Ignored by the controversy surrounding India’s decision to call off a Test Match needing 86 runs off 90 balls was the continued improvement of their counterparts. Since a 2-1 series loss against Australia in 1995, the West Indies have fallen spectacularly from their position at the top of the cricketing world. Players such as Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall and Sir Viv Richards (to name a few) retired during a 5 year period which devastated a younger side in the long term.
But are we finally now about to witness a renaissance in one of the most exciting sides, historically, in world cricket?
First, here is a comparison of the West Indies’ performances in Test series before and after the Australia defeat:
1980-1994: Played 29, Won 20, Drawn 9, Lost 0
1995-Now: Played 50, Won 13, Drawn 7, Lost 30
NOTE: a mere glance at these stats highlights just how extraordinary a team the West Indies of the 80s and early 90s were. A potential future article could be a comparison of them and the exploits of the Australian side who snatched the mantle of ‘greatest cricketing side in the world’ from them.
Now, let’s examine the performances of the latter West Indies side further:
1995-2003: Played 25, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 13
2004-Now: Played 25, Won 3, Drawn 5, Lost 17
When you consider that these 3 victories came against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and an England side still reeling from the Pietersen-Moores debacle and it compounds the astonishing collapse of a great cricketing nation.
This barren period for the Windies includes whitewashes to South Africa, Australia and England and even the ignominy of a 2-0 defeat at home to Bangladesh in 2009.
However, a shoots of life have suddenly sprouted from a side under the captaincy of Darren Sammy boasting a number of exciting young talents to blend with some of the more experienced campaigners. Of course, we have been down this road before with the West Indies. Who can forget Dwayne Smith and his 93-ball hundred on Test debut against South Africa. One of the most naturally talented batsman in terms of ability to see and strike the ball, Smith averaged a paltry 16.22 in 77 ODIs for West Indies.
NOTE: As a comparison, in 201 ODIs Brett Lee has averaged 16.25 runs to go with his 349 wickets. I know who I’d rather have in my side.
Even now we still get treated to the ocassional exhilirating innings from Kieron Pollard – a man who 4 IPL franchises saw fit to bid the $750,000 for (for cricketing or marketing reasons I wonder?). Yet, Pollard has so far managed just 4 50s in 42 ODIs and has a T20 average of 12.33. Hardly the stuff that keeps fast bowlers awake at night.
But now, the Windies have introduced a core of youngsters who are beginning to perform consistently for them instead of keeping their place in the team on untapped potential. Among them is Darren Bravo, half-brother of team-mate Dwayne, who has drawn comparisons with non other than the great Brian Lara (incidentally, his second cousin). For a left-handed batsman who plays in a similar style to the Trinidadian legend, it is high praise considering his failure thus far to score a century in Tests or ODIs. Furthermore, one need only look at the number of Brazilian and Argentinian footballers labelled the next Pele or Maradona to see the pressure this can instill on a young man. However, an average of 40 and 33 in the respective forms is an encouraging start by the 22 year-old who still has time on his side.
Kemar Roach is another one who was drafted into the team at the tender age of 19 and has impressed the critics. Capable of bowling at speeds of up to 93mph, Roach made his international debut in the T20 match against Australia in 2008 having only played in 4 first-class matches beforehand. Finishing with match-best figures of 2/29 signalled the his vast potential. Thus far, Roach averages below 30 with the ball in all forms of cricket. Even more impressive, he led an inexperienced Windies attack in Australia in 2009, drawing praise from the likes of Ricky Ponting and Ian Chappell as a star of the future. Roach was also the man of the series the following year in Sri Lanka – a country known for providing slow and dusty pitches unhelpful for fast bowlers. A hat-trick against the Netherlands in this year’s World Cup aided him on his way to career-best figures of 6/27.
Devendra Bishoo and Kirk Edwards have both recently become regulars in both formats. Bishoo. a leg-spinner, has impressed many with his attacking style of bowling and has become regarded as one of the Windies’ primary wicket-takers. Even more entertaining is his post-match interviews! Edwards recently scored a dogged 110 against India on his Test debut to help draw the match: displaying a great deal of determination and grit in his innings.
Add to these young players experienced performers such as Shivnarine Chanderpaul (who, at 36, is still going strong judging by his recent century against India), Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan and there is a core group of players to introduce an exciting new beginning for the Carribean.
