The sport of cricket is bigger than ever before with the masses constantly looking out for the latest cricket news and all the live scores of cricket matches...even from work! The need to have the latest cricket updates and the fastest breaking news in the world of cricket has become a norm for those who can't be glued to the television all day long.
Office Punters
There are a number of cricket enthusiasts who need to satiate their appetite for the game with all that goes within or beyond the boundary ropes. People have come across numerous ways to quench their thirst for cricket live scores on match days, post match conferences and the controversies emanating from the cricketing realms.
One can log on to a cricket website to get the latest information on cricket matches, get a glimpse of their favourite cricket stars and virtually do anything to do with the sport/religion called cricket.
Student Stumpers
A large army of students who are equally crazy about cricket also need to think out of the box when it comes to keeping the tab on the live cricket matches and events like the cricket World Cup. How can one think of trigonometry when the run-rates of your team are screaming in a nail biter!
Indigenous ways like using the hands-free contraptions, SMS alerts and using GPRS to browse websites for the latest in cricketing action; be it cricket blogs, cricket forums, cricket archives are a fast spreading trend.
Whatever the means, one thing is for sure...The entire world today feels the need, the need for cricketing speed!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kuldeep_Salal
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
England Selectors Back in the Firing Line
England named the same team for a record six consecutive matches and ended their continuity in selection in style. Andrew Flintoff's return in place of Paul Collingwood was justified - although the promotion of the out of form Tim Ambrose to number six in the batting order was another decision that deserves scrutiny - but the identity of the injured Ryan Sidebottom's stand-in came as a major shock.
Darren Pattinson has only played 11 first class matches since making his debut last January. Born in England but raised in Australia - not the principal reason to oppose his selection - he turns 30 next month and is an unlikely debutant. A solid first half-season in county cricket, in which he has taken 29 first class wickets at an average 20.86, shows his talent but does not demand an international call-up.
He has been termed a typical 'horses for courses' Headingley selection. A swing bowler who delivers the ball full but without express pace, he is the type of player who has been tradtionally called up for the apparently swing-friendly conditions of Leeds and discarded afterwards on the assumption they cannot perform in other environments.
Whether Pattinson falls into this category remains to be seen. He was selected for England's provisional 30 man Champions Trophy squad and is therfore in the selectors' longer term thoughts. Ryan Sidebottom was re-called for Headingley last year and is now ranked as the fifth best Test bowler in the world. Pattinson is unlikely to perform a repeat.
Players have had more loyalty shown in them in recent times and he is unlikely to be jettisoned immediately. The fact that he has jumped the queue of pace bowlers suggests there is plenty of faith in his ability. However, even though Pattinson's selection might not be intended as a one-off, it could prove to be.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Oliver
Darren Pattinson has only played 11 first class matches since making his debut last January. Born in England but raised in Australia - not the principal reason to oppose his selection - he turns 30 next month and is an unlikely debutant. A solid first half-season in county cricket, in which he has taken 29 first class wickets at an average 20.86, shows his talent but does not demand an international call-up.
He has been termed a typical 'horses for courses' Headingley selection. A swing bowler who delivers the ball full but without express pace, he is the type of player who has been tradtionally called up for the apparently swing-friendly conditions of Leeds and discarded afterwards on the assumption they cannot perform in other environments.
Whether Pattinson falls into this category remains to be seen. He was selected for England's provisional 30 man Champions Trophy squad and is therfore in the selectors' longer term thoughts. Ryan Sidebottom was re-called for Headingley last year and is now ranked as the fifth best Test bowler in the world. Pattinson is unlikely to perform a repeat.
Players have had more loyalty shown in them in recent times and he is unlikely to be jettisoned immediately. The fact that he has jumped the queue of pace bowlers suggests there is plenty of faith in his ability. However, even though Pattinson's selection might not be intended as a one-off, it could prove to be.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Oliver
India Can Be Best of the Rest in Sri Lanka
Australia seem to consider India as their closest rivals, especially on home soil. Geographical rivalry with New Zealand has rarely been matched by competitiveness on the field and South Africa have been unable to channel their animosity towards their southern hemisphere rivals into good performances. England's Ashes win of 2005 was a distant memory during their 5-0 whitewash in 2006/07.
India pushed Australia close in the recent ill-tempered series between the two, when the hosts' 2-1 victory did not reflect the parity of the teams. They should have repeated the creditable 1-1 draw of 2003/04 but for a second innings collapse in the second Test at Sydney. No other team has produced such consistently strong performances in Australia, the toughest tour.
Australia's supremacy is based on their ability to win against all countries in all conditions and India must strive for similar consistency. They have gone some way to curing their traditional travel sickness, winning recent series in West Indies and England, but have failed to win contests at home that would have elevated them to a level above their rivals.
