Cricket Ireland are considering a legal challenge to the ICC decision to drop the non-Test playing nations from the next instalment of the World Cup, to be played in Australia and New Zealand in 2015. While it would appear beyond doubt that the tournament needs to be restructured, and shortened, omitting the up-and-comers would appear to be both unromantic and short-sighted at the same time. Imagine if FIFA decided to do away with its World Cup qualifying and decided just to award places to the the top 16 ranked nations? Or if the Football Association in England decided to limit the FA Cup to the four League divisions.
Rather than excluding teams whose upsets contribute the early interest to the tournament (eg O'Brien's stunning innings to lead Ireland to victory over England) as well as removing the major ambition for the non-test playing nations, the ICC should be going the other way and attempting to make the World Cup appealing to a larger percentage of the globe.
The 2011 tournament featured 14 teams playing 49 matches over 43 days. By contrast, last year's football World Cup in South Africa featured 32 teams playing 64 games over 31 days. What's the big difference? Cricket featured two groups of seven, while football had eight groups of four. Cricket could easily move to four seeded groups of four - football seeds and sorts its groups for diversity - allowing two teams from each through to the quarter finals. That would shrink the group games from 42 in 2011 to 24 in 2015 while allowing in two extra teams. It is easy to argue that those extra teams wouldn't be up to scratch, but Sri Lanka progressed quickly from that status in 1975 to winning the tournament 21 years later. Incidentally, the first tournament in 1975 was played in two weeks.
Talk of one-day cricket's demise in the face of Twenty20 is clearly premature. The tournament was undoubtedly too slow to get going, but was ultimately gripping, and a better showcase of talents like Steyn and Tendulkar than the lottery of the game's shortest form. The ICC may be left with a tough choice. Twenty20 cricket may be best suited to a global franchise system, leaving the nations to concentrate on Test and one-day cricket. However, it will be hard for the ICC (and the national bodies) to turn their back on the riches Twenty20 is delivering.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
UEL: Four Ties, Four Clear Favourites
There was plenty of anticipation in the build up to the European Champions League quarter finals, but there was more expectation of tough contests than a shower of goals. The scoreline in Manchester United's 1-0 win at Chelsea was more the expectation than the avalanche of goals that was witnessed. Going into the second legs next week, only Chelsea amongst the defeated teams will realistically hope to overcome their deficit after two nights of carnage. Tottenham, Inter and Shakhtar will hope to restore some pride while picking themselves up off the canvas to finish off their domestic seasons.
United were somewhat fortunate to escape from Stamford Bridge with their lead intact, after Chelsea were denied at least one penalty in the closing stages. Torres was booked for a dive after going down in a challenge from Valencia, although there seemed to be some contact, even if not enough to warrant a penalty. The same could not be said of a tackle from Evra on Ramires shortly before, where the United player seem to be doing his best imitation of a large pair of scissors trying to remove Ramires's lower legs. A terrible tackle, and an equally terrible non-decision from the referee. So United escaped with a 1-0 lead which Chelsea will have realistic hopes of overcoming after their 2-1 win their last year. The goal from Wayne Rooney is worth a few views - a superb swinging ball from Carrick out to Giggs on the left, a superb first touch and acceleration from the seemingly ageless 37-year old to take the ball to the goal line and Bosingwa out of the equation, followed by a deft pull-back to Rooney who nonchalantly slid it in first time off the post. Something from the training ground, with Chelsea filling in for the orange cones.
In Barcelona, the home side waltzed past Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1, although when Shakhtar pulled it back to 3-1 in the 59th minute through Rakitskiy, they were far from out of it. Barcelona had always been in control before then, with Iniesta opening proceedings in just the second minute and Dani Alves (34th minute) and Pique (53) adding to the party. Unfortunately for the visitors, before their fans could retake their seats, Barcelona slotted home a fourth a fourth through Keita, sucking the wind out of any comeback, while Xavi put the tie beyond doubt with a late fifth.
