Coming NZ tour would be the most difficult test for Dhoni's captaincy so far. NZ, for some reason, has turned out to be most difficult tour for Indian teams in the past. Last time, India was beaten 2-0 in tests and 5-1 in ODIs. This was just before 2003 WC where India was runners up. Whether it is the pitches or conditions, Indian teams have usually struggled there and this time would be no exception. How India and Dhoni comes out of it would be interesting to see as it will define if India has in it to become #1 team in the world.
A number of people have termed India as #1 team after their recent victories but in my opinion they are still way behind SA and even Aus. The away record needs to be improved and also the consistency. As per current standings, India should beat NZ 2-0 or 3-0 in tests and by a huge margin in ODIs as well. Lets see and hope India gets the same result on field also which is expected on paper as per team strength and rating.
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Is Michael Clarke captaincy material?
Clarke is being groomed for captaincy role in Aus after Ponting. I see him as misfit in this role. Though based on his performance, he is certainity to be part of Aus team, but he seems to be pretty selfish person who likes to put himself before his team.
Clarke was responsible for Symonds being sent back when he went for fishing. This was his first full series as Captain and he was clearly trying to assert himself as the decision making authority. This was ostensibly done because Symonds had broken team discipline and his team members were feeling let down and some action should have been taken. Well done!!!
Aus team have a tradition of team anthem and after Sydney test, who was keen to leave the dressing room to attend to personal matters. Pup did not think about letting down his team mates but was looking at the clock to make sure his personal commitments do not suffer. What an example of mate-ship?
In the recent series against NZ, Clarke showed what he puts first - his record or team's result. He decided to open after being made the captain and batted to make sure he gets a big score to show he is ready for the big role. His slow batting ultimately helped NZ to restrict Aus to manageable total and they won from there. Had Aus won, the headlines would have screamed that the new leader has ensured Aus win and he should be appointed captain immediately. The final result, hopefully, would have sobered him a bit.
Clarke at least meets some of the criteria for qualification as Aus Captain - claiming one-drop catches that is. Be it Waugh or Ponting, they always claim one-drop catches and ask fielder's word to be taken for contentious catches. In thsi regard, at least, Michael Clarke satisfies criteria to be Aus Captain.
Clarke was responsible for Symonds being sent back when he went for fishing. This was his first full series as Captain and he was clearly trying to assert himself as the decision making authority. This was ostensibly done because Symonds had broken team discipline and his team members were feeling let down and some action should have been taken. Well done!!!
Aus team have a tradition of team anthem and after Sydney test, who was keen to leave the dressing room to attend to personal matters. Pup did not think about letting down his team mates but was looking at the clock to make sure his personal commitments do not suffer. What an example of mate-ship?
In the recent series against NZ, Clarke showed what he puts first - his record or team's result. He decided to open after being made the captain and batted to make sure he gets a big score to show he is ready for the big role. His slow batting ultimately helped NZ to restrict Aus to manageable total and they won from there. Had Aus won, the headlines would have screamed that the new leader has ensured Aus win and he should be appointed captain immediately. The final result, hopefully, would have sobered him a bit.
Clarke at least meets some of the criteria for qualification as Aus Captain - claiming one-drop catches that is. Be it Waugh or Ponting, they always claim one-drop catches and ask fielder's word to be taken for contentious catches. In thsi regard, at least, Michael Clarke satisfies criteria to be Aus Captain.
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