India, Sri Lanka to battle for top Test spot

[Bublu Bhuyan]

Link: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/rain-likely-to-play-spoilsport-for-fringe-players/43606-13.html

[QUOTE]Having toyed with Pakistan and New Zealand, Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka are eying India as their next scalp as the battle heats up to be the world's top Test team.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan and New Zealand by identical 2-0 margins at home to climb to the number two spot in the official rankings with a rating of 120 behind number one team South Africa's 122.

With India just one rating point behind Sri Lanka on 119 and Ashes losers Australia in fourth place with 116, the scramble at the top could see a new number one by the end of the year.

Sri Lanka need to win their three-Test series in India in November-December to overtake South Africa, while a 2-0 win for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will push India to the top.

Sri Lanka have never won a Test match in India, let alone a series, in seven previous visits across the Palk Straits, with eight losses and six draws since their first Test there in Chennai in 1982.

It's a record Sangakkara, who has won four of his five Tests as captain since taking over from Mahela Jayawardene earlier this year, is determined to set straight.

"The Indian tour will test everyone, mentally, physically and skill wise," he told reporters.

"But if we do our homework right, be confident, prepare as best as we can and go out there looking to win, and if our attitude is positive, we will do well.

When they last played a series in India in December, 2005, Sri Lanka lost the second Test in New Delhi by 188 runs and the third in Ahmedabad by 259 runs after the first game in Chennai was washed out.

"One likes to play against the best and India will definitely be a tough side to conquer," said Sangakkara.

"It is not easy playing Test cricket in India."

Both sides get a chance to gauge each others strengths when India join New Zealand and Sri Lanka in a limited-overs tri-series in Colombo from September 8-14.

India and Sri Lanka are drawn in different group for the Champions Trophy in South Africa in late-September, but could meet in the semi-finals if they qualify after the preliminary round.[\QUOTE]

[hasanb]

lets hope they draw the series whilst south africa absolutely annihalate england over the winter.

Ideal scenario :D

[Random Aussie]

Only reason the number 1 ranking is in reach is thanks to a doctored pitch in India saving them from a series defeat at the hands of South Africa. And the captain of India paid a cash reward to the curator after the game.

Spirit of cricket.

Have a nice day.

[mmkextreme_1]

I think Sri Lanka are going to be brought back down to Earth..they are going to loose there home field advantage..I just don't see them matching upto India for some reason..but heyy..they can prove me wrong..but i just don't see it happening..specially in India..Pakistan "barely" lost!

[Extreme Pace]

I think Sri Lanka has got a pretty good team and should provide for a very good contest. They are well suited to sub continent conditions.

[ali110]

I can't to wait to see Sangakara's SL team be thrashed. Yes, I am saying it. Hopefully India can win the series which will bring back SL to their rightfull place. This ICC ranking is Joke, team who never wins outside SL (also Pakistan) can be just inches away from number 1. Totally injustice to the teams like Aussies, SA and India who are playing much cricket than SL. SL can be #4 with England followed by NZ and Pakistan.

[the Great Khan]

didnt really toy with us...we lost that series rather than them winning it..and we did much better than the kiwi's!

[dblock]

Only reason the number 1 ranking is in reach is thanks to a doctored pitch in India saving them from a series defeat at the hands of South Africa. And the captain of India paid a cash reward to the curator after the game.

Spirit of cricket.

Have a nice day.

That was quite disgraceful stuff from the Indian curators, I know Pakistani curators came in for heavy stick for their batting friendly pitches against Sri Lanka, but at least you could say it wasn't really favouring specifically any particular side.

[jusarrived]

Only reason the number 1 ranking is in reach is thanks to a doctored pitch in India saving them from a series defeat at the hands of South Africa. And the captain of India paid a cash reward to the curator after the game.

Spirit of cricket.

Have a nice day.

not our problem SA or Aus cant play on pitches where there is help for pace or spin .

[12thMan]

I think SL will win or draw in India. It will be interesting what kind of pitches India makes now. They have batsmen in form - Dilshan, Samaraweera, Sangakkara and Jayawerdene

some numbers by cricinfo about batting
http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/422472.html

[shane]

I hope India wins because, if India wins, it will confrim three things:

1) That India win test matches at home.
2) That Sri Lanka are hopeless away from home
3) That neither deserves to be number 1.

[Extreme Pace]

not our problem SA or Aus cant play on pitches where there is help for pace or spin .
When you doctor pitches it is your problem. Even Sri Lanka doesn't resort to such lows.

[Random Aussie]

not our problem SA or Aus cant play on pitches where there is help for pace or spin .

Ah I believe you got an official warning from ICC about that pitch. :inti

[saqlain]

Only reason the number 1 ranking is in reach is thanks to a doctored pitch in India saving them from a series defeat at the hands of South Africa. And the captain of India paid a cash reward to the curator after the game.

Spirit of cricket.

Have a nice day.

Who has stopped other teams from not doing that??? If India wants to make a pitch which suits their abilities thats the way to go.

[Random Aussie]

Who has stopped other teams from not doing that??? If India wants to make a pitch which suits their abilities thats the way to go.

Oh gee I don't know, sportsmanship? The home pitch is not supposed to be part of the home team XI.

And I guess the other thing is that the pitch India prepare depends on what the scoreline is in any given home series. :ibutt

[JeeraBlade]

Only reason the number 1 ranking is in reach is thanks to a doctored pitch in India saving them from a series defeat at the hands of South Africa. And the captain of India paid a cash reward to the curator after the game.

Spirit of cricket.

Have a nice day.

Another reason. ACB and BCCI scheduling about 50 tests and 100 ODI with each other in 2-4 year span.

There is so much of two teams playing each other, players and fans can handle.

