Story The future of India: The 2011 World Cup - Day 2: India vs Bermuda

[Hamish]

India receive reality check just in time

India have just come from the receiving end of 0-3 ODI drubbing at the hands of Pakistan only 10 days ahead of the opening match of the 2011 World Cup, and the Indian team management will find themselves fortunate that India did not find themselves faltering any later.

It has been a nightmare tour of Pakistan, where the Indian batsmen had no answer to quality pace on responsive pitches, resulting in 0-3 loss in the 3 Test series. The Indians took solace in their wonderful ODI form over the past few years, and convinced them of a guaranteed consolation prize, rather overconfidently, over rank 6 Pakistan. And we all saw how Pakistan stunned the visitors in the ODIs.

However, of late, the ODI Championship has been packed with competitiveness, and Pakistan's inspirational win has seen them catapult to 4. India are almost on par with Australia, who will be threatening to reclaim their no. 1 spot.

And never has there been a better time to lose your footing. Skipper MS Dhoni conceded the recently concluded tour gave them a kick up the backside.

"It was very dissapointing to see the results we got on the tour. Pakistan outplayed us in every facet in the tests, and held their own during the 1st 2 One dayers. The 3rd ODI really hammered the reality in, that we were too overconfident, taking match situations for granted."

The World Cup squad will be declared today, and India hasn't seen such a selection conundrum for almost a decade. The batting looked fairly stable (barely) throughout the ODIs, but the usually dangerous bowling attack were made to look hapless. Among the disappointments are the 32 year old paceman Zaheer Khan, who has had a poor year and left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha who seemed to lost the direction he has maintained till just recently.

Add the fact that India hasn't had a decent opening bowler to partner Zaheer Khan for over a year.

The selectors will have to make some bold decisions, which may include bringing back a bowler such as Sreesanth, and blooding uncapped seamers who have proved some sort of worth on the domestic scene.

India are in a state of transition, with Tendulkar retiring after the World Cup, and the bowling coming under scrutiny, and all this must be done within the space of a mere few days, otherwise India may enter a dangerous spiral that will start with utter dissapointment in the coming month,

And a failure in the World Cup will not do justice to the way Indian cricket has performed on the international scene in the last 4 years...

 

[navin-boss]

Thats bad to know that India has received an whitewash.Better luck next time..Nice update mate..

 

[Hamish]

India announce 15-man World Cup squad...

Despite the failures of key members of the Indian squad on the tour of Pakistan, the Board of Selectors did not pull out many surprises for the 2011 World Cup, beginning in a few days on February 10.

The core of the batting remains, lead by Tendulkar, who will be retiring after the tournament, along with Sehwag, Gambhir, Raina, Yuvraj and Dhoni. Dilawar Wassan, who produced a century on debut in Pakistan, followed by an unbeaten 48, was rewarded for his performances with a spot in the 15.

Uncapped 24 year old Delhi keeper Niraj Swaroop found a place in the squad as backup for Dhoni, as well as an extra batsman, following decent performances on the domestic scene.

The bowling is to be led by Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan and Pragyan Ojha. Joginder Sharma was retained, mainly for his batting ability as well as performaces with the ball in ODIs last year.

Uncapped 26 year old Sachin Rana found a spot, for his effective pace bowling, and ability with the bat. Rudra Pratap Singh, after an extended run in the domestic wilderness, was recalled.

Indian Squad for the World Cup (15): MS Dhoni (c), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Dilawar Wassan, Niraj Swaroop, Irfan Pathan, Sachin Rana, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh

The Month in International Cricket - January 2011

India embarked on their now infamous tour of Pakistan, their first real failure in 4 years of international cricket. India lost both the Test Series and ODI series 0-3.

Meanwhile Australia, still the close to the cricketing power they were few years ago, managed their only win the 5th Test of the Ashes, going down 1-3 to England in Australia. Watson starred with 126 in the 1st innings, as Australia defeated the old enemy by an innings and 112 runs.

