Indian Squad for ICC World Twenty20 2009

ICC World Twenty20 2009 (WT20) is going to be held in England, in about a week's time from now. The Indians are coming to the Twenty20 tournament fresh from the just concluded Indian Premier League (IPL 2009), which also belongs to the twenty overs a side format. Will they be fresh or tired? I am not sure. The results will show. I hope the match experience in South Africa would have prepared them well.

Below is the list of Indian players selected for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament:

1. Virender Sehwag (Vice captain)
2. Gautam Gambhir
3. Suresh Raina
4. Yuvraj Singh
5. Rohit Sharma
6. Yusuf Pathan
7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain & Wicket-keeper)
8. Irfan Pathan
9. Harbhajan Singh
10. Zaheer Khan
11. RP Singh
12. Ravindra Jadeja
13. Praveen Kumar
14. Pragyan Ojha
15. Ishant Sharma

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be leading the team in the World Twenty20 for the second time, following his success in the first edition held in South Africa. Virender Sehwag will be his deputy.

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Dhoni in Test Match #36

India vs New Zealand, India in New Zealand, 2009 - 1st Test
Date: 18-21 March 2009

A Strong win by India

Another clinical display by the Indian cricket team under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Winning might have become a regular habit for this Indian team. But, even for them, a victory after 33 years in New Zealand should have been a sweet achievement. A mystery finally resolved. This New Zealand might not have greats like Sir Richard Hadlee or Stephen Fleming, but they have promising youngsters under a captain, Daniel Vettori, who leads by example.

Dhoni, winning the toss, inserted New Zealand in. His bowlers did not diappoint him. Immediately, Zaheer Khan picked two wickets. Ishant Sharma followed almost immediately with three wickets. Munaf Patel, not to be left behind, picked one wicket. New Zealand were in deep trouble with the score card reading 60 for the loss of 6 wickets. Then, came the New Zealand resistance through their skipper Daniel Vettori and the in-form batsman Jesse Ryder. The two put on 186 runs for the seventh wicket, Vettori being the aggressive partner. Both Vettori and Ryder scored centuries and New Zealand were finally dismissed for a score of 279 runs.

India's reply did not have the best start after Virender Sehwag was run out for just 24 runs. But, Gambhir and Dravid collected the runs in a cool and composed partnership of 105 runs for the second wicket. At the dismissal of Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar walked in and played an innings that reminded his early days. His knock of 160 runs was instrumental in India posting a big first innings total of 520 runs. Don't forget the contributions of Dhoni (47 runs) and Zaheer Khan (51 not out).

New Zealand started the second innings requiring 241 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Controversial dismissal of McIntosh off the third delivery from Zaheer Khan did not help them. Regular wickets by the Indians put New Zealand under pressure and the innings defeat looked on the cards when Daniel Vettori was dismissed and the score was 199 for 8. Then came a partnership of 76 runs between Brendon McCullum and Iain O'Brien that ensured India bat again. Harbhajan Singh bowled well for his six wickets.

India needed just 32 deliveries to knock off the 39 runs required for victory. The victory was achieved with a day to spare and with a margin of 10 wickets. History rewritten after 33 years!

1st Innings:
New Zealand 279 (Daniel Vettori 118, Jesse Ryder 102, Ishant Sharma 4 for 73, Munaf Patel 3 for 60)

India 520 (Sachin Tendulkar 160, Gautam Gambhir 72, Rahul Dravid 66, Zaheer Khan 51 not out, CS Martin 3 for 98, Iain O'Brien 3 for 103)

2nd Innings:
New Zealand 279 (Brendon McCullum 84, Flynn 67, Harbhajan Singh 6 for 63, Munaf Patel 2 for 60)
India 39 for no loss (Gambhir 30 not out, Dravid 8 not out)

Match Result: India won by 10 wickets

Man of the match: Sachin Tendulkar, for his 160

Dhoni's performance in the 1st innings:
Catches : 3 / Stumpings : 1
Batting: 47 runs (123 balls), 4s: 7/ 6s: 0

Dhoni's performance in the 2nd innings:
Catches : 1 / Stumpings : 0
Batting: Did Not Bat

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New Zealand Cricket Team for Test Matches

Yesterday, we saw the Indian Cricket team selected for the test matches against New Zealand. We also went through the probable line-up for the first test match. Today, I will give you the list of New Zealand team that is selected for the first test match. The New Zealand squad consists of 13 players, led by captain Daniel Vettori. The squad is as follows:

1. Daniel Vettori (Captain)
2. Jesse Ryder
3. Martin Guptill
4. Tim McIntosh
5. Kyle Mills
6. Brendon McCullum (Wicket-keeper)
7. Ross Taylor
8. Brent Arnel
9. James Franklin
10. Jeetan Patel
11. Chris Martin
12. Iain O'Brien
13. Daniel Flynn

In the Twenty20 tournament, New Zealand came victorious. But, that was quickly nullified by the Indian cricketers efforts in the ODI tournament. New Zealand was completely outplayed in the first four one-dayers, including the abandoned ODI. But, New Zealand came back strongly in the final ODI, just in time to keep the interest alive for the Test match series. Will this have an impact on the Test match series?

