As the England cricket team look forward to the challenges that will face them during the summer of 2008, we take a look at the key players and what is expected of them.
England returned from their winter tour to New Zealand with a 2-1 series win but with some question marks against some key players and the team as a whole. The reality is that the Kiwis have been struggling in recent years and that a series win was the minimum requirement.
England's defeat in the first Test Match had led to the dropping of two stalwarts of the side, Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison.
As we look ahead to the coming summer, the question of whether those two players have a future in the England side is a key one. Will they be part of a side that returns to its best?
Of the two, Hoggard has more sympathy with many fans. The Yorkshire bowler may lack the pace of Harmison, but he more than makes up for it with his effort and his ability to swing the ball.
Having been one of England's most reliable performers over the past few seasons, Hoggard can count himself unlucky. Harmison, on the other hand, appears to have been living on borrowed time.
His inability to bowl a consistent line and length has been disappointing, while some suggest that he lacks the heart to tour with the national side.
There's no doubt that the psychological effect of his disastrous first ball in the 2006 Ashes series has also taken its toll.
Will these two bounce back, or will the likes of Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson permanently replace them in the team.
It all remains to be seen but 2008 should be a defining year for English cricket.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Indian Premier League - The Billion Dollar Baby
Initially the Indian Premier League was started by BCCI to oppose the Indian Cricket League started by the Zee Network. But now it has reached to a height where the Indian Cricket League is no where in front of the Indian Premier League.
Initially the craze for the Indian Premier League started during the auction conducted for the franchises. Top Industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Malaya and Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Preethi Zinta participated and successfully won the bids.
The highest amount in this auction was for Mumbai team which was bid for $111.9 million by the reliance group chairman, Mukesh Ambani. The second highest amount was for the Bangalore team which was bid for $111.6 million by the liquor King Vijay Malaya.
The TV rights for the Indian Premier League were grabbed by the Sony and world sport group for an astonishing amount of $1 billion for the next ten years.
The actual craze started after the auction for the Players where the owners of the Franchises auctioned for the players. The highest amount in this auction was for Indian team Captain Mahendar Singh Dhoni who was successfully bid by the Chennai Super kings for an amount of $1.5 million. The second highest amount was for Andrew Symonds, Australian All-rounder who was successfully bid for $1.35 million by the Deccan Chargers.
Recently the Umpiring rights for the Indian Premier League were auctioned and they were successfully bid by the Kingfisher group chairmen, Vijay Malaya for an amount of $106 million.
Recently the Indian Premier League teams names are announced and all the franchise owners are excited about this.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aravind_Gade_Reddy
Initially the craze for the Indian Premier League started during the auction conducted for the franchises. Top Industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Malaya and Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Preethi Zinta participated and successfully won the bids.
The highest amount in this auction was for Mumbai team which was bid for $111.9 million by the reliance group chairman, Mukesh Ambani. The second highest amount was for the Bangalore team which was bid for $111.6 million by the liquor King Vijay Malaya.
The TV rights for the Indian Premier League were grabbed by the Sony and world sport group for an astonishing amount of $1 billion for the next ten years.
The actual craze started after the auction for the Players where the owners of the Franchises auctioned for the players. The highest amount in this auction was for Indian team Captain Mahendar Singh Dhoni who was successfully bid by the Chennai Super kings for an amount of $1.5 million. The second highest amount was for Andrew Symonds, Australian All-rounder who was successfully bid for $1.35 million by the Deccan Chargers.
Recently the Umpiring rights for the Indian Premier League were auctioned and they were successfully bid by the Kingfisher group chairmen, Vijay Malaya for an amount of $106 million.
Recently the Indian Premier League teams names are announced and all the franchise owners are excited about this.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aravind_Gade_Reddy
Dilemma of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan got test match status at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 28, 1952 and played its first test match in Delhi in October 1952. Its first victory was against England in 1954 at The Oval in which Fzal Mahmood took 12 wickets. Pakistan played first home series in January 1955 against India, at Dacca.
Since the very inception of the test and one day cricket, the Pakistani team has been faltering, dwindling and then finding strong footing . This has happened not once but for ever. This behavior of the team has earned it the epithet of the most unpredictable team of the cricket world.
Pakistan cricket team is a strange one. It is said that the biggest consistency of Pakistan team is its inconsistency. It became the winner of the world cup with a brave come back but later it was defeated by the cricket babies e. g. Ireland and Bangladesh. Nobody can claim that he has understood the Pakistani team. Even the bookies of the world are strangled in this dilemma.
