Calling Stuart Macgill... Stuey....?
The biggest concern for Australian Test cricket is replacing champion legspinner Shane Warne. The leading contender, Stuart Macgill, has not given cause for confidence so far. He's unrepentant about putting on weight. He's injured. He's annoying. And he never answers his phone:
As team medical staff tried to plan a rehabilitation program for him, the veteran spinner spent yesterday editing film for his new food and wine show.There's talk the selectors are contemplating a four paceman attack. Personally, I don't see it happening - 3 quicks and a spinner has been the template for as long as I can remember and the selectors rarely surprise. But part of me thinks wistfully back in the 80's when the West Indies terrorised batting lineups with their four tearaways. Imagine Brett Lee and Shaun Tait softening up the top order, to be mopped up by the speedy Johnson and relentless Clark. With a glut of fast bowlers in the country at the moment (Hilfenhaus and Noffke not even getting a look in), we could be entering another era in Australian cricket.
MacGill did not return phone calls to officials at cricket headquarters in Melbourne who are desperate to know what steps he is taking to fix his knee problems and regaining fitness.
This has left some CA officials wondering if MacGill is serious about regaining fitness in time for the Boxing Day Test.
| Posted by JC on Wed 28 Nov |  44 comments |
Except Macgill and Hodge, are there any good up coming younger spinners in the Aussie domestic scene?
Came to know of Hilfenhaus guy, as a good new speedster. Aussie domestic season normally doesnt lack new talent!
I cant complate trying Macgil or Hogg as long term Warne replacemnts, they are like 36/37.
Being such a strong side,u can fancy to try out some new unproven guys.
Posted by true on 2007-11-28 12:04:21
Came to know of Hilfenhaus guy, as a good new speedster. Aussie domestic season normally doesnt lack new talent!
I cant complate trying Macgil or Hogg as long term Warne replacemnts, they are like 36/37.
Being such a strong side,u can fancy to try out some new unproven guys.
Posted by true on 2007-11-28 12:04:21
Macgill should not be in the Australian team. Although he may be one of the best spinners that we currently have, he is simply not good enough compared to the rest of the team. We should at least try out 4 fast bowlers for a while to see if it works.
Posted by Russ on 2007-11-28 12:16:19
Posted by Russ on 2007-11-28 12:16:19
Go on, play Cameron White.
Dare you.
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-28 12:45:37
Dare you.
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-28 12:45:37
Cricket watchers have been speaking about SA's Cullen for a couple of years now and from the games I have seen he is a youngster with a fair bit of talent.
I'm probably biased though cause I'm not a huge fan of off spin. Probably related to the fact that I bowled it in primary school and the rest of the team hated me for making them constantly jump the fence. Give me Bobby Holland over Greg Matthews or Tim May any day. Although Yardley was OK. Unless of course we can find an offy who moves it both ways. Can Cullen do that I wonder?
Posted by TA on 2007-11-28 12:47:22
I'm probably biased though cause I'm not a huge fan of off spin. Probably related to the fact that I bowled it in primary school and the rest of the team hated me for making them constantly jump the fence. Give me Bobby Holland over Greg Matthews or Tim May any day. Although Yardley was OK. Unless of course we can find an offy who moves it both ways. Can Cullen do that I wonder?
Posted by TA on 2007-11-28 12:47:22
The only problem with 4 fast bowlers is that you can suffer from lack of variety and once the batsman see off the new ball you could have problems.
Maybe we need to pick some new spinner throw him in the deep end and see if he can prove himself. Or use Hogg/MacGill for this year and hope that a new younger spinner comes in.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-11-28 13:03:30
Maybe we need to pick some new spinner throw him in the deep end and see if he can prove himself. Or use Hogg/MacGill for this year and hope that a new younger spinner comes in.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-11-28 13:03:30
Michael Clarke is more than handy with his left armers (6/9!), and Symonds is allegedly an off-spinning all rounder.. I reckon go with 4 quicks and see how it works out. However come the SCG test you'd be wanting someone who can turn it.
Why don't we invest in a right-arm chucker? They seem to turn it heaps and take wickets with the one that's chucked the other way or doosra as it's commonly known.
---
14.6 degrees of seperation
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-28 13:54:40
Why don't we invest in a right-arm chucker? They seem to turn it heaps and take wickets with the one that's chucked the other way or doosra as it's commonly known.
---
14.6 degrees of seperation
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-28 13:54:40
Andrew Mosey : I dont want to go there, but everyone knows what lies behind those sentiments of yours.I feel sad for you and other people who face the same, try to get over it. Good luck with the remedial process though.
Posted by true on 2007-11-28 17:11:17
Posted by true on 2007-11-28 17:11:17
well don't go there then.
I read in yesterday's paper that Stuey was uncontactable yesterday as he was filming his new food and wine show. Deadset if the guy wants to retire he should do just that.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 08:12:48
I read in yesterday's paper that Stuey was uncontactable yesterday as he was filming his new food and wine show. Deadset if the guy wants to retire he should do just that.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 08:12:48
I agree. I think Magilla need to make up his mind (and quicksmart).