Three match home series with England in 2006 and South Africa earlier this year were perfect opportunities to claim second place in the world rankings with authority, but 1-1 draws left us wondering whether India could win when the pressure was on at home.
They now have the chance to prove themselves on the toughest tour after Australia, as Sri Lanka are a fearsome proposition on home soil. They produce wickets that Muttiah Muralitharan can thrive on and can rely on the in-form Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for big runs. They have lost only one of their last 16 home Tests, winning series against South Africa (twice) and England along the way.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Oliver
India pushed Australia close in the recent ill-tempered series between the two, when the hosts' 2-1 victory did not reflect the parity of the teams. They should have repeated the creditable 1-1 draw of 2003/04 but for a second innings collapse in the second Test at Sydney. No other team has produced such consistently strong performances in Australia, the toughest tour.
Australia's supremacy is based on their ability to win against all countries in all conditions and India must strive for similar consistency. They have gone some way to curing their traditional travel sickness, winning recent series in West Indies and England, but have failed to win contests at home that would have elevated them to a level above their rivals.
Three match home series with England in 2006 and South Africa earlier this year were perfect opportunities to claim second place in the world rankings with authority, but 1-1 draws left us wondering whether India could win when the pressure was on at home.
They now have the chance to prove themselves on the toughest tour after Australia, as Sri Lanka are a fearsome proposition on home soil. They produce wickets that Muttiah Muralitharan can thrive on and can rely on the in-form Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for big runs. They have lost only one of their last 16 home Tests, winning series against South Africa (twice) and England along the way.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Oliver
English Cricket Needs Andrew Flintoff
It is ironic that England have the most settled team in the history of the game and yet it is all but certain to be changed for the Headingley Test. Never before has a Test team remained unchaged for six matches. England have won four and drawn two in that sequence but there will be no more continuity in selection. Someone will make way for Andrew Flintoff.
It is testament to Flintoff's stature that he can break into such a settled eleven. He has not played a Test match since January 2007, when he captained England to defeat against Australia in Sydney. He has missed 17 matches, of which England have won seven, drawn seven and lost three. They have coped without him but still welcome their talisman back as soon as he is at full fitness.
The world cup pedalo incident and poor batting form - two half centuries in ten innings downunder in 2006/07 - are forgotten, as Flintoff must feature in England's best eleven. His aggressive bowling has been sorely missed as England continue to be inconsistent with the ball. Ryan Sidebottom has been a revelation in Flintoff's absence, but the big allrounder is the true leader of the attack.
Batting form has eluded the Lancastrian this season as he battled his way back to fitness from ankle surgery and a side strain. It would be unrealistic to expect him to produce the career-defining performances of 2005, when he was instrumental in England's Ashes victory, but he possesses the ability to excite more than any other player.
This is quite a claim with Kevin Pietersen in the same team, but Flintoff's batting can be even more explosive and this is why England need him: not just to win matches, but to provide excitement. The spectators at Lord's who witnessed a sixth consecutive draw at the ground would have relished even a 20 minute cameo from 'Freddie'.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Oliver
It is testament to Flintoff's stature that he can break into such a settled eleven. He has not played a Test match since January 2007, when he captained England to defeat against Australia in Sydney. He has missed 17 matches, of which England have won seven, drawn seven and lost three. They have coped without him but still welcome their talisman back as soon as he is at full fitness.
The world cup pedalo incident and poor batting form - two half centuries in ten innings downunder in 2006/07 - are forgotten, as Flintoff must feature in England's best eleven. His aggressive bowling has been sorely missed as England continue to be inconsistent with the ball. Ryan Sidebottom has been a revelation in Flintoff's absence, but the big allrounder is the true leader of the attack.
Batting form has eluded the Lancastrian this season as he battled his way back to fitness from ankle surgery and a side strain. It would be unrealistic to expect him to produce the career-defining performances of 2005, when he was instrumental in England's Ashes victory, but he possesses the ability to excite more than any other player.
This is quite a claim with Kevin Pietersen in the same team, but Flintoff's batting can be even more explosive and this is why England need him: not just to win matches, but to provide excitement. The spectators at Lord's who witnessed a sixth consecutive draw at the ground would have relished even a 20 minute cameo from 'Freddie'.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Oliver
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Mystery Of Cricket
If you're not a fan of cricket and have never attended a match then you may wonder why the sport holds so much appeal to many. Read on for a taste of what it is that makes cricket so popular.
In England, large crowds attend Test Matches. These are versions of cricket that are played between two international teams, lasting a maximum of five days. At the end of those five days, it's perfectly possible that neither side will be declared the winner.
