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[Blwe_torch]

Ponting calls for tempered approach

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan in Melbourne

December 25, 2007



Anil Kumble is well aware of the need to keep the batsmen quiet in case they hit a roadblock © Getty Images
 
You hear the bowling machine clank, hear the ball thud onto bat, and voices echo around the walls. You see Anil Kumble calmly compose himself and hear him answer every question patiently. There's a calm about the indoor nets at the MCG, an air of assurance almost. All until Ricky Ponting walks in, rattles answers as if he's at an examination, laughs, and fills the room with an energy that was missing earlier. And all this without a microphone.

Both are tremendously aggressive cricketers but while Kumble exudes a quiet sort of energy, Ponting is more animated. It's a possible sign for the series: Australia going all out for the kill, India preferring the silent ambush; one side intent on coming out swinging, the other hoping for the crucial, fatal, counter-punch. You feel it in the answers: one gushing about the quality of his side, the other saying, wait and watch.

Both are colossal figures for their respective sides - one arguably the country's greatest bowler, the other being mentioned in the same breath as the Don [Bradman] - and it's fitting that they will walk out to toss in a gigantic arena that is the MCG. Kumble's priority was predictable: "put runs on the board". He's spent most of his career traveling with a batting line-up that has unraveled abroad. He himself is a different bowler when he has the comfort of runs on the board. He thrives on applying pressure, revels in bogging the opposition down. He's also clear that he's "first a bowler and then a captain". One cannot afford to come in the way of the other.

Ponting's career has coincided with Australia's golden age. He knows the conditions, knows the pitfalls, more importantly knows how to win. He holds forth on the Melbourne weather, the pitch and the conditions. Occasionally he throws in an 'aw, look mate' but never does he let up on the speed. He's spent the previous two hours in an optional net session, joined by around ten kids frolicking around. He mainly faced throw downs but the Christmas cheer was unmistakable - his team-mates' children having a go in the side nets.

Ponting is mostly dead-certain. The pitch isn't just damp, it's "very, very damp". He remembers Shane Warne's dictum for the MCG - "If it seams, it spins" - but knows he possesses the ammunition of work around it. "Mitchell Johnson impressed everybody against Sri Lanka. Stuart Clark's Test record at the moment is as good as any going around. I'm very confident we're going to take 20 wickets in every Test we play this summer."

Occasionally they both echo the same sentiment. India will first try and plot a means to get 20 wickets but Kumble is well aware of the need to keep the batsmen quiet in case they hit a roadblock ("We have plans and bowlers to hit the right areas"). Ponting also knows, from past experience, that Australia will have to refrain from over-attacking. "Last time [in 2003-04] we did over-attack some of their players just the little bit ... If you look to the way we played against India last time [2004], we bowled a bit differently." He knows the dangers of a bouncer barrage. "It's not how many you bowl, but when you use them."

And just once in a while they drop their guard. Ponting, for all his aggression, knows the importance of a tempered approach. He feels they over-attacked in Adelaide last time around and "probably let them score a few too many runs". Kumble, for all his guarded responses, bursts through forcefully towards the end: "I am positive that we will be able to do well here on this tour. I don't see any reason why we can't win." No Indian team has managed to do so in the last 60 years, and this one is up against it, but Kumble will know a thing or two about scaling barriers.

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan is an assistant editor at Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

[Blwe_torch]

.................Another Saurav interview.......


One needs to have fire in the belly, says Sourav
- Former Team India captain opens up hours away from his 100th Test 
LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI

Sourav Ganguly during a media conference in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) 

Melbourne: Sourav Ganguly is neither the captain on this tour nor is he Team India’s senior-most pro. However, in the build-up to the latest Test series, he remains the most talked about.

Sourav, who will make his 100th Test appearance on Wednesday, spoke to the media on Monday afternoon. Later, he also had a brief one-on-one with The Telegraph.

The following are excerpts

On the forthcoming Test series

Australia is a good side, but we’ve played well against them... We’re probably the only team to have competed with them home and away... If you look at the records over the past six years, you’ll see we’ve beaten Australia... They’re tough, but we’ve got the side to play well.

On Team India winning overseas in recent years

Most of the boys in this team have seen success abroad... They know what it means to win overseas... They know they’ve got to put runs on the board...

On the difference between the side which toured Australia in 2003-04, under his captaincy, and the one this time

Then, we had a weak attack... We’ve probably got a better bowling attack this time and, with (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni coming at No. 7, we bat deep... We need to have runs on the board, though... You can have all the names and all the ammunition, but performing in the middle is what matters. What we achieved (drawing the Test series) four years ago has no bearing on the present.