In other news, Jaques might miss India to due to possibly having the mumps!
Posted by Timbo on 2007-11-29 09:22:15
In other news, Jaques might miss India to due to possibly having the mumps!
Posted by Timbo on 2007-11-29 09:22:15
Well, Andrew, I haven't gone there, and will not. But as I feel really sad for you, I suggest you to take a moment and sit back and think why you once in a while get wired thoughts about people from other countries and try to make pathetic fun whilst tarnishing your image as a stable minded person. I understand that you dont have full control over something that happened long ago, but if you really think calmly and may be get help from good resurces, there is a chance to get over complicated inferiority complex situations.
Whilst guys were having such a nice cricket converstaion, it was sad to see Andrew throwing in such pathetic comments to make fun by condemning others unsuccesfully .
Posted by true on 2007-11-29 10:18:40
Whilst guys were having such a nice cricket converstaion, it was sad to see Andrew throwing in such pathetic comments to make fun by condemning others unsuccesfully .
Posted by true on 2007-11-29 10:18:40
Actually, come to think of it, why don'twe have a generation of doosra deliverers emerging? If the laws allow it, and it's a lethal delivery, why don't we adopt it?
Posted by TA on 2007-11-29 11:11:41
Posted by TA on 2007-11-29 11:11:41
TA,
Becuase bowling a doosra, even with a 12 - 15% bent arm is bloody hard. I know or know of lots of people who've tried it, and it's the hardest thing out.
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-29 11:39:35
Becuase bowling a doosra, even with a 12 - 15% bent arm is bloody hard. I know or know of lots of people who've tried it, and it's the hardest thing out.
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-29 11:39:35
"true", for someone who is not going there you seem to keep going there. As for my "pathetic" comments, I stand by them and would go as far to say that in this case I was quite reserved, particularly when they are contrast against my prior chucking rants here and here.
Regardless, I'm seriously struggling to follow your point.. however there are a few subtle clues and I think you're standing up for Murali, which is fine. That particular topic has been discussed to death here so why don't we just agree to disagree and not go there?
TA I reckon we're on the same page, if it's a legal and effictive way of bowling why don't we get our own Aussie right arm chucker. For mine this hypothetical bowler would have a great sense of humour and come out saying that he's a chucker but since that's within the revised rules he's here to chuck. Could even get in on the lucrative advertising going around at the moment - after a hard day's chucking he likes to chuck back a few beers and chuck a shrimp on the barby. Gold.
Sportsfreak, Cameron White has a broken foot so he's out for 6 weeks. Plus he's a Victorian so can't play for Australia anyway.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 11:55:20
Regardless, I'm seriously struggling to follow your point.. however there are a few subtle clues and I think you're standing up for Murali, which is fine. That particular topic has been discussed to death here so why don't we just agree to disagree and not go there?
TA I reckon we're on the same page, if it's a legal and effictive way of bowling why don't we get our own Aussie right arm chucker. For mine this hypothetical bowler would have a great sense of humour and come out saying that he's a chucker but since that's within the revised rules he's here to chuck. Could even get in on the lucrative advertising going around at the moment - after a hard day's chucking he likes to chuck back a few beers and chuck a shrimp on the barby. Gold.
Sportsfreak, Cameron White has a broken foot so he's out for 6 weeks. Plus he's a Victorian so can't play for Australia anyway.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 11:55:20
Sportsfreak, just read your more recent response (had been writing mine for 60 mins in between work etc).
I haven't attempted the Doosra (why can't we just call it a wrongun) myself, but concede it could be a very difficult delivery to bowl. Harbajahn has a decent one but perhaps Murali's deformation gives him a genetic advantage to bowl it in a Darwinian way.
One thing I've never understood is why we have Leg Spin Bowlers, and Off Spin Bowlers. Why not just be a spinner, and bowl it any way you feel like. Sure they'd be easy enough to pick but if they both spin and land in good areas then where's the harm? Even if you serve up a pie each over you'd be on par with Macgilla!
Plus the leggie topspinner might come out looking like the offie or something like that. It'd confuse the bejesus out of batsmen and even if it didn't you'd have twice as many deliveries to take advantage of any pitch.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 12:07:39
I haven't attempted the Doosra (why can't we just call it a wrongun) myself, but concede it could be a very difficult delivery to bowl. Harbajahn has a decent one but perhaps Murali's deformation gives him a genetic advantage to bowl it in a Darwinian way.
One thing I've never understood is why we have Leg Spin Bowlers, and Off Spin Bowlers. Why not just be a spinner, and bowl it any way you feel like. Sure they'd be easy enough to pick but if they both spin and land in good areas then where's the harm? Even if you serve up a pie each over you'd be on par with Macgilla!
Plus the leggie topspinner might come out looking like the offie or something like that. It'd confuse the bejesus out of batsmen and even if it didn't you'd have twice as many deliveries to take advantage of any pitch.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 12:07:39
AM,
Cameron White has a broken foot?
