MoYo -- 2

I have a fight with my captain. Ok I m quitting cricket. I would go join ICL.

Few months later…..

Coach and captain are fired. New captain. Captain my friend. Younis. Mera bhai, mera dost. I would quit ICL and I would play for Pakistan as long as possible.

2 years earlier.

Oh they feel me I m not useful for T20 format. I would quit cricket and play for ICL. Would show them that T20 is my cup of tea too.

Joining ICL.

Mia Yousuf, you are our great batter after inzi bhai. We need you. Come back to our folds and we would get you a IPL contract.

Really ? Would you also give me captaincy ? I converted for the same. I was vice captain for Inzi bhai.

Joining IPL.

Are yaar yeh Yousuf to IPL jaa raha hai. Chandra se approval lo aur court case file karo iske against.

Court case goes in favor of Zee and Yousuf is barred from playing IPL.

What does this show ? Whenever the man doesn’t get his deal he jumps the gun. He jumped the boat to ICL in 2007 when he had a terrific 2006 when he broke all records for most calendar runs in Tests. And then when PCB persuaded him to go back, he played for 1 more year and then again jumped the gun. Imagine this happening to any other country. The player would be dumped no matter how important he is for the team. Symonds and Warne were dumped. Warne never played ODIs again. Australia lost the Test series to India and South Africa in absence of Symonds. And then again the World T20 early exit. They didn’t compromise even now. Symmo would have been more than handy in Ashes with his off spinners.

India dumped Siddhu in 1996 when they had no other opener in the squad to England. Its only in Pakistan that they keep going to players like Yousuf or Akhtar who feel themselves to be over the team, over their nation and are ready to make enough switches. All they care for is money. And they selectively decide their priorities depending on their convenience. Where the country comes ? Where does the loyalty to the team comes ? Nowhere. Who bothers. When you have a boss who would get you in at any cost in the team, then hell with the team priorities and stuff. All I know is my money and my comfort zone.

World T20 thus far.

I was away from the world of cricket and internet travelling to a distant land. So missed the LIVE action of World T20. However, the excitement is just about unfolding with the 7 games being over and results being a mixed bag. 4 teams have almost made it to the Super 8 stage and 2 would be decided almost today. Not an open format though, the IPL was more closer than this when the final 4 were decided in the last league game. The minnows have had it, the stronger teams have been punched hard on their face, the world champs have began emphatically and the runners up are in the dangers of being knocked out in the first round itself.

The world t20 began with a very exciting result when Netherlands beat England by 4/6 wkts in the tourney opener. English media was quick to rub the loss as the worst ever and blackest day in the history of 195 years of Lord’s. Too quick though, when in their next do – or – die league game, England thumped Pakistan by 48 runs, which is a big margin in T20. This result means England are through to the super 8s. And today Pakistan would need to win big against Netherlands. So that’s two fold a task. Win and win big.

SA and NZ had no difficulty in brushing aside Scotland who began well surprisingly in the rain shortened game on Saturday. This 2 sides are through to the next round and the winner of the tie between this 2 teams would decide the groups, the teams go in. SA have looked the most convincing team in the tournament thus far, though they played against a weak side. That has been the SA story. Start well, win all the games and then choke when it matters the most. Hope that this time, Graeme Smith would have different script for his team.

India beat Bangladesh convincingly by 25 runs though the critics would have their share of Dhoni bashing when he struggled to hit the ball. Ojha looked strong and Bhajan deceived. Zaheer was rusty. The way India played as a team sounds warning to the other teams in Super 8 stage that it would be very tough to beat this team. The only matter of concern is when Sehwag returns, who goes out?