On whether the row between Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist could affect Australia’s performance

These things happen in sport and we shouldn’t read much into it... Both have been big performers for Australia... Today, Warney is away from the game and has the right to speak.

On the Australian attack

They’ll miss Warney and Glenn McGrath, but it’s an opportunity for Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson and Brad Hogg ( ......hmmm, he doesn't even name Shaun Tait!)

On handling Brett Lee

We’ve got to play according to the merit of the ball... We’ve just come off a series where we faced Shoaib Akhtar, who is probably the quickest... Lee has been doing well, but we’ll stand up and face him (with confidence).

On the centres — Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide — for the Test series

I believe the (drop-in) wicket at the MCG has slowed down, but it will still have enough bounce and carry... Sydney and Adelaide will probably spin a bit... Perth, as you all know, will bounce a bit... Adapting to different conditions is critical and we have to get used to the bounce.

On the issue of accommodating Yuvraj Singh in the XI

(Laughs) It’s Anil Kumble’s headache...

On whether he’s feeling the pressure, being hours away from his 100th Test

Don’t think there’s pressure because it will be my 100th... It’ll be just another Test and I’m happy that I’ll be part of the club featuring players who’ve played 100 Tests and 300 ODIs... As a professional, I’ll be happy on Wednesday... One likes to achieve and getting to play 100 Tests is an achievement.

On the biggest days in his career

When I made my debut (June 1996), when I got the captaincy (March 2000)... Boxing Day will also be on that list.

On whether not being captain has made a difference

Not being captain has taken a lot of the responsibility away from me... As captain you’ve got to do a whole lot of things and could end up with no time for yourself... Now, I can do my own thing while, at the same time, trying to help Anil and the players in whatever way I can... Of course, I realise Anil is the captain and he has his views... It’s a coincidence that I’m not captain and have been doing well since my comeback last December... The bottomline really is that when I’m in, I look to make the most.

On the form factor

You’re in a better frame of mind when you’re in form. You’ll have failures, but you’ve to find ways to overcome them... Find the way to be successful and you’ve got to repeat that... I did get runs in the last series (against Pakistan), but I’ll be starting from scratch.

On Greg Chappell’s role in having him dropped (in 2005-06)

I really don’t want to talk about Greg Chappell and his decisions... It’s a thing of the past for me and I want to keep away from it.

On the chirping

It’s common across the world... Something goes around the ground all the time, not all of which is bad... There’s tough competition in the middle and you’ve got to live with it... But, yes, I’m a firm believer in that what matters is what you do with bat and ball...

On whether verbal duels fire him up

I haven’t tried to lift my performance only because something verbal is on... I try to do that every time I walk out.

On the one-time bad vibes between him and Steve Waugh

Who says he doesn’t like me? Having a fight on the cricket field, in an effort to win, doesn’t mean you’ve got to be on bad terms... It’s about competing hard.

On receiving high praise from Steve

He’s probably one of my role models and was a champion player... Steve lifted Australian cricket and what Australian cricket is today is a lot because of Steve and the boys of his era... Obviously, Ricky Ponting’s doing a wonderful job as well.

Finally, on what has made him tick

(Grins) I suppose my determination... The determination to find ways out of tough situations... Clearly, one needs to have fire in the belly.
 
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071225/jsp/sports/story_8707014.jsp

[Blwe_torch]

It’s a tribute to his skills, says Rahul Dravid
 
On Monday afternoon, some of the Team India players — except Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who briefly spoke on Sunday evening — and members of the support staff wished former captain Sourav Ganguly in the lead-up to his 100th Test.

Here goes (alphabetically):

Chetan Chauhan (manager): It’s going to be a big achievement and I’d like to congratulate him on behalf of the team… Sourav has made a terrific comeback and has been performing in every series… He has a big heart and is always determined… I’m sure he’ll produce a memorable innings at the MCG.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni: It’s such a huge achievement… Sourav has given so much to Indian cricket that it will be befitting if he gets a hundred in his 100th Test.

Rahul Dravid: It’s a great feeling when a teammate is about to achieve something… It’s special and Sourav deserves it… It’s a tribute to his skills… He has worked very hard… Getting to 100 Tests is a reflection not only of your ability, but physical strength and mental toughness… It takes a lot out of you… The 100th Test is just another Test, but it’s also a milestone and allows you to sit back and reflect on your achievements. Over the years, Sourav has done a few great things… I wish him all the best.

 
Wasim Jaffer: My good wishes for Sourav… Very few Indians have played 100 Tests and, so, it’s going to be a big achievement.

Dinesh Karthik: I wish Dada all the very best… I hope he gets a hundred and we win the Test… Just won’t get better than that.

