Citizen 11th November 2011 - the City of London School

Cricket - test-playing nations in competition
By RAKIN CHOUDHURY J6PCM
We are now in the middle of a very important period for
cricket. I talk, of course, not of spot-fixing (which yes, is an
abhorrent disappointment, but exists in all sports), but of the
ten test-playing nations being involved in series with each other
(independent of the minnows) for the first time in a while. I
wanted to talk about the two most fascinating series.
Home Truths: England’s Shortcomings
India v England
ODI Series: 5-0. Twenty20: 0-1.
England have been knocked off their perch with batting collapses
and woefully wayward bowling. Alistair Cook was caught out of
his depth, while Graeme Swann - who should have been at home
on the spin-friendly pitches - made only the contribution of an
untimely autobiography. Kevin Pietersen, while not reaching
his high potential, has continued some decent form. Johnathon
Trott needs to improve. Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara have regressed
while wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter has failed in all parts of
the game. Some youngsters have failed to live up to the hype, but
Steven Finn has shown he can lead the attack while Samit Patel
adds an always essential all-round element, featuring fantastic
spin. It has been a good year, but England have a lot to work on,
especially in one-day cricket.
What should be a celebration of India’s comeback convinces
nobody. It shows the excuses of fatigue and injuries for their 5-0
loss in England to be unfounded. They simply can only win in
India. However, they look as though they have finally blooded
their youngsters. Compared to the strong middle order (Gautam
Gambhir and Mahendra Dhoni regularly anchoring the innings),
the openers have been disappointing. Virat Kohli showed early
Hip-Hip MURRAY!!
By RAHUL MALKANI 4S Sports Correspondent
Andy Murray put on encouraging performances to grab titles at
Tokyo and the Shanghai Masters to reinstate his position as magic
number 3 in the rankings, which he wishes to maintain until the
end of the calendar year. But if he is to complete this he would have
to hold off the challenge of 16-time Grand Slam winner Roger
Federer, who has only won two titles.
Two events on the Scotsman’s favoured hard surface to finish
including the World Titles, but in spite of everything, he has
noticeably not been able to perform under the spotlight when it
matters, with the US Open semi-final showing this against Nadal,
as seven times out of ten I am sure he can defeat him. Yet the
simplest of players like Florian Mayer is able to defeat the Spaniard
in straight sets.
It is said that tennis is more of an athlete’s sport nowadays with
plunging players like Tsonga on the scene. Murray does fall into
that category, showing powerful passing shots and scintillating
serves. But I have noticed that his opponents have used his
strengths copious times to make him physically tired and then
eventually put a mental hopelessness into his mind.
But then he has come off better more times than not in these
sorts of situations, just not in the slams. I must also point out the
massive difference in points between players. Djokovic leads with
citizensport 19
on why he could be the next little master, but promptly failed
afterwards. The pace bowling remains a problem, but Ravi Jadjeja
was an excellent spinner with Ravi Ashwin providing decent
back-up. The Twenty20 loss will be a disappointment what with
the costly IPL.
Two Countries Living on Past Glories
South Africa v Australia
Twenty20: 1-1. ODI Series: 1-2. Test Series: Upcoming.
We haven’t really learnt much from these two short series, and
we’ll have to wait until the tests to see how the teams have been
rebuilt. Australia looked the better unit, but their batting lineup
has not changed much. David Warner has not done enough
to cement a regular opening position while Michael Clarke,
Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting are a long way from form. Their
batting line-up is made up of a lot of part-timers who only turn
out second-rate scores. However, they have tried out a couple
of new faces in bowling with Patrick Cummins the latest pace
bowler to be hyped up by the Aussies. Their victories have not
been comfortable though, and they are guilty of throwing away
games.
South Africa are seeing the death of their golden generation.
Jacques Kallis is still somehow churning out good figures and
J.P. Duminy thrashed at the bowling where he could but Graeme
Smith and Hashim Amla had miserable performances. Their
depth in batting has gone and Boucher and Botha are in pathetic
form. DaleSteyn and Lonwabo Tsotobe seem to have lost their
intelligence and understanding of the game while Morne Morkel
had the one good game. The team looks sluggish and something is
just not clicking.
13,785, 3,400 more than Nadal in second. Nadal has 3,000 more
than Murray who is in close contention with Federer for 3rd, who
is then 3,000 ahead of the next man Ferrer. This just shows Murray
doesn’t need to be criticised because he still manages a great
style of playing and a large trophy cabinet despite the Grand Slam
winner’s absence. So it is quite stressful for him to hear “When will
he win a Grand Slam?” It will surely arrive soon since he can win
titles.
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thecitizen 11 November 2011