India batsmen frustrate Australia in Bangalore

The first test match of the eagerly anticipated series between India and Australia is over and after five days of entertaining cricket, the teams go into tomorrow’s second match all square. Set a victory target of 299, the hosts reached 177-4 before stumps on the final day.

After the match there was criticisms aimed at both teams. First of all, Ricky Ponting claimed that Australia were ‘the only team trying to win the game’. This was because, in all honesty, India settled for the draw on day five. Sachin Tendulkar – who normally pushes the run rate along quite briskly – was extremely patient for his 49 off 126 balls. Then, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly made sure of the draw with a rather cautious approach. Lazman in particular was very willing to ‘dead bat’ the ball.

Ponting is bound to be unhappy with this approach from the Indians. In all fairness though, what did he expect them to do? Go out to the middle all guns blazing and present Australia with loads of wicket opportunities? The cricket odds weren’t exactly favouring India to reach their target, so they were perfectly entitled to see it out for a draw. Especially after they found themselves 24-2 and then 77-3.

The Australians weren’t immune from criticism themselves though. Zaheer Khan – who helped India reach 360 in their first innings with an unbeaten 57 – claimed after the game that the Aussie bowling attack was incapable of taking 20 wickets in a test match. Zhan pinpointed the weakness of their spinning options and the fact that neither of their opening bowlers – Brett Lee or Stuart Clark – were particularly threatening.

These comments may be rather accurate, but it has to be recognised that this is just one test match. Australia were the better side throughout and their bowlers will improve in time. Yes, they miss the presence of a Shane Warne or Glenn McGrath type character – but they are capable of bowling out India twice. They will prove this at least once this series – I’m sure of that.

Looking ahead to the second test that gets underway tomorrow, this Australia bowling attack that we speak about has suffered an injury blow. Stuart Clark, the man currently ranked as the second best test bowler in the world, has an elbow injury and will miss the match in Mohali. A 23-year-old debutant in the name of Peter Siddle will take his place. Ponting describes him as a ‘no nonsense’ type of bowler and it will be interesting to see how he does.

Finally, there is one major incident to look out for in this second test match. Tendulkar needs only 15 runs in his two innings to overtake Brian Lara as the leading test run-scorer of all time. He is already the leading One Day International run-scorer and holds the record for amount of centuries in both forms of the game. Not had a bad career has he really?! I just hope he can mark his latest achievement with a glittering century to set the second test match between these two teams alight.

By Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about cricket betting

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Ponting hits century on day one, but India launch fight back late on

Ricky Ponting has an awful record in India. In fact, he averaged just under13 there prior to the series that got underway earlier today. Therefore, the fact that he has stamped his authority on day one of the series by recording his first ever century in India will be immensely pleasing for him. The gritty innings from the Australian captain helped his side reach 254-4 at stumps on the end of the first day.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Ponting was soon walking out to the crease. Matthew Hayden was caught behind off the bowling of Zaheer Khan in the first over of the match. Replays suggested that the opening batsman was rather unfortunate to be given out, but nevertheless – the pressure was now on Ponting to rebuild the innings.

Being the true cricketing great he is – Ponting did just that. His team needed him to produce the goods and all credit to him for doing so. After he and Simon Katich were joined at the crease, they put on a massive second-wicket stand of 166 to put the tourists firmly in charge of proceedings. It could have been very different though as Ponting was given the benefit of the doubt when hit on the pad after refusing to play a shot off the bowling of Ishant Sharma – who bowled a very aggressive and impressive spell.

Ponting and Katich complimented each other superbly during their partnership, with the latter happy to nudge and nurdle while his captain played a more positive innings. Just as they were looking as if they could take the game away from the Indians though, Katich fell to Sharma. With tea just around the corner, the left hander edged the ball straight into the gloves of Mahendra Dhoni. 166-2.

Michael Hussey came to the crease though and took over where Katich left off – he and Ponting were looking very comfortable. Ponting reached his 36^th test century after the tea break and judging by his celebration, it was one he was particularly pleased with – who can blame him?

However, this is set to be a series with many twists and turns and India launched a fight back with a couple of late wickets to give them renewed hope of restricting the Aussies to below 400. With the score on 226, Ponting did something no one expected him to do – he made a mistake. He attempted to sweep Harbhajan Singh and when the ball struck his pad, he was given out LBW.