On Tuesday night, Real Madrid had spanked Tottenham 4-0, with the visitors starting disastrously. Adebayor started the scoring in just the fourth minute before Peter Crouch set a new Champions league record by receiving two yellow cards in just sixteen minutes. Down to ten men, and short up front, Spurs were unable to really pressure Mourinho's side, and it was just a case of how many. Adebayor added a second before an hour, and Di Maria and Ronaldo sewed up the contest in the last twenty minutes.
The real surprise of the week came in Milan, where Inter were coming off a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of their neighbours AC Milan. They seemed on their way to making amends with a rapid goal from Stankovic in the first 30 seconds. An opportunistic strike from near the halfway line caught out the Schalke 04 keeper who had come off his line to clear an early attack. Matip equalised for the visitors, before Milito put Inter back in front after 34 minutes. Edu brought Schalke level again before halftime, but things were to get much, much worse for Inter. Three more goals poured in during the second half for Schalke, including an own goal from Ranocchia, and the Italians had defender Chivu sent off for the second time in four days, leaving Inter with a mountain to climb in the return fixture next week. At least they'll have some company on the climb.
United were somewhat fortunate to escape from Stamford Bridge with their lead intact, after Chelsea were denied at least one penalty in the closing stages. Torres was booked for a dive after going down in a challenge from Valencia, although there seemed to be some contact, even if not enough to warrant a penalty. The same could not be said of a tackle from Evra on Ramires shortly before, where the United player seem to be doing his best imitation of a large pair of scissors trying to remove Ramires's lower legs. A terrible tackle, and an equally terrible non-decision from the referee. So United escaped with a 1-0 lead which Chelsea will have realistic hopes of overcoming after their 2-1 win their last year. The goal from Wayne Rooney is worth a few views - a superb swinging ball from Carrick out to Giggs on the left, a superb first touch and acceleration from the seemingly ageless 37-year old to take the ball to the goal line and Bosingwa out of the equation, followed by a deft pull-back to Rooney who nonchalantly slid it in first time off the post. Something from the training ground, with Chelsea filling in for the orange cones.
In Barcelona, the home side waltzed past Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1, although when Shakhtar pulled it back to 3-1 in the 59th minute through Rakitskiy, they were far from out of it. Barcelona had always been in control before then, with Iniesta opening proceedings in just the second minute and Dani Alves (34th minute) and Pique (53) adding to the party. Unfortunately for the visitors, before their fans could retake their seats, Barcelona slotted home a fourth a fourth through Keita, sucking the wind out of any comeback, while Xavi put the tie beyond doubt with a late fifth.
On Tuesday night, Real Madrid had spanked Tottenham 4-0, with the visitors starting disastrously. Adebayor started the scoring in just the fourth minute before Peter Crouch set a new Champions league record by receiving two yellow cards in just sixteen minutes. Down to ten men, and short up front, Spurs were unable to really pressure Mourinho's side, and it was just a case of how many. Adebayor added a second before an hour, and Di Maria and Ronaldo sewed up the contest in the last twenty minutes.
The real surprise of the week came in Milan, where Inter were coming off a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of their neighbours AC Milan. They seemed on their way to making amends with a rapid goal from Stankovic in the first 30 seconds. An opportunistic strike from near the halfway line caught out the Schalke 04 keeper who had come off his line to clear an early attack. Matip equalised for the visitors, before Milito put Inter back in front after 34 minutes. Edu brought Schalke level again before halftime, but things were to get much, much worse for Inter. Three more goals poured in during the second half for Schalke, including an own goal from Ranocchia, and the Italians had defender Chivu sent off for the second time in four days, leaving Inter with a mountain to climb in the return fixture next week. At least they'll have some company on the climb.
