The Gateway Cricket Ground in Brooklyn is a spartan place — a grass oval tucked in by the Belt Parkway, in the shadows of the towers of Starrett City and beneath the flight path of Kennedy International Airport.
But on Tuesday morning it was crowded with players, some toting paddlelike bats, and filled with the sound of leather balls struck by wood.
The sport they were playing is as ancient as it is baffling to most Americans, yet the New York Police Department has chosen cricket as a way to foster relationships with newer immigrant communities.
Read More
Bored beyond boundaries in Brooklyn
Happy Bored Day to the youngest forty year old
Happy B’day Sanath Jayasuriya. You’re a man of few words, and as it’s your day, we’ll keep it short too. Btw did Sachin ever ask you how it was to play a T20 international at 39?
Recession and our team…
Truly straight from the Fake One down Player’s heart…
"Well I am not going to talk anymore, my bat has and would continue to do so from now on. In a way I thank the boys for giving me all the overs and opportunity of course to bat through and get a well made 95.
Did you notice I was selfless to sacrifice my wicket even when I was on 95 ? I played for the team and I will continue to, at that point I just had 2 overs and I had to accelerate for the team’s sake. To improve the chances of my team to go 2-0 up. Therefore I tried that inventive shot. I tried faking the bowler by giving him an impression that I am running away to square leg and then smashing him over long leg, unfortunately luck wasn’t on my side.
And the ball crashed on to the stumps. Fools they, to have kept the stumps there. And we didn't read the pitch and stumps properly.
This is a recessionary phase for our team.
What is recession ?
I tell you what, it is more work, less money and even lesser results
See, you understand ?
Lots of matches, only peanuts if you compare this with IPL, and the boys don’t score
That is why I say, bring the IPL on again and the boys would score…
See you later !!"
Yusuf Pathan 005
Make that Yusuf Pathan has five ODI ducks. That's a fair strike rate from 16 innings. Add to that two innings of 3, and you know Yusuf's the lad for the long run. Of course two not-out 50s can make you think otherwise, but I'm convinced this kid will play long as he scores nothing along with the occasional cloudburst, mostly in the IPL. A closer look at Pathan's lack of numbers, and there's a curious DNB 8 times. Wonder what would have happened had he BATTED more. More servings of Peking Ducks!
India beaten by a liar, stabber, world record holder.
Of all the people in this world, India got Runako Morton to beat them. Morton is no ordinary cricketer. He is an extraordinarily ordinary cricketer. To talk of his agricultural batting would cause more peasants to take their lives. He is the drought.
He is also a liar, and once lied about his grandmother’s death to pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy. Sure it was ICC and not IPL but why kill your granny when you can just as easily tell the truth and say “my batting is dead”.
This is the Morton that beat India. He scored 80 odd runs, with a not-out to boot. Don’t ask how he scored them, you just can’t watch Morton bat – is that why India let him score so many, they weren’t watching him bat?
The very Morton that holds the World Record for the most prolific ODI duck – 31 balls no run. That is the Morton I know and loath.
He was once arrested in a stabbing incident, but then he should be arrested every time he bats – those ugly, hellish cross batted drags, no less painful than the stabs Caesar felt. And what is left to say now for Indian cricket, “Et tu, Morton?”
Can’t wait for Fidel Edwards to win a game, with the bat.
Bored Question
While discussing about the West Indians in an East Indian team, Krish asked me this...
"Nice research, RajaB! I wonder if they play cricket in Lakshadweep. Maybe our own Brian Lara or Curtly Ambrose."
This triggered another interesting question...
Even if they do play cricket in Lakshadweep and the Andaman islands, where do they go from there ??
I mean if a kid from TN or AP or Goa or Mumbai or Delhi or even a Jharkhand plays well (or he is percieved to be playing well by those powerful and mighty...) then he moves on to represent his state / region in age group cricket and then moves on to the Ranji level.
Now, imagine I am a talented kid (just imagine !!) from either Lakshadweep or Andamans. Where will I go ??
Even a Services has its own Ranji team (I am leaving Railways as it is fairly large, railway zones and so on), so do we need a combined Union Territories / smaller states team playing Ranji ??
Do we have enough talent in the Union Territories / smaller states to warrant a team ??
News from the Caribbean
Thus spake the Fake One down Player...
"I know knifes were out, but I was confident the might of my cricketing abilities and aptitude would win them over.
Let me give you guys a lowdown on the list of master stokes (I am sorry to mention) I had to my credit yesterday.
I won the toss and elected to bat
I played Karthik, most importantly I gave him enough confidence that he agreed to open the innings (reluctantly though)
I decided I would send Yuvraj one down today. I know what you guys are saying, but you are wrong. I knew Rohit would be no-hit yesterday too, that is why I didn’t count him as the one down player
When I came in the ball was doing many things, we had to see through those many things. And keep the scoreboard ticking. That is precisely what I did. I scored my runs at 89.13 coming in a difficult position, where the objective normally is consolidation
And look at how Harbajan played today, it was me who gave him tips how to hit and coached him at the nets
While we bowled…
I wanted to test Nehra’s fitness to the fullest. I still remember what he said then, I would never forget. But he responded well. He understood his responsibilities and most importantly has mellowed down too. And see how he foxed Gayle ? I suggested he bowl that ball.
I decided I would keep Harbajan for the end, see how Ravi bowled a maiden and Pathan gave only 4. And did you see my field setting ?
Before the 49th over you might have seen a mini conference before Ashish Nehra was handed the ball. I had decided even before the first ball of the innings was bowled that Nehra is the one who would bowl the 49th.
I just wanted to make it look like it was a collective decision, just in case. To ensure we take collective responsibilities in case of any eventuality
All this said, did you guys see how I won a thrilling match for India.
For all those who took their knifes out, let me sing a Eagles song I am hearing right now, “Stab it with their steely knifes, but they just can’t kill the beast”
See you later !!"
200% of Windies' runs scored behind the wicket
Wides, byes, wides that went for byes, edges, leg byes, foot byes, good byes, but mostly bad byes.
India played two keepers. Neither was keeping wickets.
Ashish Nehra did it.
He ran after the ball as if it had stolen his tangri kawab.
Then he slid, pulled it in, threw it back in one single swoop. Other times, he yapped a lot. Good, some things don’t change.
West Indians in an East Indian team
Rohit Sharma
Abishek Nair
Yusuf Pathan
Ravindra Jadeja
Here's to being Bored Beyond, Being Bored !!
Want to look at the other direction ? Click here
East vs West Indies
Denesh Ramdin
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Narsingh Deonarine
Ravi Rampaul
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Here's to being Bored Beyond Boundaries.
Nothing is as corny and deceptive…
as…
Imagining a world where thiefs say “Guys don’t steal, it is bad”
The day when politicians decide to put an end to politics
A lion saying I have had enough of meat, bring my vegetarian meal on
A dog saying I am fed up with my bent tail, here I go straightening it up
A monkey saying, No more monkeying
The Pneumatic drill saying “Guys please don’t make noise”
A wife saying I’ve had enough of my soaps, here comes cricket for you darling
A husband telling his wife, “Honey you would resemble Cinderella if I bought you that diamond necklace”
The Fake One down Player asking his team not to Fake injuries
new 'Chic' on block...
before you jump on me for ruining this family blog...let me hastily add that this is the name of a bat...introduced...and designed specially for women cricket players...
the 'chic'...with bigger 'sweet' spot...
still don't believe me... ?
go check for yourself...
Does the West Indies Tour Matter?
The Indian team have made a trip to the Caribbean for a tour of four one-day internationals. I suppose the cricket powers-that-be have some reason to conduct this one-day series, but it does seem to be a throwaway series.
India is playing without a few key members. Sehwag and Raina are the obvious ones to miss out, while in-and-out Tendulkar is also missing. With the shrunken team already cooked solid after the 6-week IPL and the World Twenty20, will they have any motivation to perform well? The same goes for the West Indians who have played against England at home, then some in the IPL, then in the Tests, one-dayers and World Twenty20 in England. But they do have the home advantage while the Indians are traveling.
Luckily for India, it is a 4-match series, likely to end 2-2 so that no harm done to either team. Problem is, if you lose, you lose 3-1 which sounds like a drubbing. I don't see the West Indians losing that way, but with this low-strength Indian team, it is a high possibility.
So the $53,456 dollar question: Considering the high-risk, low-benefit situation, should Dhoni incur a self-inflicted injury and crash out?
by Krish
Which Is My Country?
Is it the obligation of 2nd/3rd generation immigrants (specially the South Asian ones) to "prove" their loyalty to the country their grandfathers chose to adopt? Can it be proved merely by cheering for a sports team?
