Hey there! Thanks for visiting the MyCricTalks page!
Having followed the sport very closely for over two decades, it’s a real honor to express my thoughts on numerous cricketing instances across the globe on the International circuit.
I’ve always believed that the sport is beyond the results. I’ve truly admired the way the game is being played and have voiced out my thoughts on different aspects of the game.
England defeat South Africa to take the series 2-1!
“Having won just 1 Test out of 17 a few months ago and to win 6 out of 7 over the past few weeks tell the story of this new look England Test team. While England still had problems with their opening pair, the bowlers didn’t let them down in any of the 3 Test matches played in almost similar conditions. England, for now, look settled as a team, atleast in home conditions. There’s more to be seen when this side start touring, especially in the sub-continent where the Baz-Ball approach seems far from reality against a very good spin attack in what could be seen as the alien conditions. It was a very competitive approach by the Proteas after having performed consistenly well in the recent past. This series has very much shown them what their pace department would be for the next few years. With nothing much to pick from their batting which looked unsettled for most part of the series, they’ll for sure take all the positives from this series looking ahead to their future UK tours. Overall, it was an excellent fast-paced series with just about 8 days of cricket fiercely contested by both the teams. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
England end series with yet another brutal finish!
” Having won just 1 Test out of the last 17 Tests and to beat the World Test champions the way they did is absolutely incredible! You don’t see this happening too frequently in Test cricket where a Team chases down the Target of 250+ on the final day of a Test match and to do that thrice in as many weeks is something really special in this format of the game. NewZealand’s duo of Mitchell and Blundell did everything they could almost everytime they went out to bat together, but, that simply couldn’t stop the Englishmen from taking the attack to the opposition while they were at the crease. Matty Potts is an excellent find for England and should be in their line up henceforth. Ben Foakes has been really good with the bat making some really important contributions throughout the series. Root, Bairstow, Stokes, Leech, Broad have all been able to contribute to what is the start to an exciting English Test cricket in the Stokes-McCullum era. On the other side, NewZealand have found Darell Mitchell, who, until now was a fantastic T20 cricketer. Overall, it was a great series of Test cricket with both the teams fiercely competing with each other in conditions either helping both or none. The cricketing world will for sure look forward to more of these exciting Test cricket. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
England’s brutal finish at Trentbridge!
” How often do we see a Test match in England conditions ending up the way it did at Trentbridge! The game was all set for an exhilarating finish in the final session of a Test match with all the four results still possible. With NewZealand being a bowler short in Jamieson, Bairstow and Stokes took the attack to the opposition hammering their premier fast bowlers to every corner of Trentbridge. While it has raised a lot of hopes with Stokes-McCullum taking charge in red ball cricket, England will be looking forward to carrying momentum for the rest of the English summer. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
England go 1-0 up at Lord’s!
” It was one of the finest games in recent times. What seemed like a very familiar England Test set up at different stages of the game, were finally able to pull one off after a very long time. While it was a beginning of Stokes-Mccullum era, it was also the beginning of a new chapter for Joe Root as an ex-skipper and pure Test batsman. Root’s form is highly crucial for England to win those games as much as the form of their senior fast bowlers. Foakes’s contribution in the second innings was very useful as the wicketkeeper batsman look to make the place behind the wicket of his own. Potts on debut was quite impressive. Newzealand had their moments in the game when they had Stokes bowled off a no-ball! While both the teams had their share of moments in what was a see-saw game throughout, Newzealand will look to turn things around at Trentbridge later this week. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
England’s woes continues in Carribean after the 0-1 loss to the home side.
” It was the familiar woes for England yet again in Test cricket. England are clearly lacking the Test batsmen with great potential to take the team forward and their next leader barring Joe Root. The ECB should look beyond Joe Root for captaincy and simply cannot afford to keep going down everytime without putting up any fight whatsoever. The changes to the line up from Ashes did help them to some extent, but wasn’t really quite enough to win games for them. It’s high time England learn from their mistakes. With the kind of Test cricket they’ve been playing, the ongoing WTC seems quite over for them. On the other side, the WestIndies had a lot of positives to take from this series. In the context of this series and result, apparently, the WestIndies played better Test cricket than England. However, both the sides should be taking a lot home from the series that was so evenly balanced at different stages. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Australia beat Pakistan at Lahore to win the series 1-0.
” In a series that was highly criticized for poor pitches with the batsmen having great time in the middle, it was Australia’s efforts that put them on the winning side after what was one of the finest wins for any touring side in the sub-continent conditions. Khawaja was exceptional throughout the series. Cummins, Starc and Lyon did what they does best with the ball. This will for sure be one of the hardest fought overseas wins for the Aussies after having been in a position the two sides were going onto the last day of what was an otherwise monotonous series. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
South Africa come from behind to clinch the series 2-1.