[wanted_desi]

hahah Random Aussies still crying over pitch, geez grow a farm on pitch. we won't cry over it

[Random Aussie]

hahah Random Aussies still crying over pitch, geez grow a farm on pitch. we won't cry over it

Why would I be crying? It was South Africa you cheated out of the series win. We weren't anywhere near a series win in India. Just pointing out your cheating for all to see.

No surprise there was no controversial pitch prepared in the last home series against Oz simply because India were winning. You want to bet me that if India were losing that series the pitches would have been the same? :inti

[ali_ed2006]

I don't remember the South African pitch incident, but isn't one of the points of having home advantage is to be able to prepare the type of pitch you want so that it suits your team? If India prepared a turning wicket, then so be it...we get all these swinging and bouncy pitches out of subcontinent and nobody complains about that..

[Random Aussie]

I don't remember the South African pitch incident, but isn't one of the points of having home advantage is to be able to prepare the type of pitch you want so that it suits your team? If India prepared a turning wicket, then so be it...we get all these swinging and bouncy pitches out of subcontinent and nobody complains about that..

*sigh* Because in other countries the host does not dictate to the curator what sort of pitch they want. Home advantage is not supposed to mean you prepare whatever pitch you want, it is meant to be that you are used to playing on the pitches and have the crowd support.

And India having spinning pitches is fine, the thing is that if they are losing a series they then turn out a spinning minefield that makes a joke of the game. If they are winning the series suddenly the pithes are all flat.

South Africa were winning the series, India turned out a pitch for the decider that was such a joke the ICC issued them an official warning. And then Dhoni paid the curator a cash reward after they won the match. :13:

Anyway my point of view on this is at odds with most of PP, guess it is "cultural issue".

[Pace]

SL does not have the depth that India has.

[kingusama92]

SL does not have the depth that India has.

What exactly do you mean by the term "depth"? Are you suggesting a weaker bench or lack of depth in batting/bowling order?

If you are talking about the bench then i would say they are pretty equal. There aren't any outstanding players on both sides that are going to be warming the bench. As for the batting order I would agree that India is stronger but bowling wise I would say Sri Lanka has the edge.

It's going to be a close and well fought series and it definitely won't be easy for Sri Lanka.

[dani2k]

I hope India wins because, if India wins, it will confrim three things:

1) That India win test matches at home.
2) That Sri Lanka are hopeless away from home
3) That neither deserves to be number 1.

Pretty fair analysis I would have to say :))

[pun500]

all those people whining about the pitch ... care to remember the pitch sa prepared when we went there...an absolute green top solely aimed at demolishing the indian line up..saf got demolished for 84

lets look at scores

kanpur test

saf 265 & 121
ind 325 & 64-2*

match aggregate = 775 runs 32 wickets = 24.21 per wicket

joberg test

ind 249 & 236
sa 84 & 278

match aggregate = 847 runs for 40 wickets = 21.175 per wicket

now surely tell me isnt there a similarity between the tracks (aprt from fact that one was spinning and other was a seaming track)

in both tests teams have collapsed only in one innings = bad batting ...more so in the kanpur test case

[dani2k]

^^ Good analysis Pun boy!

[Poison]

*facepalm*

RA is correct.

And the fact that SL are contesting the no. 1 position is a joke. They're nowhere near the top in terms of talent in their playing roster.

[Random Aussie]

all those people whining about the pitch ... care to remember the pitch sa prepared when we went there...an absolute green top solely aimed at demolishing the indian line up..saf got demolished for 84

lets look at scores

kanpur test

saf 265 & 121
ind 325 & 64-2*

match aggregate = 775 runs 32 wickets = 24.21 per wicket

joberg test

ind 249 & 236
sa 84 & 278

match aggregate = 847 runs for 40 wickets = 21.175 per wicket

now surely tell me isnt there a similarity between the tracks (aprt from fact that one was spinning and other was a seaming track)

in both tests teams have collapsed only in one innings = bad batting ...more so in the kanpur test case

Hello Indian cheerleader boi!

Post aala, shaabaash! :inzi

[dani2k]

^^ I am eager to have a look at your counter point to this RA boy! And your comment should have read " Bahut achi post" or "Bahut Shandaar post" :)

[Amjid Javed]

Sri Lankas test record is **** poor and i cant see them beating India in India.

[bantu]

Some people in some country (I cant remember the name ) were whinging about the pitch for the last test match in recently concluded "as.ses" series............... ah well ........ it doesnt matter...........

[pun500]

see the problem with most people is that they think anything under 350= bad pitch

in a test if 4 innings avg 250 that totals to around 1000 runs which is not bad..not good for sponsors but not bad either

add 1 collapse which proves decisive that makes the total to about 850 runs...how is that a bad pitch...if you can get 250 on a track you can certainly get around 320 its the batting thats the problem

[Extreme Pace]

all those people whining about the pitch ... care to remember the pitch sa prepared when we went there...an absolute green top solely aimed at demolishing the indian line up..saf got demolished for 84

lets look at scores

kanpur test

saf 265 & 121
ind 325 & 64-2*

match aggregate = 775 runs 32 wickets = 24.21 per wicket

joberg test

ind 249 & 236
sa 84 & 278

match aggregate = 847 runs for 40 wickets = 21.175 per wicket

now surely tell me isnt there a similarity between the tracks (aprt from fact that one was spinning and other was a seaming track)

in both tests teams have collapsed only in one innings = bad batting ...more so in the kanpur test case

- The joberg pitch wasn't doctored, Indian was it was specially designed to turn square from day 1, it always happens. This is the algorithm India follows for home series

If
India 0-1;
make a square turner;
else
flat roads;
end

Ignore my syntax error, haven't done programming in years :inti

- Did ICC give an official warning to the joberg pitch ? no and there is a reason for that try to take off your fan goggles and see what the reason was.

