Zim in test matches
India would really have to play well in test matches. Indian batting is in a bit of a bother, Sachin is not there. And Zim bowlers are decent enough with Streak and Blignaut leading the charge.
Andy Blignaut is the under-rated guy in their side. He bowls fast (I remember around 87mph !) and has the ability to charge up and raise his performance. A couple of good bowlers are enough to trouble a side. I also think Blignaut is a more than decent batsman. Would be interesting to watch him out.
And now that Sachin has withdrawn from the tests, there would be a healthy competition or the available spot between Yuvraj and Kaif.
And its good that the team management got an opener as replacement (I don't know if they asked for it, but the message seems to be that he is not in contention for the middle order spot left vacant by Sachin. That is for Yuvraj or Kaif to fill)
I would be really surprised, and maybe sad, if Jadhav gets to play any game ahead of Yuvraj or Kaif in the middle order.
posted by worma at 8/31/2005 03:05:00 PM
5 Comments:
Indians have sent an off spinner to replace a fast bowler. So dnt be surprised if an opener is replacing a middle order batsman.
As I said, and now it 'does' seem to be the case, the team management had been consulted before the selection. Since they asked for an opener, two reasons seem likely. One that Sehwag may not be fully fit (as he is sick right now) so the opener is a cover for him. Second if Gambhir fails and things go horribly wrong (you know, the un-mentionable :-) then they use him.
A third less likely reason was what Prem suggested, that they may want to shift Sehwag down the order. But in test matches that looks highly unlikely.
Vibhash, jokes aside, I dont think this team management has done too many stupid selections. I think since Ganguly-Wright period, selections have been done on consistent and logical grounds. Sometimes some players have found favour over other close contenders, but no blatant mis-matches have occured. Or dont you think so?
Maher, I feel Balaji would be preferred over Khan (both will be tried in practise game) but more or less you're correct. Also...lets see if there is a thinking of playing two spinners, although Bhajji isn't in the supreme form to run through the opposition on green pitches.
About Yuv and Kaif, I also prefer Kaif. Unless Yuv does exceptionally well in the next three games(and Kaif doesnt).
But I dont think VVS would be 'judged' based on just these two games. All of them are struggling a bit, so all of them need to do well. So does VVS, nothing special going for or against him.
And you're right about Jadhav, thats the point I've been trying to make at sightscreen also for a while :-)
True, Blignaut is more of a bowler. He can't win a match by his batting, just potential trouble maker. On sightscreen..the usual debate...why Jadhav is chosen..is it politics...why an opener in place of middle order. Am trying to hold the forte :-)
yep c u there mate
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