WC 2007 - Also The Aussie way

The best team won the world cup. Clearly, any person seeing Australia bat, bowl and field can say they were the best team of the tournament. Though they had a miserable tournament against the Black Caps, a clean white wash and losing the Hadlee - Chapell trophy, they provided some outstanding cricket all through this tournament. As a result they strech their world cup winning record to 29 matches on the row. Yes 29 matches, so they were last defeated in a world cup match only in 1999. Spectacular and brilliant, the way they have been consistent for the past 11 to 12 years shows their calibre, mind you they lost to Sri Lanka in 1996 world cup final and the revenge has been taken now. So, for the last 4 editions of the world cup they have been into the finals.

1996 - India, Srilanka & Pakistan

I personally feel that the reason why Srilanka won the 1996 world cup is because of 2 personalities. One their former coach, Dav Whatmore and second Aravinda De Silva. Whatmore bought about this strategy of lofting the ball beyond the 30 yards circle, where in only 2 players are allowed beyond for the first 15 overs and Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwartana capitalised to the fullest possible extent. Aravinda is technically the most prolific batsman of the time and its thanks to his innings in the final, that they were able to chase Australia's score.

1999 - England

For the first time after the World Cup started in 1975 - the world cup was held within the span of 3 years, normally its held every 4 years like any other major tournaments of the world. People say different views about it, but I think England wanted to hold the World Cup before the 21st centuary. They hosted in 1975, 1979 and before the end of the centuary they wanted to hold and so perhaps the world cup was preponed by a year and so in 1999 world cup was held. Another exception is 1992 world cup, held after a gap of 5 years.

During the world cup, Sachin Tendulkar's father expired and he flew back and came back to hit a massive hundred against Kenya.. Truely.. a superb knock. Another major highlight was the semi - final between Australia and South Africa. The match ended in draw and Australia scrape through to the finals because of a better run rate. The final ball when Allan Donald ran out by Lance Klusener still is fresh in my mind, I seriously think they shouldn't have ran that single instead Zulu could have hit the ball over the park as he did the over before. So, Australia went to the final and literally tore apart Pakistan for the loss of a single wicket.

2003 - South Africa

The Indian team were a total under dogs (I seriously find this term stupid !!!) before they went to the tournament. No one expected them to be in the finals, they however still managed to reach the finals and got pulverised in the hands of Australia again. The major highlight would be India reaching the finals, because after 1983 's win they never managed to reach the finals in any other edition of the cup. So, exactly after 20 years they reached but only difference and major difference, they lost in the finals.

2007 - West Indies

This was the recently ended one which clearly stands out for all the unlikely events. First India lost to Bangladesh, second Pakistan lost to Ireland who were playing for the first time and the following day Bob Woolmer expired (Pakistan coach) first reports suicide and later confirmed as murdered. Still after the world cup, no clear picture as to who murdered him or how he was murdered. Next, Ireland got one day status because they defeated 2 Test playing nation, namely Pakistan and Bangladesh. By this, both South Asian giants were out of the tournament namely Pakistan and India who didn't manage to go to the Super 8. And once again Australia won the world cup for the third time on the row making it a hat trick of world cup wins.

With this we can see that during the last four editions of the world cup its been Australia vs some Asian country, leaving the first its been Australia all the way. Another way this WC would be memorable is that almost all the coaches are retiring after this WC.

John Buchanen of Australia is giving way to Tim Nielsen.

Duncan Fletcher of England gives way to Steve McClaren

Bennett King of West Indies, Tom Moody of Sri Lanka, Dav Whatmore of Bangladesh, Greg Chapell of India all have retired. Pakistan have lost their coach in the sad way. Mickey Arthur coach of South Africa is under the scanner. Its more likely that John Bracewell will continue as New Zealand's coach. Zimbabwe's coach Kevin Curran, I seriously dont have any clue whether he will continue as coach or ..... And South African Adrian Birrell will most likely be taking over as coach of Ireland who got one day status recently. I think I have covered all the ODI playing countries. Next, coming to the players retirement list...

From the Indian Cricket Team, the first player to retire from the ODI was Anil Kumble.
Brian Lara, Inzamum-ul-Haq, Russell Arnold, Ian Bradshaw and Glenn McGrath have already announced their retirement. Stephen Fleming, Sanath Jayasuriya announced their retirement from ODI's for the time being.
I definitely believe Marvan Attapattu, Michael Vaughan, Jacques Kallis will and many more will call it a day soon. In a few weeks time we could see many players following suit.