[Keith]

all those people whining about the pitch ... care to remember the pitch sa prepared when we went there...an absolute green top solely aimed at demolishing the indian line up..saf got demolished for 84

lets look at scores

kanpur test

saf 265 & 121
ind 325 & 64-2*

match aggregate = 775 runs 32 wickets = 24.21 per wicket

joberg test

ind 249 & 236
sa 84 & 278

match aggregate = 847 runs for 40 wickets = 21.175 per wicket

now surely tell me isnt there a similarity between the tracks (aprt from fact that one was spinning and other was a seaming track)

in both tests teams have collapsed only in one innings = bad batting ...more so in the kanpur test case

India's win was largely the result of some outstanding swing bowling, which the South African batsmen failed to handle. The contrast between the bowling efforts of the two sides comes out quite starkly in these numbers: from the 140 full-length deliveries that the South Africans bowled, India scored 164 runs and lost just one wicket - that's a scoring rate of 7.02 per over. When the Indian bowlers pitched it full, though, they were lethal - the South Africans only managed 136 from 209 such deliveries and lost eight wickets.

Greentop would indicate that the bounce would have been the issue? Was not the case here ..... :13:

[Wassixpakistani]

India and Sri-lanka battle for top spot ;/ , I thought stuff like this only happened in dreams .

Where are the aussies and saffies :13: .

[pun500]

- The joberg pitch wasn't doctored, Indian was it was specially designed to turn square from day 1, it always happens. This is the algorithm India follows for home series

If
India 0-1;
make a square turner;
else
flat roads;
end

Ignore my syntax error, haven't done programming in years :inti

- Did ICC give an official warning to the joberg pitch ? no and there is a reason for that try to take off your fan goggles and see what the reason was.
let me understand this

1--if it seams from day 1 (more than normal) than its not doctored but if it spins from day 1 it is doctored??

saf made 265 and ind made 325 in the first innings...if it was spinners paradise how come harris didnt run through the side? ... out of 32 wickets to fall 14 fell to seamers around say 45 % ?? if it was super spin friendly like the mumbai track things would be different

joberg pitch was similar except it seamed...green top here gave excessive seam movement

icc warning ...please when india toured kiwiland around 2001-02 the pitches were damp and attrocious...no warning issued there??

werent pakistan penalised for the oval gate fiasco(without proof) ...isnt that some sort of punishment for ball tampering??

like you guys always crib latif was banned for 5 matches but haddin was not

like it or not the icc is like this only

i always believe both pitches were good enough bad batting cost the match

india batting 4th innings didnt have a problem...why??


The 3rd test was played in april(summer season) in kanpur one of the hottest places in india ...how the hell do you think the pitch wont be spin friendly the grass dies and withers away..cracks appear over 5 days...the atmosphere also makes a diff in pitch conditions

since you gave me the indian algo heres the pakistan one

If test series against lanka/india/australia/saf/england

prepare roads to avoid collapse

else prepare decent tracks

[pun500]

India's win was largely the result of some outstanding swing bowling, which the South African batsmen failed to handle. The contrast between the bowling efforts of the two sides comes out quite starkly in these numbers: from the 140 full-length deliveries that the South Africans bowled, India scored 164 runs and lost just one wicket - that's a scoring rate of 7.02 per over. When the Indian bowlers pitched it full, though, they were lethal - the South Africans only managed 136 from 209 such deliveries and lost eight wickets.

Greentop would indicate that the bounce would have been the issue? Was not the case here ..... :13:
keith...you just proved my point...i never said joberg pitch was bad... i only said both the pitches were similar in nature one more seam friendly and other spin friendly

i again repeat it was bad batting which cost saf both the matches...look through both test matches...it is a matter of one poor innings..

that we played on the same pitches and got the runs means we batted better

[Extreme Pace]

^^ And you won't find me complaining about that, its true the pitches in Pakistan have been horrible for the last 5 years so.

[pun500]

why was icc silent here as well

http://www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/237484.html

"Sri Lanka began with a clear plan: prepare a bone-dry pitch and pack the side with spinners, five in total. One visiting journalist, looking at the wicket set in a lush outfield, said it was the first time he'd seen a drought 22 yards long and three yards wide."

was it because aussies won 3-0 and didnt complain??

this certainly deserved icc warning

[Keith]

keith...you just proved my point...i never said joberg pitch was bad... i only said both the pitches were similar in nature one more seam friendly and other spin friendly

i again repeat it was bad batting which cost saf both the matches...look through both test matches...it is a matter of one poor innings..

that we played on the same pitches and got the runs means we batted better

I have no problem with your last sentence, makes perfect sense.

WRT to track at JHB I beleive that swing bowling made the difference and that has got less to do with the track than it has to do with swinging conditions (atmosphere). Certainly seam movement can be exagurated by a track but to a lesser degree than movement through the air.

[saj786]

Link: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/rain-likely-to-play-spoilsport-for-fringe-players/43606-13.html

[QUOTE]Having toyed with Pakistan and New Zealand, Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka are eying India as their next scalp as the battle heats up to be the world's top Test team.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan and New Zealand by identical 2-0 margins at home to climb to the number two spot in the official rankings with a rating of 120 behind number one team South Africa's 122.

With India just one rating point behind Sri Lanka on 119 and Ashes losers Australia in fourth place with 116, the scramble at the top could see a new number one by the end of the year.

Sri Lanka need to win their three-Test series in India in November-December to overtake South Africa, while a 2-0 win for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will push India to the top.