India then sensed a chance to grab another wicket and took the second new ball just before the close, hoping it could tempt Hussey or new batsman Michael Clarke into a costly mistake. Into the last over it looked as if Australia would make it to day two without any further casualties, but Clarke was trapped LBW by Zaheer in what turned out to be the last ball of the day.

So, although Australia will be happy with their days work, India will be very grateful that they managed to get two late wickets. The first session tomorrow morning is very important, that’s for sure. Cameron White – who is making his test debut – will join Hussey in the middle and India will fancy their chances of making the early breakthrough that could trigger a batting collapse from the tourists.

We will have to wait and see on this I suppose. As for day one, well it does belong to Ponting. It is a huge monkey off his back to get a decent score in India, and with it coming on the first day of the tour – I think lots of cricket bets will be placed on him leading the run-scoring charts for much of the series.

Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about cricket betting

Ganguly given lifeline as Australia are dealt an injury blow

The test series between India and Australia may not get underway until next week, but it appears things could be going the hosts’ way already. Not only have they decided to stick with former captain Sourav Ganguly, but Australia have lost their number on spinner, Bryce McGain, to injury.

More about this injury in a minute, but first let’s discuss the call up of Ganguly. The 36-year-old has been named in India’s 15-man squad for the first two test matches and has been given a lifeline by the selectors. His highest score in the recent series defeat to Sri Lanka was 35 and there were calls for him to retire from the game. However, he has been included ahead of the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Aakash Chopra and Mohammad Kaif.

Many have predicted that Ganguly will be fighting it out with Subramaniam Badrinath – who is yet to play a test match – for the number six position. However, I don’t buy into this. The fact that Ganguly has been picked tells me that he will play. Something I would put a lot of my cricket betting money on though is the fact that Ganguly will retire should he fail to perform in these opening two games. I don’t think he will have it in him to launch another fight back should he be dropped again.

Ganguly’s selection means that he joins an Indian batting line-up which contains the vast experience of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. These batsmen have played an incredible 480 test matches between them and they will look to dominate an Australian bowling attack that hasn’t played a single test match in India.

Speaking of the Australian bowling line up, they have been dealt a blow ahead of the first test. Bryce McGain – who was expected to be Ricky Ponting’s number one spinner on this tour – has picked up a shoulder injury and will definitely miss the game in Bangalore. There is even talk that he could be flown home should the problem persist.

It is a disaster for the spinner because at 36-year-old he was looking forward to making his debut after making a dramatic rise to international cricket. There is hope he will play some part in the series, but for now Ponting will have to rely upon Jason Krejza to provide the spin option for his side.

The cricket odds favoured an Indian victory before this news, so there is no doubt they remain favourites after this injury blow for the Australians. The first test gets under way a week today, so in my next piece for Past Point I will be going through the first day’s play. I can’t wait.

Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about cricket betting

India v Australia – Who is your money on?

As promised I will be continuing my preview of the India v Australia test series with a look at some cricket betting. I will be giving my opinions on who the winners of the series, the leading wicket taker and the leading run scorer.

Who will win the series?

Australia have only won once in India during the last 35 years. This single victory came in 2004 and since then they have lost a number of key personnel to retirement, including Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist. Never the less, I expect this new look Australia side to cause India a lot of problems. It will be a very, very close series.

India will be without Sachin Tendulkar for at least the first two test matches so will be relying heavily on Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid for the runs. Much is also expected of their experienced bowling line up – especially the spin kings – Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

Verdict: India will crumble under the expectancy in the first match; will recover to win the second, before two draws mean that it’s a 1-1 draw. Apologies for sitting on the fence.

Who will be the leading wicket taker?

Often for Australia, Warne and McGrath would lead the way in terms of wickets. However, with them moved on, it is time for the likes of Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee to set the example. It is the latter I expect to have the most success for Ponting’s men. Lee is one of the most experienced players in the sideand his pace and aggression will test India’s batsmen.

As for India, I think their main bowling threat will be their captain Anil Kumble. Spin is often the way forward in India and Kumble and Singh should get wickets by the bucket full. Singh in particular has a rather impressive record against the Australians.

Verdict: I think it will be a close run thing between the Indian spinners, but I expect Kumble to lead the wicket taking table come the end of the series. It could be his last series against Australia and he will want to make it count.