Let me guess, he was trying a wrong-un, and the ball slipped out of the bottom of his hand…
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-29 12:07:58
Cameron White has a broken foot?
Let me guess, he was trying a wrong-un, and the ball slipped out of the bottom of his hand…
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-29 12:07:58
And AM,
I can't work out to contact you via your otherwise decent blog... (We're a bit slow over here)
Drop us a line: freak@sportsfreak.co.nz
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-29 12:16:10
I can't work out to contact you via your otherwise decent blog... (We're a bit slow over here)
Drop us a line: freak@sportsfreak.co.nz
Posted by sportsfreak on 2007-11-29 12:16:10
White hobbled off the field grimacing in pain after sustaining the injury while swivelling to avoid a mid-pitch collision with (QLD) paceman Carseldine. Carseldine charged into White as he took a quick single.Ouch.
The big-hitting all-rounder will have an operation on Monday to have his right foot pinned after a fracture in his fifth metatarsal bone. White's fracture, which will sideline him for at least a month in a major blow to his international hopes this season, rubbed salt into Victoria's wounds after a 50-run, bonus-point loss at the Gabba.
And at the (calculated) risk of upsetting Uncle J Rod, he's got buckleys of making the Aussie team this season. I'd actually like to see him in the T20 format... despite his victorian leanings.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 13:21:56
MEMO: To Virtualgaz
FROM: Dan Tas
Subject: Quality Legspin Replacement
Elsewhere on this blog I called for selectors to pluck a budding young leggie out of obscurity to spend time with Terry Jenner, with a view to being fast-tracked into the Aussie side as a replacement for Warne/MacGill.
I note you've been having a net with one JC up there in Brizzie and I understand he bowls this weird, over-the-wrist stuff.
Could this JC, in fact, be THE MAN to fill the void? Now we don't want a Skull O'Keeffe, accurate but without a skerrick of turn on even day five; We want a prodigious turner of the ball who can limit the number of pies per over to no more than two or three, just like MacGill. Declarations can be adjusted to allow for this, with say a lead of 700 instead of 500.
For your consideration. An alternative is to recruit that now unemployed former Prime Minister JH, but the pies he delivers per over may deter selectors.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-29 13:46:49
FROM: Dan Tas
Subject: Quality Legspin Replacement
Elsewhere on this blog I called for selectors to pluck a budding young leggie out of obscurity to spend time with Terry Jenner, with a view to being fast-tracked into the Aussie side as a replacement for Warne/MacGill.
I note you've been having a net with one JC up there in Brizzie and I understand he bowls this weird, over-the-wrist stuff.
Could this JC, in fact, be THE MAN to fill the void? Now we don't want a Skull O'Keeffe, accurate but without a skerrick of turn on even day five; We want a prodigious turner of the ball who can limit the number of pies per over to no more than two or three, just like MacGill. Declarations can be adjusted to allow for this, with say a lead of 700 instead of 500.
For your consideration. An alternative is to recruit that now unemployed former Prime Minister JH, but the pies he delivers per over may deter selectors.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-29 13:46:49
Dan, I'd be totally up for being the new legspinner Australia is crying out for - I'm as fat as MacGill, with my sore knee I'm as lame as Cameron White and at 35, I'm nearly as old as Brad Hogg. And I've got my pie rate down to about 2 per over - about what Macgill bowled in Bellerive.
And funny Andrew asks about why a spinner can only be leg spin or off spin - not both. I can't bowl a doosra or even a wrong un yet but it's on the to-do list. But I've been working on a orthodox off-spin delivery which I'm planning to unveil next time I get a bowl at club cricket as a shock tactic. I tried it out on Gaz last Saturday, nearly bowled him. The key is whether I can land it on the right area as I'll probably only get one shot at it - or if the batsman picks it out of the hand, not even that.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 14:08:43
And funny Andrew asks about why a spinner can only be leg spin or off spin - not both. I can't bowl a doosra or even a wrong un yet but it's on the to-do list. But I've been working on a orthodox off-spin delivery which I'm planning to unveil next time I get a bowl at club cricket as a shock tactic. I tried it out on Gaz last Saturday, nearly bowled him. The key is whether I can land it on the right area as I'll probably only get one shot at it - or if the batsman picks it out of the hand, not even that.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 14:08:43
I reckon I'm onto a winner there JC, even if batsmen can pick them 100% easily then you're no worse off than a normal off-spinner. If it's completely unexpected then you're laughing.
The orthodox off-spinner is heaps easier to put on a spot than the leggy.. well when I bowl it anyway it's just a medium pacer that's got a tweak from the index finger on the way out.
The leggie's wrongun's a bit tougher though as it genuinely comes out the back of the hand. Maybe search on youtube for some of the warne explaining how to bowl them clips might be worthwhile for you JC..
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 14:21:50
The orthodox off-spinner is heaps easier to put on a spot than the leggy.. well when I bowl it anyway it's just a medium pacer that's got a tweak from the index finger on the way out.
The leggie's wrongun's a bit tougher though as it genuinely comes out the back of the hand. Maybe search on youtube for some of the warne explaining how to bowl them clips might be worthwhile for you JC..