Despite this, questions still continue to surround the team. The controversy surrounding the long-standing feud between former-captain Chris Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board has long overshadowed their recent achievements (a summary of which can be found here). Indeed, this saga underlines the lack of professionalism still inherent within the Windies’ administration still seething from the pay disputes of 2009.
Furthermore, there are still question marks surrounding the worthiness of captain Darren Sammy’s place in the side. The skipper has failed to justify his selection as an all-rounder keeping Kemar Roach out of the side with a series of poor performances with the bat overshadowing his moderate success with the ball. However, a recent interview with CricInfo highlighted Sammy’s determination to instill a professional ethos, high fitness levels and more exposure to young talent in order to further his team.
Sammy has stated his aim being to reach the top 5 with the West Indies by 2015. After years of simply selecting their best player for the role of captain, maybe the English approach of prioritising leadership skills over talent (Hussain, Atherton, Vaughan and Cook in ODIs) may prove to be the correct one in pointing this proud cricketing nation in the right direction.
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Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?
ByJoe Lobo
Ignored by the controversy surrounding India’s decision to call off a Test Match needing 86 runs off 90 balls was the continued improvement of their counterparts. Since a 2-1 series loss against Australia in 1995, the West Indies have fallen spectacularly from their position at the top of the cricketing world. Players such as Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall and Sir Viv Richards (to name a few) retired during a 5 year period which devastated a younger side in the long term.
But are we finally now about to witness a renaissance in one of the most exciting sides, historically, in world cricket?
First, here is a comparison of the West Indies’ performances in Test series before and after the Australia defeat:
1980-1994: Played 29, Won 20, Drawn 9, Lost 0
1995-Now: Played 50, Won 13, Drawn 7, Lost 30
NOTE: a mere glance at these stats highlights just how extraordinary a team the West Indies of the 80s and early 90s were. A potential future article could be a comparison of them and the exploits of the Australian side who snatched the mantle of ‘greatest cricketing side in the world’ from them.
Now, let’s examine the performances of the latter West Indies side further:
1995-2003: Played 25, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 13
2004-Now: Played 25, Won 3, Drawn 5, Lost 17
When you consider that these 3 victories came against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and an England side still reeling from the Pietersen-Moores debacle and it compounds the astonishing collapse of a great cricketing nation.
This barren period for the Windies includes whitewashes to South Africa, Australia and England and even the ignominy of a 2-0 defeat at home to Bangladesh in 2009.
However, a shoots of life have suddenly sprouted from a side under the captaincy of Darren Sammy boasting a number of exciting young talents to blend with some of the more experienced campaigners. Of course, we have been down this road before with the West Indies. Who can forget Dwayne Smith and his 93-ball hundred on Test debut against South Africa. One of the most naturally talented batsman in terms of ability to see and strike the ball, Smith averaged a paltry 16.22 in 77 ODIs for West Indies.
NOTE: As a comparison, in 201 ODIs Brett Lee has averaged 16.25 runs to go with his 349 wickets. I know who I’d rather have in my side.
Even now we still get treated to the ocassional exhilirating innings from Kieron Pollard – a man who 4 IPL franchises saw fit to bid the $750,000 for (for cricketing or marketing reasons I wonder?). Yet, Pollard has so far managed just 4 50s in 42 ODIs and has a T20 average of 12.33. Hardly the stuff that keeps fast bowlers awake at night.
But now, the Windies have introduced a core of youngsters who are beginning to perform consistently for them instead of keeping their place in the team on untapped potential. Among them is Darren Bravo, half-brother of team-mate Dwayne, who has drawn comparisons with non other than the great Brian Lara (incidentally, his second cousin). For a left-handed batsman who plays in a similar style to the Trinidadian legend, it is high praise considering his failure thus far to score a century in Tests or ODIs. Furthermore, one need only look at the number of Brazilian and Argentinian footballers labelled the next Pele or Maradona to see the pressure this can instill on a young man. However, an average of 40 and 33 in the respective forms is an encouraging start by the 22 year-old who still has time on his side.
Kemar Roach is another one who was drafted into the team at the tender age of 19 and has impressed the critics. Capable of bowling at speeds of up to 93mph, Roach made his international debut in the T20 match against Australia in 2008 having only played in 4 first-class matches beforehand. Finishing with match-best figures of 2/29 signalled the his vast potential. Thus far, Roach averages below 30 with the ball in all forms of cricket. Even more impressive, he led an inexperienced Windies attack in Australia in 2009, drawing praise from the likes of Ricky Ponting and Ian Chappell as a star of the future. Roach was also the man of the series the following year in Sri Lanka – a country known for providing slow and dusty pitches unhelpful for fast bowlers. A hat-trick against the Netherlands in this year’s World Cup aided him on his way to career-best figures of 6/27.
