Sports : life magnified

I wrote regarding it when it first surfaced. A lot of reactions have come up in the cricketing world regarding the same. Kamran Abbasi has written an authorative article on the subject.

I particularly like parts of the last two paragraphs:

Leadership, though, carries responsibility and requires values. India’s unilateral declarations of the past month - and importantly outside the sphere of the ICC - are an irresponsible beginning. Derogatory remarks about other countries, such as those about Bangladesh, expose a shortage of values other than pursuit of profit.. ..But the test of leadership really begins here. Unless cricket’s Age of India allows the minnows and the big beasts to thrive together - and works in partnership with those outside India and Asia - this month’s milestone may become difficult to celebrate. Cricket’s Age of Empire, ruled by Australia and England and governed by the clubs of Marylebone and Melbourne and the Imperial Cricket Conference, once seemed immortal too. It is now dead.

It’s not the umpire’s fault that the technology is better than the past. Also they travel an extra ordinary amount of time which doesn’t make their task easier. Blame the ICC for not implementing technology where its conclusive and the ICC for not appointing at least a few more umpires than they do currently. The ICC panel of umpires has gone down to 7 from 12 when it started off if I am not mistaken.

Make the job more lucrative and make their schedules less hectic.

I have to bring on the point of Dravid opening and Laxman batting at 3.

I am happy with the development. It still has to be seen whether Dravid decides to come back to number 3 or maintains this spot in more helpful conditions/abroad. If he puts his mind to it, he can do the job I am convinced.

It is no secret that Laxman loves batting at number 3.

A common arguement can be - opening is not an easy job. Another can be - what message does it send other openers in the country. Another can be why unsettle the important role Dravid plays at 3.

I see the much bigger problem in India’s opening worries in the past 10-15 years abroad and if it can be solved, it would be a big achievement.

Should be interesting to see how it goes.

Sri Lanka inflicted a defeat on Australia. Not many were giving them a chance in the VB series after their performances versus India and New Zealand.

Bengal courtesy Deep Dasgupta and Laxmi Ratan Shukla look all set to go into the Ranji Final. So do Uttar Pradesh.

The India-Pakistan match meanwhile turned into the Afridi show yet again yeterday. The essential point in this match is there is a lot of time left. Two things are very vital from now on - whether the Indian batting puts up a total or collapses, what the effect of the spinners is from the 3rd day evening session onwards.

India has 110. At 3 and half runs per over then can reach 425. Accelarting tomorrow, they can reach the score of Pakistan. Then a performance by Kumble and Harbhajan (provided the pitch provides support) can lead to a change in scenario.

India may have to chase around 200-250 in the last 2 sessions or so. Could be a mouth watering prospect.

On the other hand the Indian batting can collapse and we can see a Pakistan victory.

There is a lot to unfold still in this match