Australia have suffered a great deal with the loss of Roy and perhaps they should have thought if sending back Roy was a wise move or it was an battle of egos between Roy and Pups. They face a do or die situation tonight and if they lose, they would be out for the first time in 17 years in the first round itself in any ICC tournament. (1992 World cup being the last). Ponting and Watson disappointed in the batting, Lee was treated like a school kid by Gayle during his 50 ball 88. Australia still might get through the Super 8 stage given they play SL who have been lackluster in the run up to the tournament. Australia have very little time in their hands to turn around the things. If SL lose, they still have a game to go against WI to make up for the loss.

One word on Pakistan. You cannot expect a team which has not won a single game in the tour to scamper through and go to the finals. Be it for cricketing reason or be it the emotional reasons. Pakistan have been simply rubbish over the tour. They have had no plans, they have had no will to play through. Emotional outbursts over Lahore wont always buy them a cover for their shabby performance. If they have to show their might, they have to show in the cricketing paradigms. “I have no idea why our fielders are unable to field properly. Maybe they are under certain pressure. It is not as if we are not working hard but we are not just getting it right for reasons unknown to me.” This kind of answers are lamentable. And then this one “"Even if Butt scored 28 as an opener we'll have to think about him [for the next game] because of his fielding,". Public outcry no no. He has demotivated the opener. And then this one “Kamran Akmal is a senior batsman but he can't somehow take the responsibility. We need a senior guy in the top order who can play the anchor role”. Rustiness and lack of cricket won’t be an excuse to cover their below par performances for long. Another loss and the entire Pakistan team could be renewed including the ouster of selection committee and the PCB management. That’s how it’s always been across the border. For me they were never the side who looked good to go to semis. Why doesn’t Younis Khan go up the order at 3 and anchor the innings. # 5 is bit too low for this man, who is unfortunately the best batsman of the team. Will he take the leads ?

I fancy Ireland beat Bangladesh and Australia beat Sri Lanka.

Adios Roy

What a waste. What a sheer waste. 3 instances didnt make Roy realise that one more alcohol stint would end his career. And there it is. The END. The dead end. Roy's career ends right here. i dont feel sorry for him. I feel disgusted. I feel he deserved this.

I was a big fan of him as a player even when he sledged Bhajan or faked abuse from Bhajan or even he didnt walk in Sydney when out.

Sheer waste of talent to the alcohol. And Auzzie selectors were right in kicking him out of the Ashes squad.

Adios Roy.

England feel they are Ashes favorites

http://content.cricinfo.com/engvwi2009/content/current/story/406228.html

A clean sweep of 2-0 in ODIs and Tests over lowly out of sorts reluctant West Indies makes England feel they are good for Ashes. They feel they are a good bunch and can take on the Aussies and beat them. Aussies aint the same team as they were in 2005. Yet they are good enough to beat England today. If not 5-0 then 3-1 is a certainity, provided they dont play too bad cricket like they did in India and Australia.

True, the selection of Andrew M over Andrew S is a dampner, but they have got enough selection headaches in bowling department. And they would also mull over Mr Cricket. Do they play him or dont play him ? Average drop from 80 to 54 in a year.

English cricket is very fickle. One good performance and they feel they are best in the world. And then the next game, they are ruthlessly brought down to the earth 10 feet deep under.

Roy's dismissal.

There could be difference of opinions over dismissal of Roy in the game against KXIP. Here is what happened what I saw :

1) Yuvraj bowls. Roy charges and misses.

2) Sangakara fails to collect the ball and whips the bails off. One bail falls, second stays intact. Till this point Roy is not out and yet to make up to the crease.

3) Sanga collects the ball in 2nd attempt, dives and breaks the stumps. 2nd bail falls. Roy falls short of crease. Sanga and team appeal. Third umpire called in.

4) Umpire ruled him out.

No discrepancy here. 1st attempt the ball fell off the gloves, Roy out of the crease. Not out. 2nd attempt, the 2nd bail falls and Roy is given out.

Fair decision and fair play. Thank God no Mumbai involved else lot of moral dosage and cricket rules would have been dished out on dollar blog.

Why didnt Viru open?