Who will be the leading run scorer?

Much will be expected of Ponting as he provides one of the few names remaining from 2004. He has a poor recent record in India, but one innings will change all of that.

For India, Dravid is the man they often rely upon for runs and this will be no different in this series. However, I think the attacking attitude of Virender Sehwag will produce plenty of significant innings.

Verdict: I’m going to go for Sehwag to be leading run scorer. The cricket odds would probably have him as one of the outsiders, but I think he will take the attack to an inexperienced Australian bowling attack and be rewarded with lots of runs.

So, that’s my predictions ahead of the India v Australia series. It will be interesting to see how close I am. I have to say that the one I am most confident about is Sehwag. I really expect him to have a superb few matches.

Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about cricket betting

Australia squad for India tour includes four uncapped bowlers

Unless you are extremely behind on your cricket news, you will know that Australia have named their 15-man squad for the test matches against India that get underway in Bangalore next month. They haven’t just named any squad either as they have included four players who are yet to make their international debuts. This is certainly a risk as far as the Australian selectors are concerned because they have only won once in India during the last 30 years and the new guys will have no time to bed into their new surroundings.

So, who are the men who have been called up for the first time? Well, first of all there is Peter Siddle who is considered to be one of the most promising fast bowlers in Australia. The 23-year-old has taken an impressive 44 wickets in first-class cricket and as long as he can overcome a shoulder injury that has plagued his career – he should have a bright future in the international game. With his ability to swing the ball at genuine pace, I’d certainly be happy placing a cricket bet on him taking plenty of wickets in England next year if he is selected.

Next up is another fast bowler – Doug Bollinger. The left armer has plenty of Australia ‘A’ experience and was first called up to the Australia squad for the tour of West Indies earlier this year. He failed to play a test during this series, but will be hoping his fortunes will change in India. Bollinger has been rewarded with international recognition after consistently impressing for New South Wales. In the 2007-2008 season, he took 45 wickets in the Pura Cup which was the highest total in the country. If I was to compare him to a current Australian bowler, it would be Nathan Bracken. The only difference being that Bollinger has more pace about him.

The two uncapped players that will be receiving the most attention though are Bryce McGain and Jason Krejza. Despite never playing for Australia before, they are Ricky Ponting’s only spin options during the tour. McGain – who is 36 years of age – is a leg spinner who receives his call up after he showed signs of good form for Victoria and Australia ‘A’. A year ago, when McGain was working as an IT worker, the cricket odds were stacked against him ever playing at international level. However, the vast amount of wickets he took in 2007-2008 was enough to earn him a call up. His strength is the fact that he rarely gives away any ‘four balls’. Ponting could turn to him when his side needs to tie up an end.

As for Krejza, he is an off-spinner who isn’t afraid to give the ball some flight. I always like that in a spinner – he isn’t afraid to go for a few runs. His wicket-taking record in first-class cricket isn’t quite as impressive as the other three uncapped players, but his batting has probably helped him get the nod to tour India. He has four fifties to his name and is more than capable of excelling with bat.

So, that’s the new boys for Australia. It will be interesting to see how they get on in India and how many of them are on the plane to England next summer. I will be continuing to preview the India v Australia series right here on Past Point and next week I will be taking a look at cricket betting to see are favourites to win the series.

Thomas Rooney - Freelance Sports Journalist

 

Australia wrap up 3-0 win over Bangladesh and the ICC awards take place in Dubai

Before going through my opinions on those awarded an International Cricket Council award, let’s take a look at the third and final one day international between Australia and Bangladesh. With the series already won, Australia went into the game with no pressure on them and Bangladesh went in hoping that they could at least compete with Michael Clarke’s team after being thrashed in the opening two games.

It was definitely a more encouraging display from the international minnows, but unfortunately for them they still couldn’t avoid a rather convincing defeat. They certainly started well enough by restricting Australia to 198-5 from their 50 overs, although the Aussies did contribute to their own downfall with three of their batsman being dismissed via a run out. Nevertheless, Bangladesh stuck to their guns well and didn’t let any Australian batsman get away from them. Only Michael Hussey – who hit an unbeaten 57 – scored above 30 for the tourists.