Why this always happens? What are the reasons behind this fluctuating performance? Is the PCB responsible for this dilemma? Are the coaches the cause of this fall? Or the cricketers themselves are to blame? Let us try to understand the psyche of this team.
The team of upsets
Pakistani team is a strong but capricious team. It is always impulsive and unpredictable. The 1986 victory at Sharja, was a last-ball victory for Pakistan against India, with Javed Miandad's memorial sixer. The 1992 World Cup victory was due to miraculous comeback of this royal team. The biggest upset in World Cup 2007 history was also from Pakistan when it received a shocking defeat from Ireland who was playing their first tournament. All the team was bowled out just for 132 runs resulting into the humiliating first round exit from the competition.
These are few illustrations otherwise the history of Pakistan cricket is replete with this kind of abnormal performance. They are the greatest one day and may shrink from a team of your neighborhood the next. Why there is no consolidation in performance? Why this team does not perform steadily? You may find the reasons and causes of this dilemma in this article.
Adhocism
Adhocism is the main reason behind the scene. There are no permanent policies as well officials who could run the affairs of the cricket. The captain of the team is not sure about the participation in the next competition. The coach is not certain about his job and above all super fit players may be asked to sit outside. This adhocism has gnawed at the very roots of the cricket in Pakistan.
Political involvement in the board of cricket
Pakistan cricket board, the governing body of cricket is one of the major causes of these phenomena. Often the chair and executives of the board are appointed the persons who have no cricketing background. The non professionalism at the upper level gives rise to the non professional attitude of the players also. A man in the helm of the affairs of the cricket should be a perfect cricketer who would know all the pros and cons of the game.
Player politics
Our players are themselves a cause of this dilemma. They make lobbies of their own to survive in the team and get captaincy. The talented players who fail in getting the favors of the band of cricketers are either ousted or dumped to the background. Sometimes the players show their power by disagreeing and violating the laws of the board. This brings a very negative impact on the whole body of the game.
Gambling and match fixing
There are a lot of players of great fame and qualities that have been found involved in gambling and match fixing. Many players of high profile have been playing the game with the bookmakers. Many of them have been dropped from the national squad and few have been banned forever.
No planning and proper management
It is said that fail to plan is the plan to fail. So Planning is the key to success but unfortunately our board does not do so. It works like a postman. It's planning ends on declaring the squad and schedule of the cricket. There is no long term planning for the game or the players. Strong coordination between coach, captain and players should be developed. Emphasis is not given to physical and psychological fitness of the players. PCB has not evolved a proper check and balance system; hence some players succeed to manage their place in the national team despite their inconsistent performance.
No talent hunting
Our local cricket associations are not patronized by the PCB and are devoid of proper counseling and guidance along with resources. This prohibits the talent hunting which is a part and parcel of maintaining the standard of the game.
Attitude of the individual players
Players who get some fame are perverted by the popularity. They often involve themselves in merry making. During toure abroad, some players are reportedly seen in the dance clubs, cat walk shows and casinos. They do not follow the code of ethics. They spend nights at such places as are the anathema on the name of the game. How such players can give good performance the next day? The players do not show the desire or the motivation to improve the deficiencies.
Foreign coaches
The PCB tries its best to invigorate the team by hiring the foreign coaches but it often goes contrary to its credit. And some times it proves fatal to the Pakistani cricket. As you know that the coach makes a winning strategy but lack of communication between the players and a foreign coach create many problems. Many former local players can deliver much better results than foreign coaches.
Ball tempering
Though never proved, ball tempering is a permanent blame on the Pakistan cricket team. A lot of controversies have been aroused due to this misuse of the cricket ball. Many teams are now in the habit of blaming the young blooming talents of Pakistani team to darken their future.
Conclusion
Talented players are a great asset of a team but only talent is not enough to become a shining star. Discipline is the driving force of talent and this is wanting in Pakistani cricket. Pakistan has always produced great players. But an individual success is only a partial success. The real victory is the victory of the team. A team which could not play exciting and inspirational cricket would perform like giants one day and like pigmies on the other day. It is rightly said that only talent is not enough. A permanent cricketing behavior is needed to touch the heights of glory of fame and fortune.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iftikhar_Rasul
Since the very inception of the test and one day cricket, the Pakistani team has been faltering, dwindling and then finding strong footing . This has happened not once but for ever. This behavior of the team has earned it the epithet of the most unpredictable team of the cricket world.
Pakistan cricket team is a strange one. It is said that the biggest consistency of Pakistan team is its inconsistency. It became the winner of the world cup with a brave come back but later it was defeated by the cricket babies e. g. Ireland and Bangladesh. Nobody can claim that he has understood the Pakistani team. Even the bookies of the world are strangled in this dilemma.