“You don’t see that happening too often against the top side in the world. It wasn’t just their bowling, but their batting that has won the games and eventually the series. It was very pleasing to see the likes of Petersen, Van Dussen and others having an impact on the series. Dean Elgar was fantastic in the second Test match, taking multiple blows and showing grit to take his side home which had set the tone for the decider at Capetown. The bowlers were as usual upto their mark, picking wickets at the right time and not letting the opposition put a big total on the board. The South African side will take this series win as a huge motivation in setting their standards in the longer format of the game while they try to build a solid Test team for the future. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Australia beat England 4-0 in the home Ashes series.
“Firstly, congratulations to the Aussies for having dominated the Ashes series right from the word go! It was really great to have contributions from different players at different stages of the game and series. Travis Head, Cameron Green, Scot Boland, Usman Khawaja all amongst the performances which ultimately had changed the course of the series. Led by their skipper, world’s best bowler at the moment, the way Pat Cummins made the bowling changes and field placements were really incredible to start off what looks like a very promising Test captaincy role. Overall, it was a very comprehensive win for the Aussies. On the other side, it was the same England team that has been struggling to find feet in the traditional format of the game. The batting collapses have now become so regular with this England side that you see them almost every alternate innings. While their bowlers did a decent job, it was their batting that has always let them down, not just this series, but for a long time now. I’m sure the ECB will sit with the skipper Joe Root, coach and selectors to find a way to come out of this hurdle and build a new look team for the future. There aren’t too many positives for them to take home from this series. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Australia go 1-0 up in the Ashes down under.
“It was a very clinical performance from the Aussies and definitely the way they’d have liked to start the home Ashes series. With Warner, Labuschagne and Head amongst the runs, the batting looks pretty settled at the moment, and with Steven Smith due for a big one soon, England will have a lot to answer if their seamers don’t find a way to stop the Aussie batsmen. England did have their moments in the game going into day four with a deficit of mere 58 runs and with 8 wickets left, but it didn’t really last long against the refreshed Aussie attack on what looked like a slightly difficult pitch to bat on the 4th and 5th day of a Test match. The Gabba, as always has offered great pace, bounce and carry throughout the Test match. England, would probably have been in a better position had they played Stuart Broad at the Gabba. This is a great start to the Ashes and England will surely be looking to put this one behind and start afresh in the pink ball Test starting in a few days’ time. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
India beat New Zealand in the home Test series.
“It was yet another hard fought series for New Zealand. They did show the intent to play out on a difficult pitch, but, the home side were too much to handle in the context of this series. While the series defeat was always on the cards playing against a very good quality of spin attack, there are a lot of positives the Kiwis should be taking back home. Ajaz patel’s 10-fer spell, Tim Southee’s spell in the first Test, Latham’s innings in the first Test, the last wicket stand to draw the game on a low and slow Kanpur track. But, it was quite disappointing to see someone like Ross Taylor with over 100 Test matches under his belt still looking very tentative at the crease. Well, it was a very quiet and one-sided series pretty much throughout.Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Paine quits as Test captain amid off-field scandal.
“In my opinion, as a player, this would not hamper the Team’s motivation ahead of a big Ashes series in a month’s time specially coming off after a World cup win. As a captain, he was to a fair extent successful in keeping the Australian sport culture intact after what was one of the horrifying Cape Town incident back then. If the Australian selectors decide to sideline him from the Ashes purely based on a fact that he isn’t a right fit as a keeper-batsman taking on the strong English side, this would certainly throw up a spot for one of the keeper-batsmen in the country to be in the playing eleven in the longer run. With the Ashes just around the corner, I guess they’d go with Pat Cummins as a captain atleast until they find someone who could take the Australian cricket forward, and again in the longer run. With Cummins set to play all the five Test matches unless bothered by an injury, he should be made the captain for the next immediate series keeping in mind that it isn’t any appropriate for CA to appoint someone who hasn’t been a part of a side for a long time as a new skipper as well as owing to the tight timelines. Well, there’s as much success with this Australian side on the field to talk as off it! Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
After England’s defeat at Oval.
“Absolutely! You cannot win too many games if you’re not making the best use of the game situation, specially when you know the opposition and that your side is vulnerable to collapses in Test cricket. To bat out 90 overs on the last day when the surface was still good for batting, you couldn’t have asked for any better as far as the conditions in England are concerned. As always it has been for England in the recent times, the collapses have largely become a part of England’s batting; with the Ashes just around the corner, England have a lot to answer. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
The high profile series is evenly poised after the Headingley Test.
