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The Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, was disappointed that John Buchanan, Australia’s coach during the Ashes of 2005, took up a consultant role with England and the ECB ahead of the Ashes. However, Buchanan is only praise for Ponting, quite contrary to those stated by Jeff Thomson.
Sunil Gavaskar made some poignant remarks before media persons in Mumbai. However, it sounds a little ironic given that Gavaskar has accepted an important role in the running of the IPL alongside Ravi Shastri, Tiger Pataudi and works closely with Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner of the IPL.
The last time the two teams met was in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in England. But the last time these two teams met on a Test cricket pitch was back in March when Lahore saw a terrorist outfit reduce cricketers to mere hapless victims. Now once again, the attempt is to compete, thankfully only on the cricket field.
Pakistan may have won the ICC World Twenty20 and restored their respect as a Test playing nation amongst the public. But they have not been able to convince other boards to enter into bilateral series with them at home.
The worst sides of the Indian team showed up in the first two ODIs in Jamaica. Now it is the turn of St. Lucia and team India will be hoping they fare better.
Former Australian fast bowler has launched into a scathing criticism of Australia’s captain ahead of the Ashes. And to think that the media is always gunning for the foreign team!
Andrew Flintoff’s latest transgression has not met with much amusement and it could even threaten his Ashes stint.
Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, may not be known to be generous towards his opposition on the field. But he has a heart for those suffering from childhood cancer for whom he will let his bat talk.
Brett Lee may be looking to make a celebrated comeback. But there are many who believe Lee’s presence may only spoil the party.
Michael Vaughan made the expected announcement. Yet nothing could prepare England cricket or the rest of the cricket world for the loss of a wonderful captain, cricketer and human being, who will now have to play off the field.