Devendra Bishoo and Kirk Edwards have both recently become regulars in both formats. Bishoo. a leg-spinner, has impressed many with his attacking style of bowling and has become regarded as one of the Windies’ primary wicket-takers. Even more entertaining is his post-match interviews! Edwards recently scored a dogged 110 against India on his Test debut to help draw the match: displaying a great deal of determination and grit in his innings.
Add to these young players experienced performers such as Shivnarine Chanderpaul (who, at 36, is still going strong judging by his recent century against India), Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan and there is a core group of players to introduce an exciting new beginning for the Carribean.
Despite this, questions still continue to surround the team. The controversy surrounding the long-standing feud between former-captain Chris Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board has long overshadowed their recent achievements (a summary of which can be found here). Indeed, this saga underlines the lack of professionalism still inherent within the Windies’ administration still seething from the pay disputes of 2009.
Furthermore, there are still question marks surrounding the worthiness of captain Darren Sammy’s place in the side. The skipper has failed to justify his selection as an all-rounder keeping Kemar Roach out of the side with a series of poor performances with the bat overshadowing his moderate success with the ball. However, a recent interview with CricInfo highlighted Sammy’s determination to instill a professional ethos, high fitness levels and more exposure to young talent in order to further his team.
Sammy has stated his aim being to reach the top 5 with the West Indies by 2015. After years of simply selecting their best player for the role of captain, maybe the English approach of prioritising leadership skills over talent (Hussain, Atherton, Vaughan and Cook in ODIs) may prove to be the correct one in pointing this proud cricketing nation in the right direction.
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Submitted On July 14, 2011. Viewed 5 times. Word count: 1,088.
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Lobo, Joe”Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?.”Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?.14 Jul. 2011EzineArticles.com.24 Jul. 2011 <http://ezinearticles.com/?Finally-A-New-Dawn-For-The-West-Indies?&id=6424493>.
Lobo, J. (2011, July 14). Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Finally-A-New-Dawn-For-The-West-Indies?&id=6424493
Lobo, Joe “Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?.” Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Finally-A-New-Dawn-For-The-West-Indies?&id=6424493
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Sunday, February 20th, 2011
With the ICC Cricket World Cup only a few days away, India has seen a spike in tourism. Many people are traveling to the nation, and the games may prove to be as successful for India as the FIFA World Cup was for South Africa in 2010, according to the International Business Times.
Though the first game of the World Cup will be held in Sri Lanka, the majority of the matches, including the final, will take place in India. As the games begin on February 19 and end on April 2, globetrotters have a long window of time to visit the country to catch a match.
Tour packages to the games, which allow travelers to see all of the matches in India, are nearly sold out. There will still be tickets available for the semi-finals and the game that will decide the ultimate winner.
“The response has been great. Most of the inventories for India matches, semi-finals and finals have already been sold out,” Rajiv Duggat, chief operation officer of one of India’s leading outbound travel operators, told the news source. “We have kept some inventory to be offered later.”
Many of those who are planning trips to India for the tournament will be sure to have someone at home who will be able to send money to India in case travel funds are running low.
Despite the fact that the games have yet to begin, many companies within the tourism industry have already begun to see a spike in revenue. Hotel companies and airlines are among those who have seen profits increase in the past few days.
The travel company Cleartip has seen a 100 percent spike in air travel sales and a 120 percent increase on hotel bookings for February 27, compared to last year’s rates, Tarique Khatari, vice president of business development at Cleartip, told the news source. On that date, the Indian team will take on England’s team, a highly anticipated match.
“The travel business overall is growing, and the World Cup is giving a boost to it,” he added in his comments to the news source.
Those who aren’t able to make it to India, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh for these games can catch all of the action and watch every Cricket World Cup game online .
Fausto Gortaire –
About the Author:
Fausto Gortaire is a writer specializing in international affairs for Xoom.
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Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup begins on Saturday, February 19, and will last until Saturday, April 2. The best of the best cricket players from 14 international teams will go head-to-head during the tournament, and one team will rise to the top in the final game.