This was followed by The Commonwealth Bank Series involving Australian, England and Bangladesh. Australia dominated, winning all 6 of its group games, while England fought Bangladesh to claim the other finals spot. England and Bangladesh one 2 games each, however England came out on top with a superior net run rate.

However, Australia crushed England in the finals, winning 3-0, thus threatening India's no 1. ODI spot.

South Africa disappointed in New Zealand, only managing a drawn test series of 1-1 against the Kiwis. However, a 4-1 drubbing of the kiwi's in the ODI series put them in good stead ahead of the World Cup.

There were no surprises when West Indies rolled over Zimbabwe in a 3 match ODI series, easily winning 3-0.

Images: The LG ICC ODI and Test Championships updated as of January 2011

 

[Amiya]

That's a good squad for India... Good update mate... KUTGW

 

[Hamish]

World Cup 2011: Team Previews - Australia, Bangladesh, England & India

Australia

Currently the favourites for the tournament, Australia boast a good blend of experience, young legs, and genuine talent. Over the past couple of years, Australia's results in ODIs have been mixed, but generally has been in their favour, through some sterling performances that have blown away the opposition. Over the recent past, they have been found slightly wanting on subcontinental pitches, which could work against them in the conditions they will be facing in this tournament.

However, Australia are on a roll, winning all their matches in the recently concluded Commonwealth Bank Series.

They have a power-packed batting order led by Ponting, Michael Clarke, Phil Jaques, Hayden, the Hussey brothers and Shane Watson. Luke Ronchi, the wicketkeeper, looks the only weakness.

The bowling is as usual led by Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Nathan Bracken Shaun Tait and Shane Watson. Australia also have Steven Magoffin and Wise to fall back on, who are proven domestic performers.

Group A: vs Sri Lanka, Canada, USA

Rating: 9/10

Bangladesh

For a team that seems have to promised so much potential over the years, their youngsters have not proven much. Apart from regular wins against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh has only the two wins against England in the Commonwealth Bank series to boast about. Apart from that, they have had the irregular wins here and there.

Bangladesh will have to rely heavily on the batting of Naeem Islam, the allround abilities of Manjural Islam, and the spin options of Arafat Sunny and T Latif to find any sort of success.

Group D: vs England, Pakistan, Scotland

Rating: 3.5/10

England

For a team that has troubled many in the Test arena, England has spiraled out of control in terms of the limited overs format. They have next to no achievement in the last couple of years, apart from a drawn series with New Zealand, 1-1 in 2010.

Surprisingly, they are not short of talent, with the batting talent of Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Alastair Cook. Their bowling stocks look healthy with James Anderson, Steven Harmison, Simon Jones and Monty Panesar. And who could forget all rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Evidently, it is all down to their ability to perform as cohesive team unit, and if they get that right, they may begin troubling an opposition team again.

Group D: vs Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland

Rating: 5/10

India

Originally, this team was one of the firm front runners in the race for not only ODI supremacy, but cricketing supremacy. Unfortunately, Pakistan managed to skew all that and put the team unit in disarray. India lost the winning feeling at the worst time possible, and have the difficult task of finding their footing during a premier tournament. Luckily, they are in Group B, which involves New Zealand, Bermuda and Ireland, which should give them vital breathing space.

India have one of the best batting lineups, led by Sehwag, Gambhir, Raina and Tendulkar. Yuvraj and Dhoni have looked inconsistent in ODIs otherwise. The bowling, although until recently, could easily defend most targets.

Now, the pacers have lost their way, leaking runs, and the spinners have lost their direction a tad. India lack a good 3 pace formation, and the 3rd paceman's position will have to be filled either by Joginder Sharma, RP Singh or Sachin Rana, to support Pathan and Zaheer. Spinners Harbhajan and Pragyan Ojha have the added responsibility of attacking the batsmen while keeping runs down.

If India manage to get their act together early in front of their home crowds, they could be unstoppable. But that is a what-if situation...

Group B: vs New Zealand, Bermuda, Ireland

Rating: 7/10

Next: We preview New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka's chances...

 

[Amiya]

That's a good chance for India to win... Good update mate...

