Australian Cricket stands head and shoulders above any other cricketing nation, but will this dominance continue and if so, for how long? How are the other nations shaping up after a two month long tournament?
On an off the field, the 2007 Cricket World Cup has been plagued with controversy that could blacken the sport. The off-field dramas including the ticketing prices, the length of the tournament, the death of Pakistani Coach Bob Woolmer have stolen the headlines from the game of cricket itself.
This world cup will be marked as a changing of the guard, as a number of coaches are retiring, key players, legends of the game, marred with turmoil and controversy leaving a rather bitter taste in the ICC’s mouths.
Was the tournament too long and why did the cricket not live up to everyone’s general expectations?
Australia are to take full credit and much of the attention of this world cup as noted above has been on ‘other dramas’. They totally and utterly desimated every opponent with class and charisma. Every player stood up and was counted for in same way, shape or form.
Matthew Hayden’s domination was matched by Glenn McGrath’s pure genius ability to bowl and leave the game on top of the world as player of the tournament.
With John Buchnanan retiring as Australian Coach, a change of the guard will take place as Tim Neilson steps into the role.
McGrath has a long list of replacements ready to take his place including the returning Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus. All are more than capable to add depth to Australia’s bowling but will have enormous shoes to fill.
Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait have stood up and are to be credited for the excellent bowling in this cup and Bradley Hogg, likewise.
At the next World Cup Australia will not have the likes of McGrath, Hayden, Adam Gilchrist or Brad Hogg. So consider this as a possible team to compete in the 2011 world cup:
Brad Hodge
Michael Hussey
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Andrew Symonds
Brad Haddin
Adam Voges
Brett Lee
Nathan Bracken
Ben Hilfenhaus
Shaun Tait
Also: Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, Dan Cullen, Stuart Clark
Note that there is no front-line spinner in this attack as there is also no Shane Watson. I have preferred to go with four genuine pace bowlers spearheaded by Tait and Lee with the added advantage of Bracken and Hilfenhaus. To fill the last quota Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Adam Voges and Brad Hodge can become the part-time spinners, giving Australia more balance and variety in their attack.
The batting is equally impressive with depth as the powerful and promising Adam Voges at number seven behind Brad Haddin.
Australia should continue to dominate but their opponents are starting to build. If England can sort themselves out, they have a promising team in the making.
Likewise Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan.
New Zealand will go through some more tough times with the retirements of Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond imminent and will probably occur before 2011.
India are all out of sorts again as they cannot choose eleven players yet alone an administration that supports both players and coaching staff. They need bowlers for a start and confidence.
Too much is asked of Indian Cricket and lives (as we saw with Woolmer) are placed on the line for success or failure.
Who would want to coach a cricket team after this year’s world cup or even become an administrator?
Let’s get on with playing the game of cricket and keep the bitching politics off the headlines and more of the on-field success taking credit for the game of cricket.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mental Toughness will make it a hat-trick
Australia totally and utterly destroyed South Africa last night and exposed the weak mental toughness that the South Africans have. Australia always have the edge over South Africa and captain Graeme Smith in particular.
Smith set the tone attempting to slog Bracken in the third over only to be bowled. This single act sums up the stronghold Australia has over South Africa.
To be 5/27 in a semi-final, South Africa looked totally out of their depth and scared in a semi final when they were only two weeks ago ranked the number one team. Credit must be given to the Australian bowling attack spearheaded by Glenn McGrath who grabbed match honours once again.
McGrath took the crucial wickets of Kallis, Prince and Boucher, while Bracken sent the Captain packing. McGrath will leave the game on top of the world, bowling the best he has bowled in years which is a true testament to the longevity of his career, cunning length and line bowling that proves consistency is key.
Shaun Tait has been born and last night took impressive caught behind dismissals with De Villiers, Gibbs and Hall looking out of depth and scared against the extra pace. Again, Brad Hogg was impressive capturing 1/24 (10) and could have had a few more scalps.
Australia walk into the final with their bottom three batsmen (Bracken, McGrath and Tait) not having to pick up the bat. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly pumped up to defeat the favourites but you can’t go past Australia.
