Hot, Not, and need to be Rethought!
Back in 2007, I wrote a (somewhat emotional) post on another blog I run. It was about my thoughts after the heart-gutting T20 WC final. You can read it in its entirety here.
In that post, I put together a list of things to note from what was then a first-of-a-kind tournament. Here's that list:
I'm beginning my list for this year's tournament. Here are my first entries:
Two things that are hot: slow bouncers, Pak spinners.
One thing that needs a rethink: single-digit over matches.
One thing that is hot no longer: Afridi's batting.
Will add to the list over the course of the tournament.
In that post, I put together a list of things to note from what was then a first-of-a-kind tournament. Here's that list:
- Four things that are hot: field-placing strategy, spinners, net-run-rate, and illegal Internet video streams.
- Four things that need a rethink: free-hits (although no-balls have gone down!), Ian Bishop, bowl-outs, and the ODI World Cup format.
- Four things that are hot no longer: England, fast bowlers at the death, drinks breaks, and Shoaib Akhtar.
I'm beginning my list for this year's tournament. Here are my first entries:
Two things that are hot: slow bouncers, Pak spinners.
One thing that needs a rethink: single-digit over matches.
One thing that is hot no longer: Afridi's batting.
Will add to the list over the course of the tournament.
Some more:
Hot: Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle's black bandana
Re-think: Super 8 format
Not: Dhoni at 3.
Hey Q - I agree with the "Not: Dhoni at 3". Honestly way Dhoni is playing nowadays, Harbhajan is more likely to score more and faster than Dhoni.
Dhoni is a good guy but lately he has been looking extremely jaded.
Also regarding Pak team - I had a question for you - I know you are a big fan of Fawad Alam - I heard of him only from your blog. He seems like he does not ball at all and comes in at Number 7. What exactly is his role in the team? Is he playing as an all-rounder or specialist batsman? I think Pak is getting the team order and balance wrong and by the looks of it, India is trying to join them in bad batting order / strategy etc.
Rayden,
Agree abt Dhoni looking jaded. Don't know why he persisted at 3.
As for Fawad Alam.
He is primarily a batsman. He bowls some left arm spin but very very part time.
Your right, the balance and the batting line up is by no means how it should be. I don't think the Pakistan team has a strategy!
As for his batting. He has been the top domestic performer for the last 3 seasons in Pakistan and consistently ignored.
You can read more abt him here:
http://www.wellpitched.com/2008/06/fawad-alam-pakistans-finisher.html
and here:
http://www.wellpitched.com/2008/10/fawad-alam-continues-his-march.html
hot: gayle's yellow shades at the toss today
Oh those were just funky NC! I saw him wearing those in the dug out when he sat out the game against SL.. coolness!