"Fitness is a relative term. I mean to say that it does not necessarily mean that one who runs hard and lifts weights is fit. Cricketing fitness is different. So if you can perform, it means you are fit." Sourav Ganguly provides his unique take on what constitutes fitness Jul 19, 2008
My tooth is out, and I’m all doped up. Who said drugs are bad?
The World Cup squads have been announced. For Australia, the main surprise was the inclusion of Shaun Tait who was preferred over Stuart Clark. As Tait is from my home town, I’m personally delighted, although I doubt he will play much, at least after the first group games. Scotland might be facing a new ball attack of Tait and Lee, which would be a rough initiation for them. Clark is not happy about being omitted but has vowed to come back next season as a better bowler.
Meanwhile, Australia’s cheif medical officer has come out to warn injured Andrew Symonds about rushing his come-back. The Australian dressing room is full of half-fit players, and given the lack of fitness and form of so many players, I do not think Australia can really be favourites for this tournament anymore. Even a player of Symonds ability can’t just be rushed back into the side and perform at top level.
England on the other hand have a fairly predictable World Cup squad, the only major changes are the return of Pieterson and the omission of Mal Loye. It’s tough on Loye given the job he has done in Australia, but the other alternative of dropping Bopara would not have made much sense, and would have left England’s squad top-heavy with openers.
I still can’t understand why Alastair Cook hasn’t appeared in the frame at all in coloured clothes though.
Meanwhile, as I write, Pakistan are in awful trouble against South Africa in the 5th ODI in Johannesburg. Pollock, South Africa’s ‘old man river’ has defied the years and ripped the Pakistani top order apart by taking 5 for 23.
I’m waiting til the Chappell-Hadlee is over before passing any judgemenet on the Australian team’s chances. But since I heard Brad Haddin was in, I’ve been greatly cheered. And the thing about including Tait, is that he gives the bowling an explosive, unpredictable quality. WC teams need dynamic attacking line-ups with one or two secret weapons as well as old reliables, teams that are prepared to take risks. I don’t think England have any bowlers like that at the moment.
South Africa are looking the goods, in great form. Everyone needs wily, experienced “Old Man River’s” like Polly. And I think most of the top teams have got them, too but I think SA could be winners if their form translates to Caribbean pitches.
Pakistan are holding back a few players with injuries at the moment so that they are ready for next month. Sri Lanka are also in good form coming into March and are a fantastic One-Day team. Don’t klnow what is ahppening with the Windies themselves.
The LAST thing England need is another guy in the top 6 like Strauss, Joyce, Bell and Vaughan.
The omission of Loye is bad news - especially as Strauss has his place. The Middlesex man has hardly played a decent innings since last summer. Have the selectors gone back to picking people based on their posh accent and public school education?
Caro — explosive and unpredictable? I would have thought that described Plunkett’s last few games perfectly. And Mahmood as well. Flintoff — reliable. Panesar — (not so) secret weapon. Both England and Australia go into the World Cup frightened of their injuries but with lots of potential.
And Reverse Swing — most of England’s squad have barely comprehensible northern accents. I don’t think it’s a posh takeover…;-)
Kathy, I’m not aware that either Plunkett or Mahmood bowl at 150mph to 160 mph regularly, and with Lasith Malinga-type of slinging action , the sort that puts their backs out regularly. Mad slingers, not fast swingers. And if that does describe them, I don’t think you want two of them! Just one can be expensive enough!
I’m worried about Ponting’s injury but he’s had it all summer - who else is there frightened and injured? Others have niggles, but then so do many active cricketers at any time. If you mean Symonds, he’s unlikey to play at all. Haddin will probably take his role.
Often “explosive and unpredictable” bowlers are sent over the boundary - the faster they bowl, the faster the ball is dispatched. I reckon England’s slow bowlers have a chance against many teams. As we saw in the CB Trophy, it’s not particularly brilliant bowling that gets wickets: it’s the build up of pressure.
If you don’t think England has any bowlers of the sort you described as match-winners, then perhaps your ideas of matchwinners need rethinking, after the last few games . . . I’m happy with the squad - they’re playing as a team, not bunch of individual show ponies.
Yes, Caroline, that’s what I said, those mad slingers get knocked over the boundaries. Who mentioned match -winners? Is there a post here I’m not seeing?
Well, Fiona, if you see Scott’s latest post, I think Australia ARE actually worried about their injury list. Just as England are about theirs. And one man’s niggle is another man’s series-threatener. The management always call them niggles until they’re flat on their backs.
Yes, Fiona - you’re right. I was really replying to Caro’s opening post about a successful mix of dynamics, secret weapons, and old hands, and England not having any of these . . .
Posts
Loading ...