Ponting’s men will be switched on and be giving 150% to send Glenn McGrath out a winner. I can’t see the Sri Lankans matching it with the Australians.
COME ON AUSSIE… COME ON!
Smith set the tone attempting to slog Bracken in the third over only to be bowled. This single act sums up the stronghold Australia has over South Africa.
To be 5/27 in a semi-final, South Africa looked totally out of their depth and scared in a semi final when they were only two weeks ago ranked the number one team. Credit must be given to the Australian bowling attack spearheaded by Glenn McGrath who grabbed match honours once again.
McGrath took the crucial wickets of Kallis, Prince and Boucher, while Bracken sent the Captain packing. McGrath will leave the game on top of the world, bowling the best he has bowled in years which is a true testament to the longevity of his career, cunning length and line bowling that proves consistency is key.
Shaun Tait has been born and last night took impressive caught behind dismissals with De Villiers, Gibbs and Hall looking out of depth and scared against the extra pace. Again, Brad Hogg was impressive capturing 1/24 (10) and could have had a few more scalps.
Australia walk into the final with their bottom three batsmen (Bracken, McGrath and Tait) not having to pick up the bat. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly pumped up to defeat the favourites but you can’t go past Australia.
Ponting’s men will be switched on and be giving 150% to send Glenn McGrath out a winner. I can’t see the Sri Lankans matching it with the Australians.
COME ON AUSSIE… COME ON!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
SALARY CAP INEQUALITIES
I might sound like a winger because the St George Illawarra Dragons are having a woeful start to the season. With injuries to key players, the loss of Trent Barrett and the impact of the salary cap, the Dragons just don’t have depth or experience on the field to be competitive in the NRL.
In the Round 7 clash against the Roosters, the Dragons had no Mark Gasnier, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles or Dean Young and Matthew Head is out of sorts playing Premier League. Add the loss of Shaun Timmins, Trent Barrett, Luke Bailey and some of the up and comers Daryl Millard, Aaron Gorrell and Clint Greenshields on the back of the 2006, so whats left and who is playing?
Josh and Brett Morris are doing a sterling effort as only twenty year olds, but the exposure of Richard Williams, Tony Ellis, Rangi Chase, Tom Hewitt, Chase Stanley and the like have people wondering who are these kids?
Sure they have ability and promise but they are too young to be playing first grade and be expected to perform. Nathan Brown has no experienced players or older heads to lift the boys around them.
Once these kids have exposure to the top grade a club will the struggle to keep them the following year. Because of the injuries to key players, i.e Mark Gasnier and Simon Woolford then youngsters are exposed to first grade when they shouldn’t be.
While they are exposed to the top grade they now demand that they stay there, get paid more money and consequently leave, go to another club and play first grade becoming regular players. Daniel Holdsworth and Daryl Millard are now at the Bulldogs who came through the Dragons ranks.
Why is it though that some teams can continue to be successful and the salary cap does not affect their performance?
The Broncos have been a dominant team, in/or around the fringes of the premiership for fifiteen seasons. Maybe its lifestyle, maybe the Dragons have deep rooted problems attracting players.
Why would you want to train in two locations an hour and a half apart on alternate days?
A base needs to be established and possibly the salary cap needs to be revisited…
In the Round 7 clash against the Roosters, the Dragons had no Mark Gasnier, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles or Dean Young and Matthew Head is out of sorts playing Premier League. Add the loss of Shaun Timmins, Trent Barrett, Luke Bailey and some of the up and comers Daryl Millard, Aaron Gorrell and Clint Greenshields on the back of the 2006, so whats left and who is playing?
Josh and Brett Morris are doing a sterling effort as only twenty year olds, but the exposure of Richard Williams, Tony Ellis, Rangi Chase, Tom Hewitt, Chase Stanley and the like have people wondering who are these kids?
Sure they have ability and promise but they are too young to be playing first grade and be expected to perform. Nathan Brown has no experienced players or older heads to lift the boys around them.
Once these kids have exposure to the top grade a club will the struggle to keep them the following year. Because of the injuries to key players, i.e Mark Gasnier and Simon Woolford then youngsters are exposed to first grade when they shouldn’t be.