Why this always happens? What are the reasons behind this fluctuating performance? Is the PCB responsible for this dilemma? Are the coaches the cause of this fall? Or the cricketers themselves are to blame? Let us try to understand the psyche of this team.
The team of upsets
Pakistani team is a strong but capricious team. It is always impulsive and unpredictable. The 1986 victory at Sharja, was a last-ball victory for Pakistan against India, with Javed Miandad's memorial sixer. The 1992 World Cup victory was due to miraculous comeback of this royal team. The biggest upset in World Cup 2007 history was also from Pakistan when it received a shocking defeat from Ireland who was playing their first tournament. All the team was bowled out just for 132 runs resulting into the humiliating first round exit from the competition.
These are few illustrations otherwise the history of Pakistan cricket is replete with this kind of abnormal performance. They are the greatest one day and may shrink from a team of your neighborhood the next. Why there is no consolidation in performance? Why this team does not perform steadily? You may find the reasons and causes of this dilemma in this article.
Adhocism
Adhocism is the main reason behind the scene. There are no permanent policies as well officials who could run the affairs of the cricket. The captain of the team is not sure about the participation in the next competition. The coach is not certain about his job and above all super fit players may be asked to sit outside. This adhocism has gnawed at the very roots of the cricket in Pakistan.
Political involvement in the board of cricket
Pakistan cricket board, the governing body of cricket is one of the major causes of these phenomena. Often the chair and executives of the board are appointed the persons who have no cricketing background. The non professionalism at the upper level gives rise to the non professional attitude of the players also. A man in the helm of the affairs of the cricket should be a perfect cricketer who would know all the pros and cons of the game.
Player politics
Our players are themselves a cause of this dilemma. They make lobbies of their own to survive in the team and get captaincy. The talented players who fail in getting the favors of the band of cricketers are either ousted or dumped to the background. Sometimes the players show their power by disagreeing and violating the laws of the board. This brings a very negative impact on the whole body of the game.
Gambling and match fixing
There are a lot of players of great fame and qualities that have been found involved in gambling and match fixing. Many players of high profile have been playing the game with the bookmakers. Many of them have been dropped from the national squad and few have been banned forever.
No planning and proper management
It is said that fail to plan is the plan to fail. So Planning is the key to success but unfortunately our board does not do so. It works like a postman. It's planning ends on declaring the squad and schedule of the cricket. There is no long term planning for the game or the players. Strong coordination between coach, captain and players should be developed. Emphasis is not given to physical and psychological fitness of the players. PCB has not evolved a proper check and balance system; hence some players succeed to manage their place in the national team despite their inconsistent performance.
No talent hunting
Our local cricket associations are not patronized by the PCB and are devoid of proper counseling and guidance along with resources. This prohibits the talent hunting which is a part and parcel of maintaining the standard of the game.
Attitude of the individual players
Players who get some fame are perverted by the popularity. They often involve themselves in merry making. During toure abroad, some players are reportedly seen in the dance clubs, cat walk shows and casinos. They do not follow the code of ethics. They spend nights at such places as are the anathema on the name of the game. How such players can give good performance the next day? The players do not show the desire or the motivation to improve the deficiencies.
Foreign coaches
The PCB tries its best to invigorate the team by hiring the foreign coaches but it often goes contrary to its credit. And some times it proves fatal to the Pakistani cricket. As you know that the coach makes a winning strategy but lack of communication between the players and a foreign coach create many problems. Many former local players can deliver much better results than foreign coaches.
Ball tempering
Though never proved, ball tempering is a permanent blame on the Pakistan cricket team. A lot of controversies have been aroused due to this misuse of the cricket ball. Many teams are now in the habit of blaming the young blooming talents of Pakistani team to darken their future.
Conclusion
Talented players are a great asset of a team but only talent is not enough to become a shining star. Discipline is the driving force of talent and this is wanting in Pakistani cricket. Pakistan has always produced great players. But an individual success is only a partial success. The real victory is the victory of the team. A team which could not play exciting and inspirational cricket would perform like giants one day and like pigmies on the other day. It is rightly said that only talent is not enough. A permanent cricketing behavior is needed to touch the heights of glory of fame and fortune.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iftikhar_Rasul
What Is Cricket? How Is It Played?
Cricket is a very popular game in many countries. It is the 2nd most popular sport after FOOTBALL in the world. So, now it interests you and you want to play cricket, too. But you don't know how to play. What is this game? And what it is all about. Don't worry. I am here to help you.