Barring cricket, the only other sport I follow somewhat regularly is Tennis. I was thinking about this hypothetical situation and I realised that there was no way I would have ever supported Sania Mirza over Steffi Graf. Does that make me any less patriotic? Is it possible that like me, a few of these Brit-Asians simply like the Asian teams better? (You really can't blame them for this. I mean England sucks at cricket anyway!)
Other than that, why don't I hear these questions asked of say, the English who live in Ireland or Scotland? Do they and their descendants cheer for England or their chosen "countries" of residence? (I write the word "countries" in quotation marks because the use of this term is debatable.) What about those players who are English by birth but chose to play for Scotland (or any other country for that matter)..who cheers for them?
K mentions that Brit-Asians supporting their countries of origin adds to the xenophobia among Brits. Yes, I totally agree with that. But I also think that this xenophobia is by and large a product of a lot of major misconceptions about immigrants that exist in the average Brit's mind. Something that I don't see anyone in a position of authority address and rectify. If perhaps those larger issues are tackled, this issue of supporting England or India will not be that big a deal.
by Megha
what about you dhoni...?
according to this news dhoni has allegedly told his team mates in no uncertain terms that whoever feels fatigued...is carrying niggles...or injury should take/opt for rest...coz from now on he won't tolerate team's performance affected by any of these reasons...
"If rest is the cure for an injury, a cricketer ought to opt for it rather than let fatigue or niggle become a major setback to him and to the team," he reportedly said.
nice dhoni...nice to know that you have started acting and made yourself clear...
but as they say charity begins at home...why not start with yourself first...if i remember correctly you have been carrying a back problem on your back for quite some time...
why not first take rest and opt out for a well deserved break before preaching to others...?
wouldn't it set leading from back...err front example in team...no...?
oh...got it...these are one-dayers...not tests...right dhoni...??!!!
El Worthy - The worthy one?
Noticed that Steve is being praised across blogs, and it is almost as if they are all calling him El Worthy in the context of organizing the tournament. This is a classic case of hindsight determining evaluation.
Notice how many times we had a schedule like this:
3 matches in a day. 2 on the same ground. These are consecutive. The third one starts in a different ground. Now, suppose the rain delays the first match, then it eats into the second match on the same ground. Now, consider an alternate schedule: Match 1 in ground 1 first, immediately followed by Match 2 in ground 2, then Match 3 in ground 1.
Suppose rain affects only Ground 1, then you have a decent chance of the first match being rained out not affecting the other matches.
Just because the planets aligned for this situation not to happen, Elworthy has become El Worthy.
Hindsight is valuable, indeed.
by Raj
Ks Man of the tournament - Bugsy Akmal
Kamran (Bugsy) Akmal was my man of the tournament for two reasons:
1. He took away the game from the Lankans with his aggressive start during the Pakistani innings in the final.
2. His jazzy shades with the red frame. I fell off my chair when I saw him wearing those gaggles (as Bugsy would call them).
afridi for captain...?
after superbly timed retirement of younis khan...afridi is already being projected as next captain...
no doubt that he played blinder of innings to almost single handedly first carry pakistan to finals and then winning them t20 world championship...
but don't you think its better to take a call after pakistan series of srilanka just round the corner...coz we will find out by then whether afridi is really maturing or it was one of those days when all stars aligned perfectly for him in the sky...
Congrats Pakistan !
My two paisa on the win :
1. There's talk about Pak being in an easier S8 group. In my book , that's bunk. Arguably , T20 is a that-day-performance format. The result of any one match can not reflect the true strength of a side. But you'd think winning any multi-side tourney over the course of several days and games is a decent barometer. And as to having an 'easier' S8 group , well , (a) ..really ? Leaving SAF and Ireland to one side , in the context of T20 , is there such a huge diference between Eng and WI on the one hand versus NZ and Sri Lanka on the other...? and (b) the group still had to be beaten. So are Pak the best T20 team in the world ? No. Are they fair-and-square T20WC champions ? Emphatic yes !
2. Shahid Afridi (the batsman) : what do you do with a guy who's going to f*** it up nine times out of 10 through several months , years even , and then come so spectacularly good at the most crucial moments that he's going to win them almost singlehandedly for you ? Give it a thought.No easy answers to that one. And a good thing too. That's the kind of questions that makes the sport so great.
3. Only when you consider all the X-Factors that have gone into Pakistan and Pakistani cricket over the last two years do you really appreciate the scale of this win. Certainly of all the eight major teams this was the one that started out with the least advantage - be it resources or off-the-field clout or infrastructure or practice or whatever. To have turned it around like this is just tremendous stuff and a landmark.
Well done indeed ! Congratulations to a deserving winner.
enough of playing underdogs...
no body gave us the chance before tournament...we came here as underdog...we had to fought with our backs to wall...now that we have won...its tribute to our never say die spirit...blah blah blah...
i am literally fed up of listening these sound bites after winning something of note...
how i am yearning to hear...
we came here as strong favorites...everybody said that the pressure was on us to live up to the billing...but we were prepared for that and did exactly the same...its nice that boys played like champions that we are...
or something of this sort...specially from subcontinent teams...india and pakistan...
Where are you Damith?
Have you gone into hiding?
Its alright buddy, its all fun and games, just entertainment, much like WWF!
Sure we spanked your behinds, but don't take it too seriously mate.
I told you that "one who laughs last, laughs best", but I guess you were too busy engrossing yourself with King Kumar's reaction to Younis Khan's suggestion that you totally missed that, didn't you?
That's alright, you can always go back, take a look at it, and enjoy a good laugh.
The last time around, I remember you asked what we would do when Dilshan plays one of his scoops.
Even then I said that it would not bother us. But this time, I actually wrote him a letter, requesting him not to play the shot in the final.
But he didn't listen to me. I'm sure you missed that too because you were too busy enjoying King Kumar's laugh, weren't you?
Who else did you mention last time? Ahh the one and only "Splendid" Mendis.
You do know that you're the only one who calls him "Splendid", don't you? I think you even coined that name; I believe its time you reconsider.
Against Pakistan he has been anything but that. I told you that last time too.
The 4-0-34-0 just proved that again; I bet you missed those figures since you were too busy smirking at King Kumar's laugh, weren't you Damith?
I remember the cat and the tissues you sent me last time; in response I mentioned that I live to fight another day.
Fortunately for me, that another day was a day that mattered more than last time.
So what do I send your way now?
At first, I thought I would return the favor.
But then I realized that tissues is not what you need my friend.
What you need is something that will save you from the haunting memories of this World T20 final.
What you need is something that will stop you from questioning yourself everytime you think, "Why did King Kumar laugh?" or "Why did I post that picture?" or "Why did I caption that picture that way?"
Hence, I picked this.
It will help deafen all that laughter from King Kumar that will haunt you forever. and ever. and ever.
Oh and it comes with a Lifetime Garantee!
Well Done Pakistan!!
Well done and congratulations to all Pakistan cricket fans. You guys deserved to win. A special congrats to you Q.
Pakistan beat the other two most dangerous looking teams in the competition and grabbed their chances. It's a great story. Younis' men hardly played any cricket in the last 12 months and beat the odds to emerge winners.
But if you guys remember, I had made a prediction in one of my posts during the IPL that the Pakistanis would be a force to reckon with during the T20 World Cup as they would be fresh not having participated in the IPL.
Another prediction I had made was that Afridi would be a match-winner if he opened. I was partially correct because fearless Afridi turned the tide batting at number 3.
The Pakistani team's batting was even more impressive than their bowling in the final. They kept their cool, played sensible cricket against the likes of Murali & Mendis and mixed caution with aggression, unlike many Pakistani teams of the past.
The Dubai Bored Chapter & The LUMS Connection
Khizer Bilal, Fahd Salam, Najia Habib, Afan Nabi Malik, Taimur Shera, Ashab Naeem, Umar Khan, Runaas Deheem, Qazi Owais, Kiran Khan, and I at the Time Cafe at Ramee Royal in Dubai.
That sounds like a mini LUMS (Lahore University of Management Sciences, where we all went for our undergraduate degrees) reunion, but that is not what it was.
The occasion was the World Twenty20 semi final between Pakistan and South Africa, where all of us were joined by Natasha, Sabrina, Mohi, Sonya, Amir Shera, Runi's wife and friends, Amir Rehan, Shikin, Bhaskar, and Raja B, to cheer Pakistan into the final!
The last 3 mentioned being Indians who were there in support of Pakistan as much as we were.
And the last 2 mentioned, Bhaskar and Raja B, were there to finally open the Bored Chapter in Dubai!
Bhaskar was there, blackberry in tow, providing LIVE updates of the happenings right here on BCC!
Raja has also captured the experience of that evening, right here.