Why the fuck in the world didnt Viru Sehwag didnt open? Why why ? He is no middle order player. He likes the smell of new ball and smacks that hard. Missing the classic vintage Viru. Fire up mate. You due for one. 174 the target. Roy and Gilly the key. Go Delhi.

Rameez Raja 's Ranjeet moment of the day

Today Rameez Raja is playing the role of Ranjeet Fernando. You dont believe me or you think I am biased again? Then here is the proof :

When the 2nd wicket for DC fell, Roy came in and Rameez Raja welcomed him with the statement on air while commenting. " Andrew Symonds played a MATCH WINNING innings of 60 against KXIP on saturday".

Really? Lost the plot? I thought DC lost it to KXIP when Bret Lee won the game by hitting winning runs and getting Preity di pappiya and jhappiya. It happens mate. When you spend lot of time with Ranjit in the commentary box, you are due to pick some wrong habits. Never mind as long as this is just a slip of tounge. Would ja correct the statement mate?

Whadda player!!

Roy, you beauty..

My predictions

Deccan chargers in the 1st game.....

Chennai Super Kings in 2nd game..

Roy is back. And so is Appam. Would be a keen contest. I m sure Roy would hit Appam to even more sixes than what Haydos did

"Strong Team" loses

Roy does it. A new look Roy does it. Free of clutches of past baggage and tormenting times Symo does it and helps Australia levels the series against a supposedly strong team of subcontinent. Strong teams consistenly make large scores and if they make small scores they have the firepower to defend it. 1-1 now and 4-1 to go with Australia. Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Kasab;s cousin Ajmal and Pathan Afridi couldnt repeat the 1st ODI heroics to dislodge the Aussie rail this time. Good show Aussiess!!!

Turnaround for Roy and Chance for Australia to get back to winning ways.

6 years back in world cup match against Pakistan, Australia were tottering. It was the opening game for the world champions and it was against a team they had thumped in their last world cup game : 1999 WC final. One man turned it on for Australia in the game and his life on the highest stage changed. He hit a career turning century against a team that had Akhtar, Akram and Younis. He was Roy, Andrew Symonds. Pakiatan never recovered from that onslaught. They were kicked out in 1st round of the world cup and Australia won the world cup.

Tomorrow Pakistan takes on Australia in the series of 5 ODIs and 1/2 T20Is in Dubai sports city. Pakistan is coming out of a rare cricketing season and Australia is coming from a wrecthed ODI form where they have lost 2 series to SA and a drawn series against NZ. Aus have rested Ponting, Mitch and Siddle. No Lee as well. The bowling attack looks thin. Bracken is no longer a force he was. And now the onus for batting would depend on Clarke along with David Hussey. Return of Shaun Marsh would be morale booster for Australia..

But Pakistan isnt the team it was in 2005 and 2006. Lot of rookies plus menace called Shoaib Akhtar. Another series, another set of tantrums (fitness and attitude) from Akhtar. Cant they just get rid of this guy ?

This would be the last chance for this 2 teams to choose players for T20 world cup in England and since this teams dont play in IPL, the players who get a headstart here would stand a good chance to play in World T20.

Scoreline expected: 4-1 Australia. Somehow my predictions on Australia do come true, so this time would be no different. At least Achettup thinks so.

Hattrick for poor decisions to GOD

3 in row now.

Fernando to Tendulkar, OUT, Tendulkar's gone! lbw, nips in towards the batsmen, pitched up by Fernando, hits the batsman on front of leg stump, that looked to be sliding down, another not-too-great decision ends Tendulkar's innings

SR Tendulkar lbw b Fernando 7 (12b 0x4 1x6) SR: 58.33

Aint the Lankans cheat now ? Those crying foul on Aussies would cry now for their own home grown batsmen or is that they would still be obsessed by Aussies ?