Now let me explain you some important terms in Cricket.
Bat - It is a long woody stick that is used to hit the ball (see below).
Ball - It is a spherical ball made of leather.
Batsman - The person with the bat is called the batsman.
Bowler - The person who has the bowl with him and pitches it for the batsman is known as the Bowler.
Umpire - Referee in cricket. He has all the powers. His decision is the last decision.
Pitch - A straight 22 yard ground especially made for all the main action.
Stumps - A long woods stick which the bowler mostly aims at. If this falls, the batsman is out.
Out - The fall of a batsman. The batsman has to go back to the pavilion.
Wicket Keeper - You must already be knowing it. Just as a goal keeper, his main work is to stop the balls that miss the stumps from crossing the boundary. He stays just behind the wicket.
Run - Every time the two batsman cross ends, one run is scored.
Four Runs - If the ball crosses the boundary ropes after bouncing inside it is a four.
Six Runs - If the ball crosses the boundary ropes without falling inside, it is a six.
Now that you know some of the terms, lets get to the game.
The team that wins the toss elects either to bat or field. The fielding teams captain sets his fielders in the specific positions he wants them to be in. The 2 batsman step on the field and take their positions.
The bowler pitches the ball to the batsman and the batsman has to hit it.
This goes on till the specified overs or till all the batsman are out.
Then the players of the other team come in to bat and they try to score more than the team that has batted before.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roshan_Jha
Now let me explain you some important terms in Cricket.
Bat - It is a long woody stick that is used to hit the ball (see below).
Ball - It is a spherical ball made of leather.
Batsman - The person with the bat is called the batsman.
Bowler - The person who has the bowl with him and pitches it for the batsman is known as the Bowler.
Umpire - Referee in cricket. He has all the powers. His decision is the last decision.
Pitch - A straight 22 yard ground especially made for all the main action.
Stumps - A long woods stick which the bowler mostly aims at. If this falls, the batsman is out.
Out - The fall of a batsman. The batsman has to go back to the pavilion.
Wicket Keeper - You must already be knowing it. Just as a goal keeper, his main work is to stop the balls that miss the stumps from crossing the boundary. He stays just behind the wicket.
Run - Every time the two batsman cross ends, one run is scored.
Four Runs - If the ball crosses the boundary ropes after bouncing inside it is a four.
Six Runs - If the ball crosses the boundary ropes without falling inside, it is a six.
Now that you know some of the terms, lets get to the game.
The team that wins the toss elects either to bat or field. The fielding teams captain sets his fielders in the specific positions he wants them to be in. The 2 batsman step on the field and take their positions.
The bowler pitches the ball to the batsman and the batsman has to hit it.
This goes on till the specified overs or till all the batsman are out.
Then the players of the other team come in to bat and they try to score more than the team that has batted before.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roshan_Jha
Monday, December 29, 2008
Online Cricket Score - A Boon For Cricket Fanatics
Catch live action, no matter where you are! Those who are passionate about cricket need not worry about missing out watching a live cricket match. Online cricket score is a special boon for all those professionals who are busy with their work and cannot take time out to watch their favorite match live on television or on the field. Unless the match takes on a holiday or weekend, it is very difficult to follow the match. Time constraint is a very big factor behind this. Internet offers such a promising mode that offers everything from blogs, articles, scorecards and updated cricket news which you can download on your desktop in a few seconds.
One can catch a glimpse of actions like current score, target runs, number of overs passed, etc. Some other detailed information includes current run rate, required run rate, individual performance of each batsman and number of boundaries. Online cricket score is not only for cricket enthusiasts but for students also. Students who are busy preparing for their exams and want to concentrate more on their studies can also log on to cricket websites for updated score. It will nevertheless affect their studies and at the same time keep their sports knowledge updated. Online cricket score gives a perfect medium to know score even when you are accomplishing your official tasks. It gives a viewer significant idea about the position of match. There are many sites on internet that offer people the facility to view online scores but if you really want to view latest score then go for a site that instantly updates its score. Whether it is current score, cricket history or personal life of a cricketer, you can know everything just through a click on URL of such wonderful sites.
Nowadays mobile phones also offer latest cricket updates via the website that offers such facility. So you need not miss the live action even when traveling or when you don't have access to a television or website. One can watch the twists and turns of the game which are sheer unpredictable and add to the fun. Online cricket score is an easy source to know about a match. It also offers the photo gallery from where you can download the pictures of your favorite cricketer and even discussion forums where like minded cricket enthusiasts carry out healthy discussions about the game.