While they are exposed to the top grade they now demand that they stay there, get paid more money and consequently leave, go to another club and play first grade becoming regular players. Daniel Holdsworth and Daryl Millard are now at the Bulldogs who came through the Dragons ranks.
Why is it though that some teams can continue to be successful and the salary cap does not affect their performance?
The Broncos have been a dominant team, in/or around the fringes of the premiership for fifiteen seasons. Maybe its lifestyle, maybe the Dragons have deep rooted problems attracting players.
Why would you want to train in two locations an hour and a half apart on alternate days?
A base needs to be established and possibly the salary cap needs to be revisited…
Monday, April 23, 2007
Then there were four
The Cricket World Cup is now in its final week. A time we thought might never come, after a long and at times tideous two month campaign.
Nevertheless the business end of the cup is upon us as the world's eyes will focus on four - Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Probably the four most deserving teams to have made the finals after 48 matches, 16 teams over 50 days of cricket to determine the make-up of the finals mix.
Semi Final 1: New Zealand v. Sri Lanka
An expected bouncy wicket for the first semi final will play into the hands of two key bowlers. Bond, Shane Bond and Slinga Lasith Malinga will be looking to dominate the Sabina track.
New Zealand may choose in fact to bowl as they are keen chasers and if Shane Bond is on song, it could be devestating. Likewise, Lasith Malinga will be itching to get his hands on the ball, as he seems to have an edge over New Zealander's who struggle against the faster skidding ball.
In the past New Zealand batsmen have struggled against Malinga and Australian Brett Lee. Malinga has the back-up in Chaminda Vaas, one of the best bowlers in the modern game and of course Muttiah Muralidaran. This attack is formidable and ricals only the Australian bowling brigade.
New Zealand will rely heavily on Bond, but he can be assisted by Daniel Vettori and (if picked) Jayten Patel. I would be picking the two spinners because the New Zealander's faster bowlers are not as convincing.
Whether Matthew Mason, James Franklin or Mark Gillespe are picked, will be decided on Jacob Oram's fitness. Oram plays an integral role with both bat and ball and I see benefits to Mark Gillespe being the second bowler to Bond, but the selectors will probably go with Franklin.
The batting will also be crucial to the result with Sanath Jayasuriya keen to end his career on a high note and will be going all guns blazing. Kumar Sangakarra has had a quite tournament by his standards, which is a worrying sign as the finals may be his time.
Sri Lanka's stregth lies in its middle order with Mahela Jayawardene, Russell Arnold, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Chamara Silva. Silva is the one who impresses me most and looks a real star for the future.
New Zealand's batsmen could do anything. Hot one day, cold the next.
Stephen Fleming needs runs for his team to score runs and he will be looking for a positive start. Ricky Taylor, Craig McMillan, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram need to post fortys or half century's to be competitive.
Overall the star studded bowling attack and depth of batting should see Sri Lanka qualify for the grand final.
Semi Final 2: Australia v. South Africa
De ja vu? But what will the result be this time. Australia have the edge over South Africa, thrashing them in the earlier rounds of the competition.
Australia have stood head and shoulders above every team at this world cup, and not making the final would be a failure in the team's books. Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith are the keys for mind both in their leadership and as batsmen, their teams rely on their skippers to have big games for their teams to succeed.
Ponting has the mental toughness, as a Captain, batsmen and big match player. His determination is unrivalled and he has the players to back his decissions.
Nevertheless South Africa have chased down 400 against Australia and won, so there will be some concern in the minds of the Australians.
Matthew Hayden is again key at the top of the order, scoring 580 runs with a highest score of 158 including four centuries in this years would cup at an average of 82.85. Ponting is not far behind him and Adam Gilchrist is still really to fire.
Australia's middle order looks solid with Michael Clarke's consistency, Andrew Symonds big hitting that can turn an innings on its head, Michael Hussey's unquestionable ability in the middle order and Shane Watson can also ignite some fireworks.
Suprisingly Nathan Bracken, Glen McGrath and Shaun Tait have not had to put the pads on once in this world cup, a testament to their top order.