It is disgusting to see GOD given out by poor mortals who are inept and aint worthy of umpiring anymore. Sri Lankans are cheats and now its proved. 3 in 3. I am writing this from office, so holding myself. Once I am home, I would let in my max anger and disgust on the buffoon whosoever has given Sachin out. May be Symmo’s comments hold (lump in ***) hold good for those 3 SL umpires and Mahela Jaywardhena for claiming Tendulkar out when he was not. Biggest cheater of world cricket. Go drown yourself in Indian ocean

Walk when you are not an Indian, dont if you are one.

Read the post on Leela’s blog whether to walk or not to walk. I was mighty pissed to see Dhoni walk off without even looking at umpire. I was sure he was going to give Dhoni not out. That could have in a sense neutralized the wrong decisions 0-3 a bit. We suffer in SL. Last time in the Test series, in the referrals we had 3-26. 3 decisions went in our favor. 26 in their favor. Huge imbalance. If the referrals were correctly balanced out we could have had 2-1 scoreline in our favor and Saurav would have been playing even today.

Anyways back to the walking theory, there is one I feel which should work. I would say a batsman should walk if he is not an Indian and more so if he is a Australian or a Pakistani (remember Salim Malik or Ijaz or Miandad, they never walked or even Inzamam) or a Sri Lankan. Indians are usually the victims of poor umpiring. Everywhere. Australia or SriLanka or even at their own den. Phew!! So Dhoni shouldn’t have walked even if the score was 100-6 or he was on 99. Grab the benefit of doubt the umpire gives. Not sure when the next favorable decision in favor of a brown skinned Indian would come.

Roy should have walked twice in Sydney 08 like Gilly did in Durban 03.

Persist with Symonds

Symo is at it all over again. He is not at the wrong end of the law, but he is still involved in wrong news. I mean this is precarious situation. He is on his last chance in the international cricket. One more fishing incident and Symo would be disgraced to folklore for good. He is too good a player to retire as a BAD MAN of Aussie cricket. Australia needs him NOW like never before. Their dominance is dwindling with opposition teams finding more chinks in Kangaroo armors than ever before. The skipper is on the fringes of being banned, his form is waning and so is Mathew Hayden. If he doesn’t pick up runs in the Adelaide Test, then may be this could be his last Test ever or Boxing Day Test / New Year Test could be his last.

Spin bowling is worst. Krejza is injured, White is redundant, and McGain is gone. And that’s where Symo chips in. He is a part timer though, but good one than the likes of Clarke and Katich. This is the time when Symo could prove his worth by contributing to the evolution of Australian cricket in positive way. His presence on the field is instrumental in putting the opposition on defensive. Sydney Test 2008 is a live example when India almost won in but due to Symo and Buckner, they couldn’t. Not only did he excel with bat, but also with ball in the 2^nd innings of the Test match.

Despite all his evil shenanigans persist with him. That’s the need of the hour.

India and Australian perspectives out of Mohali Test

News of spats between Bret Lee and Ricky Ponting, urgent SOS to happily retired Shane Warne are the 2 of the immediate fallouts of the huge defeat Australia suffered in 17 years to India. That’s what a defeat does to a team. A team which was rarely outplayed and comprehensively beaten by a team which is its bitter rival. Defeat is something which has hardly been noted by this generation of Australian players. Many players came and went by, but were never a part of a series losing team. Adam Gilchrist was part of just 2 teams which lost a series in his entire 96 test career of 9 years (2001-02 in India, 2005 Ashes). If you check for records for max wins, this Australian team and the one which had retired players like Langer, Pidge, Warney and Gilly would always figure on top.

I am not sure if the spats news between Lee and Ponting are true, as they come from ever unreliable media. But something was terribly missing from this Australian team. The killer instinct or the belief that takes them home even in despair (example when Langer and Gilly chased 369 in Hobart Test, 1999 vs. Pakistan) was clearly lacking. Emotions gripped the brutal ruthless Aussies which was evident in the Hayden’s approach to Zaheer in 2^nd innings. Yes he wanted to overcome the daemon of Zaheer, but then in the process he fell to the obnoxious weed Harbhajan Singh. The fire was needed but with caution. Till date 516 runs have never been chased successfully and perhaps might not be in the future. The batsmen made mistakes, India’s bowlers kept the formidable line-up (yes it still is ) in check even without their captain and greatest wicket taker in the match.