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-29 14:21:50
The main problem is I'm hard pressed even getting a bowl at our club games - which I'm told is around 4th to 6th grade level. Once I bowl a few pies and go over the midwicket boundary for six, the captain is not too predisposed to keep me on - hence the two over spells.
I do have a cricket magazine that explains how to bowl the wrongun - I've read it and it makes sense, I just haven't tried it yet. I've just been trying to get the leggies coming out right first. I do have a stock delivery - problem is it's the full toss on leg stump.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 14:29:21
I do have a cricket magazine that explains how to bowl the wrongun - I've read it and it makes sense, I just haven't tried it yet. I've just been trying to get the leggies coming out right first. I do have a stock delivery - problem is it's the full toss on leg stump.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 14:29:21
How has there been 21 comments about spinners and no one mention Bryce McGain. I saw him kiss his mum at the ground last night. Makes him a better bloke then MacGill or Hogg.
Oh and Callum Bailey?
Posted by cricketwithballs.com on 2007-11-29 14:56:08
Oh and Callum Bailey?
Posted by cricketwithballs.com on 2007-11-29 14:56:08
Bryce McGain is as old, if not older, than McGill/Warne/Hogg.
Fancy a guy in his mid to late 30's kissing his Mum in public.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-29 16:15:27
Fancy a guy in his mid to late 30's kissing his Mum in public.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-29 16:15:27
MEMO: To Dan Tas.
FROM: JC's net batsman.
Definitely a consideration out there for the vacant spot is this wily old spinner JC who keeps his cards well and truly to his chest I can tell you.
I've seen his wrong-un, his right-un and even his left-un! As cunning as a fox with a degree of cunningness from the Uni of Cunningshire, JC doesn't even tell me what he's going to do to me prior to flipping his doosra down the track at this poor old #11.
In fact, it was only last Saturday morning (at the unearthly time of 7:02am) that he copped me in the nads with one of those famous wristies of his. I made light of JC's 'JC' delivery (Jatz Cracker) at the time but I'm here to tell you that little wristie of his spun viciously into the the old bread basket - which I was unable to rub fully until I got home. He gives you the old 'sorry mate' but you can tell he enjoyed it - this man can fill the void.
Mate, to fill that place, all he's gotta do I reckon is to lose about 50 kaygees (crease goes into shadow as he comes into his delivery stride), dye his greys out to peroxide, get himself a new mobile phone and an earring.
JC might be only slightly younger than John Howard, but he gets my vote!
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-29 18:19:01
FROM: JC's net batsman.
Definitely a consideration out there for the vacant spot is this wily old spinner JC who keeps his cards well and truly to his chest I can tell you.
I've seen his wrong-un, his right-un and even his left-un! As cunning as a fox with a degree of cunningness from the Uni of Cunningshire, JC doesn't even tell me what he's going to do to me prior to flipping his doosra down the track at this poor old #11.
In fact, it was only last Saturday morning (at the unearthly time of 7:02am) that he copped me in the nads with one of those famous wristies of his. I made light of JC's 'JC' delivery (Jatz Cracker) at the time but I'm here to tell you that little wristie of his spun viciously into the the old bread basket - which I was unable to rub fully until I got home. He gives you the old 'sorry mate' but you can tell he enjoyed it - this man can fill the void.
Mate, to fill that place, all he's gotta do I reckon is to lose about 50 kaygees (crease goes into shadow as he comes into his delivery stride), dye his greys out to peroxide, get himself a new mobile phone and an earring.
JC might be only slightly younger than John Howard, but he gets my vote!
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-29 18:19:01
I think we should make it compulsory to bring a box to the net sessions from now on, Gaz. I'd lend you mine but well, you just don't do that.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 18:58:57
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 18:58:57
I've got an autographed Boony box which I'll be wearing this Sat.
BTW, you can't tell me that anyone needs a box when facing my 8.1 kmh bowling!
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-29 19:08:05
BTW, you can't tell me that anyone needs a box when facing my 8.1 kmh bowling!
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-29 19:08:05
I hope you weren't wearing the box when Boony autographed it.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 19:21:26
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 19:21:26
Mate, let's just say that there was A LOT of VB going around that night...
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-29 19:23:23
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-29 19:23:23
Thanks Gaz
I've text-messaged the Chairman of selectors.
JC, keep the next few months free mate. Just promise me you won't appear in those silly Haydos/Clarke/Symonds/Hussey television ads that have been airing of late.
And send the discarded groupies down this way.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-29 20:52:21
I've text-messaged the Chairman of selectors.
JC, keep the next few months free mate. Just promise me you won't appear in those silly Haydos/Clarke/Symonds/Hussey television ads that have been airing of late.