Monday, April 4, 2011
NCAA: Butler Fall at Final Hurdle Again, UConn Too Good
Throughout the first half, Butler showed the best of their Bulldog spirit as, despite poor shooting, they scrapped and fought and restricted Connecticut to just 19 points and took a three point lead into the locker room. Butler were unable to get anything going, relying on the occasional three-pointer to keep the scoreboard operator awake. Still, their hustle was keeping UConn quiet enough that Shelvin Mack's late, long three-pointer gave them a 22-19 lead.
However, the second half was a bridge too far, with Butler missing makeable shot after makeable shot, while UConn finally warmed up enough to quickly take control. Unlike last year, when Butler were able to hang tough to take the game to the wire, or a final basket rim to be precise, UConn had this game sealed well before the buzzer. Kemba Walker finished with 16 for the champions, supported by 11 points and 11 rebounds from Oriakhi, but Butler's 12 from 64 shooting was the telling statistic. Mack led Butler's scoring with 13, while Matt Howard went 1-13 on field goal shooting. It wasn't expected to be pretty, but I doubt even in their worst nightmares did Butler supporters think it could get this disturbing.
However, the second half was a bridge too far, with Butler missing makeable shot after makeable shot, while UConn finally warmed up enough to quickly take control. Unlike last year, when Butler were able to hang tough to take the game to the wire, or a final basket rim to be precise, UConn had this game sealed well before the buzzer. Kemba Walker finished with 16 for the champions, supported by 11 points and 11 rebounds from Oriakhi, but Butler's 12 from 64 shooting was the telling statistic. Mack led Butler's scoring with 13, while Matt Howard went 1-13 on field goal shooting. It wasn't expected to be pretty, but I doubt even in their worst nightmares did Butler supporters think it could get this disturbing.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Rearview Mirror
If you slept through the weekend, here's what you missed:
Cricket World Cup - India proved too good for Sri Lanka in the final. See the write-up here.
NCAA - The Final Four on Saturday saw two excting games, and a return to the final for Butler who were able to see off Virginia Commonwealth 70-62. In Monday's final they will meet Connecticut, who overcame Kentucky 56-55 in a tense match.
AFL - Round 2 saw another convincing performance from reigning premier Collingwood, another draw, and a thumping for debutants Gold Coast. Collingwood dominated North Melbourne throughout the game to run out 87 point winners with Travis Cloke kicking five goals while Dane Swan finished with 40 possessions. Gold Coast made their debut in the AFL, but the party was spoilt by a ruthless visiting Carlton side. The Blues blitzed Gold Coast in the first quarter, all but ending the contest with a nine goal to one rout, but kicked on to win by 117 points. Chris Judd outclassed Suns skipped Gary Ablett, and was well supported by Murphy and Gibbs, while Garlett and Walker finished with five apiece up front. In the second draw in two weeks, St kilda went a behind closer to winning this week, but split the points with a gallant Richmond side.
In other matches, Geelong ground out a tough win at Fremantle, West Coast had a good win away to Port Adelaide, Sydney ran down a near five goal deficit to sneak the points against Essendon, and Hawthorn kicked badly but still had too much for Melbourne.
EPL - It was all Manchester on the weekend as Arsenal and Chelsea were held to draws by Blackburn and Stoke, while Manchester United came from two down to win 4-2 at West Ham with a hat-trick from Wayne Rooney. On Sunday, Manchester City put five past Sunderland in a match that was pretty much all over when Tevez made it 2-0 after 14 minutes. Arsenal now trail United by seven points with a game in hand.
Cricket World Cup - India proved too good for Sri Lanka in the final. See the write-up here.
NCAA - The Final Four on Saturday saw two excting games, and a return to the final for Butler who were able to see off Virginia Commonwealth 70-62. In Monday's final they will meet Connecticut, who overcame Kentucky 56-55 in a tense match.