“This was pretty much required for England after their recent loss to NewZealand and the humiliating defeat at Lord’s in the second Test. After a long time, England have had one of their best outings, and more importantly the top three amongst the runs. With the wicket playing easy for batsmen through the four days of the Test match, England did extremely well on the first day to restrict their opponent to what was a collapse triggered by poor shot selection from the top order. With the inclusion of Chris Woakes back in the Test squad and Anderson & co. in red hot form at the moment, the series is nicely poised heading onto Oval for what could be the series deciding game. England, for now, might have found some solace with their batting, but a lot remains to be answered at the end of the series. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Joe Root takes the blame after England lost the Lord’s Test from a strong position at the start of the final day.
“Time and again, it was England’s batting especially the top order that has been constantly letting them down for quite sometime now. England cannot simply afford to stick to the same playing combination to win games for them; they’re a lot dependent on Joe Root to deliver with the bat and James Anderson with the ball in the absence of Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer. Also, the lack of intent to score runs and dodgy defensive technique by players like Sibley, Bairstow, Buttler and Burns is hurting them extensively. With the Ashes just around the corner, the quality of England’s Test cricket is depleting with multiple issues racing against time. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
England and India would have pushed for a win on the final day but the weather had other plans
“It was yet another rain-hit, but gripping Test cricket in English conditions. Joe had ensured England’s roots were safe for the second time this year! England, for long now, has a problem with their top three; not scoring runs at the top of the order barring their skipper Root is hurtig them badly! With their bowlers trying everything they could in different conditions, it is their batsmen who’s letting them down every time. England cannot simply afford to stick to the same top three after some dismal performances and considering the fact that they’ve been given a fair amount of chances already at the highest level. If they’re looking to come close to winning the Ashes later this year down under, it is high time they make some bold decisions to keep themselves competitive in what is seen as the contrasting Test batting line up for a fabulous white ball cricket team. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
New Zealand beat England just before the WTC final
“ Absolutely! This was yet another series between the two evenly balanced sides. With New Zealand’s top order and bowling department pretty much settled, England on the other side had a different story with their top 3 struggling to find runs ever since the India series. It was quite evident that England were slightly under pressure after the first Test; missing out on key players like Stokes, Archer, Buttler, Bairstow, Curran, Woakes… It was never going to be easy for them to beat a top team like New Zealand.England were largely dependent on their captain to score big in home conditions and expecting their senior fast bowlers to do what they does best had probably backfired them in this series.England are to quickly find their answers as they approach the India series and the big one- Ashes downunder! Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
The 0-0 drawn Test series in the Carribean
“With the Test matches going down to the wire on the 5th Day as well as those finishing under 2-3 days, this series between the two evenly matched sides was the one that produced some traditional Test cricket after a long time. Each of these sides had their moments that could have gone their way, but in the end that is the beauty of Test cricket – you never know until it is over! Neverthless, amidst some fast forward games in the recent times, it was pleasing to see a very different one in the context of the modern day game. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Pakistan beat South Africa 2-1 in their own backyard
” What a contest it was! The two of the evenly balanced teams looking for redmeption in world cricket. There are a lot of postitives to take from this series for both the sides as they look to rebuild their status in the shorter format of the game. As is the case more often with the South African cricket, with some of their key players leaving the national duty for their respective franchise teams, the Proteas looked settled atleast in this series and the Team management should have faith in this squad as they look towards building the ODI Team for the next world cup in 24 months from now. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
England Captain Eoin Morgan defends England’s batting approach and the way forward
” It was quite evident that England’s ultra aggressive batting approach without Joe Root was hurting them badly in the middle overs. England’s success in the ODI format over the past 5-6 years is a combination of aggressive approach and Joe Root’s anchoring role in the team. When you’re chasing a big total, you’ve got to have someone from the top four to score big and take them to the finishing line. You cannot simply have depth in the batting line up with no one taking the responsibility of finishing the games. I still feel that England should bat Billings at 3, Morgan at 4, Stokes at 5 and Buttler at 6; While Moeen Ali’s England’s career is hanging in balance, the English selectors should start looking beyond him henceforth; with a couple of players in the firing line owing to the injuries, England at this point are staring at the series defeat. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Joe Root congratulates India on their series victory.
” In the hindsight, if you take a look at the way the series had gone for England, they were completely shattered by the end of second Test!The so called “demons” started playing on the minds of their batsmen and the pink ball Test had only made it worse for them; in my opinion, more than the pitch playing its part, it was the mindset of their batsmen which largely had led to their downfall; with everything that was happening around the pitch, the England team’s rotation policy was quite evidently hurting them off it! You cannot have your rotation policy implemented in the middle of a series against some of the best sides in the world, especially when you’re taking on India or Australia. I’m sure England will take a lot out of this series and would come prepared well not just physically but mentally as well on their next India tour. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Joe Root hopes his England side view the results of the previous two Tests as motivation going into that last game.