And send the discarded groupies down this way.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-29 20:52:21
Groupies, huh? I still haven't been able to persuade the missus and daughter to come watch, even when we're playing at the homeground which is 3 minutes drive from our house.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 21:38:52
Posted by JC on 2007-11-29 21:38:52
Whilst many spinners being mentioned here, I think we need to mention Venkatapathy Raju. I know, by the standards of post 1993 spinners like murali, warne and kumble, he is way behind, but in his day, he was a classic orthodox guy, my favourite player, a joke to many :D
1985 to 1993, it was a bad period for spin bowling really, we had to put up with a lot of boring stuff like May, Embury, Don Anurasiri (really laughing stock), Mathews(Good man though) and part timers like Hooper. So post 1993 is great. Future isnt that good with Warne gone, murali and kumble just a couple of years away.
Anyway, spinning world should be happy that the two highest wicket takers are going to be spinners for awhile!
By the way nice article here:
Full article below: sorry for the long one!
While the world of cricket is bitterly divided between those who will toast Muttiah Muralitharan's impending world record and those who will once more dismiss him as a fraud, Kevin Pietersen knows which side he is on.
The England batsman is a pretty good judge of a bowler and he put his friendship with Shane Warne on hold yesterday to state that the Sri Lankan is a more threatening opponent than the Australian master spinner.
Murali is close to Shane Warne's record
Murali needs five more wickets to pass the great Australian's Test haul of 708 and the coronation will happen sooner rather than later. In fact, if the script writers are on the ball, the 35-year-old spinner will hit the top of the all-time bowling charts during the series opener against England which starts tomorrow at the Asgiriya Stadium. It is his favourite ground and it is in his home town. It all adds up.
What awaits the man with the helicopter wrist when the big moment comes? Sure, there will be cacophonous acclaim from the stands, celebrations in the streets of Kandy and jubilation throughout this cricket-crazy island. But around the globe, his epic achievement will be greeted by champagne and vitriol.
For many, Warne is the rightful No 1. For all the controversies which have plagued his career, the brash blond is widely regarded as the pure bowler, while Murali is condemned as the freak who has bent the rules.
Yet, in Pietersen's eyes there is no debate. He brushed aside any lingering doubts about the legality of the local hero's action to salute him as a champion and a legend.
Asked to compare him to Warne, he added: 'I think the difference between the two is that Muralitharan spins the ball both ways and is a bit harder to pick. I find Shane a lot easier to pick.
'I find Muralitharan a much harder challenge because he now spins the ball both ways with a pretty similar action. If you look at his delivery stride his feet don't change position, whereas with other bowlers their feet change. It's just his wrist and it's hard to pick that up.
'They are both assassins. They have both got more than 700 Test wickets, they are both champions, they are both geniuses.'
The records will show that Pietersen is right. It is Muralitharan who has the superior average, economy rate, strike rate and bestbowling figures. The son of a Kandy confectioner has been assisted by far easier pickings than Warne against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, but he has destroyed almost all the best batting line-ups in the world for the past 15 years.
Yet, there has always been a stain on his good name. Whispers about the bent-arm action surfaced soon after his debut and matters came to a head in Australia in 1995 when umpire Darrell Hair called him for throwing. The same thing happened in the subsequent oneday series and on Sri Lanka's tour Down Under in 1998-99.
Muralitharan fought to clear his name and was subjected to an array of biomechanical studies in Australia, England and Hong Kong.
Each time, it led to the ICC declaring his action was legal. But the emergence of the deadly 'doosra' reignited the debate in 2004 when he was reported by match referee Chris Broad.
This time, there was a comprehensive study of bowlers' actions around the world which revealed Muralitharan was by no means the only international player operating with a bent arm. So the laws were tweaked and the spinner was cleared again.
While the critics will never be truly silenced, Sri Lanka's talisman has gained scientific proof that he is no cheat. It may not look convincing to the naked eye but his bowling is acceptable within the revised guidelines so every wicket he takes is legitimate.
Whether the game at large likes it or not, he is going to set a Test record that may never be broken.
It would be fitting for Muralitharan to reach the landmark in the hill-country where he grew up. It is also feasible, as he has taken 108 Test wickets at the Asgiriya Stadium, to prove that he thrives among his own people.
Muralitharan said yesterday: 'It would be a very special moment because I played all my cricket here in my younger days, it is my home town and it has to be my favourite ground. So it would be nice to take the five wickets here.'
Although he cites the three-Test series against Australia at home in 2004 as his best sustained period of bowling, Muralitharan took more wickets last year (90) than in any year before, suggesting the old dog is still learning new tricks. As Pietersen suggested, the mastery of the well-disguised doosra has been the secret to his longevity.
As long as the wickets keep tumbling and the injuries are kept in check, he may just see if he can push towards the magical four-figure wicket mark.
Asked what would be a realistic target, Muralitharan said: 'Maybe 800 or 900, maybe not.
'If I am going to get to 1,000 I would have to play for another four or five years. I am 35 now so that would mean playing until I am 40.
Realistically, that is not possible but you never know. If the next three years went as well as last year it could happen.'
That scenario may not please the sceptics and purists, and it certainly will not be music to the ears of the world's batsmen.