AFL - Round 2 saw another convincing performance from reigning premier Collingwood, another draw, and a thumping for debutants Gold Coast. Collingwood dominated North Melbourne throughout the game to run out 87 point winners with Travis Cloke kicking five goals while Dane Swan finished with 40 possessions. Gold Coast made their debut in the AFL, but the party was spoilt by a ruthless visiting Carlton side. The Blues blitzed Gold Coast in the first quarter, all but ending the contest with a nine goal to one rout, but kicked on to win by 117 points. Chris Judd outclassed Suns skipped Gary Ablett, and was well supported by Murphy and Gibbs, while Garlett and Walker finished with five apiece up front. In the second draw in two weeks, St kilda went a behind closer to winning this week, but split the points with a gallant Richmond side.
In other matches, Geelong ground out a tough win at Fremantle, West Coast had a good win away to Port Adelaide, Sydney ran down a near five goal deficit to sneak the points against Essendon, and Hawthorn kicked badly but still had too much for Melbourne.
EPL - It was all Manchester on the weekend as Arsenal and Chelsea were held to draws by Blackburn and Stoke, while Manchester United came from two down to win 4-2 at West Ham with a hat-trick from Wayne Rooney. On Sunday, Manchester City put five past Sunderland in a match that was pretty much all over when Tevez made it 2-0 after 14 minutes. Arsenal now trail United by seven points with a game in hand.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
NCAA: Butler to face UCONN in Final
Butler have made it back to the final with a 70-62 win over VCU, and they will meet Connecticut, who overcame Kentucky 56-55. The Butler Bulldogs were led again by Shelvin Mack who finished with 24 points as their defence were able to slow down VCU after a fast start.
The final will be played on Monday.
The final will be played on Monday.
Cricket World Cup: Dhoni Takes India to Title
Perhaps it wasn't quite the dream day that the Indian nation wanted, but they'll take it. They hoped to see Sachin Tendulkar light up the Wankhede Stadium as he made his 100th International century, taking India to World Cup glory. Instead they got their captain, MS Dhoni, playing a classic captain's knock, helping them ease past Sri Lanka for what ultimately was a comfortable victory. As an emphatic exclamation point on the tournament, Dhoni ended proceedings with a dramatic six over long on to finish unbeaten on 91.
Earlier, as Tendulkar departed for 18, with Sehwag already out for second-ball duck, things looked decidedly grim for India. However, Gambhir played a brave innings, unfortunately throwing his wicket away three short of a deserved century. His 83 and 109 run partnerships with Kohli and Dohni, turned the tide - along with Dhoni's brave gamble to promote himself ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh.
Sri Lanka were never able to exert enough scoreboard pressure, a legacy of leaving themselves around 30 runs short of what they needed after a tardy start to their innings. Tharanga scratched around for half an hour before departing for two, and when Dislhan left in the 17th over, the run rate was still below four an over. Jayawardene made a brilliant century, the first on a losing final side, finishing unbeaten on 103 off 88 balls. Some late hitting from Kulasekara and Perera boosted Sri Lanka to 274, with 63 runs coming in the final five power play overs. Zaheer Khan had his figures wrecked in the onslaught after three early maidens.
India ran down the target without the same firworks - the four highest scoring overs of the match all belonged to Sri Lanka - but they also avoided conceding any maidens. Two of the giants of the game, Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan, had little impact on the contest. Dhoni and Gambhir made up for Tendulkar, but only Malinga looked likely to make inroads into the Indian line up. Murali finished with 0/39 off his final eight overs in international cricket, and Malinga couldn't add to his two early scalps.
Ultimately, India's strength of depth carried the way in the tournament. Six of their batsmen reached 90 in the tournament, while only four of the Sri Lankans reached 50. Similarly, four Indian bowlers took nine or more wickets, compared with two for Sri Lanka. It was another brave showing from Sri Lanka in the World Cup, but India were too good too often, and MS Dhoni can lead the celebrations with pride. Yuvraj was deservedly named player of the tournament for his allround performance, while Tendulkar finally ends with a World Cup title, and the satisfaction of 482 runs and two centuries in the tournament.