With Bangladesh chasing 199 to win, the cricket odds were still favouring an Australia win, but it was the best chance the home side had during the whole series to pick up a priceless victory. If they could have got off to a good start, they could have put Australia’s smaller than usual total under some pressure. However, they found themselves 22-3 early on with Stuart Clark picking up two wickets. At this stage, anything other than an Australia victory looked very unlikely.

Bangladesh briefly threatened to make a game of it with Tamim and Saqibul putting on 60 for the last wicket, but when the latter was dismissed by James Hopes for 27 – it was game over. They only added a further 43 runs before being dismissed for 125. Tamim – who was the highest scorer in the match with 63 – eventually fell to Shane Watson after an impressive innings.

Although this was the closest match of this one day series, it was still a rather easy win for Australia. They came into this series knowing they were expected to deliver a 3-0 victory and they will be pleased that they have done just that.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the International Cricket Council awards that took place in Dubai last night. I won’t go through every single award and although I am very pleased that Shivnarine Chanderpaul won ‘Cricketer of the year’, I wanted to focus on the man who could be winning this award at some point in the future – Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis.

The 23-year-old beat England’s Stuart Broad to the award of ‘Emerging cricketer of the year’ after taking an impressive 26 wickets in three test matches and 33 wickets in 13 ODI’s since making his debut earlier this year. He really is an incredible talent and I am looking forward to watching how he develops as a player. Somewhat scarily considering his record so far – he can still improve. How about sticking a cricket bet on him being the leading wicket taker of all time at some stage in his career? Ok, I might be getting slightly ahead of myself, but the young spinner’s ability cannot be underestimated.

I am certainly not looking forward to watching England’s batsman trying to cope with Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan bowling in tandem when they come to England with Sri Lanka in May next year.

Thomas Rooney - Freelance Sports Journalist

Impressive Australia make light work of Bangladesh

It was never likely to be much of a contest between Australia and Bangladesh in this one-day-series, so I guess it is no surprise that the Aussies have gone 2-0 up with one game still to play. I don’t think many cricket bets would have been placed on Bangladesh, so the bookies haven’t lost too much money on this one!

The latest victory secures the series win for Australia, who have been led by Michael Clarke in the absence of the injured Ricky Ponting. Before I review the two ridiculously one-sided matches, it is worth noting how this Australian one-day side is developing. I have mentioned in the past how they have lost a number of senior players in recent years – Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath, Damien Martyn and Shane Warne to name just a few. Then there is the injuries to Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting as well as the suspension to Andrew Symonds.

However, my point is, they are still developing into a very impressive looking one-day side. Much in the same way that England are right now. The likes of Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson and Nathan Braken are the experienced members of the squad and they are helping nurture the new talent such as Shaun Marsh, Cameron White and James Hopes. There is a nice balance to this side and I personally can’t wait to see them take on England in the one-day series next summer. It should be a very tight contest.

Anyway, back to the Bangladesh series. In the first game, Australia ran out winners by a massive 180 runs. They made 254-8 in their 50 overs, with Shaun Marsh and Michael Hussey recording half-centuries. At this stage, Bangladesh must have thought they had an outside chance of chasing the target. It certainly wasn’t completely out of their reach.

This was far from the reality though as they lost regular wickets throughout to be dismissed for a dismal 74. Only three players made it to double figures as Cameron White, Mitchell Johnson and Brett Greeves did most of the damage for Australia.

The second match was pretty much the same from the off. This time though, Bangladesh batted first and although they improved on their score in the previous game, they still only managed 117 all out. Only a defiant 30 from wicket-keeper Dhiman Ghosh ensured that they made it to three figures. Johnson was in the wickets again for the Aussies, this time taking 3-17 from his 6.1 overs. Bracken, Clark and White claimed two wickets each.

Chasing 118 to win, all cricket odds were favouring and Australia win. This proved to be the case as Shaun Marsh hit an unbeaten 69 to guide his side to an eight wicket victory. It was only the 25-year-olds seventh one day international and there is no doubt he is one to keep an eye on. He looked fluent during his innings and never looked like being dismissed. He is a very positive player as well – he hit nine fours and a six on his way to 69.

So, the series is unsurprisingly Australia’s. The third game takes place on Saturday in Darwin as Bangladesh look to reclaim some pride. In all honesty though, this just isn’t going to happen. Any series against Bangladesh these days is used as a warm-up for more important and challenging matches. This will be the case with Australia, who will already be thinking about the first test match against India in around a month’s time.