Posted by true on 2007-11-30 09:27:22
1985 to 1993, it was a bad period for spin bowling really, we had to put up with a lot of boring stuff like May, Embury, Don Anurasiri (really laughing stock), Mathews(Good man though) and part timers like Hooper. So post 1993 is great. Future isnt that good with Warne gone, murali and kumble just a couple of years away.
Anyway, spinning world should be happy that the two highest wicket takers are going to be spinners for awhile!
By the way nice article here:
Full article below: sorry for the long one!
While the world of cricket is bitterly divided between those who will toast Muttiah Muralitharan's impending world record and those who will once more dismiss him as a fraud, Kevin Pietersen knows which side he is on.
The England batsman is a pretty good judge of a bowler and he put his friendship with Shane Warne on hold yesterday to state that the Sri Lankan is a more threatening opponent than the Australian master spinner.
Murali is close to Shane Warne's record
Murali needs five more wickets to pass the great Australian's Test haul of 708 and the coronation will happen sooner rather than later. In fact, if the script writers are on the ball, the 35-year-old spinner will hit the top of the all-time bowling charts during the series opener against England which starts tomorrow at the Asgiriya Stadium. It is his favourite ground and it is in his home town. It all adds up.
What awaits the man with the helicopter wrist when the big moment comes? Sure, there will be cacophonous acclaim from the stands, celebrations in the streets of Kandy and jubilation throughout this cricket-crazy island. But around the globe, his epic achievement will be greeted by champagne and vitriol.
For many, Warne is the rightful No 1. For all the controversies which have plagued his career, the brash blond is widely regarded as the pure bowler, while Murali is condemned as the freak who has bent the rules.
Yet, in Pietersen's eyes there is no debate. He brushed aside any lingering doubts about the legality of the local hero's action to salute him as a champion and a legend.
Asked to compare him to Warne, he added: 'I think the difference between the two is that Muralitharan spins the ball both ways and is a bit harder to pick. I find Shane a lot easier to pick.
'I find Muralitharan a much harder challenge because he now spins the ball both ways with a pretty similar action. If you look at his delivery stride his feet don't change position, whereas with other bowlers their feet change. It's just his wrist and it's hard to pick that up.
'They are both assassins. They have both got more than 700 Test wickets, they are both champions, they are both geniuses.'
The records will show that Pietersen is right. It is Muralitharan who has the superior average, economy rate, strike rate and bestbowling figures. The son of a Kandy confectioner has been assisted by far easier pickings than Warne against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, but he has destroyed almost all the best batting line-ups in the world for the past 15 years.
Yet, there has always been a stain on his good name. Whispers about the bent-arm action surfaced soon after his debut and matters came to a head in Australia in 1995 when umpire Darrell Hair called him for throwing. The same thing happened in the subsequent oneday series and on Sri Lanka's tour Down Under in 1998-99.
Muralitharan fought to clear his name and was subjected to an array of biomechanical studies in Australia, England and Hong Kong.
Each time, it led to the ICC declaring his action was legal. But the emergence of the deadly 'doosra' reignited the debate in 2004 when he was reported by match referee Chris Broad.
This time, there was a comprehensive study of bowlers' actions around the world which revealed Muralitharan was by no means the only international player operating with a bent arm. So the laws were tweaked and the spinner was cleared again.
While the critics will never be truly silenced, Sri Lanka's talisman has gained scientific proof that he is no cheat. It may not look convincing to the naked eye but his bowling is acceptable within the revised guidelines so every wicket he takes is legitimate.
Whether the game at large likes it or not, he is going to set a Test record that may never be broken.
It would be fitting for Muralitharan to reach the landmark in the hill-country where he grew up. It is also feasible, as he has taken 108 Test wickets at the Asgiriya Stadium, to prove that he thrives among his own people.
Muralitharan said yesterday: 'It would be a very special moment because I played all my cricket here in my younger days, it is my home town and it has to be my favourite ground. So it would be nice to take the five wickets here.'
Although he cites the three-Test series against Australia at home in 2004 as his best sustained period of bowling, Muralitharan took more wickets last year (90) than in any year before, suggesting the old dog is still learning new tricks. As Pietersen suggested, the mastery of the well-disguised doosra has been the secret to his longevity.
As long as the wickets keep tumbling and the injuries are kept in check, he may just see if he can push towards the magical four-figure wicket mark.
Asked what would be a realistic target, Muralitharan said: 'Maybe 800 or 900, maybe not.
'If I am going to get to 1,000 I would have to play for another four or five years. I am 35 now so that would mean playing until I am 40.
Realistically, that is not possible but you never know. If the next three years went as well as last year it could happen.'
That scenario may not please the sceptics and purists, and it certainly will not be music to the ears of the world's batsmen.
Posted by true on 2007-11-30 09:27:22
Good article true.
In a hundred years from now cricket lovers will be recalling the magnificent on-field deeds of Warne, the way they do Bradman now.
They will also talk of Murali, but say "Yeah, but.."
I've said before that had Murali been born Australian, he'd not have played beyond junior cricket, and I stick by that opinion.
You don't mention Murali's record against Australia IN Australia which, unless he tours again and has great success, will always count against him.