Venkatesh Prasad (bowling coach): Sourav has made a tremendous contribution and I wish him the very best… Many more Test matches and many more runs.

Lalchand Rajput (cricket manager): We’re all very happy for Sourav… Hope he has a merry Christmas and then gives us a gift in his 100th Test!

Pankaj Singh: We wish Sourav well and wish he scores a hundred.
 
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT IN MELBOURNE

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071225/jsp/sports/story_8707216.jsp

[Blwe_torch]

Melbourne wicket has a strange look
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Melbourne: The Indians had their first look at the (drop-in) wicket at the MCG, on Monday afternoon, and came away slightly confused.

The first Test begins on Wednesday.

“There was much grass at one end and hardly any at the other… I’ve been informed that there will eventually be an even spread… Let’s see,” cricket manager Lalchand Rajput told The Telegraph.

For a change, there was bright sunshine for much of the day and, so, the dampness should disappear.

Meanwhile, former captain Rahul Dravid remains the favourite to open with specialist Wasim Jaffer — unless, of course, he does a complete U-turn from his public position.

In case of a rethink, indications are that the think tank will “gamble” with Virender Sehwag and not Dinesh Karthik.

If that does happen (seemed highly unlikely on Monday night), then Yuvraj Singh will have to miss out.
 
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071225/jsp/sports/story_8707015.jsp

[Blwe_torch]

Clarke plans to attack Kumble
- Battle of one-upmanship intensifies as Boxing Day draws near 
 
Michael Clarke 
Melbourne: Fast approaching 600 Test wickets, captain Anil Kumble will be the lynchpin of Indian attack in the Test series Down Under but middle-order batsman Michael Clarke is backing himself to slog the veteran leg-spinner out of the park at the first opportunity.

The New South Wales youngster said he would use his quick footwork to negate Kumble’s accuracy.

“Kumble has been a great one for a long time. His line of attack implies that you have to be patient against him.

“But I will try to put the pressure back on him. I’ll have to move my feet and play my natural game,” Clarke said ahead of the four-Test series starting on Boxing Day at the MCG.

Much has been said about India’s inexperienced bowling but Clarke feels that left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan along with Kumble are part of a potent attack.

“I wouldn’t say it’s an inexperienced attack. Zaheer certainly has some experience and if they bowl well, they’ll get the opportunity to take wickets. The conditions will suit India here, with it being a little bit slower,” he said. But the right-hander had no doubt that the batsmen from both sides will hold the key to the series.

“The batting form of both the sides could set off a great Test series. If runs are on the board, the bowlers also gain in confidence,” Clarke said.

Both sides are packed with batting heavyweights and he admitted that the Indians would not be found wanting.

“I think they have some fantastic batsmen. They have lots of experience and knowledge and are playing pretty well, aggressively and positively. They’re full of confidence.”

The batsman, popularly called Pup, however warned that verbal volleys and aggressive behaviour from India may be counter-productive.

“It depends on what they mean by aggression. For us, it’s about playing positively. I don’t think the verbal aggression really affected us. We react pretty well, we actually sweat on it.

“Guys like (Andrew) Symonds, it really gees him up to do well, and that was the case with Steve Waugh when he played,” Clarke added.
 
(PTI)

[Blwe_torch]

I’m sure Sourav will continue to make us proud: Sachin
- A TELEGRAPH SPECIAL
- Cricket’s senior-most pro salutes Sourav Ganguly 
LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI


Sachin and Sourav

Melbourne: Only six Indians have played 100 or more Tests. Come Wednesday, though, and Sourav Ganguly’s name will be added to that distinguished list.

In the lead-up, on Monday, Sachin Tendulkar (the fourth Indian to make at least 100 Test appearances) hailed Sourav in a one-on-one with The Telegraph.

Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid (in that order) are the other Indians in the highly exclusive club.

The following are excerpts from what Sachin said:

On Sourav being hours away from his 100th Test

Sourav has worked very hard and truly deserves to have got so far… I’m happy that somebody as talented as him is on the verge of his 100th Test… Very few Indians have played that many Tests and I’m sure Sourav will continue to make us proud.

On the MCG being the venue for Sourav’s milestone-Test

A Boxing Day Test is regarded as special and when it’s someone’s 100th, then it becomes more special.

On his emotions when he himself played his 100th Test (at The Oval, 2002)

Was a special moment, yes, and I was excited… I remember getting a standing ovation when I walked out there for the first time… I didn’t get too emotional that day, but was obviously aware of the significance of the occasion.