” In my opinion, England lost their focus mainly because of their mindset on batting on a pitch like that; if you take a look at some of those dismissals, they were in a similar fashion; most of those were straight deliveries and their batsmen had failed to apply skill in playing out those deliveries and instead were just focused on playing the spin which wasn’t always there! It was also the panic of not being able to score runs on a surface like that actually made their batsmen look for something beyond the ordinary and eventually throwing away their wickets. And in no conditions in sub continent you can play three seamers. England are running out of time and have got to sort out a lot of issues with their batting; and most importantly they’ve got to find their best opening pair in sub continent. Nevertheless, the final Test looks to be another promising game of Test cricket.Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
After the 2020-21 Australia vs India Test Series
” What a game of Test cricket. Leeds, Lord’s, Jo’burg, Gabba..Test cricket isn’t short of anything! If you look at the way the Aussies had bowled, most of those deliveries were around the short region. When the cracks are opened up on the pitch, you’ve gotta make use of that to the fullest extent possible. They just kept bowling short for most part of the day and the cracks weren’t disturbed whatsoever! In my opinion, they would have been in a comfortable position had they bowled consistently around the good length region where most of the cracks were on the pitch. After the MCG game, the Aussies, especially Starc looks like he lost his rhythm. He was struggling to get his length right. In the quest for his length, he had leaked a bit too many runs. Even today, when Gill was comfortably hitting him all over, he was reluctant to change his length. The frustration and weariness was clearly evident from his body language. Nevertheless, it was a very hard fought series between the two sides and we’ve seen some wonderful Test cricket over the past few days. Cheers! ”
-Pramod Gowda
Tim Paine reflects on being outplayed by a disciplined and tough side.Congratulations, India!
” It’s high time the CA look beyond Tim Paine. He’s 36 and they should look towards building a new Test team. They’ve gotta quickly sort out the opening woes; 200 of their runs should come from Smith and Labuschagne; the rest of the line up can add 70-80 runs and not more than that; you cannot depend on just two of your batsmen all the time. This is one area which is hurting them a lot evrytime. The Australian batting line up barring Smith and Labuschagne is so vulnerable; they can be collapsed easily against a good attack. If you take Smith and Labuschagne out of the equation, there’s nobody who can score runs and take the game forward. You cannot win Test matches with 25-30 runs contribution. In my opinion, Starc gets tired pretty quickly compared to the rest of the quicks; it’s intense fast bowling and quite understandable; but you’ve gotta have all your bases covered. It’s high time the CA gives a new look to the team keeping the core players like Warner, Smith, Labuschagne, Cummins, Josh, Starc and Lyon, and bringing in the new faces from the domestic circuit with good exposure. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
While Matthew Wade lost his place from Australia’s Test side, the trade-off is that he gets a run of T20Is against New Zealand
” That’s a pretty fair call from the selectors. He was given a fair amount of chances considering his age and exposure to the red ball cricket and could not have expected more than what was actually offered to him; In my opinion, the red ball cricket never suited his style of batting; he’s ofcourse a good keeper, but the modern day game needs someone who can contribute lower down the order as well; his aggressive approach best suits the T20 format and with the kind of work he does behind the wickets, I still feel he’s got a couple of years of international cricket left in him and which obviously depends on his fitness and form. Like I always have mentioned, the Aussie selectors should make some really tough calls if they’re looking to build a solid Test team. With the Aussies now are vulnerable at home, it’s high time the selectors give a fresh look to the otherwise celebrated Test team. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
England win a Test in Cape Town for the first time since 1957! Series level! What a Test!
” What a game of Test cricket we had! A wonderful end to what has been the most absorbing game of the new year; Newlands has always produced good Test matches; irrespective of the score being chased at Newlands, the way the pitch behaves is phenomenal and a pure test of skills. It’s very unlikely that the team batting in the fourth innings here can survive with ease; I still believe Dekock’s lazy shot was the turnaround on the last day; having said that, it still might not have guaranteed them the draw they were looking for; with the fielders closing on with every passing over and the ball doing so much, It was a great test of skills for any batsman out there; overall, we’d an excellent game of Test cricket and the series now being evenly poised, the next two games are not going to be any different. Looking forward for more Test cricket as always! Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Congratulations Vernon Philander on a fantastic international career!
