Chanders and big hitting

dcsiva — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:23:00 GMT

An astonishing result in the West Indies vs. Sri Lanka series, as Lanka collapse but keep going, and the Windies start slow, collapse, then recover with some big hitting from Chanderpaul. Island Express points to the beginning of the West Indies innings:

Yesterday, the struggle against the Vaasdomination continued, with Gayle prepared to leave almost everything outside off against Vaas, and continue his buccaneering ways against whoever was bowling at the other end. Vaas swung the ball, well into the second powerplay, and Gayle continued to wait, gleefully accepting his luck on the way. Amarasinghe got some stick and Gayle got himself a fifty in what was in the final analysis, a captain's knock.

Samir Chopra says it's the first time ever that a six was needed and delivered off the last ball:

Sorry, Pakistan fans, the Miandad six doesn't count. Four were needed then. And neither does the Mujtaba six. Seven were needed then.

The Atheist notes that Fifty50 might have some life left in it yet.

Media restrictions and more on the West Indies

dcsiva — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:20:00 GMT

BCCI relaxes some of the media restrictions for the IPL. Livemint frames the money issue at the heart of this:

Essentially, the underlying principle in both instances is the same. Seeking to maximize their revenues, the cricket authorities in both countries want to monetize every aspect of the game. On the face of it, say legal observers, this argument cannot be faulted. Especially since it is a privately organized event, for which entry is based only on tickets.

Yet, going down this path is questionable. For those unable to witness the event, especially those who cannot afford to pay for entry, the media, including print publications, is the only alternative. In other words, the public would lose out if the face-off is not resolved amicably. This would be a disaster given the cult following of cricket in the subcontinent in general and India in particular.

Ian Bishop suggests a possible turning point for the West Indies. And Sime looks forward to the Australia series:

Sarwan may be on the cusp of delivering on the potential, he has displayed glimpses of for so long......with the Aussies on the horizon.

Island Express highlights a lesson for India in a gritty Gayle performance:

Gayle is *** against Vaas and he knew it. But 1-0 down, he knuckled down, and did not give Vaas his wicket, and made a valuable 45 in the first innings, on what looked like a lively wicket, inspiring debutant and opening partner Chattegoon to do the same along the way.

And Mark covers the face off between Pietersen and Clarke. Jrod is more than a little sceptical of Pietersen.

Cover Points : Chris Gayle

Chanders and big hitting

Media restrictions and more on the West Indies