On the 100 Tests club

Its uniqueness is that nobody gets there overnight… It takes a lot of dedication and hard work… One has to make sacrifices too… Like the others who’ve played that many Tests, Sourav has put in a huge number of hours on and off the field… Off it, for example, he must have spent time watching videos and CDs of his better innings… I believe he has used the old footage to get better.

On Sourav’s comeback, in December 2006, being regarded as one of the finest of all time

Of course he has made a good comeback and I’d never doubted his ability to do so… It didn’t surprise me for I knew he had it in him to make such a strong comeback.

On whether he has spotted any technical adjustments by Sourav

Don’t think he has made any change… I feel he’s playing the way he used to.

On the one Sourav quality that has appealed to him more than anything else

His determination has impressed me the most… The way he plans and the way he executes those plans…

On the one Test featuring Sourav which stands out in his memory

Hmmm… It will be the one at the Wanderers last December, his comeback Test… He scored an unbeaten 51 in the first innings, runs which were crucial.

On Sourav as a person

He’s a terrific character and a wonderful person… I’ve known him for a long time and, over the years, our friendship has grown. I value it.

On Sourav respecting him with a capital R

It’s mutual… (After a pause) Good friends respect each other.

Finally, his message for Sourav

(Smiles) Go out and enjoy your batting! The dressing room is behind you.
 
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071225/jsp/sports/story_8707215.jsp

[Blwe_torch]

India ready to rumble in Boxing Day Test
PTI

MELBOURNE, December 25: An under-prepared but confident India take on champions Australia in the opening cricket Test on Wednesday in a clash between their strong batting line-up and the home side's bowling attack without two of their all-time greats Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

The Indians will heavily rely on their batting depth as they seek to record a rare series triumph Down Under where the conditions have become far more batting-friendly of late.

India's new found aggression was very much on display during the recent one-day series against Australia and the visitors have braced for the Boxing Day Test with some changes to their batting line-up.

Even though Australia would field only three quicks and the spin diet of Brad Hogg could come handy, the Indians are painfully aware that most of their batsmen have had no time to prepare for conditions which work a batsman inside out.

Only 48 overs over two days was all the Indians could manage from the three-day game against Victoria. Only Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly could be said to have had a decent hit. The rest of the batsmen would have to go by memory to pull in their weight.

India practically needs in excess of 400 runs in every innings to make a match of it. It should not be too difficult for a formidable line-up in conditions that are said to be in favour of batsmen. All those centuries and runs must count for something even if Australia has an attack which looks threatening enough.

Brett Lee finds himself thrust into the centre stage but Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clarke are no world beaters yet. Tait is quick while Johnson's medium pace gets the Indian batsmen on the hop but it still is a raw attack.

Lee has experience but others don't and for all the good feel about Hogg, he still is an unproven article in Tests.

Ganguly invariably comes up with a suggestion which turns an atheist into a believer. He said the other day that India alone is the team which has competed well against Australia be it at home or away.

It's a wicked thought and Australians would struggle to punch holes in it.

Ganguly also wasn't wrong that with Mahendra Singh Dhoni at number seven, the visitors have a better depth than at any time in recent past. All top seven are potential match-winners and even if two or three come to the party, India could hope to have a score to test the nerves of the hosts.

India's bowling is another matter though. Apparently, there is no concern on Zaheer Khan but he has not bowled at full tilt for close to a fortnight and it's not a matter to be dismissed outright.

Same is the case with Rudra Pratap Singh whose easiness of manners can't hide his rustiness and the weeks he has spent on the bench in the dressing room.

Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble remain India's prime operators but only a daring captain would put both in the playing eleven. Kumble does not have the flamboyance of character or the instinct of a gambler to try out his partner-in-crime.

He most likely would hold back and fly in the face of logic that this MCG pitch could help spinners generously from the third day onwards.

Australia sure are favourites for this Test, and the series, but they can write this Indian team off at their own peril.

Dravid is unaccustomed to the role of an opener but the fire still burns bright in him. Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh would take some handling.

Last time the team was here, they defied all odds and left with honours even, and with a moral victory as well.

It being the last tour of the country by Dravid, Ganguly, Tendulkar, Kumble and Laxman, the ageing stalwarts would not be short on motivation and an Australian attack sans Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne only fuel their hopes for a last hurrah here.

The miserable weather of the last week is likely to give way to bright and sunny spell over the next five days and India would do everything to make hay.

Squads (From):

Australia: Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait.

India: Anil Kumble (c), MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Kaarthick, Zaheer Khan, VVS Laxman, Pankaj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, Rudra Pratap Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh.

Umpires: Mark Benson and Billy Bowden

Match Referee: Mike Proctor.

http://cricket.indiatimes.com/India_ready_to_rumble_in_Boxing_Day_Test/articleshow/2649760.cms