Chargers’ top order a serious threat to us
Take Gilly's talent, Symonds' power and the form of Rohit Sharma and Smith, you have a formidable batting line-up. It's crucial to get these wickets quickly if we want to confirm our ticket to the semifinals, Glenn McGrath on today's match.
First, there’s the good news and then there is more good news. We are pleased to be at the top of the heap, that too with a game in hand, which means we are a win away from a semifinal berth. The other bit of good news is that Virender Sehwag is fit to play on Wednesday, well in time for the decisive phase.
Viru’s return might mean that David Warner, who has been really superb, will have to make way for Daniel Vettori. However, a final call will be made tomorrow.
Our game against Kolkata was surprisingly easy. I met John Buchanan and he seemed okay, though I am sure that the string of defeats would hurt.
On Sunday, Kolkata looked low on energy, momentum and confidence. They are at present a team that is finding ways to lose, and this can be an extremely hard time for the players.
A team that was in an identical situation last year was the Deccan Chargers. However, they have been the comeback kids this time. Adam Gilchrist has always been an exceptionally gifted player and leader, and he has been handling the local players really well this time. The team did go through a slump, but the resurgence of Dwayne Smith and the arrival of Andrew Symonds have refuelled them.
Take Gilly's talent, Symonds' power and the form of Rohit Sharma and Smith, you have a formidable batting line-up. It's crucial to get these wickets quickly if we want to confirm our ticket to the semifinals.
The big news over the last couple of days is the reporting of Kamran Khan and Amit Singh for suspect action. I did not see too much of Amit but when I saw Kamran, I thought his action was interesting, to say the least. I am glad that the tournament is being played and watched seriously, because it's important that we correct the younger players ASAP because it benefits them in the long run.