In my opinion, India still starts as favourites due to their experienced batting line-up. Sehwag and Tendulkar were blazing in the one day matches. If they bring forward some of that form to the test matches, New Zealand will always be chasing the Indians. Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan had been exceptional over the past one year or so, particularly in the test match arena. With helpful conditions, they may prosper further.

But, let us not completely discount New Zealand. They have the home advantage. Some of their players like Jesse Ryder, Brendon McCullum and Guptill are in good nick. Their bowlers might not have been executing the plans well, but they have the potential to do well in test match setup.

We are in for a good, gripping contest for the next five days.

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Indian Cricket Team for Test Matches

The teams will take a new look as shorter version of the game gives way to traditional test matches. The test matches had been interesting, of late, and had produced some excellent nail biting finishes. The recent India-Australia series, Australia-South Africa series and West Indies-England cricket series were really good. Going along these lines, we should have an interesting series ahead.

The Indian team for the test series will have some of the seniors coming back to replace one-day/ T20 specialists. The Indian team is as follows:

1. Virender Sehwag
2. Gautam Gambhir
3. Rahul Dravid
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. VVS Laxman
6. Yuvraj Singh
7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and wicket-keeper)
8. Harbhajan Singh
9. Zaheer Khan
10. Ishant Sharma
11. Munaf Patel

The Batsmen
It is certain that Sehwag and Gambhir will open the innings. The No. 3, 4 & 5 are assured places for Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. Yuvraj Singh is most likely to fill in as the sixth batsman, unless Dhoni decides to play five specialist bowlers.

The Bowlers
Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma are three bowlers who will be automatic selections. The only place that might be up for discussion will the last bowler slot. It will be a fight between Munaf Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Lakshmipathy Balaji and Amit Mishra. It is unlikely that India will be playing two spinners in New Zealand. I personally feel that Munaf Patel might just make it, even though I prefer to try out Dhawal Kulkarni.

Reserve Players
The other players including M. Vijay (reserve opening batsman), Dinesh Karthik (reserve wicket-keeper) and Amit Mishra (reserve spinner) have to wait unless someone is not able to play.

The first test match is scheduled to be played from March 18 to March 22 at Hamilton.

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Jayasuriya, Oldest Player to score an ODI hundred

Jayasuriya scored yet another century against the Indian bowling attack. He loves the Indian bowlers and regularly feasts on them. Today is no different. He did not explode, as the slow nature of pitch did not allow that kind of free hitting. But, still, he made 107 runs off 114 deliveries at a healthy strike rate of 93.85. His knock included 10 fours and a six.

Jayasuriya also became the oldest cricket player to score an ODI hundred. He surpassed Geoffrey Boycott's record (!) that stood for close to 30 years. Boycott, playing for England, scored a century against Australia on 11 December 1979 in Sydney, during the Benson and Hedges World Series Cup. Boycott was aged 39 years and 51 days when he scored that century. Jayasuriya, at 39 years and 212 days, has become the oldest player to score an ODI hundred. This is Jayasuriya's 28th ODI hundred and his 7th ODI hundred against the Indians. His love for the Indian bowling continues.

Sri Lanka closed the innings at a healthy 246/7, thanks mainly to the hundred from Jayasuriya. Sangakkara scored 44 and Maharoof blasted through a quickfire 35 from just 27 deliveries. Ishant Sharma picked 3 wickets for 52 runs. Zaheer Khan picked 1 for 40 while Ojha had figures of 1 for 52.

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Jayasuriya crosses 13000 runs in ODI cricket

Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya became the second cricketer to cross 13,000 runs in ODI cricket. Jayasuriya achieved the feat in the 14th over bowled by Ishant Sharma during the first ODI cricket match between India and Sri Lanka played at Rangiri Dambulla International stadium in Sri Lanka on 28 January 2009.

Indian opener Sachin Tendulkar is leading the ODI scorers list with 16,422 runs. It is good to see that both these greats are playing in this match. Sachin Tendulkar is playing in his 420th ODI while Jayasuriya is in his 428th ODI.

Jayasuriya has scored 27 centuries and 67 half-centuries before the commencement of the match. Jayasuriya is a real entertainer. Our salutes to him for the great achievement! Go on Sanath!

At the end of 15 overs, Sri Lanka are 59/1 with Jayasuriya on 38 (41 balls) and Sangakkara on 18 (47 balls). The current run rate is 3.93.

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Jayasuriya on song

The early dismissal of Dilshan did not stop Jayasuriya from being aggressive. It is no secret that Jayasuriya loves Indian cricket bowlers. Today is no exception. While Sangakkara is putting caution over aggression, Jayasuriya is in his style early in the innings. If he goes on further in the innings, India will face another Jayasuriya dominated defeat. While it is still too early in the match, it is such kind of effect normally Jayasuriya leaves on the Indians. Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel could not have any effect on Jayasuriya. Dhoni had been successful containing Sangakkara. But, how long can he be contained.