The bowling lacked imagination for Australia in the 1^st innings when Tendulkar and Ganguly stole the thunder back from Australia when they were reduced to 4/153. Perhaps after that Australia couldn’t crawl back to the game. A lot has been said on lack of quality spinner in the side and nothing optimistic picture looms on the horizon. Without a quality spinner Australia are always going to struggle in the sub continental conditions. The fast bowling wasn’t up to their reputation with Lee being conspicuously absent from the attack on day 4 morning session. After 201 runs behind, only way for Australia to crawl back was to dismiss India under 150 and have a go at target less than 350.

It’s still not lost for the Aussies. They can still win the next 2 tests and retain the trophy, it would be uphill task. Next they enter to Delhi which is India’s fortress and Kumble ‘s adopted home ground. 8 days break should be enough for them to introspect and ease out the gaps between their actual standard of the game and the one they put up in Mohali. Mohali has shrugged off its batting friendly draw wicket image and India have now beaten England and Australia in Mohali after losing to the Windies in 1994 to level the series.

320 run victory is India’s biggest in terms of runs and it definitely sends up positive signs for the future. MSD is ready for test captaincy as well. Captaincy brings out best in MSD and he sparkles in his batting, not to say his tactics. But only after Kumble retires which could be at the end of the season (NZ tour). He was a difference between the 2 sides. If Ponting was scoffing at Lee and pointing to walk to Sehwag, then MSD was up to the task and was quick to grab the initiative whenever presented. 2^nd day morning session could have been anybody s game until he stepped in and made 92 forging partnerships with Saurav. Innings of 92 and 68 should eliminate doubts regarding Dhoni’s Test capabilities. We often tend to forget in the euphoria that he has quite often played substantial innings in Tests too. A match saving 70s in Lord’s test, a 50 in Delhi test in 2007 vs. Pakistan which won India the match after Shoaib blast, the 37 in Sydney test alongside Kumble and then a quick fire 68 in 3^rd test of Windies which actually set up a target of 300+ for WI. He is not only having the best average amongst Indian wicketkeepers, but also the best strike rates amongst contemporary Test batsmen.

India had lots of positives coming out of the game. The opening partnership looks settled for now and long time to come meaning curtains for Chopra and Jaffer. The middle order isn’t a problem. Sachin Tendulkar is back in love books with the media and the fans alike. Rahul Dravid looked fluent in the 1^st innings before he chopped one onto his stump, his fielding was superb. Ganguly showed he is not yet finished and he forced few people to request him to take back the retirement. How rubbish. Laxman is the one who now needs a go and well Delhi Test could provide that.

Bowling attack looks settled for most part. Mishra’s debut augurs well for us and though he might have to wait for few more games to be a permanent fixture in the side, he is a very good find of the series. Alright, one bad Test doesn’t make AK a bad bowler and then he is the captain. Let’s not forget that. Zaheer and Ishant were awesome. The way Ishant has scored points over Ponting says about his class and belongingness to the highest level. He is for sure the next Indian superstar in bowling unless he doesn’t fade away to success and glory. Very rarely it happens that we encounter fast bowlers outplaying spinners in home series. For sure this is a good sign to come.

This was a team effort with everybody contributing to the cause with the exception of Laxman. The next test is 8 days away and for sure its going to be another gripping affair. Hometown for Sehwag, Gambhir, Sharma, Mishra and Kumble. The same ground where Tendulkar made his debut as Indian captain against the same team and won. The same ground where Tendulkar broke Gavaskar ’s record of most Test hundreds and besides its also the same ground where Anil Kumble took 10 wkts in an innings. India have won last 7 tests played out here and it would be 8 in a row now.

