Is that the difference between Freddy
and Rahul?
By Gaurav Sethi
It didn’t matter who had an upset stomach, a bad back or a pulled muscle. It didn’t matter whether captain, vice captain, ace bowler, spin bowler, all were out of action. It didn’t matter how many players made their test debuts. It didn’t matter how young or old the new bunch were. Andrew Flintoff could have been the last Englishman standing and he still would have knocked the stuffing out of the Indians. They don’t call him their talisman for nothing.
The first big bang was in the summer of 2005 when Flintoff finally walked, no, ran out of Botham’s shadow - 402 runs and 24 wickets in five Tests, setting up the most famous Ashes win ever - one that captured the imagination of a nation and elevated Freddy and cricket to superstar and super-sport status. No longer was cricket soccer’s poor cousin that only suited white sahibs, old fogies and the balmy army watched. Suddenly, Flintoff was bending it like, if not better than Beckham. England was truly taking a reverse swing.
Chew on this; Andrew Flintoff: Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2004, ICC One-Day Player of the Year 2004 ICC Player of the Year 2005, BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2005, Awarded the MBE on 31st December 2005. Freddy Flintoff is all this and more. Undoubtedly, the world’s top all rounder, Flintoff is at the peak of his powers today; not content to be England’s most feared bowler and batsman, he now has the makings of one hell of a shrewd captain. Through all this he even manages one of those disarmingly boyish grins that has English lasses hooting on their Ts –“ Freddy! I want to have your baby”
However, in the 6’ 4” Big Daddy’s path stood a formidable adversary: The Wall, arguably the most dependable test batsman in the world today – how else does one explain the team’s triumphs in the last five-six years. Through these years, it might have been Sachin, Sehwag and Laxman who pulled the killer blows in tests, and got all the hot press and kudos, but rarely, if ever, any Indian win in the past few years has been achieved without a serious contribution from Dravid.
Starting in Kolkata 2001 scoring 180 to partner Laxman’s 281 against Australia; followed by match saving innings at Port Elizabeth, Georgetown and Trent Bridge, and match winning ones at Headlingley, Adelaide, Kandy and Rawalpindi – all this while making four centuries in successive innings, and four double-centuries in 15 Tests. Sample this; Rahul Dravid: Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2000, ICC Test Player of the Year 2004, ICC Player of the Year 2004. And yes, if India had an MBE, he sure would’ve had one too. But when, if ever, did you see a desi kudi in a T-shirt saying “Rahul I want to have your….”
At the start of the India-England test series, Dravid was the more experienced captain and player (a test series in Pakistan, a few ODI series and nearly100 tests compared to Flintoff’s 56); where as Flintoff had the added burden of bowling, often long spells in the hot ‘n muggy Indian summer.
In the final analysis, it might just boil down to the t-shirt quote. After all, how difficult can it be to inspire 10 men when you have an entire nation at your feet? Freddy Flintoff rode the wave, was proclaimed as Lord Rama by the press, and did the impossible – take on India in its own backyard.
Whereas Rahul Dravid at best could rely on his own doggedness and never say die attitude. Meanwhile immortals like Sachin were being booed, Sehwag was sluggish, there was no VVS to partner, the Yuvraj and Kaif selection issue was back to haunt, the Chappell-Ganguly skirmishes were on, and Kumble was the next most reliable batsman after the Wall.
Cricket has rarely been so black and white. It was two deliveries that cost India the test series in Pakistan, and another two the series against England. Two were bowled in the last test at Karachi. Two in the last test in Mumbai. All at Rahul Dravid. And in spite of everything Dravid did, he lost the test series to Pakistan and couldn’t win it against England. The final blow in the Mumbai test 2nd innings: Dravid caught by Jones for 8 off the bowling of Flintoff, who else?
In the India-England test series, two players gave it their all and some more. One had other players whom he could rely on and call his team. Think the English girls might call this bloke Freddy Teddy.
