the Oval, Stephen Flemings mind games in a ODI series drubbing and that hopeless streak where they lost 12 out of 13 games or so... but the performances improved - although there was still enough inconsistency to label them second tier.
After the World Cup blunder of 2007; a feeling Graeme Smith described as one of his worst moments... the Proteas began to rebuild and formed a new policy - unfortunately at the expense of their greatest wicket-taker Shaun Pollock - of three quicks supported by a spinner. This was the formula to success, no bits and pieces, medium-pace all-rounders etc. The emphasis was clear and then the missing link! South Africa's success in the 90's was thanks to their pace-bowling line-up lead by Allan Donald. No successor for Donald had been found since that fateful day he was assisted off the pitch against Australia. Pollock was consistent, Ntini had a great season or two, Nel gave his heart out... but there was no Donald! No equivalent to "White Lightning" until a young understudy with raw pace, took on a maturity and consistency that was unmatched in World Cricket.
All the talk was on Brett Lee, leading Australia's attack against Sri Lanka and India... but at the other end was Dale Steyn - knocking batters over in Pakistan, eliminating (anihilating, demolishing... no word would tell you just how glorious the slaughter was) Kiwis and then taking out the West Indies - one at a time (The most amazing feat was in the 2nd test, when he put aside his 145 kph deliveries to stick to 130 kph swinging-Pollock like deliveries to pick up 4-for... all because of a slight injury). This boy was not all pace and although Brett Lee faced a tougher challenge, Steyn was showing the confidence and importantly, maturity that had taken Lee years to develop.
Coming to India was never an easy task. Australia had their troubles and surprisingly, South Africa have been a more successful unit in this end of the subcontinent and with no world-class spinner. Many gave the Proteas a chance at drawing the serious - already the Indian Government had decided this "battle for number 2" wasn't worth covering for public audience. Of-course, India was bubbling in their successes down-under, basking in the media and millions of $$$ of the IPL, over-confident, unaware and out of focus - much like many Indian teams that are NOT playing against Australia - for its clear that only the Aussies call for any attention.
Many friends who knew of my Protea-stripes were ranting and calling for my head at the end of day 3 in Chennai. I was un-fazed because I knew this team was made of sterner stuff... and it would take more than a statue walling a club on a dead bed (or an ent stuck to its roots swinging at naked goblins and ur-kai) to destroy their resolve. The next day the champions immerged! Cutting down the Indian batting line-up to pieces and batting resolutely. Batting out the final day at Chennai was an achievement and nothing in test cricket can be taken for granted - especially for touring sides in the sub-continent.
And then came Ahmedabad and complains of the pitch. Indian captain Anil Kumble, with three seamers on a greenish pitch, won the toss and decided to bat and then begun one of the most unbelievable sessions of cricket I have witnessed in my 12 years of absolute coverage. I am not a big Twenty20 fan but this was the greatest session of Twenty20 I had ever seen! Steyn, Ntini and Morkel turned in stellar performances and were aided amply by the Indian batters to demolish the home side for 76. Not even the fair-weathered Kiwi batters could out-do such a performance. South Africa's response was severe, professional and nailed, no, engraved the result of the 2nd test. Three days later, lying in bed, watching the final moments of a ruthless display by the bowlers, batsmen and fielders, it was fitting that India and the world finally took note.
With one more test to go, India have the time, talent and importantly - home advantage, to square the series but many who didn't give this team a chance at winning or even drawing, today stand rebuked. I thought Gerald Manjola's comments of Graeme Smith and his boys thumping Kumble's team were ... too dramatic and unrealistic: a close dogfight sure... but a thumping? With the 3rd Test a few days away, both can recuperate and prepare for a dog-fight. Determination has been the key so far; it remains to be seen if Smith's teams' determination and skill will be enough to put the final cuts on series that the Proteas and myself had been waiting for all this time.
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