The top class batting has been matched by impecable bowling. Glen McGrath will retire on top of his game.
Australia's fast bowler of the last decade has saved his best performances for the cup, becoming the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets at 14 and he will leave the games as the highest world cup wicket-taker of all time.
McGrath has been backed up in his fast bowling trio by Shaun Tait. Despite going for a few runs , Tait can devistate attackes with his pace, bounce and skid and looks devestating in full flight. Likewise Nathan Bracken has been consistent and provides the variety in this trio, not allowing a batsmen to get settled.
Brad Hogg caps off the variety of this attack having a memorable world cup. Arguably Australia's best bowler of the tournament, Hogg has 19 wickets at 15.21.
Australia has the leading wicket-taker and run scorer. Interestingly 12 months ago Glen McGrath, Matthew Hayden and even Brad Hogg were not guranteed positions in Australia's one day team and today there are the key ingriedients to this team.
South Africa will depend on their top four to score the bulk of their runs. Graeme Smith needs to attack the quicker bowlers and A B de Villiers needs to follow his skipped.
De Villiers has struggled against the Australians. Jacques Kallis needs to stand up and be counted, score runs at a quicker rate than he usually does, likewise Herschelle Gibbs who can be a match winner.
South Africa have stregth in their middle order with Mark Boucher, Justin Kemp and Shaun Pollock.
The bowling is what lets South Africa down. Pollock is not the bowler he was and Makhaya Ntini has struggled to impact on the fast bowler friendly wickets.
Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel or Andrew Hall could have that other position which should go to Nel who can get under the Australian's skin and offers more than the other options.
No quality front line spinner lets down the South Africans who crave a variety, change-up bowler. Their bowling is what lets down the Proteas as I see the game going the way of the Australians.
We will have to see what happenes this week but Australia should knock off the Proteas and meet Sri Lanka in the grand final. All will be revealed in 96 hours.
Nevertheless the business end of the cup is upon us as the world's eyes will focus on four - Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Probably the four most deserving teams to have made the finals after 48 matches, 16 teams over 50 days of cricket to determine the make-up of the finals mix.
Semi Final 1: New Zealand v. Sri Lanka
An expected bouncy wicket for the first semi final will play into the hands of two key bowlers. Bond, Shane Bond and Slinga Lasith Malinga will be looking to dominate the Sabina track.
New Zealand may choose in fact to bowl as they are keen chasers and if Shane Bond is on song, it could be devestating. Likewise, Lasith Malinga will be itching to get his hands on the ball, as he seems to have an edge over New Zealander's who struggle against the faster skidding ball.
In the past New Zealand batsmen have struggled against Malinga and Australian Brett Lee. Malinga has the back-up in Chaminda Vaas, one of the best bowlers in the modern game and of course Muttiah Muralidaran. This attack is formidable and ricals only the Australian bowling brigade.
New Zealand will rely heavily on Bond, but he can be assisted by Daniel Vettori and (if picked) Jayten Patel. I would be picking the two spinners because the New Zealander's faster bowlers are not as convincing.
Whether Matthew Mason, James Franklin or Mark Gillespe are picked, will be decided on Jacob Oram's fitness. Oram plays an integral role with both bat and ball and I see benefits to Mark Gillespe being the second bowler to Bond, but the selectors will probably go with Franklin.
The batting will also be crucial to the result with Sanath Jayasuriya keen to end his career on a high note and will be going all guns blazing. Kumar Sangakarra has had a quite tournament by his standards, which is a worrying sign as the finals may be his time.
Sri Lanka's stregth lies in its middle order with Mahela Jayawardene, Russell Arnold, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Chamara Silva. Silva is the one who impresses me most and looks a real star for the future.
New Zealand's batsmen could do anything. Hot one day, cold the next.
Stephen Fleming needs runs for his team to score runs and he will be looking for a positive start. Ricky Taylor, Craig McMillan, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram need to post fortys or half century's to be competitive.
Overall the star studded bowling attack and depth of batting should see Sri Lanka qualify for the grand final.