Sri Lanka have never won a Test match in India, let alone a series, in seven previous visits across the Palk Straits, with eight losses and six draws since their first Test there in Chennai in 1982.

It's a record Sangakkara, who has won four of his five Tests as captain since taking over from Mahela Jayawardene earlier this year, is determined to set straight.

"The Indian tour will test everyone, mentally, physically and skill wise," he told reporters.

"But if we do our homework right, be confident, prepare as best as we can and go out there looking to win, and if our attitude is positive, we will do well.

When they last played a series in India in December, 2005, Sri Lanka lost the second Test in New Delhi by 188 runs and the third in Ahmedabad by 259 runs after the first game in Chennai was washed out.

"One likes to play against the best and India will definitely be a tough side to conquer," said Sangakkara.

"It is not easy playing Test cricket in India."

Both sides get a chance to gauge each others strengths when India join New Zealand and Sri Lanka in a limited-overs tri-series in Colombo from September 8-14.

India and Sri Lanka are drawn in different group for the Champions Trophy in South Africa in late-September, but could meet in the semi-finals if they qualify after the preliminary round.[\QUOTE]u must have been in cloud cookoo land if u think srilanka toyed with pakistan, we actually should have won the series comfortably, we made mendis look in affective compared to the indian flat track bullies

[saj786]

Link: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/rain-likely-to-play-spoilsport-for-fringe-players/43606-13.html

[QUOTE]Having toyed with Pakistan and New Zealand, Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka are eying India as their next scalp as the battle heats up to be the world's top Test team.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan and New Zealand by identical 2-0 margins at home to climb to the number two spot in the official rankings with a rating of 120 behind number one team South Africa's 122.

With India just one rating point behind Sri Lanka on 119 and Ashes losers Australia in fourth place with 116, the scramble at the top could see a new number one by the end of the year.

Sri Lanka need to win their three-Test series in India in November-December to overtake South Africa, while a 2-0 win for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will push India to the top.

Sri Lanka have never won a Test match in India, let alone a series, in seven previous visits across the Palk Straits, with eight losses and six draws since their first Test there in Chennai in 1982.

It's a record Sangakkara, who has won four of his five Tests as captain since taking over from Mahela Jayawardene earlier this year, is determined to set straight.

"The Indian tour will test everyone, mentally, physically and skill wise," he told reporters.

"But if we do our homework right, be confident, prepare as best as we can and go out there looking to win, and if our attitude is positive, we will do well.

When they last played a series in India in December, 2005, Sri Lanka lost the second Test in New Delhi by 188 runs and the third in Ahmedabad by 259 runs after the first game in Chennai was washed out.

"One likes to play against the best and India will definitely be a tough side to conquer," said Sangakkara.

"It is not easy playing Test cricket in India."

Both sides get a chance to gauge each others strengths when India join New Zealand and Sri Lanka in a limited-overs tri-series in Colombo from September 8-14.

India and Sri Lanka are drawn in different group for the Champions Trophy in South Africa in late-September, but could meet in the semi-finals if they qualify after the preliminary round.[\QUOTE] pakistan should have beaten srilanka comfortably in the test series, your suggestion that srilanka toyed with pakistan is wide off the mark, also we made mendis look inaffective compared to the indian flat track bullies :D

[Random Aussie]

why was icc silent here as well

http://www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/237484.html

"Sri Lanka began with a clear plan: prepare a bone-dry pitch and pack the side with spinners, five in total. One visiting journalist, looking at the wicket set in a lush outfield, said it was the first time he'd seen a drought 22 yards long and three yards wide."

was it because aussies won 3-0 and didnt complain??

this certainly deserved icc warning

I remember that series and those pitches were disgraceful. I was very happy to see them beat 3-0.

And once again, because you don't seem to understand - India were losing in the series so they prepared a ridiculous pitch which spun square from day 1, it was such a naked and dubious effort that the toothless ICC even stood up to BCCI and gave them an official warning.

Same thing happened when India lost the series in 2005 against us, the last pitch was a disgrace, the game lasted 2 days, Michael Clarke took 6/9 against the greatest players of spin in the world and India got a consolation victory.

South Africa do not doctor their home pitches and neither do we. If you think doctoring the pitch is fine, go ahead and say it. But to try to equate the two is gadha argument.

[Random Aussie]

icc warning ...please when india toured kiwiland around 2001-02 the pitches were damp and attrocious...no warning issued there??


Ever been to New Zealand cheerleader boi? It is kinda damp and wet there. ;-)

[Keith]

When a team is due to travel to Aus or SA they know exactly what type of pitch will be played on at each venue way ahead of time. . Regardless of the sitaution that the series finds itself in you know what to expect from the tracks. In India you have no clue what the tracks are gonna do (depending on the situation of the series ofcourse and the amount of money that you captain will pay the groundsman!!!!) That is the big difference.

Pakistan are currently preparing on such a wicket at home because THEY KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.

[pun500]

@ RA I have it is cold not necessarily damp

ever visit india?? .... apart from the monsoon most of the times it is hot and dry = cracked pitch

the argument that you use can also be used by us...pitch spins from day 1 so what ....btw what the hell are pitches favoring bounce/seam ...remember the attempts to make perth quick.. doesnt gabba seam all around from day 1 but hey those are atmospheric conditions..so why isnt a dry weather and beating sun good to make a pitch crack??

also RA the aussie side you had would have won anywhere...lets see now



@keith

the mumbai pitch was a disgrace ...no args but the kanpur pitch wasnt

by your suggestions we should make turning tracks from match 1 of the series then even the visiting team shouldnt have any arguments

it is a known fact that tracks in india will spin...no team comes to indian shores without two spinners in its ranks no matter how bad they are...last eg aussies with hauritz :))) krazy and white :)))

[giri26]

*sigh* Because in other countries the host does not dictate to the curator what sort of pitch they want. Home advantage is not supposed to mean you prepare whatever pitch you want, it is meant to be that you are used to playing on the pitches and have the crowd support.