Cricket is a game of action, excitement and thrills. Cricket lovers are filled with enthusiasm while watching the game. Once cricket environment builds up, it's difficult for cricket fan to get over the cricket fever. Cricket fever is high during world cup. Fans keep themselves updated with scores. They are emotionally attached with it. They become upset with the bad performance from their favorite team but they involve themselves in the victory. Sometimes fans also forget about their personal work and indulge themselves to the cricket score. This is the craziness of the fans for the cricket. Online cricket score helps in chilling out this craziness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ella_Wilson
One can catch a glimpse of actions like current score, target runs, number of overs passed, etc. Some other detailed information includes current run rate, required run rate, individual performance of each batsman and number of boundaries. Online cricket score is not only for cricket enthusiasts but for students also. Students who are busy preparing for their exams and want to concentrate more on their studies can also log on to cricket websites for updated score. It will nevertheless affect their studies and at the same time keep their sports knowledge updated. Online cricket score gives a perfect medium to know score even when you are accomplishing your official tasks. It gives a viewer significant idea about the position of match. There are many sites on internet that offer people the facility to view online scores but if you really want to view latest score then go for a site that instantly updates its score. Whether it is current score, cricket history or personal life of a cricketer, you can know everything just through a click on URL of such wonderful sites.
Nowadays mobile phones also offer latest cricket updates via the website that offers such facility. So you need not miss the live action even when traveling or when you don't have access to a television or website. One can watch the twists and turns of the game which are sheer unpredictable and add to the fun. Online cricket score is an easy source to know about a match. It also offers the photo gallery from where you can download the pictures of your favorite cricketer and even discussion forums where like minded cricket enthusiasts carry out healthy discussions about the game.
Cricket is a game of action, excitement and thrills. Cricket lovers are filled with enthusiasm while watching the game. Once cricket environment builds up, it's difficult for cricket fan to get over the cricket fever. Cricket fever is high during world cup. Fans keep themselves updated with scores. They are emotionally attached with it. They become upset with the bad performance from their favorite team but they involve themselves in the victory. Sometimes fans also forget about their personal work and indulge themselves to the cricket score. This is the craziness of the fans for the cricket. Online cricket score helps in chilling out this craziness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ella_Wilson
IPL Contraversies
The Indian premier league is all set to start from April 18th. All the arrangements are made and players are getting ready to face the challenge. The BCCI is still bagging money through the auction of different rights.
Recently the umpiring rights for the Indian Premier league were bought by the liquor king Dr.Vijay Malaya who also owned a team in the league.
Dr .Vijay Malaya is using these rights to publicize his brand Kingfisher Airlines, the five star airlines company in India. They can paste their brand on the costumes of the umpires and also for the third umpire signal.
Mr. Malaya said that they are going to present the umpires with unique costumes to represent their brand style. He said that his brand is going to gain a great value with this advertisement.
Lalit Modi, the chairman of the Indian Premier League felt that the rights to this brand will increase the craze towards the Indian Premier League. He also mentioned that this Brand Sponsors the prestigious sports like Formula-one.
The Indian Premier League is all set to start from april18th and will last for around 44 days with a total of 55 matches to be held at different stadiums. The matches are scheduled such that each team will play 7 matches in their city.
This league will provide 117 hours of family entertainment. The matches are scheduled such that they are conducted in the evening timings to encourage the people to the stadiums.
The Craze for the Coaches is also gaining importance in the Indian Premier League. The first among them was Tom Moddy who was appointed by the Mohali team. The next in the race are the Australian former coach John Buchanan and Indian's former coach Greg Chappel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aravind_Gade_Reddy
Recently the umpiring rights for the Indian Premier league were bought by the liquor king Dr.Vijay Malaya who also owned a team in the league.
Dr .Vijay Malaya is using these rights to publicize his brand Kingfisher Airlines, the five star airlines company in India. They can paste their brand on the costumes of the umpires and also for the third umpire signal.
Mr. Malaya said that they are going to present the umpires with unique costumes to represent their brand style. He said that his brand is going to gain a great value with this advertisement.
Lalit Modi, the chairman of the Indian Premier League felt that the rights to this brand will increase the craze towards the Indian Premier League. He also mentioned that this Brand Sponsors the prestigious sports like Formula-one.
The Indian Premier League is all set to start from april18th and will last for around 44 days with a total of 55 matches to be held at different stadiums. The matches are scheduled such that each team will play 7 matches in their city.
This league will provide 117 hours of family entertainment. The matches are scheduled such that they are conducted in the evening timings to encourage the people to the stadiums.