The 14 teams competing for the championship include Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Kenya, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. The first game will be between India and Bangladesh, and will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
It’s likely that many people in India are planning on traveling to Bangladesh to witness the first match. Those living abroad who want to show their pride in their team will send money to India to help family members pay for travel and celebration expenses.
There are 13 different venues for the 2011 tournament, each with its own unique style and fan base. The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka is being built exclusively for the event, and will play host to two different matches.
The winning team will be awarded the official ICC Cricket World Cup trophy, which stands 60 centimeters high and is made from silver and gold. It features a golden globe supported by three columns, each representing the main aspects of cricket – batting, bowling and fielding. The winning team will also receive a cash prize of $3,000,000, while the second place team will receive $1,500,000.
The Indian musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Ly was recruited to record the official song for the event. Titled Ghumake, the tune celebrates the game of cricket and the men who have made the sport what it is today.
The World Cup also has a new mascot this year – Stumpy, an elephant. His name was chosen in an online poll, and the creature is described as being young, determined and thoroughly excited by the game of cricket.
Though the final cricket game is weeks away, many fans of the sport are speculating about how this year’s tournament will turn out. The Cricket Blog speculates that the semi finals will include Australia, South Africa, England and India, with India emerging as the ultimate winner. However, ABC of Cricket predicts that Australia will come out on top, and that the finals will include Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka or possibly the West Indies.
Fausto Gortaire –
About the Author:
Fausto Gortaire is a writer specializing in international affairs for Xoom.
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Friday, February 11th, 2011
Warm-up matches for the 2011 Cricket World Cup will be taking place from February 12 onward, which means that anticipation is heavy in the air for one of the world’s most intense championships.
There will be a total of 14 qualified teams competing for this year’s world cup – Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada and the West Indes.
As India will be one of the co-hosts of the match, the country will be facing Bangladesh on February 19 for the first game in Dhaka. All eyes will be on this competition, because many spectators are wondering whether India can break what has been a long-standing host nation jinx, according to The Times of India .
The curse started in 1987, when Kapil Dev couldn’t lead the team through to another successive win. When India hosted the World Cup again in 1996, the same thing happened – the team got to the semifinals and was defeated by Sri Lanka.
But this year, the Indian team is hoping that the third time is the charm and they plan to come out strong against Bangladesh, who is another co-host for the cup this year.
Many fans of the sport will send money to India before the games in order to place bets and give contributions to a relative who is eager to enjoy the festivities. This year, India is seeded second in the tournament and is part of Group B.
After Bangladesh, India will be facing another round of tough opponents – South Africa, England and the West Indies. However, there may be some relief found in the matches against the Netherlands and Ireland, who are seeded 13th and 11th, respectively.
Team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni seemed optimistic, but cautious.
“I never predict what will happen in cricket. We believe in each other and we believe in the process. We will take each game in the right frame of mind,” he told the news provider.
England has recently suffered before the opening matches with the loss of Eoin Morgan. The 24-year-old batsman broke his middle finger during a match in Australia and will be unable to play any matches during the World Cup, according to Bloomberg news . He has been replaced by Ravi Bopara, who played with England in the World Cup four years ago.
Fausto Gortaire –
About the Author:
Fausto Gortaire is a writer specializing in international affairs for Xoom.
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Monday, January 10th, 2011
Next year is a big year for three nations who are co-hosting the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup:India
, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The matches are slated to take place in February, according to GulfNews.com.
India will face off against Bangladesh in the first game, slated to take place on February 19 at Bangladesh’s Sher-e Bangla National Stadium. There will be a total of 49 games between 14 different countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Canada, Kenya, England, South Africa, West Indies, Ireland, Netherlands and the hosting nations.
This will be the 10th edition of the World Cup, and many expect Australia to emerge victorious. If they manage to do so, they will walk away with a prize of $4 million.
The final game will take place in Mumbai, India. There are likely to be many celebrations after the game. Many of those who can’t make it to Mumbai for the celebrations, because they are living abroad, will wire money to their families and friends in the city to help them party after the conclusion of the world cup.
MS Dhoni is the captain of India’s team. According to the ICC World Cup website , Dhoni was drafted in 2004, but didn’t garner much notice until his fifth game when he helped his teammates overcome Pakistan. His performance was marked by leadership and calmness, traits for which he is now known.