And India having spinning pitches is fine, the thing is that if they are losing a series they then turn out a spinning minefield that makes a joke of the game. If they are winning the series suddenly the pithes are all flat.

South Africa were winning the series, India turned out a pitch for the decider that was such a joke the ICC issued them an official warning. And then Dhoni paid the curator a cash reward after they won the match. :13:

Anyway my point of view on this is at odds with most of PP, guess it is "cultural issue".

When subcontinent team comes to SA or Australia there is a definite inclination for the curators to go for fast and bouncy pitches. Ricky Ponting wanted a fast pitch at Perth earlier last year and he said it in public. Played all pace attack but got hammered. After the game he started complaining that the pitch was not fast enough for his bowlers. So please stop the defence of the teams outside subcontinent.

Playing at home means getting different conditions and pitches for the away teams. Please dont cry about pitches, its normal to use the home advantage.

[LG]

Personally, I don't see anything wrong in the home team having the type of pitch they want.

[bantu]

Whatever the pitch both teams play on the same strip......... Unless there is dangerously unpredictable bounce (like the recent one in in windies.....i think?) there should be no complaints...........
If you cant bat on a spinning track ........... tough luck

[Pace]

What exactly do you mean by the term "depth"? Are you suggesting a weaker bench or lack of depth in batting/bowling order?

If you are talking about the bench then i would say they are pretty equal. There aren't any outstanding players on both sides that are going to be warming the bench. As for the batting order I would agree that India is stronger but bowling wise I would say Sri Lanka has the edge.

It's going to be a close and well fought series and it definitely won't be easy for Sri Lanka.

I have a feeling SL is going to get their clocks cleaned against India. I was not convinced by their performance against us, we basically handed the series to them on a silver platter. All this while Pakistan was dusting off the cobwebs. NZ is no longer a challenge for anyone. India has been performing reasonably well and consistently especially their batting (as you suggested).

[mindless slogging]

TBH, I think both South Africa and Australia are better than both these sides and the rankings are somewhat of a joke.

Anyway, i can only see an india series win unless they still can't figure Mendis out.

[Bublu Bhuyan]

TBH, I think both South Africa and Australia are better than both these sides and the rankings are somewhat of a joke.

Anyway, i can only see an india series win unless they still can't figure Mendis out.
S.A is the undisputed best team even if we manage to reach the #1 spot by beating the Lankans 2-0. Unless we defeat S.A in a Test series, it's a joke for anyone to claim India to be better than then, doesn't matter what rankings say. This is one reason I'm so excited about India playing S.A for 3 Test series both at home and away next year.

[shoib_superstar]

do you guys really think that sril lanka have the mentality and capability to b the number 1 test team.......... no way do they far too inconsistant :13:

[Random Aussie]

When subcontinent team comes to SA or Australia there is a definite inclination for the curators to go for fast and bouncy pitches. Ricky Ponting wanted a fast pitch at Perth earlier last year and he said it in public. Played all pace attack but got hammered. After the game he started complaining that the pitch was not fast enough for his bowlers. So please stop the defence of the teams outside subcontinent.

Playing at home means getting different conditions and pitches for the away teams. Please dont cry about pitches, its normal to use the home advantage.

The pitches when subcontinent teams come to Australia are if anything slower with less bounce rather than the opposite. The bolded part above is utter rubbish. Our curators make pitches to last 5 days why they going to make fast pitch when your FTB's will only last 2 days on them?

Ponting asked for a fast pitch because WACA is traditionally a fast pitch and it has been slow in recent years. And it was way too slow in that game.

So aside from every assertion in your post being false and kinda stupid, good post. :14:

[jusarrived]

The pitches when subcontinent teams come to Australia are if anything slower with less bounce rather than the opposite. The bolded part above is utter rubbish. Our curators make pitches to last 5 days why they going to make fast pitch when your FTB's will only last 2 days on them?

Ponting asked for a fast pitch because WACA is traditionally a fast pitch and it has been slow in recent years. And it was way too slow in that game.

So aside from every assertion in your post being false and kinda stupid, good post. :14:

Ponting asked for a fast pitch ? :)))

so on a flat pitch , our bowlers got the Aus batting line out up twice in 150 overs ? how many overs wud they last had it been a fast pitch ?

[Random Aussie]

Ponting asked for a fast pitch ? :)))

so on a flat pitch , our bowlers got the Aus batting line out up twice in 150 overs ? how many overs wud they last had it been a fast pitch ?

He did not ask for a fast pitch, he said it was a shame the pitch had gotten so slow in recent years.

And doubt the speed of the pitch made much difference, it was quality swng bowling from the Indian seamers which got us out.

I remember going to an Ashes Test at the WACA that only just went into the 3rd day. :)) That was pretty quick pitch.

[Nazir_ Rules]

I hope neither make it!!

[Poison]

The pitches when subcontinent teams come to Australia are if anything slower with less bounce rather than the opposite. The bolded part above is utter rubbish. Our curators make pitches to last 5 days why they going to make fast pitch when your FTB's will only last 2 days on them?

Ponting asked for a fast pitch because WACA is traditionally a fast pitch and it has been slow in recent years. And it was way too slow in that game.

So aside from every assertion in your post being false and kinda stupid, good post. :14:

Below the belt RA :(

And I definitely agree with the WACA comment - its lost its zing completely in the past few years. :aamir

[Salazar]

Ok, so as I see it.
India 1- 0 RA

Man of the Match:
Pun500

So Pun 500, what would you like to say in the post-match conference?