10 years to this date, almost (20th June 1999), the above mentioned LUMS contingent along with many others had gathered together at the Sayeed Saigol auditorium to witness another cricket world cup final.
That day, Steve Waugh's men shattered all our dreams and hopes.
Men crying outside the Sayeed Saigol, in the courtyard, and every corner of LUMS on that unforgettable day is a sight still etched in my memory.
Last night, even though it was not a final, rather Pakistan's march into one, that was not to be.
The emotions we all went through during the match cannot be described in words.
Every run scored, and every wicket taken was celebrated as if we were in the field with the Afridis and Guls.
Every Afridi wicket brought about an Afridiesque pose from the crowd, every good over was met with cheers of 'jeetaga bhayee jeetega, Pakistan jeetega', every blunder was frowned upon and cursed, every moment that brought Pakistan close to victory was witnessed with stress and hope.
Once Pakistan triumphed, it all ended in high fives and hugs.
The fact that last night's match was experienced with all the people mentioned, made victory all the more special.
Come Sunday, here's hoping that Pakistan fulfill their and our 10-year old dream of lifting a world cup trophy at Lord's!
Happy Bored Day Lower-Order-Centurion
Happy B'day Jerome Taylor. Are you best friends with Ajit Agarkar and Anil Kumble? Is your favourite ground Centurion? Of course it isn't, it's the University Oval, Dunedin!
A semifinal, and finally the bored meet
June 18, 2009 2000 hrs: The taxi rings in and it’s time to leave. More importantly it is time for the Dubai chapter of Bored to meet for the first time. Some interesting new chapter it is!!
This time the guy who would drive me to Times Café at Ramee Royal is a guy from Rajasthan, India - Shamsher. The moment the taxi left my house we were talking, about T20 world cup of course. Very unhappy that India is out of the tournament, Shamsher was frightened by the prospect of Pakistan winning the tournament, “Yeh Pathan log hame zinda jeene nahin denge sir”. He was referring to his fellow taxi drivers from Pakistan, how they would react if Pakistan wins the tournament. At the same breath he also added, but it is good if the cup comes back to our region.
By the time the taxi neared Ramee Royal, Kamran Akmal had already dispatched a couple to the boundary off Steyn’s first over. As we taxied in to the Ramee porch came Shamsher’s prophecy, “Sir aaj Afridi ka din lagta hi…” Looks like it is Afridi’s day, if he clicks then they are home and dry.
I happened to meet Bhaskar at the porch, as we walked in I was telling him it looked like Pakistan’s day today. By the time we managed to enter Ramee Royal and locate Q, the whole Pakistani contingent present there were on their toes, some sighing, shouting, cursing and some with that trademark (cricket fan’s) WTF’s happening look. It was entrée Afridi as Shahzaib trudged along after making a 2 ball zero.
As Afridi was warming up for what would be one of his best T20 innings ever, the South Africans were beginning to show signs. Signs, that they were destined to go only this far.
Over 2.5 Botha misfielding and then trying to smile it off. I was reminded of the Younis Khan during the warm up match against India, the "let me wash my pains off with a smile" reaction.
But just balls later, Malik who had just replaced Akmal was trying to play himself in. With some painful "do I or don’t I" prods on the away swinging balls from Kallis. I could hear murmurs “Isko kyun beja yaar” or Why did he send him in? Misbah should have come in...
As Afridi pulled Kallis over the midwicket for a four to end the 5th over, the applause was deafening. I could see Q jumping up with joy and spilling his glass of Coke, I could see a couple of guys rushing towards Q for high fives that would easily have broken at least one out of the five metacarpals on a normal day.
When Afridi "late nudged" Botha for four, to end the 11th over of fours the crowd went mad, I could overhear someone saying “Yaar aaj Afridi dhimag use kar raha hai, very unlike Afridi” (Afridi is using his brains today, very unlike him)
When Afridi got out for a well made 51 off 34 balls, it was over 12.1. Almost everyone in the room seemed satisfied that Afridi had done his job.
It then was a bit of a rollercoaster, at one point in time some among the Pakistani contingent felt Malik might be the the new Ravindra Jadeja for the day. There was a sense of relief among the crowd that Shoaib Malik finally got out after making 34 off 39 balls.
Pakistan finally made 149, it looked like about 5-10 runs less than the par score. Q and his Coke were still standing, they would continue to do so till Pakistan finally got home. But that would only come after a break of 15 minutes and a further 20 overs.
There was nothing to write home about the South African batting innings, except that Kallis innings or the Mumbai Indiansqe 44 by Duminy. The noise of Jeetega Bhai Jeetega soared by every ball bowled, when Morkel was runout in the 20th (19.3) it was party time. The crowd was sure the South Africans wouldn’t make the 16 required off 3 balls.
More beer, said me and Bhasker as Q went on helping the Coke marketshare soar up.
Positives of the day
Finally it happened, the Dubai chapter of Bored met
We saw Afridi in full form, and imagine how exciting this would be when you are the lone Indian (two of us) sitting in the midst of a thousand ecstatic Pakistani fans.
The beer that flowed, Mary - the ever smiling bartender who made sure we got our beer in quick time and the bajjiya and chutney which de-carbonated our beered souls a bit
Negatives
The Dhs 50 cover charge to enter the place (some other day it would have got us 2 pints, we could redeem only one on that day)
I had to be content with the beer and the “ever Young Monk”, Afridi (heard he is only 29 yet) as I wouldn’t get my Old Monk at Times Café.
Poor Shamsher, who is going to be taunted by his Pathan colleagues for god knows how long...
Redemption and Defiance
A Sunday in late June. Father's Day to be exact. A World Cup final at Lord's. Pakistan is on fire, and have just demonstrated total dominance in their semi-final against a team from down under. Shahid Afridi is a player to watch out for. Razzaq is an important piece of the puzzle as well. Pakistan's opponent will be a previous World Champion.
This scenario could surely apply to this Sunday's ICC T20 final. Or, we could rewind 10 years back, almost exactly to the day, when Pakistan took on Australia and were thoroughly embarrassed in the process. That day, Pakistan scored a paltry 132 - a score that would not even be considered enough in the T20 form, and were summarily thrashed by Australia.
So, will this Sunday be the day that Pakistan finally redeems itself, and puts to rest the shame and embarrassment of a decade ago? As a Pakistan cricket fan, I certainly hope so. However, I think a winner will be decided well before anyone lifts the cup - cricket will be the winner as soon as the two teams take the field.
In a sense, the tournament could not have had more deserving finalists. Certainly their on-field performances warrant their inclusion, more so Sri Lanka than Pakistan. But it is the off-field events that have made their inclusion in the final so significant.
Both countries have been hit by devastating natural disasters in the last few years. Both countries have been caught up in bloody civil wars that have wrecked daily life and created large numbers of displaced people. Both countries are struggling to emerge from recent violence. And both countries were the targets of the horrific terrorist attacks in Lahore a few months back.
There are certain events that make it seem as if nothing will ever be the same again. I surely felt that way after the shock of the Lahore attacks - I wondered whether cricket could ever be played anywhere, and whether the players even felt it was worth it. But then I remembered when American late night comedians returned to joking a week or so after the 9/11 attacks; because they said that the show must go on. Similarly, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and cricket as a whole, paused for reflection, but then were determined to make the show go on.
To make one more geopolitical reference, President Obama said the following in his Inauguration address: "We say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." I think cricket fans across the world share that same sentiment about cricket and those who choose to use violence against this great sport. This Sunday's T20 final is the ultimate act of defiance against evil. Cricket will prevail!
I will watch this final in anticipation of a great contest, and with the tremendous desire to see Pakistan hold a major trophy for the first time in 17 years. But, most importantly, I will watch it in memory of those who were killed in Lahore. And also in the hope that, regardless of result, millions of people in South Asia will forget about their daily miseries for at least a few hours. Maybe, just maybe, the image of cricket rising from the ashes will rekindle the hope within them.
The winners may lift a trophy, but cricket will lift the spirits of millions on Sunday. Cricket Zindabad!
by SledgeHammer
SledgeHammer is the co-author of the cricket blog Well Pitched
Jatman out for 9 1/2 weeks.
While the expectations of Jatman are always higher, and if all goes to plan he should be out for 12-16 weeks. What does he miss, not much really - do you still want to know, the one-dayers in the Windies, warm-up camps, hotel stays, bus rides to and fro stadia, the Champions Trophy. And if you didn't know, he also missed the World Twenty20. But then so did most of the Indian players.
eves are making up for men...
isn't it strange that all the semi-finalists in the women's t20 worldcup are those whose men's teams failed to reach the same stage...?
india vs nz...
australia vs england...
cricket's way of doing some sort of poetic justice...?