March 24, 2006
March 13, 2006
“THE SPECIAL DAY IN A CRICKETER’S LIFE.”
- Don’t let the rapture surf you by.
By Gaurav Sethi
There was a truckload of sport, especially cricket on Super Sunday, 12th March, 2006. Starting with the India-England test match at Mohali. Followed by Iqbal, a film about a young cricketer’s dream, and the big SA-Aussie decider at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Random surfing through three channels takes discretion, a good remote and lots of luck to catch the high points. It also pays if you’re not too big on F1, otherwise Bahrain would’ve encroached on the joys of J’burg.
Now, anyone who ever followed the 2003 World Cup Finals between India and Australia would be wary of the Wanderers – that’s where Oz made 359 beating India by a mile and more. So when Gilchrist, Ponting and Hussey went berserk making 434 (what kind of score is that anyway?), naturally the skeptic within announced, “so long, game over, let’s watch the other channels now.” Also because off late, it’s a much easier to side South Africa than Australia – wasn’t it the convicts who only recently went crazy calling Muralitharan a “chucker” and the Proteas “chokers” and “racists”. Gamesmanship is one thing, but this is downright dirty, mate.
Anyway, for a downright dirty cricket fanatic from India, taking to the streets over a F1 final doesn’t come naturally – not even if comeback kid Schumacher (or is it Schumi?) makes it to the podium or Renault win with a guy who sounds like a mango – Alonso? And inspired as Iqbal was, 5-minute commercial breaks between 10 minute film time (or was it the other way round?) isn’t really conducive to TV viewing. As for the Mohali game, it sure was a tester with Bell’s blade blocking away. Luckily both Bell and that telecast were out by 6 pm.
Surf to the South Africa chase – just for a few kicks because nobody ever chases down 434, especially when you are the undisputed “chokers” of world cricket. See how easy it is to believe something. Just keep saying it and before you know, it’s a fact.
Take for instance Herschelle Gibbs – in an earlier World Cup, Big Brother Steve Waugh (when dropped by Gibbs), snapped and said, “that’s the world cup you just dropped, son”. How does one play down that kind of thing? Or when Mark Boucher, (again in the World Cup) read the script wrong, and muffed up on the Duckworth Lewis method calculation with his then captain Shaun Pollock. Not to forget the Lance Klusener-Alan Donald goofy run-out v/s Australia that tied the game, and disqualified SA from the World Cup. And only recently, down under, South Africa lost out to Australia and even Sri Lanka of all teams, a place in the triangular championship. Chokers or what?
But then this 5th game decider between SA-Australia was not part of any World Cup or Tri series championship. It was a face-to face between two teams that are now being tipped as the latest archrivals of world cricket. Though in the final analysis, this will be much bigger than the world or any cup for South Africa. The headlines have been written. The win is part of cricketing history. It’s being billed as the greatest game of one-day cricket ever. The records had been set and then torn to shreds by South Africa. The so-called “chokers” tag too, has been ripped apart - By the two fall guys, Gibbs (175) and Boucher (55 not out).
For Mark Boucher to be there at the end, to score the winning runs was a hugely moving experience. Almost speechless, baby faced Boucher did say the world cup game was at the back of his mind. And while the team ran a lap of honour, the questions rolled on, and Boucher obliged with answers, almost overcome with the enormity of the moment. Looks like he’s finally got that world cup monkey of his back. And though Shaun Pollock didn’t play in this final game, his exceptional all round performance won him the man of the series.
Surfing back to Mohali on what was Super Saturday for the modest man of Indian cricket - Anil Kumble – Non-spinner, medium pacer, test and ODI discard. Kumble became the first Indian to reach 500 wickets. For Kumble, like Boucher, Gibbs, Pollock, and Iqbal, his latest achievement could well be his salvation, his redemption song.
As Daryl Cullinan put Gibbs’ brilliant match winning knock of 175 in perspective, “his special day was due” - one he won’t want to surf away from in a hurry.