On a parting note for the Mohali Test, Ponting sounds miffed with Indian chatting and banter in the game. Isn’t it double standards ? Didn’t Aussies do the same in Sydney and moreover we won within the spirits of the game unlike Aussies who broke every available courtesy and decency in that eventful Sydney test. If Aussies receive few sledges and banters in return, they appear defensive and naggers, but when they do it then its alright with them. It doesn’t work this way Ponting.

“Bit of chit-chat is something okay with all and it's only when you overstep the line that the umpires intervene. And umpires intervened a couple of times, like the one involving Zaheer Khan yesterday”.

All in all the better of the 2 teams won and it should be good enough to the obsessive media to highlight the positive part of it and not crib on impending retirement of the senior players. Of course some point of time they would go and we won’t be lucky enough to get superbly and immensely talented players like the Big Five playing together in a Test match, the crux of the players which changed the way country played Test cricket home and away.

Live blogging, Mohali Test, Day 3, Session 1, Hour 1

Thanks to Soulberry for the cricketnirvaana link :). Here is a go at live blogging watching 1st session live on webcast......

• Its great to see quality commentators in the test series with the likes of Sunny Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, easily India's best , Ian Chappell and Mark Nicholas along with Allan Border. Still pity to see likes of Shivramkrishnan out there in the middle with ever boring Arun Lal.
• Ishant Sharma is a delight to watch, he is superb in run action. Thumps in, the ball zooms inside the batsman and he gotta be careful to make sure that he doesnt get LBW!! Good 2nd over of the day by Sharma....
• Surprisingly its Mishy continuing in place of Zaheer and he is looping the ball well.
• During India s tour of Australia earlier this year, Australia had Symmo at 6 and Gilly at 7. Now they have Watson at 6 and Haddin at 7....Huge quality gap isnt it. Would Australia gamble for Symmo as jacques replacement ? They should.
• Play held up for sight screen problem.....
• We need a wkt now..And who better than Hussey...Ishant Sharma still able to extract bounce out of a 3rd day pitch....
• Zaheer comes back. It would be great if he could do a Hayden to Hussey. You see H.....:)
• NZ are in shambles. Dumped and bumped for 171.....Ridiculous!!
• Harbhajan is missing from overall picture. Hasnt having a great of series though...
• Hussey gets another 50.....Whata player....
• And he is out...........huge wicket.............Hussey c Dhoni b Sharma........Aussie in troubles!!!
• In comes Haddin and mind you he is not Gilchrist. A max good for 40. Not more than that...A follow-on looms large.....
• Aussies still need 140 to save follow-on. They missing the experience of Symmo and Gilly....Whats more imp ? Personal ego battles or team victory ? So Symmo should be rushed in....
• Wonder what happened to Sreesanth ? Lost to stardom ? He is not even in challengers team :)

End of first hour....36 runs and 1 wicket with Sharma being the star......

End of Symmo ?

So what was feared has come out to be true. Symmo isnt figured anymore in Oz squad for Indian Test series and that practically sound an end for him. Tough to understand the reason why he snubbed the team meeting for fishing. Was that more important for him than 4-5 yrs of fruitful and rockin career ? Thats where defining the priorities come to picture. You got to think whats more important for you ? And thats when you got to take the call and act accordingly on the choice you make. Symmo made a wrong choice and he is paying huge huge price for it. Not only it is unfair for him, but also for world cricket.


Barring Symmo out of the Indian tour, the gloss of the series has been lost. I fear the next generation of players from both teams wont be able to sustain the intensity and passion we have seen in the series in this decade. The classic tag might soon be archived. The maverick nature of pros like Bhajji and Symmo is essential to keep the flare alive for the series. Would you shell out hard earned money to watch McGain bowl to Rohit Sharma or a Suresh Raina ?