Early Bored Call Sri Lanka vs West Indies
This seems even easier than yesterday's call, Lanka will win this unless the game lasts another 9 1/2 weeks er overs with some good old randy Windies' batting. Trouble is Gayle's on edge, he's started thinking about the game - barely bowls an over and then it's over. Clearly preoccupied, needs someone other than him to step up and win the match. Windies can only win it with personal brilliance. Lanka on the other hand can lose it with collective stupidity.
no matter what the gender is...
we just can't seem to beat new zealand...
- scorecard
Wasn't Bored almost right or what?!
When the T20 World Cup was still to begin, when the Indian team were still supposed to win, I at Bored had some observations about the teams. Read them, before you read these!
Now, weren't those right or what!
South Africa reached the semi finals on account of their experience at IPL, and then lost it, on account of the same! A case in point being Duminy's experience with MI! But more importantly they choked again! How I wish I had betted on it!
Australia found it real hard without Roy, and they are unseeded for the next T20 WC now! Of course, because it is Oz, ICC may change some of the rules before next year!
India, well, still very raw! So, let us forget it! Just let them come back, got those effigies ready!
West Indies, okay I was wrong about them!
Sri Lanka, still don't like their outfits!
But Pakistan! Yes, so right about them! They had lost both their warm ups and are now into the Finals of T20 World Cup! Hail their inconsisntency!
Bored in Dubai - Live update 9 - or Salam Pakistan !
Salam Pakistan ,! what were the odds when the WC started ? No game in 2008 , no IPL in 2009 , near pariahs since 2006 - perhaps no Indian can very TRULY enjoy a Pak win (and vice versa) but I grant you this Q - take a big bow on behalf of your boys , no one can ever equal your guys when it comes to fighting with your backs against the wall , none - salute n admire this peformance - no one deserves this slot more - in our deepest hearts , all indians know it - and how many have I had ?
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai - LIVE Update 8
Ok unless mandela or tutu change the rule of the game , even they can't do anything - Saf are thru , wthout so much as anyone telling them that they just dropped the world cup !
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai -LIVE update 7
127-4 - 23 from 5 - : thank god its the Saffers- u don't like to see them winning anyway ! :-) ok , its official , so now there's not ONE sober fella or belle in the vicinity , apart from Q of course - well done C2OH5 , fck$ng well done Pak
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai - Live Update 6
110-3 , 40 reqd off 19 - Looks like it may take a Mandela or Tutu now , perhaps even Eddie Grant propogating ze Afrikaan cause in Caribbean song - Smith must be humming Gimme Hope , tho more likely he's sitting choking somewhere - but game on surely - its a riot out here ,every dot or single ball is hailed with a Jeetega Bhai Jeetega, sporting clime at its most rock n roll !
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai - Live Update 5
Sob , 5th trip to the Men's and I wish I had a team to cheer for : 84-3
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai - LIVE Update 4
This is the one all cricketing world's waiting for : we just ordered more beer - raja assures me we're not broke yet but I suspect our sobriety's seriously broken - 70-3...reaction at this point - hic
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai - Live update 3
And what was Update 2 in comparison ? AB's gone and believe me bro so are my ears - I think BooM Boom's gonna blow the cricketing world apart today ! Whatever the outcome, this is a seriously Occassion day performance from Afridi. Man , what atmosphere n how I wish we were playing ! - 61-3
Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai - Live Update 2
40-1 : come in from the loo to hear some serious noise. Of course , Smith's gone to the dugout and am sure Q's digging it all. Can't see him tho' , ah there he is , right in front of the screen. "Jeetega bhai jeetega pakistan jeetega " erupts like a loud volcano. - I come back to down my cool Guinness magma. Gibbs just got a four , and blve it or not one of the sighers of disappointment at that boundary is Raja B - talk of world peace and bhaichara , has it really got this big? - and HaNG ON - HE'S BOWLED !! Hershelle is history , its Boom Boom day . These capslock can not adeqtly capture the jubilation here - jesus I can't hear myself think. ! 47-2 , YES TWO !
by Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Bored in Dubai -LIVE Update
124-4 : Boom Boom finally filled that long overdue room . Well here we r , Raja n I representing BCC! at the BCCP ! Great atmosphere , the beers r going down swell ; our neighbours are having a great time and so are we ! Great meeting Q finally, tho' he is understandably too tense to sit down in peace , he is knocking back his coke standing up, unlike we knocked out Injuns who can now sit back with our beers to actually enjoy a game ...More later
by Bhaskar Khaund
Sent from Blackberry handheld
Early Bored Call Paskistan vs South Africa
Ok, this is almost too easy, as were the other two Pak games, one against India (warm up) and the other against Lanka (warmed up), both which Pak lost - because, one was Wasim Bhai's birthday, the other, MianDad's. Today however, is no X men's birthday. Naturally Pak can concentrate on the job at hand, and leave the celebrations for later.
knight riders finally see day...
and have rightly sacked...john buchanan...
waugh...wah!!
who's next...ganguly...?
C'mon Jhansi Ki Ranis
India still in with a chance albeit in the women's competition. Will anyone be following that one.
C'mon Jhansi Ki Ranis (Indian women) you've won numerous international beauty pageants, it's now time to take the world of cricket by storm.
Durga Mata Ki Jai Ho
Happy Bored day firangi Akash Chopra
Happy B'day Blair Pocock, you may ask who's that? Just like some may ask, who's Akash Chopra. Cruel. Blair's witch project took birth at Perth, and it faded away at Perth too. He scored no test hundreds, but like Chopra, hung around, and got himself that test avergae of 23. Approximately. On him, Jatman would have said, "nobody remembers 50s"
A day without cricket
What did you do? Water the plants? Walk the dog? Walk the wife? How do you cope when the team's been knocked out, and so have you? Do you let loose on MSD, like some son-of-a-gun would at his harami baap? Or do you switch off? Whatever gets you through the night.
please do it for me...
can someone please pass this video to dhoni...
yesss nehra is back...and so is the old 'camaraderie'...
squad update:
MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Yusuf Pathan, Murali Vijay, S Badrinath, RP Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Abhishek Nayar, Ashish Nehra, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik.
in continuation...on ms dhoni...
to an excellent debut post by bored guest krish...in which he is able to trigger a very good debate...
one point i came across in the comments section is that dinesh karthik should be used as keeper in odi's and t20 to share the work load of dhoni where he can play purely as batsman...unlike tests where he can't walk into the team as a batsman alone and to compensate on that account must keep...
but guys...as far as i go...the same applies to t20 setup...
can dhoni with his limited stroke play* walk into t20 team purely as a batsman?
*hat tip: here is his T20 international record
What next for India and MS Dhoni?
There is some anger at MS Dhoni and India for a few tactics that backfired, leading to India's exit from the tournament. Some of it is manufactured by the media and a few of the outbursts like burning effigies is uncalled for. Once the anger subsides, though, let us look at the present and future.
India has a young and talented team. They had been winning quite a lot recently and this win may help them learn and improve themselves. Some of the youngsters will lose their complacency and be better next time round.
At this moment, Dhoni is irreplaceable. Can you think of anybody in the current team who can act as captain? Hopefully, he will now learn to lead a team of favorites instead of thinking that he is still leading no-hopers.
2003 and 2007 were the only time in the past 25 years that we reached the finals of a World Cup. So this is not a disaster. Australia left in the first round. So while disappointing, it is not a humiliation.
Finally, we have a Twenty20 World Cup again next year. The frequency of the tournaments necessarily devalue the tournament. We need to focus on more important stuff (Test series and the ODI World Cup)
by Krish
What do you do ??
When you know that someone is going to definitely get you out...
Run yourself out !!
So who are your favorite ping pong players ??
Clue: They can neither play the bouncing ball nor the one that spins
So what can they ??
What would have South Africa done?
If it were South Africa playing New Zealand instead of Sri Lanka, then despite winning all its previous games and looking like the best team on paper, South Africa would have made sure they didn't qualify for the semi finals.
They did it in 2007.
Sri Lanka showed them how not to do it in 2009.
So then, how many teams (besides Australia) have reached the semis unbeaten and gone on to play the final?
Bets on the India South Africa warm-up game.
The believer at the pharmacy knows India will win today, he said so in so many words –“India jeetega!” He put his money where his mouth is, stuffed it with a bet. “Kitna lagaya?” I demanded. He supplied an answer, “Do rupey” And I asked, “dhai rupey kyon nahin”. But deep down I knew this game wasn’t worth a paisa more.
India's Twenty20 Title Defense started with a warm-up match
And today, it will end with a warm-up match.