 

[Hamish]

World Cup 2011: Team Previews - New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies & Zimbabwe


New Zealand

A team that has gone in the exact direction most predicted a few years ago, New Zealand cricket has suffered from short supplies of domestic talent. New Zealand have not be able to string ODI wins together over the years, as each opponent has claimed series wins with relative ease. Apart from a shock 2-1 win over Sri Lanka in 2010, and wins over Zimbabwe, the Kiwis have floundered in the proverbial international seas.

As usual, New Zealand rely on a team that looks a bit shabby on paper, the only top class batsman being Peter Fulton, surrounded by lesser batsmen such as McMillan and Lou Vincent, who only average in the 25-30 range.

The bowling provides a glimmer of hope, led by Shane bond, Mark Gillespie, Daryl Tuffey, James Franklin and captain Daniel Vettori.

Group B: vs India, Bermuda, Ireland

Rating: 4.5/10

Pakistan

The truly inform team of the World Cup, Pakistan has been riding high, claiming every ODI series in the last 2 years, apart from one against Sri Lanka, to complement a burgeoning Test record. Add to that the blitzing of India by a 3-0 margin.

Pakistan's batting lineup have been good form, led by Mehdi, Taufeeq Umar, M Yousuf and Younis Khan. Add a hint of talent in the form of Salman Butt and keeper Kamran Akmal.

The bowling looks dangerous, despite some inexperience, Asif, Kaneria, Waqar Ahmed and Shahid Afridi looking to rollover opposing teams. Pakistan are really in with a big chance of running away with the riches.

Group D: vs England, Bangladesh, Scotland

Rating: 8.5/10

South Africa

Rank 3 South Africa boast a balanced, invigorated side that will look to go far. The last few years have been very successful, led by the all round power of the lineup, led by a fearless captain, Graeme Smith.

The batting is led by Smith himself, Jacques Rudolph, JP Duminy, AB Devilliers and Puttick. The bowling looks a bit weak due to its lack of versatility, in terms of the absence of spinners. However they have the pace of Nel, Terbrugge, Govender and J Morkel too fall on.

This is a side that goes out of its way to entertain, but can lose its direction just as quickly.

Group C: vs West Indies, Zimbabwe, UAE

Rating: 7.5/10

Sri Lanka

A fighting side that hasn't been served adequately by the middle order consisting of the likes of Dilshan and Samaraweera, Sri Lanka have a mixed record in ODIs.

Mahela Jayawardene leads the side with his batting, along with Sangakkara, Anton and Hemantha. Sri Lanka boasts the most dangerous spinners, thanks to B Amerasinghe and Indrasiri, backed up with class pacers such as Nuwan Kulasekara and Malinga.

No one knows what to expect from these players during the campaign, and that uncertainty could work for them, depending on how well the batting meshes.

Group A: vs Australia, Canada, USA

Rating: 6.5/10

West Indies

The test team has reached the horrific depths of 9th place, but the West Indies have taken solace from the mixed ODI results largely due to their ripe bowling stocks.

As has been for many years, captain Chris Gayle, Chanderpaul, and Sarwan are the only real competitors in a weak looking batting order. However the trump card comes in the form of the best bowling options (at least of the limited overs format), in the world.

All the bowlers average in the mid to high 20s, a indicator of talent in these modern times led mainly by batsmen. The quality of pacemen is countless, such as Jerome Taylor, J Lawson, K Jeremy, Dwayne Bravo, Ryan Nurse and Dwayne Smith.

Capable spinners are just as numerous, eg. Amit Jaggernauth, Ryan Hinds and Dave Mohammed.

If the batsmen are able to post at least a relatively decent target, the bowlers could destroy any team that comes in its way.

Group C: vs South Africa, Zimbabwe, UAE

Rating: 6.5/10

Zimbabwe

This will be as short as Zimbabwe's stay in the subcontinent. They have no future, thanks to the lack in quality of both its batting and bowling, and they're good fielding will not save them any matches.

