Clarke acknowledges the crowd (photo: from thepeptalk.com.au)
For all the rubbishing of Australia over their disastrous defeat at the hands of England at Trent Bridge, Michael Clarke has been at the centre of it in many ways.
The on-field leader, Clarke demands and takes responsibility for his now former charges, as of the end of the Ashes series. Continue reading
Shane Watson smashes one through the covers (photo: BCCI)
It has taken just one-quarter of the 67 matches in the eighth instalment of the Indian Premier League to show cricket fans just why it was so highly touted in the lead-up.
Rajasthan Royals have blown everyone off the park, including the vaunted Chennai Super Kings, who have looked something of a shadow on their last season. Mumbai Indians have finally registered a win, and the Delhi Daredevils have been up and down like a yo-yo on a child’s finger. Continue reading
Steven Smith celebrates a century against India (photo: Getty Images)
After his first test in charge of the Australian test cricket team, Steven Smith showed poise, humour, tenacity, grit, and positivity.
Michael Clarke watched on from his home in Sydney, live tweeting his thoughts about the game. The crowd and audience were glued to the action in earnest and suspense; more so after India were able to post a competitive total with the bat. Continue reading
Alastair Cook‘s facial expression says it all (photo: The Mirror)
After a 95 run drubbing at the hands of India, and having not won any of their last 10 Tests, England are searching for answers that should have come six months ago.
Unfortunately, the management of the situation at the time, the Kevin Pietersen drama included, did not allow for the fresh overhaul that the England Cricket Board and on-field team needed. Continue reading
Chris Gayle playing for the Sydney Thunder, Jan 2013 (photo mine)
Sports teams need leaders. Whether it be a captain, or an experienced head, someone on the field needs to be able to take charge and encourage.
England captain Alastair Cook, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill and West Indian whirlwind Chris Gayle continue to light up stadiums around the world with powerful performances, and are three such players who are not only leaders for their team, but also their country.
Cook
Since taking over the test captaincy from Andrew Strauss in August of 2012, Cook immediately established himself as a captain who could also be tasked to perform at the top of the order. Continue reading
Michael Clarke batting Boxing Day 2010 (photo mine)
Australia has had some classy players during its last decade of cricket. Batters, bowlers, fielders, wicket keepers: the country and the world has seen them all.
Since Ricky Ponting stood down as test and one day captain, the Australian team has had a makeover. And so far, it’s going well. Even with the somewhat constant changing and rotation of players, we’ve unearthed some amazing talent. But we’ve also retained a fantastic bunch of veterans and experienced players.
George Bailey at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup
Australia’s ICC World Twenty20 Tournament came to a close on Friday night on the back of a large 74-run loss to the West Indies. Chris Gayle led the charge and helped the Windies post 205. Australia never looked like threatening them, aside from a knock of 63 from captain George Bailey.
After scintillating and crushing form in their first four games, the Aussies seemed to “tone” things down against Pakistan, scraping through to the semi-finals on net run rate. Against the West Indies, the firepower of Gayle was the key in setting up a monstrous victory.
Having come into the tournament ranked 9th, the Aussies looked the goods until their Super 8 match against Pakistan, where the question was raised: ‘what do Australia care about?’ after their appalling loss to Pakistan.
It will also serve as a reasonable base coming into the Australian summer, which commences next month.
Here is a review of each player that took to the field for Australia: Continue reading