- Don’t let the rapture surf you by.
By Gaurav Sethi
There was a truckload of sport, especially cricket on Super Sunday, 12th March, 2006. Starting with the India-England test match at Mohali. Followed by Iqbal, a film about a young cricketer’s dream, and the big SA-Aussie decider at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Random surfing through three channels takes discretion, a good remote and lots of luck to catch the high points. It also pays if you’re not too big on F1, otherwise Bahrain would’ve encroached on the joys of J’burg.
Now, anyone who ever followed the 2003 World Cup Finals between India and Australia would be wary of the Wanderers – that’s where Oz made 359 beating India by a mile and more. So when Gilchrist, Ponting and Hussey went berserk making 434 (what kind of score is that anyway?), naturally the skeptic within announced, “so long, game over, let’s watch the other channels now.” Also because off late, it’s a much easier to side South Africa than Australia – wasn’t it the convicts who only recently went crazy calling Muralitharan a “chucker” and the Proteas “chokers” and “racists”. Gamesmanship is one thing, but this is downright dirty, mate.
Anyway, for a downright dirty cricket fanatic from India, taking to the streets over a F1 final doesn’t come naturally – not even if comeback kid Schumacher (or is it Schumi?) makes it to the podium or Renault win with a guy who sounds like a mango – Alonso? And inspired as Iqbal was, 5-minute commercial breaks between 10 minute film time (or was it the other way round?) isn’t really conducive to TV viewing. As for the Mohali game, it sure was a tester with Bell’s blade blocking away. Luckily both Bell and that telecast were out by 6 pm.
Surf to the South Africa chase – just for a few kicks because nobody ever chases down 434, especially when you are the undisputed “chokers” of world cricket. See how easy it is to believe something. Just keep saying it and before you know, it’s a fact.
Take for instance Herschelle Gibbs – in an earlier World Cup, Big Brother Steve Waugh (when dropped by Gibbs), snapped and said, “that’s the world cup you just dropped, son”. How does one play down that kind of thing? Or when Mark Boucher, (again in the World Cup) read the script wrong, and muffed up on the Duckworth Lewis method calculation with his then captain Shaun Pollock. Not to forget the Lance Klusener-Alan Donald goofy run-out v/s Australia that tied the game, and disqualified SA from the World Cup. And only recently, down under, South Africa lost out to Australia and even Sri Lanka of all teams, a place in the triangular championship. Chokers or what?
But then this 5th game decider between SA-Australia was not part of any World Cup or Tri series championship. It was a face-to face between two teams that are now being tipped as the latest archrivals of world cricket. Though in the final analysis, this will be much bigger than the world or any cup for South Africa. The headlines have been written. The win is part of cricketing history. It’s being billed as the greatest game of one-day cricket ever. The records had been set and then torn to shreds by South Africa. The so-called “chokers” tag too, has been ripped apart - By the two fall guys, Gibbs (175) and Boucher (55 not out).
For Mark Boucher to be there at the end, to score the winning runs was a hugely moving experience. Almost speechless, baby faced Boucher did say the world cup game was at the back of his mind. And while the team ran a lap of honour, the questions rolled on, and Boucher obliged with answers, almost overcome with the enormity of the moment. Looks like he’s finally got that world cup monkey of his back. And though Shaun Pollock didn’t play in this final game, his exceptional all round performance won him the man of the series.
Surfing back to Mohali on what was Super Saturday for the modest man of Indian cricket - Anil Kumble – Non-spinner, medium pacer, test and ODI discard. Kumble became the first Indian to reach 500 wickets. For Kumble, like Boucher, Gibbs, Pollock, and Iqbal, his latest achievement could well be his salvation, his redemption song.
As Daryl Cullinan put Gibbs’ brilliant match winning knock of 175 in perspective, “his special day was due” - one he won’t want to surf away from in a hurry.
March 08, 2006
“WHAT HAVE YOU GOT, SKIP?”