Gary Kirsten has been coaching India’s team since December of 2007. He comes from a family of Cricket champions – Kirsten has three brothers who have also played first-class cricket , including one sibling who represents South Africa’s team.
Those who want to view India’s team in action can catch a few games before the big tournament. The squad will take on South Africa on January 2, 9 and 12.
The Indian musical group Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy has also been charged with creating the theme song for the world cup, which will be titled De Ghumaa ke, according to the Times of India. They will create three versions of the tune, each in a different language – Hindi, Bengali and Sinhalese.
The song will likely be playing at festivals and parades across India and other competing nations as they prepare for the big games. Those who want to celebrate from afar will be sending international money transfers to loved ones in the nation.
Fausto Gortaire –
About the Author:
Fausto Gortaire is a writer specializing in international affairs for Xoom.
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Atthe present time in world, hundreds of games are popular butCricket is the game, whichreachon the sky in very shortly. Cricket starts from 16th century from its origin England, but in very short period it spread throughout the world. After the first World cup tournament played in 1975 lifts Cricket on its peak, as well as Cricket become passion in sub-continent such as India, Pakistan, Srilanka, Bangladesh.
Except Bangladesh,three abovenations has faced so many victories and defeates. Bangladeshcricket is now grooming day by day with that enthusiasm and full-fledgeefforts.
The mega event ofcricket is World Cup,in the year 2011, the 10th World CupCricketgoing to be held from 1975. South Asian countries India , Srilanka, Bangladeshwill be the host of this memorable moments. These matcheswill be played in thisseries,that 29 matches, including one semi final and final will be hosted by India. In Srilanka 12 matches with one quarter final and a semi final. Accordingly in Bangladesh eight matches will be played with two quarter finals.
Now a days World Cup Cricket is the most popular and world largest, crowded event after the Soccer World Cup and Olympic games.
1975 : West Indies beat England by 92 runs,
1979 : West Indies beat Australia by 17 runs,
1983 : India beat West Indies by 43 runs,
1987 :Australia beat England by 7 runs,
1992 : Pakistan beat England by 22 runs,
1996 : Srilanka beat Australia by 7 wickets,
1999 : Australia beat Pakistan by 8 wickets,
2003 : Australia beat India by 125 runs,
2007 : Australia beat Srilanka by 53 runs.
Lets see who rule’s the world cricket in2011 World Cup Cricket Tournament.
if you like to read more interesting articles and want to be awared whats up in cricket world, visit my site to get everything you want.
cricket lover –
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
At first glance, she looks like a bubbly young girl-next-door chatting and laughing playfully with a bundle of college girls, who aspire to be like her. But a closer look reveals wisdom on her face, a fierce passion in her eyes that sets her a step above the rest. Jhulan Goswami, ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2006-2007, is a small town girl, who has proved that if one has the desire and the perseverance, no force in the world can ever stop anyone from achieving what one dreams of. Though this humble girl realises that the award has made her a celebrity overnight, she is determined not to let success get on to her head.
24-year old Jhulan from Chakdah in Nadia district of West Bengal, waves enthusiastically, as Headlines India team catches her in the sprawling greens of Vivekananda Park in Kolkata, sharing her ecstasy with her coach Swapan Sadhu, and advising other young wannabe women cricketers to believe in the mantra of hard work and perseverance. Her coach looks at her affectionately, with eyes moistened with a joy that cannot be explained in words, while a group of girls take cricketing tips from her. Jhulan obliges all, and smiles coyly, as she poses for lensmen of various media houses, before settling down with Headlines India to share her experiences.
Jhulan, congratulations for your feat! How does it feel to be selected ICC Women’s Cricketer of the year?
Jhulan Goswami: Thank you so much! (Grins) It feels great! It is a feeling of great pride for me and my country, and needless to say, I feel on top of the world. I was the only woman nominated from India, and I was chosen. So, I feel happier that I managed to bring laurels to my country.
Had you ever imagined that you would win this award?
Jhulan Goswami: Never. See, what I feel is, when a person is playing, he or she should not think about awards, rewards, recognition and money. One should concentrate on his/her game, and awards will automatically come in one’s way. These awards are actually small milestones that keep coming in life’s journey. One has to cross them and move ahead in life. I played with this philosophy. I concentrated on my performance, and never thought of any award. I played for my country, I played for my team.
So, what was your first reaction when you heard that you had been chosen?
