Guardian Unlimited Sport | Cricket | Maverick Monty is the Manuel of multiracial Britain

Monty Panesar could be the trump card in the incoming 'Ashes'.
Englishmen not seems to get enough of Monty Panesar! Here's Mike Brearly writing in 'The Gaurdian' starts off with this paragraph

What induces crowds not always known for their their lack of xenophobia to take someone who seems to be an improbable choice to their hearts? I'm thinking of the Monty Panesar effect. Here he is, a young Sikh slow left-armer, with a patka, getting a bigger cheer when he comes out to bat at number 11 for England than did Kevin Pietersen on leaving the arena with 142 to his name.

Guardian Unlimited Sport | Cricket | Maverick Monty is the Manuel of multiracial Britain

A very good batsman, but ...

One of the delightful article I read in recent times.

SOME years ago, Tim Rice was awarded an Oscar for the songs he wrote for the Disney film "The Lion King". In his acceptance speech, the British songwriter told the audience in Hollywood that "I'd also like to thank Denis Compton, a boyhood hero of mine". Rice's hosts, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences were baffled. Later, they were constrained to issue this official disclaimer: "We do not know who Denis Compton is. He does not appear to be at Disney Studios or have anything to do with 'The Lion King'."

Read in full
The Hindu : A very good batsman, but ...

Chappel once again on team India and rest

LP Sahi of Telegraph India is talking to Greg Chappel, coach of team India.

Extract :

Who is the boss in the dressing room?

On and off the field, Rahul... This is Rahul’s team and I’m just part of the support staff. The captain is the most important person in and around a cricket team. Yes, the captain and coach should have a good working relationship, but don’t have to live in each other’s pocket... A coach has to work hand-in-hand with the captain, because if the latter isn’t happy, then it won’t work. I always run ideas past Rahul before placing them before the group and, most of the times, he has been happy with what I’ve proposed. At times, we’ve probably differed on the composition of the team, but there has never been a disagreement... I will make my point strongly, but from then on, it’s up to Rahul... At the end of the day, his captaincy column is going to get affected and, so, he has to make that final call. If I was the captain, I would like the privilege of making my own mistake rather than somebody else’s. I respect Rahul enough to give him the space a captain needs. I’m not a control freak as some have made out.

Full interview here


The Telegraph - Calcutta : Sports

Peter Roebuck argues for the third umpire for LBWs

I was listening to running commentary of the third test between SA-AUS and it was really depressing to hear so many wrong decision by umpires especially by the same umpire in this case. Surely ICC can't simply sit on this for any longer. It is high time TV replies are used for all LBW decisions or at least for the decisions objected by the Fielding and Batting side captains.
As Peter Roebuck argues in 'SMH', it is high time we bring third man into play.

Read his article here
Bring third man into play so all can get a fair go - Cricket - Sport

Shoib too hot to handle!

Inzamam says :

"Karachi: Ahead of the Indian team’s arrival in Pakistan on Thursday for the Test and one-day series, Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq sounded a warning to the visitors that they would find pacer Shoaib Akhtar “too hot to handle”.

Inzamam unveiled his strategy against the top-line Indian batting, saying his bowlers needed to get opener Virender Sehwag early because he can destroy any bowling attack thereafter. He fancied his chances against Sachin Tendulkar as well and said the Pakistani bowlers can restrict him."

The Telegraph - Calcutta : Sports:

First post : Looking for members for posting on this blog

I think it is right time to start a blog on the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2007 and I have created this blog for that purpose. Blog URL is http://www.cricketwc2007.blogspot.com
I am sure as D-Day approaches there will be lots of things to blog and some help is definitely appreciated. If you are willing to join this adventure please drop a comment to this blog and I will get back to you.
Thanks,
Gana
(Posting from Houston, US)

Meanwhile also visit my other blog http://www.cricketdigest.blogspot.com