The Craze for the Coaches is also gaining importance in the Indian Premier League. The first among them was Tom Moddy who was appointed by the Mohali team. The next in the race are the Australian former coach John Buchanan and Indian's former coach Greg Chappel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aravind_Gade_Reddy
Umpires Over Technology - Dinosaurs In 21st Century Cricket
In an era when we read about corporate scandals--including former reputable bank managers, highly respectable pastors and trustworthy politicians-- cricket has established a Mount Olympus of virtue: a list of elite umpires in a mythical tower of infallibility. The last time I checked the list of Popes, from their inception by the Cardinal of Bishops in 1099, history could have difficulty assigning the adverb "respectful" to names of corrupt Popes like Pope Pius 111, Pope Fernan Martin V, and Pope Philip Le Bel or "Fair Philip" 1285-1314. Let us not forget that the only non-Muslim male that the Holy Koran cites as an example of Pious living, Isa Ibm Miriam (Jesus son of Mary)--He chose an elite list of 12, and one betrayed him for money.
In St. Lucia years ago, a local bowler missed his chance at fame when he cleaned bowled an English test icon with the first ball. The occasion was a visit from an English touring club. When he asked the umpire afterwards why he called no-ball when his foot was behind the crease, the umpire simply said, "People packed the stadium to see their British test heroes. They can see you bowl anytime."
Viv Richards, arguably one of the worlds' most prolific cricketers, was robbed of hundreds or even thousands of runs because of bad decisions-accidental or otherwise. He was so feared that whenever he visited a host country to play, most appeals against him for LBW were granted by the host nations. To minimize accidentally unfavourable decisions--which were frequent during his career-- he would take his guard on the leg stump, and then move six inches outside the same leg stump, giving all bowlers full view of his three stumps. His lightning quick reflexes did to balls outside off, what lizards long tongues do to insects outside their reach. When he did that, questionable stumping decisions were the umpires' next weak areas. In one game I saw, he leaned back to late cut and halted the stroke when he saw the keeper's snout hanging over his stumps. Had he executed the shot, he would have damaged the keeper. When the keeper caught the ball and knocked down the stumps, Viv was given out stumped. He was, and still is one of the players that believe when you are out, even when the umpire does not think so, you should walk. He not only did that, but as captain of the West Indies, he enshrined that in his players.
That is a far cry from the collective behaviour of successive Australia teams, who have benefited from not-so-subtle umpires' intimidation and players' over-reaction. In the second test India vs. Australia, I waited for Andrew Symmonds to walk at least twice during the innings, and was very disappointed when Australia ended with the victory and Andrew ended with 137 not-out-absolutely disgraceful. My simple question is this: if all elite lists of selectees over centuries err, either accidentally or when enticed by large financial rewards, why do officials who administer the game of cricket insist on shoving down our throats the myth that their elite list is beyond error or infiltration-deliberate or accidental?
The last India vs. Australia series is a perfect example why we must rely on modern technology in a game where one bad decision, much more many, can not only influence the outcome of a series, but damage the careers of professionals as well. For years, the cricketing public swallowed hard when umpires erred, sometimes blatantly. However the just concluded test series Australia vs. India, the Indian fans said "enough is enough." After watching Andrew Symmonds granted two not-out decisions in the same innings, I am not afraid to say so in print "I supported the Indian fans 1000%."
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
I would have thought that since the Stanford2020 and the Indian 2020 games are modern entities with new rules, they would have replaced the dinosaur-era system of "umpire's decision final" whether erroneous or not, with electronic monitoring--which they have anyway. Every questionable decision should be referred to the third umpire. A player should have the right to question decisions that could damage his or her career.
In the 2020 format of the game, how can you have men using their eyes only to make split-second decisions when batsmen face youngsters bowling white balls at night at speeds in excess of 100-miles per hour? That is an open invitation for erroneous decisions and they have been happening--often.
In Antigua, one of Cricket's newest and most exciting forms of the game, Stanford 2020 Cricket was played nightly over three months, to the backdrop of top Caribbean stars, visiting movie stars, and yes-even Eli Manning, who was treated to the rudiments of Baseball's sister-game. During the Nevis vs. Jamaica game, Nevis had Jamaica struggling in the first five overs. When the umpire failed to give Chris Gayle out L.B.W, the ghost of big island/small island injustice ran on the filed and killed the spirit of the game. Jamaica narrowly won the game. In like manner, the tempo of the Barbados game changed completely with one unfair dismissal going in Barbados' direction. Not that the outcome would have been any different, but it killed the spirit of the game---similar to what happened with Bucknor's bumbling during the 2007 World Cup final in Barbados.