Will the Indian bowlers strike early? Sangakkara and Jayasuriya are kind of batsmen who cannot be allowed to bat longer. It looks India is going to chase a big total.

At the end of 12 overs, Sri Lanka are 42/1, with Jayasuriya on 32 (36 balls) and Sangakkara on 9 (34 balls). The current run rate is 3.50.

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Dilshan falls early

Dhoni won the toss and elected to field first in the first match of the cricket ODI series against Sri Lanka. Dhoni's luck with the coin still continues. With three seamers on the side and helping conditions early in the morning, Dhoni decided to field first.

As expected, India went in with the bowling combination of Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel and spinner Pragyan Ojha. Unfortunately, India lost opener Virender Sehwag to injury. With Sehwag out of the game, Gautam Gambhir will open with Sachin Tendulkar. Rohit Sharma gets a chance and will most likely be batting at No. 3.

Zaheer Khan started with a tidy spell and sent down two maiden overs. In his first over, though, Dilshan was run out off the third delivery. India could not have expected a better start to the series. Dilshan was the best batsman in the recently concluded Pakistan cricket series and he won the man of the series. Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel shared the new ball. With Dilshan gone, India has to face two batting stars in Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara.

At the end of 6 overs, Sri Lanka were 17/1, with Jayasuriya on 15 and Sangakkara on 2.

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Sri Lanka Cricket Tour Begins

It is the start of Cricket action for Indians in the year 2009. With fairly successful 2008, they are now going into the New Year with a vision to move further up in the ladder. The Indians are currently ranked No. 3 in the ICC ODI rankings while Sri Lanka is placed much lower at No. 7. But, the difference in quality may not be much different with Sri Lanka holding home advantage.

Both India and Sri Lanka had been successful in their respective previous series against England and Pakistan. India beat England 5-0 before the ODI series was called off due to the terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Sri Lanka lost their first match to Pakistan, but came back strongly to take the series 2-1. Kevin Pietersen lost his England team captaincy after the Indian tour, while Shoaib Malik lost his captaincy following the Sri Lankan visit.

The previous ODI series between India and Sri Lanka was a very close fight with India taking the series 3-2, thanks largely to Dhoni's luck with the coin. The other key factor was the ability of Dhoni and Raina to handle Mendis.

This series again will be a test for the Indians ability to play Murali and Mendis. The Indian team looks settled, with the following likely combination:

1. Sachin Tendulkar
2. Virender Sehwag
3. Gautam Gambhir
4. Suresh Raina
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
7. Yusuf Pathan
8. Pragyan Ojha
9. Zaheer Khan
10. Ishant Sharma
11. Munaf Patel

The other players who could come into play later in the series include all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar and Rohit Sharma.

A good series is in the line. Recently, I don't like the ODI formats. They have been largely one-sided affairs, except a few good games here and there. Hope this series will provide tight finishes and keep the interest in the ODI games alive.

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England Cricket Tour: Dhoni as captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be leading the Indian Test side for a full series for the first time. The doubts hanging over the England cricket tour has been cleared after Reg Dickason cleared Chennai for the first test match. The England cricket players had arrived in Chennai yesterday for the match commencing on 11 December 2008.

Full Strength England Cricket Team
It is satisfying to know that England has arrived in full strength, in spite of fears earlier that some players might opt out. You could not blame them if any of them have chosen not to visit India after the Mumbai terror attacks. But, the England cricket players have shown faith in the security arrangements by Indian authorities.

Hope all the doubts about security will be away from the minds of the cricket players and they will start to concentrate on the game of cricket. England had been outplayed in the ODI series 5-0, but they have to come back in the test match series.

Indian Cricket Team Selection
The following is the 15-member Indian squad for the test match:

Virender Sehwag,
Gautam Gambhir,
M Vijay,
Rahul Dravid,
Sachin Tendulkar,
VVS Laxman,
Yuvraj Singh,
S Badrinath,
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain & wicket-keeper),
Harbhajan Singh,
Amit Mishra,
Pragyan Ojha,
Zaheer Khan,
Ishant Sharma,
Munaf Patel

Gambhir comes back after serving the one-match ban. Yuvraj Singh and Pragyan Ojha take the places of Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, the veterans who retired after the Australia cricket series. It is a pity that Rohit Sharma could not find a place in the test squad. No one doubts his skills. But, he needs to show consistency that has failed him consistently. Two of Tamil Nadu batsmen, M Vijay and S Badrinath, find their names in the squad. They are unlikely to play in the test match unless someone else is injured. How great it would be for Vijay and Badri to play in front of their home crowd? Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma will be opening the bowling with Munaf Patel as the standby seamer. Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra are likely to play as spinners, with Pragyan Ojha as standby spinner.

Time for Cricket
Chennai is full of police and security had been taken very seriously. The climate is the only thing that could stop an entertainer in Chennai. It is rather gloomy conditions in Chennai for the past one month or so. But, the enthusiastic Chennai crowd is already clearing the tickets for the test match. Let us hope to see an entertaining cricket match with twists and turns that are purely associated with test matches.

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