Earlier, as Tendulkar departed for 18, with Sehwag already out for second-ball duck, things looked decidedly grim for India. However, Gambhir played a brave innings, unfortunately throwing his wicket away three short of a deserved century. His 83 and 109 run partnerships with Kohli and Dohni, turned the tide - along with Dhoni's brave gamble to promote himself ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh.
Sri Lanka were never able to exert enough scoreboard pressure, a legacy of leaving themselves around 30 runs short of what they needed after a tardy start to their innings. Tharanga scratched around for half an hour before departing for two, and when Dislhan left in the 17th over, the run rate was still below four an over. Jayawardene made a brilliant century, the first on a losing final side, finishing unbeaten on 103 off 88 balls. Some late hitting from Kulasekara and Perera boosted Sri Lanka to 274, with 63 runs coming in the final five power play overs. Zaheer Khan had his figures wrecked in the onslaught after three early maidens.
India ran down the target without the same firworks - the four highest scoring overs of the match all belonged to Sri Lanka - but they also avoided conceding any maidens. Two of the giants of the game, Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan, had little impact on the contest. Dhoni and Gambhir made up for Tendulkar, but only Malinga looked likely to make inroads into the Indian line up. Murali finished with 0/39 off his final eight overs in international cricket, and Malinga couldn't add to his two early scalps.
Ultimately, India's strength of depth carried the way in the tournament. Six of their batsmen reached 90 in the tournament, while only four of the Sri Lankans reached 50. Similarly, four Indian bowlers took nine or more wickets, compared with two for Sri Lanka. It was another brave showing from Sri Lanka in the World Cup, but India were too good too often, and MS Dhoni can lead the celebrations with pride. Yuvraj was deservedly named player of the tournament for his allround performance, while Tendulkar finally ends with a World Cup title, and the satisfaction of 482 runs and two centuries in the tournament.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Cricket World Cup: The Final - India v Sri Lanka
The final looks to be an evenly matched contest. Two in-form top orders ready to set up victory for their sides, whether setting a near-unbeatable target, or chasing down whatevr score is thrown their way. Both middle orders look a little under done, although on paper India have the edge. That may prove crucial, although in the bowling stakes I give the edge to Sri Lanka, which may balance out that batting depth. In the end, I think it will quite possibly be decided by the crowd. Or at least whether India use the crowd to help them rise to their best, or buckle under the weight of expectation and underperform on the biggest stage.Therefore, I think India would definitely want to bat first, have Sehwag and Tendulkar get them away to a good start, and surf the emotion to a high score.
In 2003, Ponting had pretty much batted India out of the contest with a brilliantly belligerent innings, but losing Tendulkar in the first over pretty much killed the chase before it began. India won't want to be in that place again. If they are going to make 300 without Tendulkar contributing, it's much more likely to be batting first. Of course, the stage is set for Tendulkar - the home final, the chance for his first World Cup, and on the verge of being the first man to reach 100 international centuries. If the stars align, India will deify Tendulkar to a whole new level. Of course, there's someone on the other side who knows a thing or two about greatness. Muralitharan may just have one match winning performance left in him. What a way for these two veterans to go out - unfortunately one of them needs to lose for the other to win.
<Edit>See Kersi Meher-Homji's preview here. I'll leave it to him to call Murali 'controversial' or otherwise.
In 2003, Ponting had pretty much batted India out of the contest with a brilliantly belligerent innings, but losing Tendulkar in the first over pretty much killed the chase before it began. India won't want to be in that place again. If they are going to make 300 without Tendulkar contributing, it's much more likely to be batting first. Of course, the stage is set for Tendulkar - the home final, the chance for his first World Cup, and on the verge of being the first man to reach 100 international centuries. If the stars align, India will deify Tendulkar to a whole new level. Of course, there's someone on the other side who knows a thing or two about greatness. Muralitharan may just have one match winning performance left in him. What a way for these two veterans to go out - unfortunately one of them needs to lose for the other to win.
<Edit>See Kersi Meher-Homji's preview here. I'll leave it to him to call Murali 'controversial' or otherwise.
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