Semi Final 2: Australia v. South Africa
De ja vu? But what will the result be this time. Australia have the edge over South Africa, thrashing them in the earlier rounds of the competition.
Australia have stood head and shoulders above every team at this world cup, and not making the final would be a failure in the team's books. Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith are the keys for mind both in their leadership and as batsmen, their teams rely on their skippers to have big games for their teams to succeed.
Ponting has the mental toughness, as a Captain, batsmen and big match player. His determination is unrivalled and he has the players to back his decissions.
Nevertheless South Africa have chased down 400 against Australia and won, so there will be some concern in the minds of the Australians.
Matthew Hayden is again key at the top of the order, scoring 580 runs with a highest score of 158 including four centuries in this years would cup at an average of 82.85. Ponting is not far behind him and Adam Gilchrist is still really to fire.
Australia's middle order looks solid with Michael Clarke's consistency, Andrew Symonds big hitting that can turn an innings on its head, Michael Hussey's unquestionable ability in the middle order and Shane Watson can also ignite some fireworks.
Suprisingly Nathan Bracken, Glen McGrath and Shaun Tait have not had to put the pads on once in this world cup, a testament to their top order.
The top class batting has been matched by impecable bowling. Glen McGrath will retire on top of his game.
Australia's fast bowler of the last decade has saved his best performances for the cup, becoming the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets at 14 and he will leave the games as the highest world cup wicket-taker of all time.
McGrath has been backed up in his fast bowling trio by Shaun Tait. Despite going for a few runs , Tait can devistate attackes with his pace, bounce and skid and looks devestating in full flight. Likewise Nathan Bracken has been consistent and provides the variety in this trio, not allowing a batsmen to get settled.
Brad Hogg caps off the variety of this attack having a memorable world cup. Arguably Australia's best bowler of the tournament, Hogg has 19 wickets at 15.21.
Australia has the leading wicket-taker and run scorer. Interestingly 12 months ago Glen McGrath, Matthew Hayden and even Brad Hogg were not guranteed positions in Australia's one day team and today there are the key ingriedients to this team.
South Africa will depend on their top four to score the bulk of their runs. Graeme Smith needs to attack the quicker bowlers and A B de Villiers needs to follow his skipped.
De Villiers has struggled against the Australians. Jacques Kallis needs to stand up and be counted, score runs at a quicker rate than he usually does, likewise Herschelle Gibbs who can be a match winner.
South Africa have stregth in their middle order with Mark Boucher, Justin Kemp and Shaun Pollock.
The bowling is what lets South Africa down. Pollock is not the bowler he was and Makhaya Ntini has struggled to impact on the fast bowler friendly wickets.
Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel or Andrew Hall could have that other position which should go to Nel who can get under the Australian's skin and offers more than the other options.
No quality front line spinner lets down the South Africans who crave a variety, change-up bowler. Their bowling is what lets down the Proteas as I see the game going the way of the Australians.
We will have to see what happenes this week but Australia should knock off the Proteas and meet Sri Lanka in the grand final. All will be revealed in 96 hours.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Talking FM changes its TUNE
So audiences now demand comic relief and the end of the day. Driving home, sitting on a bus or riding in an overcrowded train, people don't want music they want The Akmal Show, Hamish & Andy or Will & Lehmo.
Is there now much difference between and FM or AM drive-time shift? They both have talk, talkback and less and less music.
Perhaps its the ipod revolution, myspace and the internet that is allowing audiences to get their own music and not rely on the good old wireless, but why, now does each younger audience music station have a talk-based drive shift?
Music countdowns come-back in during the night-time and the philosophy seems to be less talk, more music while you are at work. Will any of the FM leaders restore a music based format?
The quality of the talent in drive has also picked up with the untested and somewhat politically incorrect comic Akmal Saleh with Kate Ritchie on NOVA. 2DAY have networked the popular Hamish and Andy duo which seems to have the FM drive momentum.
Triple M have answered the cry on April 2, installing former Glass House and Triple J breakfast presenter Wil Anderson to their drive shift with former SAFM breakfast anchor Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehman.