Group C: vs South Africa West Indies, UAE

Rating: 1.5/10

Next: The Opening Ceremony and the squads for the top 10 ten ODI teams

 

[Hamish]

The 2011 World Cup opens in grand style!​

Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, India, was the scene at which the World Cup of 2011, jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh exploded into life.

It was an enthralling spectacle, as a ground under the guise of darkness was punctured with a 10 second countdown illuminated across the grandstand, then with a spotlight that revealed the World Cup trophy in the middle of the pitch. It represented the centre of the ceremony, as many performers glided
around the prize, including Bollywood style dancing, appearances by bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bhachan and Preity Zinta.

Each country was showcased by different types of performers, such as tribal dancing upping the beat in representation of the African nations, Calypso singers and musicians for the West Indies, and a interpretation of the Hakka performed in Rugby, on behalf of New Zealand.

The Trophy was then raised on a podium as each country lined up around it, in alphabetical order, capped off with a final rendition of fireworks.

Squads for World Cup (top ten ODI teams only)


Australia - Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Luke Ronchi (wk), Phil Jacques, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Ed Cowan, Matthew Hayden, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait, Jason Gillespie, Steve Magoffin, Allan Wise

Bangladesh - Rajin Saleh (c), Naeem Islam (vc), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shahriar Nafees, Imran Ahmed, Manjural Islam, Ali Arman, Saqibul Hasan, Nazmus Sadat, Arafat Salahuddin, Arafat Sunny, Mashrafe Mortaza, T Latif, Shahadat Hossain, Alamgir Kabir

England - Kevin Pietersen (c), Andrew Flintoff (vc), Matthew Prior (wk), Alastair Cook, Stephen Moore, Ian Bell, Danny Highsmith, Michael Vaughan, Tim Bresnan, Simon Jones, Anthony Davies, James Anderson, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar

India - MS Dhoni (c)(wk), Virender Sehwag (vc), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Dilawar Wassan, Niraj Swaroop (wk), Joginder Sharma, Sachin Rana, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Pragyan Ojha, RP SIngh

New Zealand - Daniel Vettori (c), Peter Fulton (vc), W Dickens (wk), T Johnston, C Drake, Craig McMillan, W Oldman, Lou Vincent, Jesse Ryder, Ewen Thompson, James Franklin, M Graham, Mark Gillespie, Shane Bond, Daryl Tuffey

Pakistan - Salman Butt (c), Taufeeq Umar (vc), Kamran Akmal (wk), D Mehdi, Younis Khan, Mohammed Yousuf, Hasan Raza, Shahid Afridi, Ifthikar Anjum, Riaz Afridi, W Ahmed, Shabbir Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif, F Riaz

South Africa - Graeme Smith (c), AB Devilliers (vc), Diaan Van Wyk (wk), JP Duminy, Hashim Amla, Jacques Rudolph, A Puttick, Johannes Morkel, Jandre Coetzee, Pierre Joubert, Andre Nel, David Terbrugge, Gerhardus De Bruin, Monde Zondeki, Ugasen Govender

Sri Lanka - Mahela Jayawardene (c), Kumar Sangakkara (vc)(wk), D Hemantha, A Anton, F Wijesuriya, I Liyanage, T Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Nuwan Kulasekara, B Amarasinghe, S Indrasiri, M Lakshitha, S Malinga, Lasith Malinga, W Sampath

West Indies - Chris Gayle (c), S Chanderpaul (vc), Carlton Baugh (wk), Sherwin Ganga, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brenton Parchment, Ryan Hinds, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Ryan Nurse, Dave Mohammed, K Jeremy, Amit Jaggernauth, Jermaine Lawson, Jerome Taylor

Zimbabwe - Tatenda Taibu (c)(wk), Stanley Chioza, J Chinyengetere, Marvin Vogel, W Williams, J Patel, V Sibanda, K Kulinga, T Garwe, Anthony Ireland, T Mupariwa, E Rainsford, B Hundermark, I Chinyoka, C Zhuwayo

Next: World Cup Day 1

 

[Amiya]

That's a good update mate. Really looking forward to it.

