Tally of Runs

As reported by cricinfo [source @ http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/367257.html], Symonds might not be part of their next tour to India in October.. and also that perhaps Symonds is planning retirement from international cricket...

Symonds have history of bad behaviour, however somehow I can't blame him completely about the fishing-incidence. As he was surely going to miss that optional-training session and must have informed some responsible about the same. Therefore, why exactly blame him for suddenly scheduled meeting and why assume that he could have make it?

Is Symonds not happy with junior Michael Clarke getting captaincy? sounds possible after knowing Symonds' history.. Or Clarke not happy with Symonds' fame in the world of cricket (Highest paid cricketer!) and framed him? Don't know exactly, but there is surely some politics behind this whole story - and Symonds considering retirement from internationals adds more fuel in the fire.. or may be just an excuse to miss battle with Slappy & co and fanatic crowd (famous for monkey chants & what not..) at India tour? Can't say exactly, as no story is that conclusive yet.

Even if, Aussies, with the strongest bench-strength, can surely afford if Symonds retires (the replacement White is doing it brilliantly at Bangla tour).. just hope that it will not be end of Symonds..!

and if he tours India - this whole drama surely gives Indians one more reason to laugh at Aussies on field..

Or should I say, Laxman vs Afridi?

Mr Big mouth Afridi earlier opened his mouth again and said that "Gilly, not VVS, should lead Deccan Chargers [Source @ http://www.cricketnext.com/news/gilly-not-vvs-should-lead-deccan-chargers/33814-13.html ]"..

I completely agree with Afridi's views - and, I also believe that Laxman is the poorest possible choice for any T20 game.. However, I can't believe that Afridi said this openly in front of media.. as, its management issue - and clearly not good for team-discipline. Especially when Afridi opened his mouth earlier about targetting McCullum's IPL record, and then failed miserably in the whole tournament - he should just 'quietly' focus on his own form, if wants to earn big bucks again & again.

However, Laxman's response is also interesting [Source @ http://www.cricketnext.com/news/gilly-not-vvs-should-lead-deccan-chargers/33814-13.html ].. Even under Gilchrist, Deccans could rarely produce any match-winning performance, and so can't blame captaincy alone. Noone can deny the fact that winning is the team-effort; even when all teams were filled with many own match-winners.

God help these fake Bulls of Hyderabad, who finished at the bottom of IPL table! With Afridi's complete previous failure at IPL, and on top this stupid comments - I doubt he will play ne more games for ipl.. Gilly/Symonds/Gibbs/Vaas/Styris are good enough & better options for overseas players... And also that I believe that weakest link Laxman will continue as Deccan's captain - where I clearly see that change is required.

So, India won the first ever ODI series in Sri Lanka..

and most credit was given to Dhoni - he deserved that.... and may be early to say - but, I think, he is India's best ever ODI captain!
Then, Zaheer --> No doubt that our best pacer, or bowler!
Then, Harbhajan Slappy Singh --> No doubt he is best ODI spinner available for India for year 2008.. but, also the player who was involved in almost all incidents which brought us disgrace, so no respect for him - for now..

But, where is the praise for Munaf Patel? I think, he was not the fastest but bowled with brilliant line & length & bounce.. and also with the great consistency whenever given the new or old ball. It seemed that he is committed to be regular member of team-india, and used opportunity perfectly in absence of Ishant Sharma.

Fielding looked improved, but still not as good as international-level.

Expecting a lot from this come-back kid.. Not to forget, he was brillinat in IPL under Shane Warne as well.. For now, I am convinced that he is good enough to play for India even as a first choice - hope that, the series was not just one night wonder.. and that no more injuries for him.. and that his form will continue at least at the same level for many years to come... Not saying that take him always as the first-choice pacer - not taking any credit away from Warne or Kirsten or Dhoni - but, Munna's availability & effort & accuracy & talent will surely help in team-India's rotation-policy for pacers...

I hope & wish that he is here to stay!