The worlds of one day and test cricket
continue to collide, and consume
many a good captain.
By Gaurav Sethi
“What have you got, Skip?” That was Naseer Hussein on air - targeting a clueless Rahul Dravid - at first slip, in the Nagpur test v/s England. Apt, as it came from a former skipper - one who made a bunch of wannabes into world-beaters. In a way, the comment summed up the modern game – where a captain must be on the button all the time. Even in the commentary box. Right, Nas?
“Where have you gone, Skip?” Regardless of the India-England series’ result, the course of English cricket and its captaincy appears to have changed forever; somewhat like that of Indian cricket. Flintoff might say otherwise in the press, but surely he knows better than that.
If the door has been finally closed on Ganguly (India’s most successful captain), on the English front, Michael Vaughan (widely regarded as one of the best captains in world cricket) flew back home because of injury. This may not be the end of the road for Vaughan, but it could well be the beginning of the end. Famous last words or what?
Even though, like Ganguly, few will doubt Vaughan’s captaincy skills, questions might soon be asked of his batting form. From an average of 50 plus in tests and ‘top player in the world rankings” status, Vaughan’s test average (as ex skip Naseer Hussain might have observed, considering his keen interest in averages) has dropped to 42.94. Also his place in the one day side is anything but secure – with an average of 28.36, strike rate of under 70, with no century in 74 games – he doesn’t quite have the numbers of a top order batsman – especially with the 2007 World Cup looming large, and Andrew Flintoff being projected as future captain material. Coach Duncan Fletcher may soon be asking questions, quite like our own coach - Ignore youth at your peril could be the new mantra in world cricket. It doesn’t matter if a rookie like Raina comes in for a Ganguly with 22 ODI hundreds. Watch out Vaughan, with a fifty and a hundred on debut, Cook is knocking hard on your door.
As did Andrew Strauss, not too long ago, on Naseer Hussain’s door. “Dejavu, skip?” Now, it’s no surprise that failure in either cricketing format hastens retirement for a captain, as in the case of Nasser Hussain - after England’s indifferent performance in the 2003 World Cup, Hussain gave up the one-day international captaincy, going on to resign from all forms of cricket in 2004. In his last few months at the helm, Hussain had to endure criticism from all quarters, including the caustic commentary team of Sky Sports. So much so, when he scored his first and only ODI hundred (in the famous Natwest final that India won) this player made a rather public show of finger pointing. Could it be at Beefy, Willis and Gower in the box? However, immediately after a test hundred, Hussain called it a day, as Strauss had announced his arrival in the same series.
“It’s different series now, Skip” Michael Vaughan’s back home with the curse of the urn to contend with – Vaughan has not won a Test since the Ashes win. Incidentally, Vaughan is in distinguished company. England's last Ashes-winning captain, Mike Gatting, never won a Test again after that series in Australia in 1986-87. The one before was David Gower in 1985, and he never won another Test either, 0-5 in the West Indies and 0-1 against India before being sacked in favour of Gatting, only to return, three years later, for a 0-4 drubbing by Australia. The Ashes winner before that was Mike Brearley. He too never won another Test as he subsequently retired from international cricket.
As for Rahul Dravid, the best phase of his career just goes on and on and on - from Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2000 to ICC Test Player of the Year 2004 and ICC Player of the Year 2004; the last six years have seen The Wall become the backbone of both India’s test and one day sides. From having to keep wickets to secure his place in the 2003 World Cup under Ganguly, he has redefined his one day role, upped his strike rate (from the 60s to 70 plus) and average (from the late 30s to 40 plus). But like so many before him (Hussein, Vaughan and Ganguly included), Dravid will know only too well, that the shelf life of a one-day player is getting shorter, like that a teenage queen. And the 2007 World Cup may be his last tango with the youngster’s game. One can only wish, that a player of Dravid’s caliber does not let the vagaries of one-day cricket effect his value as a test player to team India. “Best of luck, Skip!”