[Keith]

Ok, so as I see it.
India 1- 0 RA

Man of the Match:
Pun500

So Pun 500, what would you like to say in the post-match conference?

He would like to thank his parents, grandparents, friends, associates, the curator, dhoni and dhoni's wallet. (Not necessarily in that order though!!!!)

;-)

[Salazar]

He would like to thank his parents, grandparents, friends, associates, the curator, dhoni and dhoni's wallet. (Not necessarily in that order though!!!!)

;-)

:)))

[Salazar]

And now for RA. My condolences RA, but seems like you lost the battle fair and square. What would you like to say about this match?

[aabbasi]

Having toyed with Pakistan and New Zealand, Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka are eying India as their next scalp as the battle heats up to be the world's top Test team.

I don't think Srilanka Toyed with pakistan. It was pakistan who had three bad sessions, and that lost the series for them.

At no point in time, was srilanka in control of the tests, until pakistan decided to implode.

[pun500]

And now for RA. My condolences RA, but seems like you lost the battle fair and square. What would you like to say about this match?
he would like to complain to the icc that the pitch was doctored and spun from day 1 :)))

[Random Aussie]

And now for RA. My condolences RA, but seems like you lost the battle fair and square. What would you like to say about this match?

Hmmm more than few people on here think it is fine for the home team to doctor the pitch. All alarms and no surprises please.

You may be the Bucknor of thread umpiring.

[deathstreak]

I remember that series and those pitches were disgraceful. I was very happy to see them beat 3-0.

And once again, because you don't seem to understand - India were losing in the series so they prepared a ridiculous pitch which spun square from day 1, it was such a naked and dubious effort that the toothless ICC even stood up to BCCI and gave them an official warning.

Same thing happened when India lost the series in 2005 against us, the last pitch was a disgrace, the game lasted 2 days, Michael Clarke took 6/9 against the greatest players of spin in the world and India got a consolation victory.

South Africa do not doctor their home pitches and neither do we. If you think doctoring the pitch is fine, go ahead and say it. But to try to equate the two is gadha argument.

hmmm did anyone see the pitch before the series started?
tests between India Pakistan are always flat pitches.

We should have rank turners from day 1 on all pitches when Australia and SA visit :P
and not scatter them about :P

[Random Aussie]

hmmm did anyone see the pitch before the series started?
tests between India Pakistan are always flat pitches.

We should have rank turners from day 1 on all pitches when Australia and SA visit :P
and not scatter them about :P

Or even more radically you could have the curator try to deliver the best cricket wicket he can. This concept may take a while to catch on over there.

I preferred the raging turners in 1998 and 2001 to the boring flat dead rubbish that got served up on our last tour.

[giri26]

The pitches when subcontinent teams come to Australia are if anything slower with less bounce rather than the opposite. The bolded part above is utter rubbish. Our curators make pitches to last 5 days why they going to make fast pitch when your FTB's will only last 2 days on them?

Ponting asked for a fast pitch because WACA is traditionally a fast pitch and it has been slow in recent years. And it was way too slow in that game.

So aside from every assertion in your post being false and kinda stupid, good post. :14:

I dont think what I said was anything wrong. Australia normally start their Boxing day test match at Melbourne but when India visit them they normally try to start the test series at Brisbane (Bouncier track). There was lots of criticizm in the media on the schedule blasting the organizers for starting the series in Melbourne in 2008. I dont think the pitches in Australia and south Africa are made exactly same for all touring teams.

I dont think SA prepares pitches similar to the one's India encountered in Durban (1996) or Johannesburg (2006) for Australia with Mcgrath, Gillespie and Lee in the squad. It was a intimidation tactic in 2006 which back fired. Please stop saying that SA or Australia dont customize the pitch according to their opposition. I agree to the fact that most of the times the pitches last 5 days in those countries, but I remember seeing a Perth test match between Australia and WI in mid 90's where the pitch had cracks big enough for someone can fall inside (WI thrashed Australia though with Ambrose and Walsh). Probably their curators are not good enough to customize or doctor the pitch which ever way you call it as in recent times it has backfired a lot. :)

[wanted_desi]

Hard to digest for you guys?
eh
SA just lost home series against mighty Australians, otherwise they wouldn't have to face competition from srilankan side and Indian.

[Random Aussie]

I dont think what I said was anything wrong. Australia normally start their Boxing day test match at Melbourne but when India visit them they normally try to start the test series at Brisbane (Bouncier track). There was lots of criticizm in the media on the schedule blasting the organizers for starting the series in Melbourne in 2008. I dont think the pitches in Australia and south Africa are made exactly same for all touring teams.

And where did we start the last series against India? The MCG because there was a Test series beforehand. The previous series started in Brisbane because there was no Test series beforehand and the first Test of the summer is traditionally in Brisbane.

It has to do with the scheduling of our summers not the opposition.

I give up. You just make things up to suit.

[123]

After losing on a super phaast pitch at WACA the curators prepared a great pitch for test cricket in Adelaide. It had everything turn , bounce , it was fast. It was the best pitch for test cricket :akhtar


Here is the scorecard


http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/engine/match/291354.html

[wanted_desi]

^^^ :gul

[siddharth]

S.A is the undisputed best team even if we manage to reach the #1 spot by beating the Lankans 2-0. Unless we defeat S.A in a Test series, it's a joke for anyone to claim India to be better than then, doesn't matter what rankings say. This is one reason I'm so excited about India playing S.A for 3 Test series both at home and away next year.
I agreed .We need to beat both SL and SA to claim number one spot.Until then we don't deserve it simply.