I've never rated Pietersen as either a player or commentator, and he never faced Warnie in his prime.
The ICC revised its bowling "guidelines" to accommodate Murali, did they not.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-30 11:42:38
In a hundred years from now cricket lovers will be recalling the magnificent on-field deeds of Warne, the way they do Bradman now.
They will also talk of Murali, but say "Yeah, but.."
I've said before that had Murali been born Australian, he'd not have played beyond junior cricket, and I stick by that opinion.
You don't mention Murali's record against Australia IN Australia which, unless he tours again and has great success, will always count against him.
I've never rated Pietersen as either a player or commentator, and he never faced Warnie in his prime.
The ICC revised its bowling "guidelines" to accommodate Murali, did they not.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-11-30 11:42:38
I'd argue that the pie-eater is good at picking Warne due to extended periods standing at first slip for Hampshire.
He said in the full interview that he picks Murali 85-90% of the time and that it would improve the more he's faced him. Had he spent as long studying chucker as warne the pie-eater would pick him just as well.
Interesting point he makes about the stride though, JC one to keep an eye on as you develop your zooter
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-30 11:44:33
He said in the full interview that he picks Murali 85-90% of the time and that it would improve the more he's faced him. Had he spent as long studying chucker as warne the pie-eater would pick him just as well.
Interesting point he makes about the stride though, JC one to keep an eye on as you develop your zooter
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-30 11:44:33
Yeah, but..part is valid for only australians, no one else gets that.
AUstralans wouldnt have tried to create this image for Murali if they didnt have a Warney in the picture. Murali came to the scene in 1992, so did Warne, but there were no issues till 1995! Why is that? Thats bcos, it took a couple of years for them to understand that world cricket now has two classy spinners in warne and murali, now if they wanted to make their horse the best, so they started to undermine Murali. This mindset of 'We are the best' lead to everything, no one had this except for Aussies. Why do they have this mentality, its purely out of cricket, its a social/mental historical phenomenan.
So, the war started! they created the fuss, got Hair to act, (By the way, Hair has well and over proven his racist and inferior Aussie ideology, and was fired at last, which should have happened 10 years ago), but still Ausssies failed in their cause.
Murali in every attempt proved that he is clear. He has a natural problem in arm, everyone knows that, it never straightens up, its 14 degrees bent, if it never straightnes, it doesnt give any aadvantage.So what the reason for fuss? Thats the Aussie mindset factor only. He is finger and wrist spinner, so bent arm has no advantage for him, its really shame to pick on some for his born defamation.
So, Aussies have failed in their cause as he claered all leagal bombs thrrown at him. He proved it out of the feild, and on the field by performing better than Warne. His records are far better than Warne, that still doesnt take anything out of Warne's greatness though. He passed every test. Even educated Aussies cleared him. Just that some people who are heavily affected by inferiroity complex due to them being British throw away convicts, want to to still have that 'Yeah, but...' impression.
Apart from that, he is the best!
Posted by true on 2007-11-30 12:19:17
AUstralans wouldnt have tried to create this image for Murali if they didnt have a Warney in the picture. Murali came to the scene in 1992, so did Warne, but there were no issues till 1995! Why is that? Thats bcos, it took a couple of years for them to understand that world cricket now has two classy spinners in warne and murali, now if they wanted to make their horse the best, so they started to undermine Murali. This mindset of 'We are the best' lead to everything, no one had this except for Aussies. Why do they have this mentality, its purely out of cricket, its a social/mental historical phenomenan.
So, the war started! they created the fuss, got Hair to act, (By the way, Hair has well and over proven his racist and inferior Aussie ideology, and was fired at last, which should have happened 10 years ago), but still Ausssies failed in their cause.
Murali in every attempt proved that he is clear. He has a natural problem in arm, everyone knows that, it never straightens up, its 14 degrees bent, if it never straightnes, it doesnt give any aadvantage.So what the reason for fuss? Thats the Aussie mindset factor only. He is finger and wrist spinner, so bent arm has no advantage for him, its really shame to pick on some for his born defamation.
So, Aussies have failed in their cause as he claered all leagal bombs thrrown at him. He proved it out of the feild, and on the field by performing better than Warne. His records are far better than Warne, that still doesnt take anything out of Warne's greatness though. He passed every test. Even educated Aussies cleared him. Just that some people who are heavily affected by inferiroity complex due to them being British throw away convicts, want to to still have that 'Yeah, but...' impression.
Apart from that, he is the best!
Posted by true on 2007-11-30 12:19:17
More stats for you TRUE
Murali against Pietersen
Pietersen dismissed 4 times (2 LBW, 2 caught field) at an average of 50.50
Warne against Pietersen
Pietersen dismissed 5 times (2 BOWLED, 2 caught field, 1 caught behind) at an average of 22.80
KP is full of it.
Posted by TA on 2007-11-30 12:28:56
Murali against Pietersen
Pietersen dismissed 4 times (2 LBW, 2 caught field) at an average of 50.50
Warne against Pietersen
Pietersen dismissed 5 times (2 BOWLED, 2 caught field, 1 caught behind) at an average of 22.80
KP is full of it.