” Thank you, Philander! Having grown up seeing the likes of Glen McGrath, it was your accuracy, specially in test cricket in home conditions that has attracted people all over the world post McGrath era. It was really delightful to watch you bowl with the new red ball; moving the ball either way; bowling consistently on the 4th stump line and giving no room for the batsmen whatsoever; you were always a big threat to the top order batsman. With an excellent average and strike rate, you were every captain’s dream to have in the playing eleven. Thank you again for all the entertainment over the years. Wishing you all the best for the rest of the future. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Would Temba Bavuma be your choice to lead South Africa in Tests?
” Just one hundred in 40 Tests being a middle order batsman is a very poor stuff! If you’ve been given 40 chances to play in the biggest format at the highest level, you should have done better; he probably would be ahead in terms of skills that he possess compared to his peers that would have helped him get a place in the side. Otherwise, the stats are not so impressive. Cheers!! “
-Pramod Gowda
His tally of 22 fifty-plus scores in the Ashes are the most by an England player since 1934
” He was a good player for England. He always made sure that the Batting doesn’t collapse; his contribution batting in the middle order was invaluable to England back then; his trademark cover drive to get off the mark especially with the Lord’s crowd in the background was phenomenal to watch. Overall a very decent player who actually had played for the team’s cause. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Remember how good Curtly Ambrose was!
” He’s arguably one of the best bowlers the Windies have seen after their golden 70s and 80s era. The fire in his eyes when he was running through his overs was intimidating! Those slip cordons waiting eagerly for something to happen especially in English conditions was such a great sight in Test cricket back then! He along with Walsh had formed a great combination of fast bowling during their playing days. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
The start of a new SheffieldShield season, and look who’s in the runs!
” He’s getting runs at the international level and is moving towards becoming one of the most reliable batsmen in the line up. To get runs in the domestic circuit is just like an icing on the cake. It may be too early to judge a batsman who’s played only a few games; but the intent and temperament shown at the highest level is good enough for anyone to appreciate a batsman of Marnus’s calibre. Fantastic! “
-Pramod Gowda
The second-highest wicket-taker in the series was 15 scalps behind him.
” That is by far the best series performance by a fast bowler in Test cricket. The 2013-14 Ashes will always be remembered for that spell of fast bowling. It was that kind of a bowling that had send shivers down the spine of some of the then great English batsmen. If you look at the other side of the series, it brought an end to some of the finest English players, who otherwise would probably have played for another 4-5 years. Every Ashes is different and will be remembered for so many reasons. But this one for sure will have all the Test cricket lovers talking forever. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
He was also a key member of their World Cup winning side in 1996.
” He was one of the very few batsmen who had invented the art of playing aggressive cricket in the power play of first 15 overs back then. He along with Jayasurya formed a very aggressive opening pair in world cricket in the 90s. With just two men outside the ring for 15 overs, it was really difficult for the bowlers to bowl to this pair. His aggressive approach at the other end alongside Jayasurya was a highlight of Srilankan batting in the 90s. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Ricky Ponting did not hold back in his criticism of hosts Australia, whose major troubles in approach were exposed by a clinical India.
” Australia’s batting is so much vulnerable in Test cricket that 200 of their runs should come from Smith and Labuschagne; the rest could manage only about 70-80 runs. Their bowling has been so consistent and their batsmen have been letting the team down consistently for a long time. You cannot win games having players like Burns, Head and other inconsistent batsmen. Their success largely depends on the contribution from Warner, Smith and Labuschagne; when these guys fail, it’s almost game over for them! They’ve got a very serious problem as far as their Test batting line up is concerned. If they don’t make some harsh decisions now and give a complete makeover to their side with bringing in guys from the domestic circuit and build the team, they’re IN for a few more losses in the months to come. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Martin Guptill hits the first international hundred of 2019.
” He’s a fine batsman; but he eats up a lot of deliveries at the top of the order. He’s gotta increase his strike rate, coz the game, especially at the top of the order has changed a lot over a period of time. He should be scoring at a faster rate than what he’s at the moment. “
-Pramod Gowda
Not the start Pakistan Cricket Team would have wanted in Cape Town, with Cricket South Africa’s all-out pace attack reducing the visitors to 75/5 at lunch on day one of the second Test.
” Apparently, South Africa is the most difficult place to bat on at the moment! Centurion, Capetown, Jo’burg, definitely not an easy stuff for anyone to bat. It has got everything – pace, bounce and seam movement“
-Pramod Gowda
Despite an incredible 74-ball 140 from Thisara Perera, New Zealand triumphed in the 2nd ODI in Mount Maunganui by 21 runs.
” His batting has certainly improved over the past 18 months. But his bowling has always been a big worry for the Lankans. With him coming to bat at number 8, he’s expected to do well with the ball almost every game. He should probably try hitting the good length more often than actually pitching it around the fullish area.“
-Pramod Gowda
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been suspended for one Test for a second minor over-rate offence within 12 months.