The height of boredom
An India v South Africa Preview
(If you come by any on the playing for pride game, you're welcome to link up here)
what type of captain do you want...?
its seems that dhoni let the gates of hell open by sending jadeja ahead of yuvraj...while the briefing could have been to go there and hit the ball without thinking about the consequences...it's just that he got stuck to the crease and could not come out of it...ala certain gavaskar...
not all instinctive decisions taken by a captain can come off like a jackpot...and this one was surely not one of those decisions...but i would always encourage captains who trust their instincts rather than the methodical ones...
what type of captain do you want...?
What Kind of a Format Allows...
Pakistan to qualify for the semi finals after beating New Zealand, Netherlands, and Ireland...
But doesn't ensure Sri Lanka a spot after they have beaten Australia, West Indies, and Pakistan?
Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this?
West Indies-England tie fixed.
By rain and Duckworth Lewis. And then England got fixed. Somewhere towards the end, Cha'paul and Sarwan ran across the fields of tulips and embraced - and that's when Cha'paul's helmet took a knock, and tilted some, blinding him, till he adjusted it like the awkward school boy that he is.
Bad behaviour by Indian fans
I heard Paul Collingwood say during his interview last night that his team was booed by the Indian fans as they took the field. If this is true, then shame on these so-called "Indian fans". Supporting one's team does not mean you show disrespect to the opposition. Now there is no difference between us and a section of Australian fans known to be rowdy.
These Indian supporters have brought disrespect to the tricolour and to Mother India.
Our cricket fans have shown double standards. They are miffed when the Australian supporters boo our team in Australia but now they have gone ahead and aped the Australians.
Most of these so-called Indian supporters might have left India to avail the benefits of living in England, be it education, profession, trade. So the least they can do is behave themselves, display some sportsman spirit and show some respect to the cricket team of the nation where they reside.
FEAR OF LOSING led to India's downfall
When Zaheer Abbas-led Pakistan lost the 1979-80 Test Series in India 2-0, Imran Khan criticized his captain for being too defensive as he was playing with the fear of losing since he knew there would be a huge backlash in his country if his team lost. "ZED did not show the intent to win but he wanted to draw the Test matches and ended up losing" said Imran.
It was a similar story for India at the 2009 Twenty20 World Championship. The "fear of losing syndrome" gripped Dhoni and his boys and as a result they crashed out. Two moments that stood out for me:
1. Harbhajan feared being hit on a couple of occasions and thus darted it in - result on both occasions - wide and a boundary. 10 runs gifted - margin of loss - 3 runs.
2. Fake one down player and one-time captain courageous Dhoni wanted to shield himself and Yuvraj from the fiery spell of the English at the start and sent in inexperienced Jadeja who is not a boundary-hitter. Result - Jadeja crumbled under pressure - run rate shot up - game turned on its head. (Mind you, Yuvraj looked as if he was raring to go in at number 4)
Lesson for Pakistan - don't fear losing - put your best foot forward and send Afridi to open (he's useless at number 6 and Pakistan would be better off sending him to fight the Taliban instead).
Well played England!
A - moment from India v/s England Super Eights Match
I slept through most of the match after the 15th over of the English innings!
But then so did Team India!
Who said that ??
"This loss is disappointing but the loss in 2007 ODI World Cup was the worst loss of my career"
And also tell us why he / she does't consider this the worst loss (or one of them)
Quote thanks to www.cricinfo.com
Jatman on the India v England match result.
"When the first ball of the 20th over was not hit for six, I nude we had lost"
It's complicated. (a swan song for MSD's team)
We're not like the Jatman
He thinks too little
We thinks too much
Much too much
Our thinking is a crutch
Jatman is simple
But it's complicated
Eleven players
When? Where? What? Who will?
Bat? Bowl? Field? Catch?
Point? Leg-slip? Mid-off? Piss-off?
It's complicated.
I had a vision
I saw it clear, the winning score
Ravindra Jadeja at number four
He was to be my man of the match
Little did I know how he would scratch
It's complicated.
I recall Shane Warne doing the same
I think it is he who is to blame
I had a vision
I saw it clear, three quicks, yeah, that's my bowling order
Little did i know, tall boy would bowl this much fodder
But y'kno he is the face and heart of Indian cricket
Sponsor's pay for him to play
Who am I to have any say
It's complicated
We're not like the Jatman
He thinks too little
We thinks too much
Much too much
Our thinking is a crutch
Jatman is simple
But it's complicated
What happened to MSD's Young _ _ _ks
I mean Turks of course...
What happened to the fearless incredibly talented New India , the Brave New World of Captain Doodh
To all the little chokdas , those chintu Raina Shainas, those teenda Sharma Warmas , ....?
Badly found out ....
And pundits like Java Srinath - "India has the best new ball attack in the world" ...ahahahahaha....Choose your pick : ZAK, RP , IP , MP , PK , JK , and of course the incredible IS - Ishant 'India's Own Answer To Speed' Sharma - a ripping faster-than-light 135 kmph delivery delivered from a 270 kmph run up , fastest bowler in the history of the game because BCCI can buy your soul with their money dude.... Cemented his place for eternity on one - yes , one - spell bowled to Punter a couple years ago...I mean , who the fu*k are Steyn and Malinga and Gul and - heck , even Broad dammit - in comparison , right ?
And MSD ....WTF happened to him ?
All that remains now is for Mr Modi to keep the India Flaunts It spirit going - sponsor a Closing Ceremony maybe , get them racy cheerleaders to flank as he takes centerstage and thanks his staff and his wife and his kids ?
'Scuse me while I barf.
Place Your Bets On Yuvraj Hitting Less Than One 6 Today
1) Golden Duck - 1:1.4
2) Duck - 1:1.07
3) One 6 - 1:5
4) Two Sixes - 1:9
5) More Than Two Sixes - 1:1.02
Go figure. Broad did. Pity no Freddy this time to wind him up though.
All bets must be placed in "honour" currency and winnings can be redeemed with special "honour" coupons. Really. If you would like to donate 10% of your winnings to England's Ashes Charity Bowling, you're a loon and shouldn't be betting in the first place.
MSD on Jatman's shoulder before the India-England match today
"Yes, of course his shoulder in not with us today, but that's how it is with T20, you lose some shoulders and you win some... Viru's shoulder was a very attacking one, and we will miss it, but really someone else's shoulder will take its place and we don't miss anyone and that's how the game goes and is played y'kno, of coarse, yes, it is a crucial game for us and we know we must win it but more importantly we want to come out and enjoy ourselves because that is what is important y'kno, of course, the ball will do a bit later on and we're looking forward to bat first and runs on the board are always important"
You've heard one MSD interview, you've heard them all. Once upon a time, the guy had originality, could cut into Ravi Shastri and tell him, we proved you wrong. MSD, dig deep into the recesses of your mind, unearth that originality. You may not win the match, but at least you'll speak your mind, and make for a good listen.
What will you do if India gets knocked out by England tonight
Will you stop speaking English?
Or will you stop speaking cricket?
Or will you start speaking Australian
and claim that T20 was never that hot
Interesting observations about the FODP
The Fake One down Player has been quiet for a while.
No steamy press conferences, no insightful releases on BCC!. This is part of what he calls the inter-inspection period (Oh, we call it introspection). For him it is a period of inspecting others (teammates and press), watching them carefully, figuring out who the new Jatman would be.
While FODP is observing inter-inspection, Yuvraj Singh has come out with a couple of things.
a) He thinks he is scoring runs, and as someone who is playing well at the moment he would like to bat up in the order.
You can't move Yuvraj so up that he replaces a Gambhir or a Rohit. So who does he wants to replace, FODP ?? Obvious, right ??
Ok, if you thought that was just wishful thinking from Yuvraj. Take a look at his second statement. It is more damning.
b) He says, "We can't say Dhoni is not a good batsman because he failed in one (?? one ??) innings. He has played many great innings for India in the past. You need to give him some time and once he crosses 10-15 runs he will once again win matches for India."
This means two things
1) Give him some time till he crosses 10 again. Meaning, that is what this idiot can score right now, leave him alone. Let him play at his own pace and score his 10 s and 15 s
2) Hopefully we bat second and he comes so low down the order that only 2-3 overs remain and some 11-16 runs to win. He can then play all 18 balls and score those 11-18 and win matches for India
Wah wah... Yuvi we never thought you are such a brilliant thinker of the game. Brilliant man, keep it up !!
PS: Is Yuvraj the new Jatman ??
"How the fck can India qualify for the semi finals of the Twenty20 World Cup?"
If this is what keeps you awake then clearly one part of you lives in that Windies World Cup. The other part lives in World Cups pre 1983. Clearly Bored Member Ankit Poddar cannot be bothered about pre-1983, that was way before his time. But the ghosts of 2007 are forcing him to see things, such as these four scenarios. They have been aptly titled Scenario 1, Scenario 2, Scenario 3, Scenario 4.