Jhulan Goswami: For a while I was speechless. The feeling that I experienced at that moment cannot really be explained. I received the award from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, which was again a special moment for me. Then all the players of the men’s team congratulated me.
What about your team-mates, friends and family?
Jhulan Goswami: They had a lot of expectations. You can say they were quite confident that I would win the award. When it was finally declared, they were simply ecstatic.
Chakdah to Johannesburg. You have come a long way…
Jhulan Goswami: (Interrupting) I still have miles to go before I sleep! (Laughs)
How has your journey been so far?
Jhulan Goswami: I would say it has been a roller coaster ride for me. Of course, nothing in life is easy. One has to face the ups and downs life brings, if one wants to taste the sweet fruit of success. I have had my share of thorns, but I still do not consider my life to be a bed of roses. I know I have a long journey ahead of me. What I have achieved is just a small milestone. But yes, I thank God that I got an opportunity to experience so many things in such a short span of time. I saw so many new places, met so many new people. It really feels great!
You talk about the hardships you have faced. Was it very tough initially?
Jhulan Goswami: Very, very tough. Especially because I belong to a very small place, which is far away from Kolkata. Moreover, I come from a modest background. And above all, women’s cricket is still not the “in” thing in India.
Tell us something about your childhood, your family.
Jhulan Goswami: I belong to a small family in Chakdah. My family constitutes of my parents, my siblings, and me. Ours is a very close-knit family, and my parents have always encouraged my siblings and me to follow our dreams. Even as a child, I was immensely fascinated by sports. I used to participate in a lot of sporting events in school. In general, I had a happy childhood, and I enjoyed a lot with my friends and my siblings.
And did you always aspire to become a cricketer?
Jhulan Goswami: Not really. I had never thought that I would become a cricketer. In fact, I used to play a lot of games – badminton, volleyball, football, cricket. I loved all the games equally.
Then what prompted you to become a cricketer?
Jhulan Goswami: As I got more and more involved into the game, I started falling in love with it. I realised that I was enjoying cricket more than any other game. So I decided to become a cricketer, and started my formal training in 1997 under Swapan Sir.
And why a fast bowler?
Jhulan Goswami: Initially I was into batting as well as bowling. Later, my coach, my team-mates and my friends felt that my strength lay in bowling. My height gave me an added advantage and so I became a fast bowler! (Chuckles)
Did your family always support you?
Jhulan Goswami: Not just my family, I am lucky to have received support from my teachers in school, my friends, my team-mates and all my well wishers. My parents, of course, have been my biggest supporters. I would have been nowhere without their support and co-operation.
To whom do you attribute your success?
Jhulan Goswami: My parents, and definitely my coach. He made me learn the tricks of the trade. He still corrects me when I make a wrong move.
Jhulan, it was alleged a few months back that there is no unity and coordination in the men’s team. Does such a thing exist in the women’s team as well?
Jhulan Goswami: See, when the players are on field, they play as a team. In these situations, a team must remain united. This is what I know. Other than that, no one knows what the story is inside the dressing room of the men’s team. But things are very normal, very smooth in the women’s team. We all are like a family – very close, much attached to each other. There are no hard feelings.
With such a hectic schedule, do you miss the normal life of a young girl?
Jhulan Goswami: I am still, a very normal girl. But yes, at times I do feel that my life is getting very hectic, and that I am missing out on the small joys of life. But then, you can’t get everything in life, can you? (Smiles philosophically)
Do you have any plans for the upcoming Durga Puja?
Jhulan Goswami: I no longer make plans for myself. I don’t even know if I will be in town during the Puja. These are the little things I miss…
What about your leisure activities?
Jhulan Goswami: I love spending time with my family and friends. I love listening to music. I am fond of all kinds of music. I also love watching movies. I recently watched Chak De! India, and I feel it is a fabulous movie. The portrayal of women’s hockey team is something very new and very commendable. I hope someday they will make a film on women’s cricket team as well. Who knows, they might have already started contemplating one! (Grins)
It might be a movie inspired by your life, Jhulan! So how do you plan to make women’s cricket more popular?
Jhulan Goswami: Sadly, I alone cannot increase the popularity of women’s cricket. A lot of effort needs to be put in to make it more popular. On my part, I can only say that I will keep on striving hard and try to draw the attention of people towards the women’s cricket.
Any message for aspiring cricketers? And anything special you want to tell women cricketers?