” How many times have you seen someone getting a hundred on a difficult pitch, walking with his MoM award, and only to be suspended for the game right after that.“
-Pramod Gowda
On Australia’s batting woes.
” With Smith and Warner expected to return, you’ll have some respite going to the Ashes in November; Bancroft, Warner and Smith should form the top3; followed by Khawaja, Head and Mitch Marsh – 4,5 and 6; Paine to keep wickets and bat at 7; Cummins, Starc, Josh and Lyon will form the bottom 4.Australia should stick to this line up as their first choice. With the ball expected to do a lot in English conditions, Mitch Marsh is expected to play a significant role in the series alongside the other bowlers. The next series should probably decide Khawaja’s career, as he’s been given enough chances already! As usual, Smith and Warner are expected to do the bulk of the scoring throughout the series. And the quicks, will get a lot of help from the conditions in England“
-Pramod Gowda
While many have been engaged in debates surrounding the state of South Africa’s pitches, Aiden Markram has defied conditions with back-to-back innings of remarkable fluency.
” Of course, South Africa is the most difficult place to bat at the moment, but that’s exactly how the test cricket should be played! You don’t need pitches where the teams score 400+ consistently with no results whatsoever! The pitches in South Africa are a true test of quality fast bowling and equally skilled batting! You get your prime fast bowlers hitting the deck and top batsmen looking to score difficult runs! A very balanced contest between bat and ball!“
-Pramod Gowda
Despite the evidence of history, we continue to pin our hopes on teams chasing 300-plus in Tests.
” It definitely depends on the track you’re playing; the nature of the pitch varies in different parts of the world. For an instance, it’s extremely difficult for a touring side to chase 300 when they come to subcontinent, on a 4th or 5th day track. More often than not, you’ll see the ball turning from day one in subcontinent and viciously! If you see the tracks dowunder, it’s quite possible in some grounds and very difficult in some of the other, mainly due to the cracks opening up – wear and tear. It becomes extremely difficult due to the uneven bounce and the pace and carry these tracks offer. If you go to SouthAfrica, it’s almost impossible to even score 200 starting evening session on day 3! The cracks open up on day one and becomes extremely difficult to bat! It takes a lot of your mental ability to bat in Centurion, Capetown and Jo’burg! It’s a very different case in England, the ball starts moving a lot based on the weather conditions! The tracks in England might offer help for batsmen when it’s bright and sunny and might quickly change when it turns overcast anytime soon! With the likes of some quality fast bowlers and spinners in the side, it still is a daunting task to score 300 in the 4th innings. More or less, chasing 300+ in most parts of the world is still a very difficult task and it’s a great contest between bat and ball irrespective of the number of T20s and ODIs played on the flat tracks across the world“
-Pramod Gowda
Yuzi Chahal brought his best to the MCG.
” With most of the wrist spinners getting wickets with their wronguns in the modern day game, this man’s probably the one who gets most of his wickets by his traditional leg spin bowling. He’s a very clever bowler, tossing the ball up outside off depending on the batsman at the striker’s end. You’ve got a very little margin of error playing against this man, who more often ends up pitching it in the right areas“
-Pramod Gowda
Regarded as one of the most respected umpires of all time, he won ICC Umpire of the Year every year from 2004 to 2008 and stood in 74 Tests, 174 ODIs and 34 T20Is before retiring in 2012.
” If there’s anybody who could come close to all the technologies that are in place right now, is this Man! He barely got any decisions wrong, and his accuracy in making decisions with the naked eyes were just amazing! He will definitely go down as one of the most respected officials to have involved in the game “
-Pramod Gowda
South Africa take a 1-0 series lead with victory in Centurion!
” That was an excellent game of Test cricket! Centurion, Capetown and Jo’burg have always produced some great Test matches. It’s always nice to watch these if you’re a Test cricket fan! With batting from both the sides are so vulnerable, the bowlers have ensured that they don’t let their team down with the ball! At 204/3, the game looked very much in balance; that’s the beauty of playing Test cricket here! Overall, it was an excellent game of Test cricket. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Tim Paine: Sids[Peter Siddle] has been the heart and soul of the team for a long time.
” He was that kind of a bowler who gave everything every time he played for Australia! Even after those long and tiring spells, he never showed them up at any point of time and had always maintained the same intensity of fast bowling irrespective of whatever day of the Test match he was bowling; he never gave up and his body language speaks for itself even when the Aussies were not dominating, he was one of the players who still had so much to offer in the fast bowling area for the Aussies! Siddle, along with Johnson and Harris were once an excellent trio of fast bowling and had sent shivers down the spine of the opposition batsmen! We wish him all the best for the rest of his life. Cheers! “
-Pramod Gowda
Vernon Philander raced to 50 wickets in just 7 Tests and took 9 five-wicket hauls in his first 15 Tests.