 

[Hamish]

World Cup - Day 1: 9 Feb 2011

Australia 203 (47.4)(M Hussey 67, S Watson 37, I Miller 3/33, N Moore 2/38) defeated Canada 124 (34.5)(Z Surkari 21, N Moore 17, N Bracken 4/12, S Watson 2/29) by 79 runs

Image: Nathan Bracken (4/12) ensured Canada did not get near Australia's disappointing total of 203...


Next: India take on Bermuda

 

[Hamish]

World Cup - Day 2: 10 Feb 2011

India vs Bermuda - 1st Innings

Welcome to Lahore, Pakistan, for the first Group B match of this World Cup, with an Indian side which has its confidence scarred, against minnows Bermuda. The crowd is relatively small, considering the two teams playing here in Lahore. The sun is shining, and the pitch looks a good batting surface.

All rounder Sachin Rana will be making his debut in this match, known for his pace bowling and power hitting.

India: 1. Virender Sehwag 2. Sachin Tendulkar 3. Gautam Gambhir 4. Suresh Raina 5. Yuvraj Singh 6. MS Dhoni (c)(wk) 7. Sachin Rana 8. Irfan Pathan 9. Harbhajan Singh 10. Zaheer Khan 11. Pragyan Ojha

Bermuda: 1. P Marshall 2. Oliver Pitcher 3. R Bradley 4. J Rooney 5. K Chandler 6. Janeiro Tucker (c) 7. Delyone Borden 8. D Brown 9. H Fanning 10. Kwame Tucker 11. Irving Romaine

Tucker of Bermuda has won the toss and elected to bat...

Marshall, Chandler push Bermuda to competitive total...

Bermuda showcased their talent, getting off to a positive start to the disappointment of the Indian opening bowlers, Zaheer and Pathan. P Marshall and Oliver Pitcher put on an opening partnership of 59 runs at just over 5 runs and over. Both batsmen looked comfortable, before Harbhajan, with just his 5th ball, speared in a quicker ball to trap Pitcher lbw for 21.

As Marshall pushed on, Sachin Rana had Bradley bowled for 4 soon after, knocking down the off stump to claim is first ODI wicket on debut. Rooney (22 off 41) provided some temporary support for Marshall as he passed a half century, before Harbhajan intervened by bowling Rooney.

As the bowlers tightened the run rate with the recent wickets, Sachin Rana returned to bowl P Marshall for a defiant innings of 71 off 100 balls. Skipper Janeiro Tucker entered, to only charge and miss Ojha, to be stumped by Dhoni for 5. Chandler and Borden combined to put on quick and runs and recover Bermuda from 150/5 to 203/6, Borden scoring a quickfire 26 before edging Irfan Pathan to slip.

As Chandler passed 50 in the dying overs, Zaheer Khan dismissed Brown for 5, edging to Sehwag. In the final over, Zaheer khan had Fanning caught spectacularly at square leg for 14, before Tucker smashed the last 2 balls for 4s, with Chandler remaining unbeaten on 60 off 64 balls. Bermuda posted a competitive 247/8 off its 50 overs.

Bermuda were very defiant in this innings, and will be happy with their total considering their opposition. India will be a disappointed to concede such a total against minnows, the question marks remaining over their pacers, although Sachin Rana looked very promising.


Next: India have their first hit out of the World Cup, chasing 248

Image: Marshall of Bermuda played a good knock of 71 to push along the innings...

 

[age of the fall]

This Is a fantastic Story. Rep going your way.

 

[bladescape]

Rana was always a very good player in my game,happy to see him bowl well here too.
Yuvi,Tendulkar and co. need to step their foot down here and bring this home.

 

[Amiya]

That's a brilliant batting by Bermuda. India will win it no doubt.

 

[surendar]

This has really impressed me, Hamish. I very well remember enjoying your prev stories. And the thing which impressed me more was, your neat style of presentation in this story too though you came back to this story forums after a very very long break.

Looking forward to India's success in this story! especially after that poor white wash series. Lets see.. Keep up the top work, Hamish!