Jhulan Goswami: I have the same message for men as well as women cricketers. I want to tell all budding cricketers to play with dedication. Love your game, and never shy away from hard work. Be honest to yourself, and remember, it is diligence and devotion that ultimately pays.
For More Articles By The Same Author & For More News From India Visit
Divya Pathak –
About the Author:
Divya Pathak is a Reporter with http://www.headlinesindia.com working out of New Delhi. She has over five years of experience working for news dailies in the country.
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
The biggest day in the Australian cricket calendar saw Australia play India in the famous Boxing Day cricket test at the MCG in Australia. With over 80,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and nearly 200 million cricket fans in India watching the test match this was one of the most watched cricket games of the year.
The Australian cricket crowd is renowned for being very vocal and at times rowdy. However, there is no greater stage for playing cricket than at the MCG on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
As for the cricket match, Australia went into the match with a dilemma as to its bowling line-up. The aussies were unsure as to go with all fast bowlers or to include a spinner in the team. With the retirement of the greatest spin bowler last year in Shane Warne; the Australian team has struggled to replace him. However, Brad Hogg, has stepped up into some form at the right time and as a result was included in the team for his fifth test match.
On day one, Australia went into bat first with Matthew Hayden and Phil Jaques. Both established a fantastic opening partnership before Jaques went out. Hayden went on to score 124 runs on a tough wicket. The Australian middle order collapsed with Ricky Ponting and Hussey going cheaply before the tail wagged for the aussies. Indian bowler Kumble bowled extremely well for India taking five wickets.
On day two, India struggled with the bat and with some very slow batting averaged only two runs per over early on. Sachin Tendulkar, The Master, played a fine innings before going out trying to cut the ball. The remaining Indian batters fell quite easily leaving Australia with a solid first innings lead.
On day three, Australia set out to increase the lead with another good opening stance by the aussie openers. Ricky Ponting fell early on again which was a major success for the Indians before Michael Clarke played a good knock leaving Australia with a lead of 499 runs for the Indians to chase. One of the major issues on day three was the high number of no balls especially at Umpire Billy Bowden’s end.
On day four, it was all about the Australian bowling with the aussies taking some early wickets and thus removing any chance of an Indian win. Brad Hogg and Mitchell Johnson got some valuable wickets for the aussies and both gave themselves a good chance of being selected for the next cricket match at the SCG.
The win for the Australian cricket team results in fifteen successive test wins and they need only one more to tie Steve Waugh’s record. Adam Gilchrist also broke Ian Healy’s wicket keeping record and is now only one away from the magical 400 which he will most likely get in Sydney.
Matthew Hayden was named man of the match after two great batting innings. The Australians once again lead with some great fielding and always kept the pressure on the Indians. The Indians on the other hand let themselves down in the field.
The Indians will need to regroup after this crushing loss. With such a strong batting line-up the Indians couldn’t even reach 200 runs in either innings. It will be interesting to see if the Indian cricket team make any changes especially with the batting line up. The only concern for the Australians will once again be with the bowlers. Will Mitchell Johnson and Brad Hogg stay in the team or will Shaun Tait be awarded his opportunity to bring some heat to the bowling line-up.
David Horne –
About the Author:
David Horne is a former professional tennis player who has created several online sports web sites including Sports eBooks which is the Ultimate Sports eBook Directory for all cricket and sports fans!
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Friday, November 19th, 2010
Kanpur is a city in the northern India with a big population and is said to be 5th largest city. It is situated at the Ganga river banks and considered to be an important center in terms of industry. Trailing in its history, this city has played a part as the British garrison.
After 1857, Kanpur has born successful textile and leather industries. After several years, there were oil mills, steel factories, and sugar factories run by different companies. Later, some of these industries have slowed down and brought changes in the economy. New businesses were established such as plastic-making and automotives.
Nowadays, Kanpur is the major producer of leather and textile goods and exports them as well in bulk. It also houses many educational institutions that give the city a high literacy rate. The city is also known in playing cricket, football, and hockey. When it comes to transportation, its bus service provides the least expensive rates in limited areas only. They also used 3-wheeler tempos which are faster than buses. Kanpur is accessible to other cities by means of railways and a domestic airport (Delhi to Kanpur and vice-versa).