John Dyson should read this. So should MS Dhoni, he may never bat again in this World Cup. And of course, so should you. Read all four scenarios here.
Happy Bored Day rockstar!
Happy b'day Chris Cairns. Isn't it funny, that our last cricketing memory of you is the ICL eviction. Whatever happened wasn't quite cricket. And who was that with you, Dinesh Mongia? And your team was Punjab something, right? See how the ICL's gone for a big six, like one of yours, out of sight.
Mr. 47.82%
International T20 Strike Rate of Explosive Batsman & Captain of India before the WC game vs WI = 105.27
Strike Rate of Mr. 3 Litres-Dhoodh-per-day in yesterday's match:47.82%
by Raj
It's all in the team, mate
Zheer & Harbhajan: We wish you batted like this for Mumbai Indians
Bravo: I wish there were bowlers like you in IPL to face!
by Raj
A - Moment from India v/s West Indies Super Eights Match
According to a well documented source, this is the end of the world!
Now every moment is important! Every bored moment that is! After all, bored makes it bearable!
What Were You Thinking Bravo?
First you get you get Gambhir, Dhoni, and the Pathan bros.
Then you come out to bat and smash Ojha, Bhajji, and Ishant around.
For good measure you even hit Zak out of the ground to end the game.
You do remember that Bhajji and Zak are your team mates don't you?
Did you know that Sachin was watching you from the stands?
What were you thinking!?
He wouldn't like what you did to his Mumbai Indians.
Oh wait, you're a Mumbai Indian too.
So were you trying to impress Sachin?
Were you playing for him?
Did you thank him after your man of the match performance?
Namya's moment of the India vs West Indies match
SRT sitting in the stands watching the match with his family and the cameras zooming on him. We better start getting used to this scene. Not a very cheerful thought but nor is life. BCC! makes it bearable :)
by namya
Q Answers the Door
Thanks for the tissues Damith.
They were badly needed with my boxes emptying fast by all the Pakistani boys who came over to support.
I gracefully accept the defeat in this battle.
But I live to fight another day.
Congrats Sri Lanka, congrats Damith!
Q, answer the door quick
No its not Ellen De Generes's big stimulus package, Why it a kitten, representing Pakistan, delivering you a box of tissues.
Fake One down Player
This is the release he had promised us at BCC!, the one he promised that we would exclusively have...
"I have been misinterpreted again, it was the new media this time. Let me clarify, I have not changed a bit since I heard my Dadi telling me "I am Brahmasmi".
I know I am
I would neither change ever or I would admit. If at all there comes a time I have to, I will bring in all 15 and divert the issue.
Let me clarify one more thing. I wasn't at loggerheads with Jatman at any point in time. If I were at loggeheads with him then I would not have called him for that all team press conference. The fact that he was present proves that he is not my competition. (Thank god you didn't notice the absence of Dinesh Karthik in the original squad)
I am thinking of not keeping today, two reasons for that. One, I am the captain and therefore the precedent suggests that I either be at the slip or in covers, throwing up my arm for every ball that would pass me. Second, I have a second wicketkeeper and it is Dinesh Karthik, so I wouldn't drop any behind the stumps.
Well, it is time I finished this release... I need to take some quality time out for myself. The winners of the ball before THE ball, the call before the CALL (of toss), and all those who score me monies before I score anything with a piece of wood are waiting.
Let me close with clarifying one point from that previous new media release...
It quoted me saying, Jatman is a friend. Let me reiterate he is and he would be.
On Facebook, from now on. See you (only) on Facebook Jatman, bye !!
And see you guys too. I would talk to you guys after I win my match against the West Indies..."
Click here for see the Fake One down Player in full !!
Tom Cruise, Numbers and a quick summary
Damith and Q are cricket nerds. Why else would they involve statistics to make a point?
And seriously people, you are NOT supposed to give an inch - "Yes Razaak is a worry. He is pretty cool no matter which way you look at it. " ( Damith) and "The top 4 may look rock solid but poor Mahela has hardly laid bat on ball, " (Q) - are you guys playing nice now? Where is the aggro?
Both of you need to enroll in the Homer Academy for Cricket Sledging. ASAP!
(And for the rest of you out there, you can get the brochure and prospectus for the Homer Academy for Cricket Sledging by sending a check or cash to...)
But what I gathered is this - Sri Lanka has beaten Pakistan in 4 of the last 5 games they played but have never managed to do so in a ICC sponsored event.
So who will prevail today?
Game on people!
PS:- Why is Tom Cruise the way he is? Answers on a post card to...
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is the start of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game tomorrow. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka debate, start reading from down under
I Knew Damith, but Did You?
Pakistan may have lost 4 of their last 5 ODIs to Sri Lanka but the fact is Damith, that Sri Lanka has never beaten Pakistan in a world cup game.
Be it an ODI World Cup, a World T20, or even a Champions Trophy, the Lankans have always gone down against the Pakistanis.
If any pattern is to be seen, this is the one Damith - when it matters, Sri Lanka just don't have it in them!
You mention Mendis' average, but what you miss is the all important stat that counts in T20 cricket - the economy rate.
Mendis has gone for 4.73 runs per over against Pakistan in ODIs, which is higher than his career ecomomy, and higher than his economy against any other nation.
He will be left scratching his head after he faces the wrath of the Pakistani blades, while Murali will hardly be of any help; we've been handling him for decades.
I have already told you about Dilshan's 3rd innings failures, so what he averages against Pakistan is irrelevant.
His form leading up to the match - also irrelevant. You call them pie chuckers, but after Dilshan's back in the pavilion, that is all he'll be doing. Eating pies!
Angelo Matthews who?
The top 4 may look rock solid but poor Mahela has hardly laid bat on ball, while the Silvas, Mubaraks, and whats their names in your line up are going to be fodder for the likes of Afridi, Ajmal, and Gul.
No chance in hell baby.
Malinga and Udana will be thwarted around, Matthews will be left wondering whether he should just remain outside the boundary, Jayasuriya will finally realize he's too old for the Pakistanis, King Sanga will face his first loss as captain, while the entire Sri Lankan fans will be left with the thought:
Why can't we beat Pakistan when it matters!?
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is part of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game today. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
India ( - Jatman) vs West Indies (+/- the coolest Jamaican)
Amidst all the verbal jousting between Sri Lanka and Pakistan the Bored Members might have forgotten that Indians face a serious threat in the form of West Indies
Apart from Gayle, the windies dont really have a batsman who can carry out a sustained attack on the opposition but if the Dude gets going....... good luck to the bowlers
the fielding is rather pathetic, not that India has been any better this series.
What i am afraid of is Fidel and Taylor opening the bowling.
If the fast men get it right, life could get a bit difficult for the Indian Batsmen.
However, they do have the tendency to err in their lines n lengths
If things go well at the beginning, then india might be able to take the attack to the rest of the bowling.
As for India, Zaheer's spell in the last match was a relief, but that was only ireland
Gayle and co will be a different proposition altogether
the death bowling definitely needs improvement.
The middle order must get a decent hit, the business end of the tournament is here.
DROP IRFAN.
So lets wait and watch which team turns up to face India, Callypso Kings or Collapso Kings.
by Prafs
Bugsy Akmal's shrill voice
Kamran Akmal (Bugsy Akmal - no matter how hard he tries he can't hide those two front teeth) forces me to switch to mute mode whenever he is around the stump mike. His shrill voice behind the stumps reminds me a lot of Romesh Kaluwitharana (A R Rahman lookalike) who also made the most irritating sounds behind the stumps.
Bugsy is at his best when he squeals (as a throw comes in from the deep): "Shahid Bhai bhen.... idhar yaar idhar...... Shahid Bhai lelo yaar meri, pehle to stump se door phenkte ho, phir itni zor se phenkte ho, mere hath tut jayenge yaara, main chikke kaise maroonga....."
Bugsy on a serious note:
Oye bhen.. main keya.. acha hua Shoaib Bhai ko team mien nahi rakha nahi to mere haath pakka tut jaate... woh jab wide karne ke mood mein aate hain na to badi buri haalat hoti hai meri.
Q, Did you know?
That Pakistan have lost 4 of their last 5 ODIs again SL?
That Dilshan averages a cool 48 v Pakistan compared to his career 31. I don't know about you but I think he likey the Pakistani attack.
That the last time we played you in a shortened format, we beat you by 234 runs. That is just wrong. Plain wrong.
And the game before that we beat you by 129. Do you see a pattern developing ol boy ?
I am not sure what you mean by Mendis has been figured out by Pakistan. Is it his average of 15 against Pakistan in ODIs or his 3 wickets in the one T20 he played against them? Which one is it?