Aussies have chosen a weak team, which gives India an edge to start with. Experience is the key in crucial series and India has aplenty of it. Even if you take out 109 out of the cumulative experience, you got 150 from Tendulkar, 132 from skipper, 97 from VVS, 125 from RD, 70 from Bhajji and 60 from VS + 53 from Zaks. Stack that against Aussies and you see India way ahead of the fiercest rivals.

Only 4 players -- Ponting, Hayden, Katich and Clark(Pup) have played a Test in India before. And Hayden, Ponting are injured. Aussies lack a genuine spinner. Ok McGain is a M, but he is not Mendis or a chuck, so Indians wont submit to him. Krezza is a rookie, Boulinger and Siddins wont get a game. So its more or less in the hands of Lee, Johnson and Clarke to share the load of bowling.

Jacques and Watson/Katich/Hayden 's opening pair doesnt look as intimidating as Hayden and Langer. Batting looks a bit settled with Clark and Hussey as main anchors.. It would be the last time the Fab 5 of Indian cricket would take on the Aussies home or away. And nothing short of classic series win would suffice for the greats of Indian cricket.

Whatever be the team compositions, the series promises to be a cliffhanger and close one. Depends if it would be classic as 2001, 2003 or 2007. Wish that Symmo is out for now and would be back soon. He would be certainly missed, after all we have not forgot that he took the Test away from us in Sydney no matter riding on luck and bad umpiring.

Bunny Ponting

How about Bhajji and Ishant Sharma naming Ricky Ponting as their bunnies together. Ponting has had absymal record in India, thanks to Bhajji and before Adelaide Oval 100, Ishant Sharma troubled Ponting in Australia. To add to his woes, he is coming straight out of the injury. Not enuff match practise. Distractions in form of Fishgate, a weak team and lack of experience are other issues in front of Ponting. Why dont Indian players esp bowlers or Sehwag start the mental disintergration job for Aussies ?

Would be interesting to see how tough minded Aussies cope with this ?

England s resurgence, Roy s indiscipline and Mahela s fool paradise

Mahela thinks that India gave in to the pressure created by Sri Lankan bowlers in the recently concluded ODI series which his team lost 2-3. May be he forgot that his top order always collapsed barring 1st ODI and before team could reach 100 runs most of the batsmen were back in the hut. Thats what you call fool's paradise. Good for him if he s got to cool off his bruised ego and a pride swayed in loosing back to back ODi series at home turf.

There are already talks of how England is resurgent and how they can take on Australia in both forms of the game. Alright, they have done a terrific job of beating Zulus 4 times on trot. But resurgence good enough to beat Australia ? Every time England wins a series after a long spell of losses, they come back and claim they are ready to take on Australia. Chill off Poms. Before they get ready to face off Oz next season, Poms got to take on India in India and West Indies in West Indies. That counts for some efforts right doesnt it ? Last time they toured India, they lost 1-6 in ODIs. So guys take it easy. And two claps for KP and Freddie. Still England dont look intimidating as a ODI side.

And have we seen the end of Andrew Symonds ? If so then its a huge loss for the world cricket. He is too good a cricketer to loose to a phishin session. Attitudes cost players dear but then they got to look at his utility and presence in the team. His roles, responsibilities. Rather than showing him the door, a closed door one on one feedback sharing team 's concerns with the maverick dood would have been a better option. may be Australia can afford loosing Symmo given their rich bench strength, but any other team cannot think of loosing a player like Symmo. Look at pakistan, they lost Shoaib and Asif, they are no more the same team they were before. A choice finally has to be made out of the discipline and value of a player to the team. Australia are already into a transition mode and they got to take a call if they can afford to loose a player of caliber of Symonds for the tough season ahead which involves India series, African safari and of course overhyped Ashes in England. They have already lost Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Gillespie , Martyn and Hayden is injured with no visible decent spinner in sight, it would be tough for them to beat India in India.