” He’s to South Africa what Anderson is to England. He has troubled every batsman playing against them at home! He’s got the ability to swing the ball both the ways at a decent pace; Facing him at Capetown, Centurion and Jo’burg is always a challenging task for the opposition batsmen. Bowling consistently just around the fourth stump line and nipping it away and in was always his lethal deliveries. This is a massive setback for the Proteas after having lost some of the key players in the recent past “
-Pramod Gowda
Will Trent Boult be fit in time for the first Test in Perth?
” It will be a huge loss for the Kiwis if Boult doesn’t look fit for the first test; Perth is a place where every fast bowler would love bowling! Recognized as one of the fastest tracks in the world, I’m sure the fast bowlers from both the sides would be eager to have a go at each other! The pace and extra bounce it offers is a treat to watch! Looking forward for the game “
-Pramod Gowda
Mitchell Johnson’s fiery spell of fast bowling!
” That was one of the devastating spells you’ll ever see in cricket! He was hitting the deck so hard and bowling fast and full consistently throughout the series. The English batsmen had no clue whatsoever! That was probably the first time all the players in the opposition were clueless against such furious attack! “
-Pramod Gowda
Nathan Lyon’s been great, but where are Australia’s backup spin options?
” That has been an issue with most of the non Asian sides. The reason being that they groom fast bowlers according to their conditions and more often just depend on one spinner for a very long time. And once he’s out of form or on the verge of retirement, they often struggle to find a replacement; unlike the fast bowlers, who’ll be in plenty always! Australia have been lucky to have him around for so long and he’s led the attack pretty well under different conditions. It’ll be a big problem if they don’t find another good spinner soon “
-Pramod Gowda
Rabada says he isn’t sure if South Africa can be put under any more pressure than they were in the first two Tests, calls on the team’s youngsters to take the onus.
” It’s not easy to come and beat the home side; especially when you’ve lost some of your great players over the years for different reasons; it takes time to rebuild and the rebuilding should start in home conditions first; they should get used to playing consistently well irrespective of the results for the next few tests during the rebuilding phase; and what’s important is to keep improving with every game. Do not go behind the results, but concentrate on playing some good cricket in all departments of the game. Take your time to rebuild but make sure you’re improving every day “
-Pramod Gowda
“I think, talking frankly, he let Stuart Broad get into his head and he thought way too much about it”
Justin Langer on a difficult Ashes series for David Warner.
” It absolutely was; Broad had an excellent plan for Warner. Fast, Full and straight – With Warner favoring his shots on the offside, he hardly had any chance to extend his arms towards the cover or mid off region in particular; Broad bowled in contrast to what Anderson would have bowled. Overall, it was an excellent contest between two very good players. “
-Pramod Gowda
James Anderson’s Test bowling average is 26.94. Kemar Roach’s is 26.95.Is Roach one of the world’s best fast bowlers?
” You cannot actually compare two good bowlers just based on their averages; there are so many factors you’ll consider before concluding someone as one of the best in business; it’s quite natural and evident that the bowlers take more wickets in home conditions, but it also depends on the number of games they play, their fitness levels, opposition they play etc. You’re in a better position to judge someone the best probably after they finish their career. That’s when you take a look at that career and say he’s done an excellent job throughout his career. One of the examples you can think of is Hashim Amla – he was literally struggling over the past 24-30 months or so. But if you look at him as a batsman for Proteas, he’s one of the best to have played the game for them. You can take a lot of examples actually. Nevertheless, all that you want is to have some nice players who’ve played extremely well throughout their career to come out on top when they finish their career “
-Pramod Gowda
UNBELIEVABLE! ENGLAND WIN AT HEADINGLEY!
Ben Stokes pulls England across the line in one of the most incredible Test comebacks to keep their Ashes hopes alive!
” This is one of the greatest comebacks in the history of test cricket! After being bowled out so cheaply for 67 runs and to bat for two days and hit the winning line is an incredible stuff!! That innings was pure class! It was filled with patience, control and composure; you’ll not see this happening too often in cricket! Game on! The Ashes is still up for grabs! Test cricket at its best! “
-Pramod Gowda
The day of birth of one of the great West Indian batsmen.
” He was one of the most incredible southpaws to have played the game. One of the very few left handers who’ve never really gifted their wickets. The likes of Andy flower, Chanderpaul, Sangakkara, Alastair cook…. It was extremely difficult bowling to these guys in any conditions. When they batted, they batted for long long time; cricket will certainly miss batsmen like these guys. Nevertheless, they’ve always entertained the cricketing world during their playing days. “
-Pramod Gowda
Hashim Amla, one of South Africa’s greatest-ever batsmen, has retired from international cricket.