If by any chance you are referring to the recent test series that was played on pitches flatter than 8 year old Keira Knightly (no dispect, she is a fine young lass), then shame on you Q. Shame on you.
Umar Gul, Tanvir and co usually become pie chuckers when they see old wrinkly face and Dilshan lining them up.
And you are yet to see the best of Matthews, who although DYNOMITE with his fielding is also pretty cool with the bat. Maybe he will join in the Pakistani wiping today. Of course that would have to mean he gets an opportunity to bat - Given that our top 4 are rock solid.
Yes Razaak is a worry. He is pretty cool no matter which way you look at it. However his new hairdo is all uncoolness. After all those years playing in the ICL does he still have what it takes to take on some real cricketers? The hairdo does indicate a softened head.
And while everyone focuses on Mendis, Old man Murali will silently snipe out whoever is left over after Slingas repotoire of yorkers.
How can Pakistan even think of winning? Why is Tom Cruise the way he is?
For some questions there simply are no answers.
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is part of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game today. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
Two moments that reduced pain of Me-and-dad's 1986 act
Talking about Me-and-dad, the fact that India won it's first ever Test series in Pakistan during his tenure as Pakistan coach was very gratifying for me... poetic justice.
Also Hrishikesh Kanitkar helped reduce the pain of Miandad's 1986 act to an extent when he found the boundary in Dhaka in 1997 during the Independence Cup final when 3 were required off 2 balls and my favourite BUOY Saqi was bowling.
Early Bored Call: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
No two ways about it, Pak will lose and they can blame Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram. Last week, when Pak outplayed itself against India, it was Wasim Bhai’s b’day. Today, it’s Miandad miya’s.
From a purely cricketing POV, it will be a take no POWs kinda game – terribly one sided, might not even go the full distance; but then it is a T20 game, and the full distance is 5 days. Sri Lanka looks like a team, in spite of their captaincy which at best is well read though not street smart. If Sanga was playing in Law school, he would’ve had a Yale of a time. Luckily, this is Lord’s and there are plenty of laws going around. It’s down to his two slowpokes, but he still won't deploy them as an attacking move. Only if the quicks are ravaged in the first 4 will Mendis bowl the 5th. And Murali no way in the first 6, that’s his paid vacation.
On paper, Pak is man-to-man a better side and should win. But as most of the players can’t read it’s just a waste of paper.
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
Happy Bored Day last ball sixer
Happy B'day Miandad. Can't believe I'm wishing you, after what you did to a whole generation of believers - turned them into infidels. Chetan Sharma still sets the field in his sleep, and still bowls that damn full toss. How we love to hate you.
In moderation
Moderating the Big Fight between Damith and Q isnt easy. Especially since the only thing missing in this verbal joust is - moderation. And if this verbal joust is anything to go by, we are in for a treat tomorrow.
Damith got the ball rolling by questioning Afridi's credentials as a bowler. A premise that most of the civilized world would concur with (although his batting is equally suspect). He then upped the ante by questioning Pakistan's ability to play the big game and rounded off by mentioning ( in passing) the "Here is my middle finger" spinner, the Cardiac Kid who will never captain Sri Lanka and the volleyballer whose name no one can get right.
A tall order indeed!
As behooves an opposition member from the subcontinent ( or just about anywhere), Q wasnt going down without a fight. Or a brawl.
Q's verbal barrage included the following - calling Sri Lanka weak, top heavy and ... minnows! This was followed by big upping the Peshawar Rickshaw and the Rajasthan Royal that could. If dissing The Splendid one was not enough, Q raised the roof by mentioning Popeye.. I mean, really! This was followed by poking a needle through the Cardiac Kid who will never captain Sri Lanka voodoo doll.
Honorable mentions of the Shrieker behind the stumps, You knows, Missed by 5 minutes and Hyderabad ka damaad rounded up his repartee.
The ball is in your court Damith!
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is the start of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game tomorrow. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
Answers for Damith & Some Questions too
You call Afridi's leg spinners to minnows illegal.
So what will you call it when he runs through the Lanka batting line up?
Will it be illegal because he ran through the minnows? Or will it be destructive bowling that was too good for the Sri Lankans?
Speaking of your batting line up, there isn't much after the top 4.
By the time Gul and Tanvir are done with them, Afridi will run through the minnow-esque middle order and tail.
You call Mendis Splendid, but we both know that he's far from that.
He caught the Aussies sleeping because they had never played him before.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have had the better of him in Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
Mendis doesn't stand a chance against Akmal, Younis, Misbah, Malik, and the rest.
Moreover, if our spinach-eating-popeye-impersonator Abdul Razzaq lands in London on time, any hope that you had will be lost!
You know as well as I do that Dilshan fails every 3rd innings - come tomorrow, come Pakistan, and it will be his 3rd innings of the World T20.
Sadly we won't see a single sitting-down-in-weird-frog-type-stance-and-scooping-over-the-keeper-shot!
So Damith boy, your team doesn't stand a chance.
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is the start of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game tomorrow. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
The terms of engagement
This post is for Bored friends Q, Damith and Homer. All three care about stuff the civilised world has absolutely no interest in. In Q's case, the obsession is with Fawad Alam. Damith cares enough about Michael Vaughan and Homer cares about the Ponting-Chawla "rivalry". Which makes them the ideal parties to the debate, for a game that I, ahem, find far too difficult to care about.
So yawn, here is what a bored debate requires. It needs a proposition and an opposition. And of course, a moderator.
We have the proposition in Damith (who has already fired his opening salvo, i see. btw, welcome on bored, dude), and I guess, we have the opposition in Q (no offence Q, you just happen to be speaking second).
So who will moderate? Homer. Obviously. Not because of some absurd big-brother-in-the-subcontinent-notion, but because his name is Homer and the origins of modern debate and other boring things lie in ancient Greece, see?
1. Q, will need to fire in his defence pretty soon. Are you ready Q?
2. Homer will summarise both arguments and prepare the ground for Damith's repartee
3. Damith's repartee. If we could afford it, we would have made Ravi Shastri say "This is Big!" three times before Damith starts.
4. Q's counter-arguments
5. Homer's final summary of the debate
6. Match begins.
7. Cricket decides the winner of this debate. and our two fat ladies would have started singing.
Tell me if this format works - Q, Damith and Homer. Not that I particularly care. So bored.
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is the start of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game on 12th June 2009. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
Questions for Q
You lost to The Engerrrland. The same England that lost to the Nederlands. Then wickedly unleashed Afridis weirdo top spinning leggies on them.
Which we all can agree should be illegal. Everyone knows its unfair to disjoint Minnows with leg spin.
How do you expect to beat SL on friday night?
A team that knocked out Australia, in their sleep.
A team with Splendid Mendis in full romping mood.
Some would say it is impossible. But Pakitan once won a world cup. Which is also illegal cuz they used Leg spin on another minnow- lo and behold the Englerrrland.
Also, now they have to contend with Dilshans Keeper- Embarrasser/Killer shot.
AND, Angellow Matthews volleyball fielding acrobatics.
I put it to you sir, that there is no hope.
(Bored Member Damith is from Sri Lanka where as Bored Member Q is from Pakistan; this is the start of the Damith vs. Q BBC* Debate at BCC! for the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Super 8 game on 12th June 2009. Rip into each other gentlemen)
*BBC - Bored Boys Chat.
Click here for the complete Pak-Lanka Debate, start reading from down under.
Bored Game: Two Fat Ladies!
Welcome Dear Bored Friend to our ingenious new Bored Game – two fat ladies. The Super 8s of the T20 World Cup are upon us, but to tell you the truth, we’re still hung up on the IPL.
And as most national teams have players from the same nation, (barring England...) they never can elicit the same response the melting pot league does. Aren’t you sick of watching a team of eleven Indians, eleven Pakistanis, eleven Australians – compare that to a team of 1 South African, 1 Australian, 1 Kiwi, 1 Sri Lankan, 7 Indians, and some liberal sprinklings of Englishmen on the bench and a coach from Saturn.
You loved it, didn’t you? Why didn’t they play another IPL in England, instead of this sham of a scam of an ICC World Twenty20?
There you have it – you can now play the IPL in the World Cup. As we’re down to 8 teams, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland – why not connect each team with one of the IPL teams – now, unlike national sides, we don’t even have to tell you the names here - KKR or Knight Riders or Kolkata Knight Riders, every spot boy in Bollywood will tell you. That’s the deal with teams in the spotlight, boy!
For people from another planet, the IPL teams – 1) Deccan Chargers 2) Bangalore Royal Challengers 3) Delhi Daredevils 4) Chennai Superkings 5) Kings XI Punjab 6) Rajasthan Royals 7) Mumbai Indians 8) Kolkata Knight Riders
Also, while you’re busy matching teams do give us a reason - You can post in comments/Yawns or even mail us bcciwrites@gmail.com
The exceptional comments will attain immortality as posts on Bored! The best post will also be 1) Announced at Bored 2) Linked up 3) Carried forward in a song and 4) cartoon dedication 5) As always a surprise!