The worlds of one day and test cricket
continue to collide, and consume
many a good captain.
By Gaurav Sethi
“What have you got, Skip?” That was Naseer Hussein on air - targeting a clueless Rahul Dravid - at first slip, in the Nagpur test v/s England. Apt, as it came from a former skipper - one who made a bunch of wannabes into world-beaters. In a way, the comment summed up the modern game – where a captain must be on the button all the time. Even in the commentary box. Right, Nas?
“Where have you gone, Skip?” Regardless of the India-England series’ result, the course of English cricket and its captaincy appears to have changed forever; somewhat like that of Indian cricket. Flintoff might say otherwise in the press, but surely he knows better than that.
If the door has been finally closed on Ganguly (India’s most successful captain), on the English front, Michael Vaughan (widely regarded as one of the best captains in world cricket) flew back home because of injury. This may not be the end of the road for Vaughan, but it could well be the beginning of the end. Famous last words or what?
Even though, like Ganguly, few will doubt Vaughan’s captaincy skills, questions might soon be asked of his batting form. From an average of 50 plus in tests and ‘top player in the world rankings” status, Vaughan’s test average (as ex skip Naseer Hussain might have observed, considering his keen interest in averages) has dropped to 42.94. Also his place in the one day side is anything but secure – with an average of 28.36, strike rate of under 70, with no century in 74 games – he doesn’t quite have the numbers of a top order batsman – especially with the 2007 World Cup looming large, and Andrew Flintoff being projected as future captain material. Coach Duncan Fletcher may soon be asking questions, quite like our own coach - Ignore youth at your peril could be the new mantra in world cricket. It doesn’t matter if a rookie like Raina comes in for a Ganguly with 22 ODI hundreds. Watch out Vaughan, with a fifty and a hundred on debut, Cook is knocking hard on your door.
As did Andrew Strauss, not too long ago, on Naseer Hussain’s door. “Dejavu, skip?” Now, it’s no surprise that failure in either cricketing format hastens retirement for a captain, as in the case of Nasser Hussain - after England’s indifferent performance in the 2003 World Cup, Hussain gave up the one-day international captaincy, going on to resign from all forms of cricket in 2004. In his last few months at the helm, Hussain had to endure criticism from all quarters, including the caustic commentary team of Sky Sports. So much so, when he scored his first and only ODI hundred (in the famous Natwest final that India won) this player made a rather public show of finger pointing. Could it be at Beefy, Willis and Gower in the box? However, immediately after a test hundred, Hussain called it a day, as Strauss had announced his arrival in the same series.
“It’s different series now, Skip” Michael Vaughan’s back home with the curse of the urn to contend with – Vaughan has not won a Test since the Ashes win. Incidentally, Vaughan is in distinguished company. England's last Ashes-winning captain, Mike Gatting, never won a Test again after that series in Australia in 1986-87. The one before was David Gower in 1985, and he never won another Test either, 0-5 in the West Indies and 0-1 against India before being sacked in favour of Gatting, only to return, three years later, for a 0-4 drubbing by Australia. The Ashes winner before that was Mike Brearley. He too never won another Test as he subsequently retired from international cricket.
As for Rahul Dravid, the best phase of his career just goes on and on and on - from Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2000 to ICC Test Player of the Year 2004 and ICC Player of the Year 2004; the last six years have seen The Wall become the backbone of both India’s test and one day sides. From having to keep wickets to secure his place in the 2003 World Cup under Ganguly, he has redefined his one day role, upped his strike rate (from the 60s to 70 plus) and average (from the late 30s to 40 plus). But like so many before him (Hussein, Vaughan and Ganguly included), Dravid will know only too well, that the shelf life of a one-day player is getting shorter, like that a teenage queen. And the 2007 World Cup may be his last tango with the youngster’s game. One can only wish, that a player of Dravid’s caliber does not let the vagaries of one-day cricket effect his value as a test player to team India. “Best of luck, Skip!”
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