” One of the finest batsmen of his generation; the ever reliable top order batsman of his side; the amount of runs he’s scored consistently for the Proteas over the years is invaluable: If there was one man who could have batted for long across the formats, it was this man. It was that kind of a career where you’ve seen the real class of a batsman who was just meant to play top class cricket with no controversies, a very calm and composed man on the field. It was disheartening to see his form slump in the past 24 months or so. But otherwise, he’s literally done everything his team wanted him to do for a very long time. He’s entertained the cricketing world with some classic shots on the field as well as for being such a wonderful man beyond that as well. Thank you, Hashim Amla for all the entertainment over the years and all the very best for the rest of the future“
-Pramod Gowda
Dale Steyn gives up the format he loves to prolong career.
” A career spanning close to fifteen years; sending shivers down the spine of the batsmen across the world including some of the greats to have played the game; followed by frequent injuries and long recoveries: He’ll go down as one of the best fast bolwers to have played the game. To maintain that raw pace and acurracy when it comes to control for so many years is an incredible stuff! His ability to keep the ball nipping away as well as getting it back consistently over 140kms is something not too many fast bowlers have done in their career. A remarkable career comes to an end with loads of memories as far as the fast bowling is concerned. Thank you, Dale Styen“
-Pramod Gowda
England team management want Joe Root to move up from No.4 in the Ashes, but it will be captain’s call.
” The No. 3 is such a crucial position in both the formats. If you’re openers are not in good form, in all likelihood you’ll be an opener virtually; we’ve seen how Williamson had carried his team batting at no. 3 in the world cup. He, virtually was an opener throughout the world cup for them coz of the poor form of his actual openers. It comes with a huge responsibility of carrying the team forward if you’re batting at three and specially when you’re team is in early trouble“
-Pramod Gowda
Our cricket and livelihoods have been taken away from us. Whatever I say now will mean nothing. It will fall on deaf ears.
I just thought the motto was to grow the game, and it keeps on shrinking’ Sikandar Raza speaks on the heartbreak, despair and disappointment among his team-mates after Zimbabwe’s suspension.
” This is a very unfortunate incident. The T20 franchises across the world should offer these guys something in cricket. Some of these guys are really good cricketers and this is the time you step up and offer them a contract which will help save their career as well as families. When you’ve players leaving international cricket to T20 franchise cricket for money, this is the right time to offer something to these guys who loves playing for their country which is not possible at this stage. All that we can do is hope these guys find a way to make their living until things get settled down, if it really does“
-Pramod Gowda
Statement made! England have hammered five-time champions Australia in a way that no side has done before in a ICC Cricket World Cup knockout.
” You cannot be 14-3 against England on any day. The Aussies had lost the game when they were 14-3. They wanted one of the openers to score a big hundred if they were to challenge this English side. There was not so much movement off the pitch or in the air. Anything less than 330 would have been in England’s favor. Nevertheless, we’d a good game and Aussies lost to one of the favorites right from the start of the tournament. It’ll be an exciting one at Lord’s as both the teams have got one hand on the trophy at the moment“
-Pramod Gowda
On the playing conditions for the 2019 world cup semi final clash.
” You cannot actually say anything on the surface until you see how both the teams have batted on that surface. Definitely 250 isn’t a score in any bilateral series in modern day games, but you never know what the surface holds underneath; but I’m sure this surface will have a lot of moisture owing to the fact that it’d rained continuously and if that’s the case it becomes difficult for the batsmen as the bowlers will enjoy bowling on this track as well as the conditions outside. Nevertheless, only time can answer all the questions“
-Pramod Gowda
What do you reckon, Sri Lanka fans? Angelo Mathews at four?
” It doesn’t matter where he bats if you don’t get the combination right and if your top order are not putting enough runs on the board early on in the innings. He’s not Jos Buttler, Faf Duplessis, Steven Smith kinda player, who keeps ticking the score board throughout the innings. Srilanka are low in confidence and their win against Afghanistan cannot be considered as their best of form coz it could have gone either way. No matter who plays where, you’ve gotta have all the guys putting in their effort to compete in a tournament like world cup, and at the moment, the Lankans are not anywhere near to that“
-Pramod Gowda
Latham gushed about his captain after their 162-run stand put the Blackcaps well on top on day two in Wellington.
” Win in the UAE and a great start at home, there’s everything that’s going right for the Kiwis! This is definitely something that would help them gain confidence with the world cup just 6 months away“
-Pramod Gowda
MyCricTalks 