Let’s get cracking!
My money isn't on India yet
since everyone's putting together points on why aus lost, why poms are sh*t and why nobody really cares about south africa i thought i miht as well jump onto the 'point' bandwagon
here goes
1) Gambhir isn't being much help crawling at the top. The other opener is only a makeshift arrangement.
2) Dhoni, SHOULD NOT bat higher than either Yuvi or Raina. So stuff your ego dude, 5 is your number, not Raina's
3) How many times have Raina and Yusuf got the oppurtunity to get a decent hit?
4) The fielding, is still awful... throws from the boundary end up on the wrong damn pitch.
5) The death bowling is missing....... no one has kept their heads at the death, even aginst the Deshis and Ireland
6) Irfan Pathan.... need i say more...
BUT I WILL...it's ok if he's got curly hair and the girls love his smile... but that was not the criteria for making the 11, methinks
if Dhoni needs a bowler RP must play. Pathan is NOT an all rounder, he's a batsman who could bowl a bit... ONLY A BIT.
7) Jatman is out injured....... does that suck or what?
by prafs
hold on guys...hold on...
so pcb's proposal is accepted by icc...
good for a player like razzaq, nazir etc...
there have been calls that they should be drafted into the squad...nahh...in final xi...asap...
excuse me...!! are you serious guys...?
are they that good...then why were they discarded in the first place...?
they have done nothing to convince me that suddenly they have improved so much that they should be drafted straight into the squad...
...and what does this say about the first choice players...where does it leave them...?
isn't it like saying, "you guys are not worth a place in the team...that you were just warming the bench for them...so they can come and knock you off it...won't it effect team bonding...specially when things are falling into place for pak...slowly but surely...
is this worth it, that too in the middle of an important tournament such as world cup...
Phoren Baba's chasing him... Again !!
It was roughly a week ago when we figured that Anil Kumble & Saurav Ganguly would be part of the World Cup T20 commentary team.
Kumble has kept us entertained through the initial round robin matches. But did we take some timeout to think about our dear Dada ??
Where is he ? Why are we not hearing his voice yet ?
When are we going to listen to his "a wink a word" style of speech ??
Bored is in possession of some (interesting) inside information on why we still don't have Dada winking at us.
Yes, it is the Phoren Baba's in action again. Sources close to Dada suspect that a former coach of the Indian cricket team who asked him to explore life outside cricket might be one of the reasons. He might be the secret scheduler who allots commentators matches and airtime. And it is he and his coterie who have deliberately kept Dada out of the team.
But Dada is confident that he would find his second life in IPL.
Yes, next year they are going to test a revolutionary format in IPL. The players would be the commentators, all the ex's in the box would be moderators who would enable the players to comment from the ground.
So you would be able to hear Dada saying "That was a very tough catch, I tried my level best but couldn't hold on to it. But cricket is a team game, the other guys too should raise up to the occasion and win matches for us", and that too live as he drops
Fake One down Player
Fake One down player handed this release to our representative at Trent Bridge immediately after the match (this was before even he gave an interview as a winning captain)
"You know I am not the one who talks about myself. I don't normally tell the world how great a human being (cricketer) I am. But I think it is time I spoke.
This Indian media is thinking too much of itself. So I speak...
This goes out to all those who doubt my talent(s)
Remember, I speak well at press conferences. You must have read in Indian media "Sensational press conference", so I do well there
I am combative, captain cool (and I am not saying this)
I walk briskly on to the crease (one down !)
People say I am Ic cool
Let me invoke a Sanskrit saying (my Dadi told me)
I am Brahmasmi
So you know who I am now ?
Okay now that you know who I am, let me talk about today's match.
I am sure you guys are appreciating my captaincy in today's crucial encounter against a strong Ireland team. You must have seen how tactfully we chased...
And you must now have realised how important my decision was in sending Jatman back
Had he been there, I would have come in under immense pressure. Imagine in a crucial encounter chasing this kind of a challenging total and someone forcing me to walk in the middle in the 4-5th over. It would have been unnecessary pressure on me and my team.
Ya ! I hear some of you saying, but capthan you got out ??
No guys, sorry you are mistaken**. I didn't hole out. It was part of my strategy and I chalked it out. An out of form batsman like Yuvraj Singh had to get some time in the middle, practicing his batting. Even if it is at the cost of an in form me, I would do it for the team.
I know you love me and my team. And you love me for being the ultimate team man.
At the end what is important is that I won.
Thanks for thanking me and my strategy !!"
** My strike rate was 107 today
When will India give up on Irfan Pathan
When the batsman hits him out of the ground. And not just his bowling.
Ricky can't stop talking about Splendid Mendis
Ricky on Mendis
“We’ve all had an opportunity to see plenty of video footage of him, but when you’re in a Twenty20 game and you’ve got to go out there and play a certain way, you’ve got to take, rick the challenge up to the bowlers,” Ponting, who was one of Mendis’ victims, said. “Today he got the better of us. “
Translation - Mendis was too good for me and the rest our shit eaters. We jizzed in our pants.
“He certainly had a big impact on the game. That was probably the difference in the game that their spinner did dictate to us a little bit through the middle of our batting innings.”
Translation- Mendis dominated us. We are shit. So we Jizzed in our pants. I just cant stop saying it but we really did jizz in our pants this time. Hopefully it will wash off easy, cuz I hate it when those flakes get stuck on my hairy arms.
jatman...the fake opener
everything that has happened with me has been thrust upon me...
i had a thick mop of hair...baldness was thrust upon me...
i was a middle order bat...opening was thrust upon me...
i am not a leader...captaincy was thrust upon me...
one thing which was not thrust upon me...i was born with it...
'foot in the mouth...'
so here i go...i admit that my injury was sustained during ipl semifinals...
Early Bored Call - West Indies vs. Sri Lanka
Gayle will fail, about time he did. He's already won two games, and one of them wasn't even a warm-up. Once Gayle fails, so will his boy Fletcher. Be down to hard times for Sarwan and Co vs. the Lankan slowpokes. The game could even see Mendis-Murali- Sanath-Dilshan bowl as many as 12 overs between them. Looking at the Lankan quicks, Malinga aside, from a purely aesthetic pov, they should not bother with more than 2-4 overs between them. Let them open if Malinga doesn't want to. So, slowpokes 12 (if not more) overs, 4 Malinga, and play the rest by ear.
Be watchable if Dilshan comes off again, and if Sanath does too that's a Diwali Bonus. But honestly, the Lankan batting is working class, and not even Hero. In spite of that, they should win this match of no consequence.
WC Twenty20 - The Fake IPL
Image by teemus via FlickrQ. What would you call a Twenty20 tournament (ICC World Twenty20) where the cheerleaders are fully clothed?
Ans. A Fake IPL
Boom Boom Afridi showing ominous signs: Must Open
It's an ominous sign for all other teams. Boom Boom's famous grin is back, so is his swagger. I only wish Pakistan gets its strategy right and makes him open once again. It's a gamble worth taking. Ask any team and you'll know that they fear him the most as an opener. It sends a chill down my spine when I see him opening against India.
But I guess the Pak team management also knows that Afridi is an even bigger JAT than the JATMAN himself and can often lose the plot at the very outset. After all, since Pathans are another fierce martial race they are distant cousins of the Jats, especially in terms of their mindset and thinking pattern (stubborn).
However, I hope sense prevails on Mr. Inteqaal Alam and Mr. Mard of Mardan and they make Afridi open. Also Miss-wah, the best batsman should bat at 4.
Opener Afridi will definitely add some desi tadka to this event, which currently tastes a lot like bland English food (fish n chips, boiled potatoes... etc).
why shoulder injury is a blessing in disguise for jatman...
so jatman returns...apparently he could not carry on with the weight of expectations...and if that was not enough the alleged fight between him and captain cool proved to be that final fatal extra gram...so his broad and bald shoulders gave up...
the injury to the player of the caliber of viru is always unfortunate and however good his replacement is...most teams will heave a sigh of relief...
but in hindsight...i think this is perhaps the best thing that could have happened to jatman at this stage of his career...he repeatedly crossed the thin line between being positive and arrogant...to cut it short... he was on a mission to self-destruct...
that's why i feel the injury will bring him out of the 'time warp' he locked himself in and was unable to come out of somehow...
more importantly his cycle is complete (see pic on left) and one can be assured of some cracker innings when he returns...eager...hungrier...
did you hear jatman saying that famous line...?
"i will be back..."
ps: at bored we called jatman's return way back...look here...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)