[harry10]

Originally Posted by PreludeSH

Hardik Pandya should have been demoted in the grade. Not sure why he is in A category and being paid so much. I don't think even in T20 he warrants a guaranteed place given is inability to bowl.

I agree.
Hardik does nothing for team India since sometime. He is usually injured when needed but somehow always for for ipl. Which is fine by me but then he shouldn't be in A category. Instead Kuldeep should be in A considering he is playing all formats now and doing well too.

[RoadTiger]

Originally Posted by Shumi_21

A little harsh on Iyer maybe, but then again the BCCI does not take kindly to disciplinary issues. Jay Shah has also clarified that international players will only be required to play domestic games if the team management instructs them to, instead of the blanket mandate for everyone that was reported earlier. Very fair & reasonable stance by the BCCI according to me.

Agreed. Am glad that the BCCI has cracked the whip - for now - around discipline. As Rohit rightly said, we need players who have the hunger to play and win for the Indian cricket team (not just their IPL teams). Also, players need to be prepared to 'grind it out' in Ranji matches to hone their skills/ come back to form.

Some cricketers come across as big shots who dont want to 'demote' themselves to Ranji. They don't deserve to play anything other than IPL then.

[kavensri]

Originally Posted by harry10

I agree.
Hardik does nothing for team India since sometime. He is usually injured when needed but somehow always for for ipl. Which is fine by me but then he shouldn't be in A category. Instead Kuldeep should be in A considering he is playing all formats now and doing well too.

I agree with you. I always wonder how much influence he might be having with the top guys at BCCI! And Kuldeep must have been in Grade A list.
On a different note, any idea why Pant is still a contracted player? I am aware of his capabilities, but we still do not know when he will be back to play international cricket. He could have been contracted as soon as he is back and meet the criteria.

[harry10]

Originally Posted by kavensri

I agree with you. I always wonder how much influence he might be having with the top guys at BCCI! And Kuldeep must have been in Grade A list.
On a different note, any idea why Pant is still a contracted player? I am aware of his capabilities, but we still do not know when he will be back to play international cricket. He could have been contracted as soon as he is back and meet the criteria.

See, I know most of us don't like bcci. But, history suggests bcci is loyal to those who are loyal to them. Pant was there Golden poster boy before the accident. He was regarded as best test wicketkeeper batsman India has played and Rightly so. His accident was unfortunate but the fact remained Pant is loyal to bcci and that's why his contract was downgraded but not removed as bcci still expects him to gain full fitness and play for India.

On the other hand Ishan and Iyer tried to bite the hands which feed them and made bcci looked bad in front of the world. They will never allow it. When a giant like Kohli couldn't win from bcci then Iyer and Kishan are nothing in comparison. I am sure if they improve their behaviour and get back to been obedient to bcci then there contracts will be back. Bcci at the end of the day is there employer.

[am1m]

Didn't expect NZ to fall apart like that. When I saw the scorecard, I thought this shows some sort of mental block when they play the Aussies, even at home. Looks like Cricinfo agrees:

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/n...tralia-1423150

"There's a reason New Zealand haven't won a home Test against Australia in 31 years and none anywhere in nearly 13. The calm, controlled and consistent cricket they play against other nations seems to disappear in the Tasman winds whenever their neighbours arrive from across the ditch."

[.sushilkumar]

Originally Posted by PreludeSH

Hardik Pandya should have been demoted in the grade. Not sure why he is in A category and being paid so much. I don't think even in T20 he warrants a guaranteed place given is inability to bowl.

Agree but few things are best if left unsaid

He is suddenly fit now just before IPL and Post IPL, will play a T20 one or two before calling himself unfit again for next few months before some important tournament. It does help that he is from Gujarat and will captain MI

[am1m]

An Ellyse Perry six smashes a window of the sponsor vehicle displayed at the ground during a WPL match.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t...he-wpl-1423624

The international, grown-up version of the classic 'breaking car/house window while playing cricket on the streets as kids'!

[PreludeSH]

Originally Posted by .sushilkumar

Agree but few things are best if left unsaid

He is suddenly fit now just before IPL and Post IPL, will play a T20 one or two before calling himself unfit again for next few months before some important tournament. It does help that he is from Gujarat and will captain MI

We will see this happening more and more with corporates holding sway. They will decide when and what a player should play.

Originally Posted by am1m

An Ellyse Perry six smashes a window of the sponsor vehicle displayed at the ground during a WPL match.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t...he-wpl-1423624

The international, grown-up version of the classic 'breaking car/house window while playing cricket on the streets as kids'!

Even I was surprised when I heard and thought it might have been a big hit to break a car outside the stadium. But all it did was hit a sponsor car not far from boundary

[Shumi_21]

What an amazing spell from Kuldeep on the very first day in flat conditions to reduce England from 132/2 to 175/6. Everyone except Stokes was set and Kuldeep managed to get them against the run of play. Absolutely top effort, especially the ball to get Crawley was magic.

[ValarMorghulis]

Phenomenal bowling performance from team India... from 132/2 to 218/10...fabulous...

Bumrah bowled magnificently too with no success. No onus is on the batters

[harry10]

Brilliance from Kuldeep and some daft batting by England resulting in collapse. 218 is way below par on this day 1 wicket.

Ash picking a 4fer making him leading wicket taker in this series is apt for his 100th test.

Hopefully we get atleast 150 run lead here.

[NomadSK]

Few guys whom I had admired for decades, seen their games from the ground level and wanted them to barge into Indian side at any point of time, But luck had other stories for them and one of the Guy was Faiz Fazal. A freak injury and Shikhar got the Indian call. Finally he hanged his boots, after a lovely career spanning 2 decades, his biggest achievement remains winning back to back Ranji finals for Vidharbha with Chandrakant Pandit as a shrewd coach. Unfortunately for him as he was branded as red ball specialist.

I wish he had got more chances in the Indian Dressing room. He's just the tip of the iceberg.

Link

"I've just ordered a few equipment, it's coming," he chuckles. "Learning to perfect the French Press, Latte art, make cappuccinos. I'm also mentoring a kid, doing one-on-one sessions. There are a few other opportunities. I'm absolutely open to playing a few leagues for retired players. But yes, life has slowed down and I'm trying to soak in everything else life has to offer."

So, I just hope Rajat Patidar gets more chances to show his caliber, before he's lost in the oblivion, under media/fans or some unwanted pressure.

[hothatchaway]

Barring a few, most batsmen in this series has displayed poor technique against spin. The key difference between the two sides, apart from Jaiswal of course is the quality of India's spin attack. If England had more experienced spinners than the series would have been closer.

Regardless, great bowling by Kuldip, he now has more confidence to bowl his variations and that is making a difference.

[Shumi_21]

Watched the entire first session today and it was some treat. Rohit & Gill got to their centuries, but it was the gorgeously eye pleasing way they got to it that got me going much better than the strongest cup of filter kaapi could. They added 139 in 30 overs at 4.3 runs per over, without playing a shot in anger. England got punched with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Moment of the day was Gill advancing and loft-driving Anderson over his head for a six & Rohit launching Bashir for a huge six so effortlessly, that it looked as if he barely made any contact with the ball.

We are 46 ahead with 9 wickets in hand. Good platform set for Paddikkal to ease into. But I want Rohit + Gill to continue all day

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by Shumi_21

...But I want Rohit + Gill to continue all day

Stokes dismissed Rohit on his first ball of the series!
Now Gill departs becoming wicket #699 for Jimmy.

Phew! We need a lead of 300 to not bat on this pitch again.