In Test Cricket it is even worse. How can you have men in their late 60's and 70's using their eyes only to decide the fate of players' future? It appears to me that the implanting of their autocratic "Elite List" of infallible Mt. Olympians is their way of saying: "we control this game... do as we say or we will not sanction you." I will predict this much. Within three years, you will either have wholesale rebellion in test cricket, leaving only the shorter 2020 versions (which they do not control) or they must upgrade and use modern technology.
On 12 March-this past month, the ICC sent out a press release to the effect that they have "selected their best 8 cricket umpires in the world." The new "elite panel" members consist of: Steve Bucknor from the West Indies, Asoka De Silva from Sri lanka, Daryl Harper from Australia, Rudi Koertzen from, South Africa, Dave Orchard from South Africa, David Shepherd from England, Russell Tiffin from Zimbabwe, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan from India. Two umpires from the Elite Panel will stand in all future Test matches and there will be one member standing with a home umpire for One Day Internationals. England's Peter Willey was invited to become a member of the panel, but after considerable consideration, he declined the invitation. He cited his stringent family commitments as reasons for declining the offer.
Commenting on the appointment of the game's leading umpires, ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said that umpiring at the highest level now has to be a full time profession, rather than a part time job. "The eight men chosen to join the Elite Panel are all proven performers at Test level, who command the respect of the captains and players. All Test match captains were asked to make nominations for the Panel on behalf of their teams. These contributions were given serious consideration in making the final choices from the current panel of 20 international umpires." The other major factor in choosing the Panel were the marks achieved by individual umpires over the past four years. Those are the marks awarded by captains at the end of each Test match, which assess the umpire's performance against a range of criteria.
According to Malcolm Speed, chairman of the ICC, "Umpiring is one of the toughest tasks in international sport and this panel represents the best decision makers in the game. Their skills will help improve the overall standard of umpiring at international level and set an example for the next generation of top class umpires to follow." Final selection of the Panel was made jointly by Speed, together with Sunil Gavaskar, Chairman of the ICC's Cricket Committee-Playing.
My question is still this: why not use modern technology, which they have, if they all agree that decision-making is tough? In Lawn Tennis, any player can request the assistance of technology when a decision is in doubt. However there are restrictions as to how many incorrect challenges you are allowed. Why doesn't cricket borrow a page out of the lawn tennis manual? I am going to break with tradition. I will keep saying that any system that leaves open the possibility for men to err-regardless how honourable they might be, they will err. I am not implying that any member is shady; I am stating simply that it is impossible for a 21-year old to get every decision correct-much more a man in his declining years. Players' unions need to refuse to go on any tour unless they have options to appeal questionable decisions. After all, it is their careers at stake.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Basil_C._Hill
In St. Lucia years ago, a local bowler missed his chance at fame when he cleaned bowled an English test icon with the first ball. The occasion was a visit from an English touring club. When he asked the umpire afterwards why he called no-ball when his foot was behind the crease, the umpire simply said, "People packed the stadium to see their British test heroes. They can see you bowl anytime."
Viv Richards, arguably one of the worlds' most prolific cricketers, was robbed of hundreds or even thousands of runs because of bad decisions-accidental or otherwise. He was so feared that whenever he visited a host country to play, most appeals against him for LBW were granted by the host nations. To minimize accidentally unfavourable decisions--which were frequent during his career-- he would take his guard on the leg stump, and then move six inches outside the same leg stump, giving all bowlers full view of his three stumps. His lightning quick reflexes did to balls outside off, what lizards long tongues do to insects outside their reach. When he did that, questionable stumping decisions were the umpires' next weak areas. In one game I saw, he leaned back to late cut and halted the stroke when he saw the keeper's snout hanging over his stumps. Had he executed the shot, he would have damaged the keeper. When the keeper caught the ball and knocked down the stumps, Viv was given out stumped. He was, and still is one of the players that believe when you are out, even when the umpire does not think so, you should walk. He not only did that, but as captain of the West Indies, he enshrined that in his players.
That is a far cry from the collective behaviour of successive Australia teams, who have benefited from not-so-subtle umpires' intimidation and players' over-reaction. In the second test India vs. Australia, I waited for Andrew Symmonds to walk at least twice during the innings, and was very disappointed when Australia ended with the victory and Andrew ended with 137 not-out-absolutely disgraceful. My simple question is this: if all elite lists of selectees over centuries err, either accidentally or when enticed by large financial rewards, why do officials who administer the game of cricket insist on shoving down our throats the myth that their elite list is beyond error or infiltration-deliberate or accidental?