Posted by TA on 2007-11-30 12:28:56
TA, I think you're onto something there. I think KP is more familiar and comfortable with Warne - not only watching him bowl from 1st slip at Hampshire but the many hours in the nets. But Warne out-thought him several times in the Ashes.
My fav was I think Lords in 2005 - KP's 1st Test. KP was going nicely - in fact, the top scoring Englishman in both innings. He smacked Warne for a boundary over mid-wicket. So the next ball, Warne bowled a similar ball but a bit more flight and slightly more to the offside. KP played an identical shot but couldn't quite control it and was caught in the outfield. Genius from Warnie.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-30 12:36:33
My fav was I think Lords in 2005 - KP's 1st Test. KP was going nicely - in fact, the top scoring Englishman in both innings. He smacked Warne for a boundary over mid-wicket. So the next ball, Warne bowled a similar ball but a bit more flight and slightly more to the offside. KP played an identical shot but couldn't quite control it and was caught in the outfield. Genius from Warnie.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-30 12:36:33
True, you said:
"Andrew Mosey : I dont want to go there"
and
"Well, Andrew, I haven't gone there, and will not."
...and then you did. I'm so disappointed in you.
"some people who are heavily affected by inferiroity complex due to them being British throw away convicts"
As opposed to the deep psychological pain and resentment of being British slaves from 1815 to 1948 like you?
Do yourself a favour, chuck it in and go and have a cup of tea.
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-11-30 15:07:23
"Andrew Mosey : I dont want to go there"
and
"Well, Andrew, I haven't gone there, and will not."
...and then you did. I'm so disappointed in you.
"some people who are heavily affected by inferiroity complex due to them being British throw away convicts"
As opposed to the deep psychological pain and resentment of being British slaves from 1815 to 1948 like you?
Do yourself a favour, chuck it in and go and have a cup of tea.
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-11-30 15:07:23
Very subtle Hanuman with "chuck it in", nice.
true you're argument has more holes in it than a KP voodoo doll, you're not listening to reason and have a persecution issues.
The 'yeah but' clarrification would be valid for any non-protractorally challenged individual. I can't see it being limited to a particular nation unless they're all blind.
To quote a pom from the reverse swing manifesto
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-30 16:21:24
true you're argument has more holes in it than a KP voodoo doll, you're not listening to reason and have a persecution issues.
The 'yeah but' clarrification would be valid for any non-protractorally challenged individual. I can't see it being limited to a particular nation unless they're all blind.
To quote a pom from the reverse swing manifesto
I was getting bored with all this, started thinking 'oh what the ****, just let him bowl'.
Then - I started thinking, that's exactly what they want.
Eternal vigiliance required.
Though sometimes I think I'm the only ******* in the UK actually worried about the future credibilty of the game we love - nothing serious then.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-30 16:21:24
Kevin Peterson reckons....?!?!?
Is that the new kid on the block Saffer turned Pom who slogs across the line? The one with a silly 'look-at-me' hairdo and sports a foolish 'look-at-me' tattoo? Hmmm.
If it's the same one then I wouldn't be reading too much into the opinions and insights of this genius. He's the one who has bolstered his average batting figures in games which were either a dead rubber, forlorn hope or heading for a draw isn't he? This bit of a kid is about as credible and smart as a bag of Sidchrome spanners I'd say.
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-30 17:02:00
Is that the new kid on the block Saffer turned Pom who slogs across the line? The one with a silly 'look-at-me' hairdo and sports a foolish 'look-at-me' tattoo? Hmmm.
If it's the same one then I wouldn't be reading too much into the opinions and insights of this genius. He's the one who has bolstered his average batting figures in games which were either a dead rubber, forlorn hope or heading for a draw isn't he? This bit of a kid is about as credible and smart as a bag of Sidchrome spanners I'd say.
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-30 17:02:00
Sidchrome spanners aren't credible?
Posted by JC on 2007-11-30 19:27:27
Posted by JC on 2007-11-30 19:27:27
Not as cricket commentators!
Come to rebuild of the mighty Cleveland 400cu", it's a different story...
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-30 21:20:24
Come to rebuild of the mighty Cleveland 400cu", it's a different story...
Posted by virtualgaz on 2007-11-30 21:20:24
perhaps, but you cannot hand a man a grander spanner
Posted by Moses on 2007-12-01 13:38:12
Posted by Moses on 2007-12-01 13:38:12
Speaking of the Kandyman: one more to go.
Should be able to hear the cheers from here (Kandy to Brissie 8,665km).
Go Murali!
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-12-03 17:14:30
Should be able to hear the cheers from here (Kandy to Brissie 8,665km).
Go Murali!
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-12-03 17:14:30
"That's the fastest bowling I have faced in my career - those three balls I didn't see." -Jimmy Maher was blinded by Shaun Tait during his 7 for 29 against Queensland
Four apocalyptic pacemen, bring it on!
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-12-04 11:11:51
Four apocalyptic pacemen, bring it on!
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-12-04 11:11:51
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