[aravinda1234]

Well.. well, just for a second I thought I came to a forum where women discusses about a beauty contest… :13: soooo.. jealous hah (anyways that’s the spirit of the mad South Asian cricket … cheers :14: ).

C'mon guys this is not about all time teams ranking.

We only played 27 years of test cricket … If I’m correct India's first series win in NZ is the last one, after 41 years where SL done it in 1995 just after 13 years.

“Numbers can be misleading when I tell you it took India over 33 years to win a test match in New Zealand, but a fact is fact. Wining at Eden Park in Auckland on January 28, 1976, on next 14 tests spanning over 5 tours, previous Indian cricket teams performed miserably in kiwi land.. lost = 6, draw = 7 and 1 game abandoned.”

India’s first test win in AUS has come in a five match series back in 1959 (SL has never played a five match series against any opposition yet.), India's first win away from the subcontinent was after about 35 years… In that period India couldn’t even draw most of those series... we already have two series wins now.

And yes, Pakistan is no different. Just check out all three country's records in their early days. Also noticed the no of five match series they have played.

Check this out,
Pakistan's early days in Test. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/series_results.html?class=1;id=7;type=team)
India’s early days in Test. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/series_results.html?class=1;id=6;type=team)
Sri Lanka’s early days in Test (of course It is still early days for us :D ). (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/series_results.html?class=1;id=8;type=team)

So lets discuss about current performances, otherwise IN, PAK, SA also has some pathetic cricket history in their early days :))) (even with their huge populations of course).

The reason that people say SL is HTBs is because we start to perform well in home conditions consistently. If we failed even in home matches people will just say, oh they not matured yet as a test nation then they won't use HTB :D .

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for your time bros. Have a good day.

I’m a HTB from SL posting my first one here in PP on a Friday evening just before another T20 clash (I think I’ve got something from the MAD Morison? :D )

[Keith]

Well.. well, just for a second I thought I came to a forum where women discusses about a beauty contest… :13: soooo.. jealous hah (anyways that’s the spirit of the mad South Asian cricket … cheers :14: ).

C'mon guys this is not about all time teams ranking.

We only played 27 years of test cricket … If I’m correct India's first series win in NZ is the last one, after 41 years where SL done it in 1995 just after 13 years.

“Numbers can be misleading when I tell you it took India over 33 years to win a test match in New Zealand, but a fact is fact. Wining at Eden Park in Auckland on January 28, 1976, on next 14 tests spanning over 5 tours, previous Indian cricket teams performed miserably in kiwi land.. lost = 6, draw = 7 and 1 game abandoned.”

India’s first test win in AUS has come in a five match series back in 1959 (SL has never played a five match series against any opposition yet.), India's first win away from the subcontinent was after about 35 years… In that period India couldn’t even draw most of those series... we already have two series wins now.

And yes, Pakistan is no different. Just check out all three country's records in their early days. Also noticed the no of five match series they have played.

Check this out,
Pakistan's early days in Test. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/series_results.html?class=1;id=7;type=team)
India’s early days in Test. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/series_results.html?class=1;id=6;type=team)
Sri Lanka’s early days in Test (of course It is still early days for us :D ). (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/series_results.html?class=1;id=8;type=team)

So lets discuss about current performances, otherwise IN, PAK, SA also has some pathetic cricket history in their early days :))) (even with their huge populations of course).

The reason that people say SL is HTBs is because we start to perform well in home conditions consistently. If we failed even in home matches people will just say, oh they not matured yet as a test nation then they won't use HTB :D .

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for your time bros. Have a good day.

I’m a HTB from SL posting my first one here in PP on a Friday evening just before another T20 clash (I think I’ve got something from the MAD Morison? :D )

SA has been playing test cricket for 15 years or so!!!! ;-)

With regards Morrison, that dude is crazeeeeee!!!!

Welcome matey!!!!

[dani2k]

@@ Aravinda1234 - Good post for a first post mate! One correction though. India's series against the Kiwis isnt their first but the second. It is a fact that it came after 41 years of the first.

Can't disagree with your other points. Pretty fair..Happy posting :)

[aravinda1234]

@@ Aravinda1234 - Good post for a first post mate! One correction though. India's series against the Kiwis isnt their first but the second. It is a fact that it came after 41 years of the first.

Can't disagree with your other points. Pretty fair..Happy posting :)

Oh sorry, you are right. I got it wrong (not intentional though :D ).

[aravinda1234]

SA has been playing test cricket for 15 years or so!!!! ;-)

With regards Morrison, that dude is crazeeeeee!!!!

Welcome matey!!!!

Thanks.

So you manage to become a world cup semi finalist in your first international year... unbelievable really!!!! :13:

Btw, PP is like an international forum... every one is here then.

[Kriketer]

Whoever becomes No.1 b/w SL or India won't hold that spot for long as Pakistan will clean sweep-white wash NZ and Australia to top the rankings. =)

[aravinda1234]

Whoever becomes No.1 b/w SL or India won't hold that spot for long as Pakistan will clean sweep-white wash NZ and Australia to top the rankings. =)

So then Pakistan is the T20 champions, ICC champions and the no 1 test team according to you... :13: definitely we can't allow that :46: no way.

[LG]

Thanks.

So you manage to become a world cup semi finalist in your first international year... unbelievable really!!!! :13:

Btw, PP is like an international forum... every one is here then.
Welcome on PP, aravinda!!:19:

There was a thread on the topic of your first post on PP. I haven't been able to find it, but, if I remember correctly, according to the stats on that thread Pakistan was the youngest team to taste victory in Tests.

Can somebody please dig it up?

[aravinda1234]

I don't think Srilanka Toyed with pakistan. It was pakistan who had three bad sessions, and that lost the series for them.