Thomas Rooney - Freelance Sports Journalist

The series win..

The last time I had time to write for Past Point England we’re in a bit of a crisis. Vaughan had resigned, Pietersen was named the new captain and suddenly England we’re supposed to be world beaters. I, like many, didn’t think Pietersen would do a good job. He has. I also didn’t think he should of been captain. He is.

The series win, and possible whitewash, of South Africa is something they can be proud off. England have fell out with one day cricket in the past but perhaps now there is chemistry between the two. They’ve dominated throughout, and have found what could possibly be a fantastic find in Samit Patel who’s quick fire runs and five wickets gave England victory in the third ODI.

The XI that played looks a very, very strong one. Probaly the strongest one since the 1992 finalists? Openers Bell and Prior look strong. Bell has been openly criticised for being a bit slow but yesterday be batted very well. Prior, like we all know, likes to get on with it and Shah at three also looks like a good idea. Then Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Wright and now Patel seem to settle in well.

The bowling is outstanding. Openers Broad and Anderson keep Harmison until first change and then Flintoff and Collingwood are unleashed. The spin of Patel and the pace of Wright who’s fits in as a support bowler looks like it will work well. As the occasional spin of Pietersen thrown into the equation could really improve things.

MORE TOMORROW!

One series a piece for India and Sri Lanka

Last time I wrote for Past Point, India and Sri Lanka were level in the test series and set for a decider in the final match at Colombo. Well, at lot has happened since then so let’s play catch up.

In the final test a lot of people fancied India to emerge victorious. They had levelled the series after a heavy defeat in the first test and many believed that with their confidence up, they could wrap up a valuable 2-1 series victory. My cricket betting money was staying in my pocket though – I wasn’t sure who to go for. I expected a tight game.

In reality though, this wasn’t really the case as India’s batting cost them the game and Sri Lanka won by eight wickets. The tourists – who won the toss and decided to bat – posted a rather disappointing 249 all out in their first innings. From this point onwards – they weren’t in the game at all. Sri Lanka racked up a healthy first innings lead after making 396 and this was followed by another lacklustre batting display from India.

Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis – who took 47 wickets between them in the three match series – took three wickets each as India could only make 268. Several of their batsmen made starts, but none of them managed to secure three figures. Something which could have got the Indians back into the game. This all meant that Sri Lanka only needed 122 to win the game and they reached their total comfortably thanks to a century stand between Malinda Warnapura and skipper Mahela Jayawardene. After the predictions of a very tight final test match – it was a relatively easy win for Sri Lanka.

So, with the test series at an end, it was time for the limited overs cricket to begin. India were keen to finish the tour on a high after the defeat in the test match series and Sri Lanka were looking to prove their dominance over the Indians.

The one-day series actually took up a similar pattern to that of the test series. The first game was dominated by the Sri Lankan spinners as they won by eight wickets. The second game was considered an Indian fight back and they won a low-scoring contest by three wickets.This time though there was to be a different end result in the third match. India won by 33 runs and were just one victory away from winning the series.

Then it was time for the fourth one day international. After posting a respectable 258 in their innings, India managed to bowl out Sri Lanka for 212. Harbajhan Singh helped himself to three wickets with Yuvraj Singh and Patel getting two each. This victory put India 3-1 up with one game to play. It was a fine bowling display from the tourists and they deserved their series victory. Interestingly, it was the first time Sri Lanka had lost consecutive home one-day series. This defeat to India follows England’s 3-2 victory over them ten months ago.

So, there you have it. It’s a series a piece for India and Sri Lanka. Of course, if given the choice, most teams would take a test series win, but India will be encouraged by the way they performed in the one-day games and pleased that they came away from Sri Lanka with something to show for it. With just one game remaining – the sides meet again in Colombo tomorrow – there is only pride at stake with the series already won by the tourists.

In my next few articles for Past Point, I will be casting an eye over the Australia v Bangladesh one-day series.  This isn’t a contest as far as cricket betting goes, but it’s still worth a look to see how Australia are shaping up ahead of next year’s Ashes series. The next test series I will be focusing on again involves Australia as they travel to India for a four match test series. It’s normally rather explosive when these two sides meet and I wouldn’t expect it to be any different this time around.

Thomas Rooney – Freelance Sports Journalist