The last India vs. Australia series is a perfect example why we must rely on modern technology in a game where one bad decision, much more many, can not only influence the outcome of a series, but damage the careers of professionals as well. For years, the cricketing public swallowed hard when umpires erred, sometimes blatantly. However the just concluded test series Australia vs. India, the Indian fans said "enough is enough." After watching Andrew Symmonds granted two not-out decisions in the same innings, I am not afraid to say so in print "I supported the Indian fans 1000%."
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
I would have thought that since the Stanford2020 and the Indian 2020 games are modern entities with new rules, they would have replaced the dinosaur-era system of "umpire's decision final" whether erroneous or not, with electronic monitoring--which they have anyway. Every questionable decision should be referred to the third umpire. A player should have the right to question decisions that could damage his or her career.
In the 2020 format of the game, how can you have men using their eyes only to make split-second decisions when batsmen face youngsters bowling white balls at night at speeds in excess of 100-miles per hour? That is an open invitation for erroneous decisions and they have been happening--often.
In Antigua, one of Cricket's newest and most exciting forms of the game, Stanford 2020 Cricket was played nightly over three months, to the backdrop of top Caribbean stars, visiting movie stars, and yes-even Eli Manning, who was treated to the rudiments of Baseball's sister-game. During the Nevis vs. Jamaica game, Nevis had Jamaica struggling in the first five overs. When the umpire failed to give Chris Gayle out L.B.W, the ghost of big island/small island injustice ran on the filed and killed the spirit of the game. Jamaica narrowly won the game. In like manner, the tempo of the Barbados game changed completely with one unfair dismissal going in Barbados' direction. Not that the outcome would have been any different, but it killed the spirit of the game---similar to what happened with Bucknor's bumbling during the 2007 World Cup final in Barbados.
In Test Cricket it is even worse. How can you have men in their late 60's and 70's using their eyes only to decide the fate of players' future? It appears to me that the implanting of their autocratic "Elite List" of infallible Mt. Olympians is their way of saying: "we control this game... do as we say or we will not sanction you." I will predict this much. Within three years, you will either have wholesale rebellion in test cricket, leaving only the shorter 2020 versions (which they do not control) or they must upgrade and use modern technology.
On 12 March-this past month, the ICC sent out a press release to the effect that they have "selected their best 8 cricket umpires in the world." The new "elite panel" members consist of: Steve Bucknor from the West Indies, Asoka De Silva from Sri lanka, Daryl Harper from Australia, Rudi Koertzen from, South Africa, Dave Orchard from South Africa, David Shepherd from England, Russell Tiffin from Zimbabwe, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan from India. Two umpires from the Elite Panel will stand in all future Test matches and there will be one member standing with a home umpire for One Day Internationals. England's Peter Willey was invited to become a member of the panel, but after considerable consideration, he declined the invitation. He cited his stringent family commitments as reasons for declining the offer.
Commenting on the appointment of the game's leading umpires, ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said that umpiring at the highest level now has to be a full time profession, rather than a part time job. "The eight men chosen to join the Elite Panel are all proven performers at Test level, who command the respect of the captains and players. All Test match captains were asked to make nominations for the Panel on behalf of their teams. These contributions were given serious consideration in making the final choices from the current panel of 20 international umpires." The other major factor in choosing the Panel were the marks achieved by individual umpires over the past four years. Those are the marks awarded by captains at the end of each Test match, which assess the umpire's performance against a range of criteria.
According to Malcolm Speed, chairman of the ICC, "Umpiring is one of the toughest tasks in international sport and this panel represents the best decision makers in the game. Their skills will help improve the overall standard of umpiring at international level and set an example for the next generation of top class umpires to follow." Final selection of the Panel was made jointly by Speed, together with Sunil Gavaskar, Chairman of the ICC's Cricket Committee-Playing.
My question is still this: why not use modern technology, which they have, if they all agree that decision-making is tough? In Lawn Tennis, any player can request the assistance of technology when a decision is in doubt. However there are restrictions as to how many incorrect challenges you are allowed. Why doesn't cricket borrow a page out of the lawn tennis manual? I am going to break with tradition. I will keep saying that any system that leaves open the possibility for men to err-regardless how honourable they might be, they will err. I am not implying that any member is shady; I am stating simply that it is impossible for a 21-year old to get every decision correct-much more a man in his declining years. Players' unions need to refuse to go on any tour unless they have options to appeal questionable decisions. After all, it is their careers at stake.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Basil_C._Hill
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