At no point in time, was srilanka in control of the tests, until pakistan decided to implode.

So then, if you compare this to boxing it’s like the losing boxer (but smart and alert) suddenly knocked down his opposite with a nasty heavy punch where the poor guy get unconscious. You know.. the most surprising story here is that the guy who dominated the fight suddenly stopped and ask ‘please punch me’. :))

For example in Galle, it happened in the fourth round…! :)))

[LG]

For example in Galle, it happened in the fourth session…! :)))
Corrected! :)

[aravinda1234]

Welcome on PP, aravinda!!:19:

There was a thread on the topic of your first post on PP. I haven't been able to find it, but, if I remember correctly, according to the stats on that thread Pakistan was the youngest team to taste victory in Tests.

Can somebody please dig it up?

Yes you may be right.

Btw, did I break any rules? I haven't read the rules yet and I don't want to get banned from a forum especially in this year as Sanga’s SL team is also not going to win the Spirit of the Cricket award… too may bad feelings. :))

Normally general knowledge works well for me in other forums… I don’t know is there any Pakistani specials here in PP rules. :D

[aravinda1234]

Corrected! :)

I should have said 10th round… because I was comparing a session to a round in boxing.

[dani2k]

Oh sorry, you are right. I got it wrong (not intentional though :D ).

NP. Even if it is intentional, I have got used to it here. Got sort of trained to be careful with guys here who will try to put down India at any cost :D

[PB]

India has to win this. Don't wanna see Sri Lanka be the No.1 test side just by beating New Zealand. They didn't beat us...We beat our selves. :D.

Come on India. :D:P.

[Random Aussie]

NP. Even if it is intentional, I have got used to it here. Got sort of trained to be careful with guys here who will try to put down India at any cost :D

Looking forward to the great Sri Lankans humbling your overpaid cheating pitch doctoring bunch of whiners. :D

Put up a dodgy pitch to get out of trouble this time and Murali will throw you back down to number 4 where you belong. :D

[srg]

Put up a dodgy pitch to get out of trouble this time and Murali
will throw you back down to number 4 where you belong. :D

What was he doing all these years when srilanka was losing to India on the very same dodgy pitches?

[srg]

Looking forward to the great Sri Lankans humbling your overpaid cheating pitch doctoring bunch of whiners. :D

Look, who is crying... http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=2089675&postcount=3. India is No.3 because they deserve it. You hijacked this thread for no reason.

[FCCO]

What was he doing all these years when srilanka was losing to India on the very same dodgy pitches?
I am sure if RA goes fishing in India, he'll catch all the fishes in the entire river.

[Romali_rotti]

Looking forward to the great Sri Lankans humbling your overpaid cheating pitch doctoring bunch of whiners. :D

Put up a dodgy pitch to get out of trouble this time and Murali will throw you back down to number 4 where you belong. :D


Trivia:

1) When was the last time Sri Lanka won 'a' test match in Sri Lanka ? Oh whoops I meant in India

2) What is Murali's avg in India ?


RA once you do research on the above 2 questions you wont make any further comments like these :)

[LG]

Yes you may be right.

Btw, did I break any rules? I haven't read the rules yet and I don't want to get banned from a forum especially in this year as Sanga’s SL team is also not going to win the Spirit of the Cricket award… too may bad feelings. :))

Normally general knowledge works well for me in other forums… I don’t know is there any Pakistani specials here in PP rules. :D
Sorry, I didn't quite get you there. :20:

[wanted_desi]

Trivia:

1) When was the last time Sri Lanka won 'a' test match in Sri Lanka ? Oh whoops I meant in India

2) What is Murali's avg in India ?


RA once you do research on the above 2 questions you wont make any further comments like these :)

WHat do you expect from him, he just hates Indian team :afridi

[aravinda1234]

Currently there is a great article in cricindia site about SL's first ever official Test against India. Surprisingly it is in the India’s page and written by an Indian journalist who witnessed that match. If anyone has any doubts about SL's performance in India... just check this one… The Duleep and Roy Show (http://blogs.cricinfo.com/diffstrokes/archives/2009/09/the_duleep_and_roy_show.php) :14:

Those were the days where no neutral umpires… and Asian umpiring was not that great… I mean Asian umpiring.
Arun Lal who played for India in this match currently a commentator also confirms about this performances by SL.

Even though young Pakistani and Indian 'bachchas' criticized us, matured people from both the countries still love SL team... :D that is why you see this type of articles.

But it’s a shame that SL haven't got a test match there after this one though… really its not fair. ;-)

[aravinda1234]

Sorry, I didn't quite get you there. :20:

You should expect this type of post from me occasionally… natural talent. :))

[aravinda1234]

India has to win this. Don't wanna see Sri Lanka be the No.1 test side just by beating New Zealand. They didn't beat us...We beat our selves. :D.

Come on India. :D:P.

SL team should give the credit for establishing India-Pakistan relationship again... Sanga is a contender for the Nobel Prize now. :D

[LG]

You should expect this type of post from me occasionally… natural talent. :))
Okay, never mind, then. :)
SL team should give the credit for establishing India-Pakistan relationship again... Sanga is a contender for the Nobel Prize now. :D
:ibutt

[Bublu Bhuyan]

On another note, if India wins tomorrow's ODI match against Australia, it will once again become the #1 ODI team in ICC rankings. Australia is currently at 127, and India at 126 points.

[USaqaf]

Well 15m$ should be sufficient for the Lankans to give it away.

Any game India and SL play especially for such nonsensical championships has money moving underneath.

[Bublu Bhuyan]

^^ Too bad $15 million wasn't sufficient in the 2008 Test series.

[iHammad]

Go Sri Lanka!