burger_uno
Debutant
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2016
- Runs
- 113
- Post of the Week
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Its understandable if Indian supporters are feeling a little low today. This is sport and unfortunately you have to take good with the bad. Overall however, Indian cricket has exceeded expectations and made its supporters proud behaviour of their media and politicians notwithstaning.
In recent times, Indian cricket has thrown up a highly talented and world class group of players who have made India the dominant team in the world. India has dominated because the team has very few holes. Its bowling attack (spin+fast) is probably the best in the world while batsmen are absolute masters under the right conditions. There is an obvious weakness against swing but the team does not play often enough in those conditions to be exposed. Middle order batting also seems to be on a downward trend and I am not sure how good are the batsmen waiting in the wings?
India's task has been made easier by dearth of talent in other teams. Aussie batting lineup is the weakest in living memory- even weaker than the poorly regarded side from mid-80s which had to deal with retirement of Chapel and Marsh and loss of players to rebel tour. Things when full circle in the mid-90s when even Hayden had to wait for six or seven years before becoming a regular member of the team. Sadly for Australian cricket, you have a return to 80s as far as batting is concerned with Smith playing the role of Border. Prospects dont seem that bright either. In comparison to bowling, Aussie pace attack is very, very good although it lacks a high impact performer from earlier era like a Lille, Mcgrath or Warne. Likes of Starc and Cummins can get to next level but batting-unit will likely continue to struggle in near term unless Smith continues to put up insane numbers - something thats seems highly improbable.
Other sides? Well, England is England. They can only dominate one version of the game at a single time. English batting is a complete joke with only Root and Stokes providing some solidity although Stokes has yet to deliver in sub-continent. English bowling has been strong but that is only for a matter of time. Next gen cannot deliver on sub-continent or in Australia.
Of the remaining sides, I am excited about prospects of Pak and SA. Pak has very strong middle order and a very decent bowling lineup with good prospects waiting in the wing. Problem is the top order which is probably slightly ahead of minnows level. Might be even trying Ahmed Shezad in the long form. He has a very good test record and is better than anyone who has been his replacement.
I also think SA has nucleus of a very good team. With more experience and commitment, they could have easily defeated Pak in Pak. SA bowling attack is world class and batting has a core group of good players who can thrive if they get the experience of playing in different conditions.
OF the remaining sides, NZ obviously deserves recognition. Like India, they have lucked out to a certain extent. Their system is producing talent when other teams seemed to be lacking. Moreover, while NZ side deserves credit, its hard for me to see them defeating India or Australia away.
Back to India which for me is the best all round cricketing side of the last few years. They are not however dominant as peak WI or Aussie sides. Lack of success in ICC tournaments and three consecutive test losses to NZ puts a blemish on their otherwise exemplary record. Going forward, India wont have all its own way. Indian cricketing hukkaam, in order to make to make a quick buck, will drive their players to the ground. That is a story for another day.
In recent times, Indian cricket has thrown up a highly talented and world class group of players who have made India the dominant team in the world. India has dominated because the team has very few holes. Its bowling attack (spin+fast) is probably the best in the world while batsmen are absolute masters under the right conditions. There is an obvious weakness against swing but the team does not play often enough in those conditions to be exposed. Middle order batting also seems to be on a downward trend and I am not sure how good are the batsmen waiting in the wings?
India's task has been made easier by dearth of talent in other teams. Aussie batting lineup is the weakest in living memory- even weaker than the poorly regarded side from mid-80s which had to deal with retirement of Chapel and Marsh and loss of players to rebel tour. Things when full circle in the mid-90s when even Hayden had to wait for six or seven years before becoming a regular member of the team. Sadly for Australian cricket, you have a return to 80s as far as batting is concerned with Smith playing the role of Border. Prospects dont seem that bright either. In comparison to bowling, Aussie pace attack is very, very good although it lacks a high impact performer from earlier era like a Lille, Mcgrath or Warne. Likes of Starc and Cummins can get to next level but batting-unit will likely continue to struggle in near term unless Smith continues to put up insane numbers - something thats seems highly improbable.
Other sides? Well, England is England. They can only dominate one version of the game at a single time. English batting is a complete joke with only Root and Stokes providing some solidity although Stokes has yet to deliver in sub-continent. English bowling has been strong but that is only for a matter of time. Next gen cannot deliver on sub-continent or in Australia.
Of the remaining sides, I am excited about prospects of Pak and SA. Pak has very strong middle order and a very decent bowling lineup with good prospects waiting in the wing. Problem is the top order which is probably slightly ahead of minnows level. Might be even trying Ahmed Shezad in the long form. He has a very good test record and is better than anyone who has been his replacement.
I also think SA has nucleus of a very good team. With more experience and commitment, they could have easily defeated Pak in Pak. SA bowling attack is world class and batting has a core group of good players who can thrive if they get the experience of playing in different conditions.
OF the remaining sides, NZ obviously deserves recognition. Like India, they have lucked out to a certain extent. Their system is producing talent when other teams seemed to be lacking. Moreover, while NZ side deserves credit, its hard for me to see them defeating India or Australia away.
Back to India which for me is the best all round cricketing side of the last few years. They are not however dominant as peak WI or Aussie sides. Lack of success in ICC tournaments and three consecutive test losses to NZ puts a blemish on their otherwise exemplary record. Going forward, India wont have all its own way. Indian cricketing hukkaam, in order to make to make a quick buck, will drive their players to the ground. That is a story for another day.
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