How can anyone enjoy watching a sport where two teams play for five days, simply in order to draw the match? This is one of the many mysteries associated with the sport.
Another is that such draws can be just as exciting as matches that take a few hours to play and result in a victory for one team or another. To many cricket fans, Test Matches are seen as the purest form of the game.
If you're struggling to understand what the appeal is then you need to consider that cricket is far more than a sport. It's an experience.
Spectators like to watch a match, but they also love to be sat in the sunshine, talking to a friend and enjoying a pint of beer. It's one of the few sports where the players stop for lunch and for afternoon tea.
The pace of play may be slow but that's part of the attraction. For spectators, cricket is about relaxing. It's about watching a game that has many twists and turns - a Test Match will often slowly unwind.
Newer forms of the game attempt to bring in new fans, but it's in the five day version of the game that the real joy is to be found.
While the sport may be considerably different from football or rugby, it still offers great excitement. That excitement is provided in a different way.
Cricket has hints of an older, golden age. Few other sports place so much importance on sportsmanship and good grace. These are the real joys of cricket.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett
In England, large crowds attend Test Matches. These are versions of cricket that are played between two international teams, lasting a maximum of five days. At the end of those five days, it's perfectly possible that neither side will be declared the winner.
How can anyone enjoy watching a sport where two teams play for five days, simply in order to draw the match? This is one of the many mysteries associated with the sport.
Another is that such draws can be just as exciting as matches that take a few hours to play and result in a victory for one team or another. To many cricket fans, Test Matches are seen as the purest form of the game.
If you're struggling to understand what the appeal is then you need to consider that cricket is far more than a sport. It's an experience.
Spectators like to watch a match, but they also love to be sat in the sunshine, talking to a friend and enjoying a pint of beer. It's one of the few sports where the players stop for lunch and for afternoon tea.
The pace of play may be slow but that's part of the attraction. For spectators, cricket is about relaxing. It's about watching a game that has many twists and turns - a Test Match will often slowly unwind.
Newer forms of the game attempt to bring in new fans, but it's in the five day version of the game that the real joy is to be found.
While the sport may be considerably different from football or rugby, it still offers great excitement. That excitement is provided in a different way.
Cricket has hints of an older, golden age. Few other sports place so much importance on sportsmanship and good grace. These are the real joys of cricket.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett
The Future Of English Cricket
Having brought the game of Twenty20 cricket to a wider audience, cricket administrators in England must now be concerned that this form of the game may be about to change the entire landscape of the sport. What does the future hold?
When cricketers are paying paid more than a million dollars to play for a few weeks of the year then we know that times are changing. The launch of the Indian Premier League, backed with plenty of finance, is changing things at a rapid pace.
Many note that India has quickly become the centre of the cricketing world, although it's been noticeable that the English authorities have been keen that England players should not compete in the new competition in India.
Despite this, there can be no doubt that Twenty20 has captured the public imagination. What changes can we expect here in England?
There's been a lot of talk about a similar competition to the IPL being created in England, with teams being founded in 8 British cities.
Such a competition would appear to be a real threat to the cricketing establishment. For years, organised cricket in this country has had the county sides at its heart.
Hints that they may not be so central to its future will offer concerns to some and opportunities to others. Are we about to see the County Championship, for instance, coming to an end?
With many forms of the game struggling to attract spectators, it would be no great surprise if the popular Twenty20 version continues to push things in a different direction.
Some would suggest that the sport cannot survive unless it embraces change. They wonder whether it can continue when so few spectators are to be found at some domestic matches.
Cricket fans are left to wonder about the direction in which the sport is heading.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett
When cricketers are paying paid more than a million dollars to play for a few weeks of the year then we know that times are changing. The launch of the Indian Premier League, backed with plenty of finance, is changing things at a rapid pace.
Many note that India has quickly become the centre of the cricketing world, although it's been noticeable that the English authorities have been keen that England players should not compete in the new competition in India.
Despite this, there can be no doubt that Twenty20 has captured the public imagination. What changes can we expect here in England?
There's been a lot of talk about a similar competition to the IPL being created in England, with teams being founded in 8 British cities.
Such a competition would appear to be a real threat to the cricketing establishment. For years, organised cricket in this country has had the county sides at its heart.
Hints that they may not be so central to its future will offer concerns to some and opportunities to others. Are we about to see the County Championship, for instance, coming to an end?
With many forms of the game struggling to attract spectators, it would be no great surprise if the popular Twenty20 version continues to push things in a different direction.
Some would suggest that the sport cannot survive unless it embraces change. They wonder whether it can continue when so few spectators are to be found at some domestic matches.
Cricket fans are left to wonder about the direction in which the sport is heading.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett
English Cricket in 2008
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
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
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