Some of the local attractions of Kanpur are the Green Park Stadium, Radha-Krishna Mandir Temple, Kherepati Temple, Allen Forest Zoo, Moti Jheel, Lav Kush Barrage, Rave 3 Multiplex, Mega Mall, Z Square Mall, Anandeshwar Temple, Kanpur Sangrahlaya Museum, Gandhi Hall, Bithoor for Hindu pilgrims, Boodha Bargad tree, and Kanpur University.
The Landmark Hotel, Kanpur
This famous hotel is located at the center of Kanpur together with the city malls and is nearby to the airport. Guests can surely enjoy luxury as well as newness. The building is elegantly -designed, with superlative ceilings and lavish decors. The hotel has an overview of splendid scenery of the Ganges River. They give the best personal services and facilities as well as providing a warm and relaxing ambiance with a touch of rich culture.
Hotel facilities and services include A/C public areas, parking area, beauty salon, health club, swimming pool, cocktail lounge, concierge services, dry cleaning/laundry services, foreign exchange center, florist, and leather shop.
There is high-speed Internet access, wheelchair accessible, meeting rooms, restaurants, room service, business center, wi-fi in all areas, and billiards.
Landmark Hotel has 117 elegantly-designed guest rooms and 8 suites, and each has the conveniences of a work desk and lamp, cable/satellite TV, complimentary morning newspaper, hairdryer, in-room safe (as requested), air conditioning system (controlled individually), mini bar, refrigerator, dual line telephone unit, high-speed Internet access, and coffee and tea for executive rooms.
Guests can also experience delicious and authentic dishes pleasing to the taste and looks savory to the eyes. Hotel’s restaurants provide the best menus that change seasonally. For those who prefer to stay in their rooms, 24-hour room service is also provided.
Mehak Restaurant restaurant serves authentic Chinese and traditional Indian dishes accompanied with live music that gives their guest a vibrant mood. Tandoori Nights is located at the 16th floor. Guests can enjoy dining under the twinkling stars and bright moon. Dining is accompanied with the piano music.
For people searching for entertainment, Landmark Hotel has different places to go to. You can try The Garage if you like dancing. It is located at the 9th floor of the hotel. They serve food, music as well as elegance.
Magic Strikes are for the bowling lovers. Located at the 9th floor, it has 3 bowling lanes. They also have sports bar, video games, pool tables, and many other more.
Fitness Planet is the perfect place for your workout. They are fully-equipped and have the most modern equipment, sauna, Jacuzzi, and massage services to relieve stress and tiredness.
And last, The Tropical Bar, serve the best Indian cuisines and drinks found at the rooftop.
About the Author:
For more information on Kanpur Academics and Kanpur Healthcare, please visit our website.
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Monday, October 25th, 2010
After 62 years of the accession of Kashmir to the Indian union the valley is again in turmoil. Widespread protests have taken place and the Indian Governments policy on Kashmir is in shambles. It does not help that the Indian state is headed by a weak Prime Minister who has no notion of power politics and military power. The result is a policy of drift. This has been the bane of Indian leadership right down from the time the Indian Prime Minister was Pandit Nehru.Nehru had shown his naivety by making some concessions on Kashmir that are like an anchor round the neck of the Indian state. Firstly he agreed for a plebiscite to ascertain the wishes of the people of Kashmir and secondly he agreed to give special rights under article 370 of the constitution to the people of Kashmir. In addition his decision to accept a cease fire when the valley was being cleared from the invaders in 1948 was a blunder. The policy of Nehru has percolated down to the present rulers .The Kashmir separatists have been treated with kid gloves and the government would like the agitation to end by giving more concessions. The Indian government just fails to realize that any concession will be meaningless as the separatists want unity with Pakistan or an independent state. I do not see any compromise on this. The policy of the Congress government to try and dampen the agitation is coming to naught.The separatists supported by militants with overt and covert support of Pakistan knows that they have India on the ropes. Perhaps, they feel a strong jab will make the Indian government to bend and agree to their demands. The Indian government has tied itself in knots. The ineffectual leadership is unable to counter the Kashmir seperatists.It is a Hobsons choice as the Indian state is looking down an alley with no exit. The only solution is that a Bishmark or Fredrick appears on the scene,but that is only a fond hope.
M.G. SINGH -
About the Author:
MG Singh is an ex Air Force Officer who took premature retirement.He is an aluminus of the staff collge and after retirement has been in the corporate field as a Vice President and Director. Qualified in law and management MG has penned 2 novels and is a significant writer on the net with over 500 articles.
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