ICC Champions Trophy 2013 - England & Wales

[LiveLoveABD]

SA clearly lost their way after the dismissal of AB de Villiers. Run outs, never help the cause. India have fielded tremendously well today. David Miller would have smoked a few, if he had faced a few deliveries.

 

[SaiSrini]

India win the first game and start off superbly!!! WHATTA knock from Shikar Dhawan! His comeback to tests, hundred against Australia. His comeback to ODI's, hundred against South Africa. The promotion of Rohit Sharma clicked today and that was a huge boost for us. And Jaddu Sir, take a bow!!

Getting a win off the blocks and that too against SA is a very good sign. Jai Ho India!!

 

[Ahmad94]

Well played India, deserved it. Rohit Sharma clicked so that is always a bonus. Shikhar Dhawan you beauty. After Robin fell no-one was able the rate going, hence more wickets fell. Well played McLaren on his 71*. Good start. Hope Pakistan can do the same to West Indies.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

When was the last time India could claim that they're a better fielding unit than South Africa?

 

[SaiSrini]

India were also a little bit lucky that their first game was at this wicket which was more subcontinental in style. They next go to Kennington Oval (London) and Edbagston (Birmingham). Not sure if they will get similar wickets/conditions in those places too. Any English fans here can give us an idea how conditions in these places will be like? Tomorrow's game between Pak and WI will give an idea about Kennington Oval.

Ashwin is toothless in ODI's for a long time now. His economy is good, but he can't claim to be a great bowler if he keeps trying to prove only through economy. The wickets column has to start moving. Jadeja gets wickets too, Ashwin doesn't. Of course Ashwin has deservingly earned the confidence of his captain and is a good bowler, but he needs to start taking more wickets.

 

[zeustrojanstark]

Good win for the Indians.

 

[Ahmad94]

When was the last time India could claim that they're a better fielding unit than South Africa?

South Africa are good, but they are definitely missing a trick with AB as keeper.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

South Africa are good, but they are definitely missing a trick with AB as keeper.

Who else can keep wickets if he doesn't? He renders immense balance to SA, by taking the gloves. What makes the SA fielding inferior to it's previous years, is the fact that earlier, all their eleven players were top class fielders, including their bowlers. Also, for long periods, they had specialists in every position. At the moment, they can't seem to hide Amla, Kleinveldt and Tsotsobe. I don't think McLaren is a very dynamic fielder either, just about safe.

 

[SaiSrini]

The wickets at Kennington Oval and Edgbaston will define India's tournament. If they are batting friendly, I will revise my opinion about India's prospects for this tournament. If they are batting friendly, India can go a long way in the tournament.

India can still go till the semifinal considering the start they have had. They should however win against West Indies, as they don't want to go into a high pressure game against Pakistan with extra pressure of having to think of tough qualification scenarios.

 

[Aalay]

I don't understand why South Africa keeps picking Rory Kleinveldt? He doesn't have swing or pace. I would rather have someone like Marchant de lange who has much more pace and bowls excellent at the end.

 

[Epic]

This is where War usually steps in and rants about a quota of sorts...

 

[sifter132]

^Hah - right on.

I was disappointed with the lack of aggression from SA from the start. By aggression I mean trying to take wickets. Seemed their plan was bowl back of a length, mix in a few short balls and hope the Indians made mistakes against them. And I can't believe you'd bowl your best bowler (Morkel) for only 4 overs at the start, new ball is the time to build pressure, grab wickets, but it seemed very early that AB de Villiers was happy to concede 300.

I mean he MUST have been, with backups bowling, maximum number of guys out and no obvious plans seen in the field settings. He's just hoping for batsmen to make an error, and against a team with a long batting lineup I think that's a pretty optimistic strategy. This is probably why ODI cricket is the weakest of formats to me, generally boring and unimaginative captaincy - one of the aspects of cricket I really enjoy. Brendon McCullum showed some good initiative in the games vs England, so I'm looking forward to seeing the Kiwis play.


And for Aussie fans, seems like Michael Clarke won't be playing vs England, due to his back - perhap not the other games either I'm guessing Super captain George Bailey will be in charge vs England.

 

[zeustrojanstark]

^Hah - right on.

I was disappointed with the lack of aggression from SA from the start. By aggression I mean trying to take wickets. Seemed their plan was bowl back of a length, mix in a few short balls and hope the Indians made mistakes against them. And I can't believe you'd bowl your best bowler (Morkel) for only 4 overs at the start, new ball is the time to build pressure, grab wickets, but it seemed very early that AB de Villiers was happy to concede 300.

I mean he MUST have been, with backups bowling, maximum number of guys out and no obvious plans seen in the field settings. He's just hoping for batsmen to make an error, and against a team with a long batting lineup I think that's a pretty optimistic strategy. This is probably why ODI cricket is the weakest of formats to me, generally boring and unimaginative captaincy - one of the aspects of cricket I really enjoy. Brendon McCullum showed some good initiative in the games vs England, so I'm looking forward to seeing the Kiwis play.


And for Aussie fans, seems like Michael Clarke won't be playing vs England, due to his back - perhap not the other games either I'm guessing Super captain George Bailey will be in charge vs England.

Yes,i just saw that Clarke wont be playing CT mostly.Neverthless Aussies are going to win it.Shane Watson will do it for us.Go Aussssie

 

[SaiSrini]

Yes,i just saw that Clarke wont be playing CT mostly.Neverthless Aussies are going to win it.Shane Watson will do it for us.Go Aussssie

Watson and the Rajasthan Royals-Dravid connection?

 

[Helpman]

Negatives and time to go sleep at home: Kleinveldt and Lopsy - Both rubbish

Postives: Mclaren and Robbie P

Side note: Did Amla role down a hill, pump his head and forget how to bat?