In the case of the first two, Akmal and Hamish&Andy will be more comic and probably stupid, while Wil and Lehmo will focus on political and news satire.
But what is funny?
In the aftermath of the University Massacre in the United States last week, Will and Lehmo responded by asking their audience to call in and share who in their office would be the most likely candidate to perform a massacre?
Comedy or Distaste?
Say no more... YOU decide
Is there now much difference between and FM or AM drive-time shift? They both have talk, talkback and less and less music.
Perhaps its the ipod revolution, myspace and the internet that is allowing audiences to get their own music and not rely on the good old wireless, but why, now does each younger audience music station have a talk-based drive shift?
Music countdowns come-back in during the night-time and the philosophy seems to be less talk, more music while you are at work. Will any of the FM leaders restore a music based format?
The quality of the talent in drive has also picked up with the untested and somewhat politically incorrect comic Akmal Saleh with Kate Ritchie on NOVA. 2DAY have networked the popular Hamish and Andy duo which seems to have the FM drive momentum.
Triple M have answered the cry on April 2, installing former Glass House and Triple J breakfast presenter Wil Anderson to their drive shift with former SAFM breakfast anchor Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehman.
In the case of the first two, Akmal and Hamish&Andy will be more comic and probably stupid, while Wil and Lehmo will focus on political and news satire.
But what is funny?
In the aftermath of the University Massacre in the United States last week, Will and Lehmo responded by asking their audience to call in and share who in their office would be the most likely candidate to perform a massacre?
Comedy or Distaste?
Say no more... YOU decide
Talking FM changes its TUNE
So audiences now demand comic relief and the end of the day. Driving home, sitting on a bus or riding in an overcrowded train, people don't want music they want The Akmal Show, Hamish & Andy or Will & Lehmo.
Is there now much difference between and FM or AM drive-time shift. They both have talk, talkback and less and less music.
Perhaps its the ipod revolution, myspace and the internet that is allowing audiences to get their own music and not rely on the good old wireless, but why, now does each younger audience music station have a talk-based drive shift?
Music countdowns come-back in during the night-time and the philosophy seems to be less talk, more music while you are at work. Will any of the FM leaders restore a music based format?
The quality of the talent in drive has also picked up with the untested and somewhat politically incorrect comic Akmal Saleh with Kate Ritchie on NOVA. 2DAY have networked the popular Hamish and Andy duo which seems to have the FM drive momentum.
Triple M have answered the cry on April 2, installing former Glass House and Triple J breakfast presenter Wil Anderson to their drive shift with former SAFM breakfast anchor Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehman.
In the case of the first two, Akmal and Hamish&Andy will be more comic and probably stupid, while Wil and Lehmo will focus on political and news satire.
But what is funny?
In the aftermath of the University Massacre in the United States last week, Will and Lehmo responded by asking their audience to call in and share who in their office would be the most likely candidate to perform a massacre?
Comedy or Distaste?
Say no more... YOU decide
Is there now much difference between and FM or AM drive-time shift. They both have talk, talkback and less and less music.
Perhaps its the ipod revolution, myspace and the internet that is allowing audiences to get their own music and not rely on the good old wireless, but why, now does each younger audience music station have a talk-based drive shift?
Music countdowns come-back in during the night-time and the philosophy seems to be less talk, more music while you are at work. Will any of the FM leaders restore a music based format?
The quality of the talent in drive has also picked up with the untested and somewhat politically incorrect comic Akmal Saleh with Kate Ritchie on NOVA. 2DAY have networked the popular Hamish and Andy duo which seems to have the FM drive momentum.
Triple M have answered the cry on April 2, installing former Glass House and Triple J breakfast presenter Wil Anderson to their drive shift with former SAFM breakfast anchor Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehman.
In the case of the first two, Akmal and Hamish&Andy will be more comic and probably stupid, while Wil and Lehmo will focus on political and news satire.
But what is funny?
In the aftermath of the University Massacre in the United States last week, Will and Lehmo responded by asking their audience to call in and share who in their office would be the most likely candidate to perform a massacre?
Comedy or Distaste?
Say no more... YOU decide
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