Whats your say? Am I missing out somebody?

On the whoe, though the tournament was very long, it was a treat especially to all the Aussie fans atleast. The sponsors of the tournament made a huge loss, thanks mainly to India's and Pakistan's early exit, it was a tournament well fought and the best team eventually won it.

HATS OFF TO AUSTRALIA... !!!

They truely deserve the cup.. (though it contradicts my earlier post, happy because the best team won).

Lara calls it a day

The on going world cup has seen many upsets, starting from India's loss to Bangladesh and Pakistan's loss to debutant's Ireland. The recent addition to the list would definitely be the retiring of the great West Indies captain and batting maestro Brian Charles Lara who announced his retirement from International cricket to bring to an end a enthralling career. Lara, 37, holds the record for the top test score (400 not out) and highest in the first-class game (501 not out). He amassed 11,953 runs in 131 Tests and 10,387 runs in 298 one-day internationals.

Lara's relaxed, superb technique, flourishing drives and broad smile meant he was always destined to stand out. He will be remembered as one of the most natural timers of a ball, but his legacy will also be tarnished somewhat by his failings as a captain in a rapidly declining West Indies team that could not challenge as World Cup hosts.

Come Tuesday, the semi finals begin starting with Sri Lanka facing New Zealand, though personally I want NZ to win.. I would keep my fingers crossed. What is more important would be the Australia vs South Africa semi final which I definitely want SA to win. Don't ask whether am against Aus and if you still ask I would say a big YES... for the simple reason they have won it 3 times. Why not have a change...??? From 1996 they have been in all the finals, so want a change.

GOD turn your eyes to a place which is to the right of Australia... Let the Black Caps hold the Silverware..

Are the God's to be blamed...!!!

Lord Krishna, Lord Jesus, Lord Allah.... who are we going to blame now or the God's are going to point fingers at one another. This can happen only in India, because the importance which we give to cricket is huge, no other sport comes even near. Can you imagine, people from different walks of life be a hindu, muslim or christian all praying for "TEAM INDIA" (as they call these days). Are we giving undue importance to cricket?? Definitely yes...

The recent exit of Team India from the world cup have brought about lot of things under the scanner. Axing of players, coach and what not...!! Is this fair on our part, going a year back it was under the leadership of Greg Chapell that we won 17 matches chasing, which is a world record by itself. So, its like if the team plays well we worship them as God else burn their images and send rubbish messages. The most interesting one which caught me was, Indira Gandi is to be blamed for the loss against Bangladesh, because its she who split Bangladesh from Pakisthan in 1956. What nonsense is this...??

Media - Goodness me, what can I say about them. According to me they are the serious cause for all the problems. They give unnecessary hype and make money and when the team fails they create a bad image.
So, what next...?? The BCCI meets on April 6th and some serious decisions should be taken on the future of cricket in India.

Its been raining heavily in Madras for the past few days and yesterday and today have been worse. Walking in this weather, roads inumdated with water sickens me alot, for the basic reason its yuck..!!!!

Apart from that 2 good things happened, first my cousin's wedding. It took place yesterday (27th) in Moscow, Deepak and Marina. Its a sad thing that we couldn't go, but was told the wedding took place really well. Very happy to hear the news. And i wish both of them a very happy married life.

Secondly, today my aunt got award namely "Best Teacher", from the Rotaract Club of Madras Southwest. She is by the way head mistress of a school for the past 5 years and has been teaching for the past 14 years. Nice to type itself.
Hats off!!!

Rest apart, as I am typing this out its pouring like hell outside, dont ask me what hell is.. but literally all roads are flooded with water.

Its been a real long time, since i actually wrote something or for that matter visited my blog.
The simple answer for this would be 'BUSY'. Now that i work, life has become a real monotony that i hardly get time to do things. 6 days a week and 9 hours a day which comes to more time i spend in office than at home.
Life during my college was a real pleasure, no tension. I used to get back home at 1 or 2 pm...then had the whole evening and now that has become history.Life now is different altogether.
Speaking of my job, i work with the worlds local bank - HSBC.
Life at HSBC is completely different and the place i work too. The work culture, environment, people working all are fabulous, but on the downside i work on saturdays....... which i completely hate. I would like to have weekends all for myself. But that isn't the case.

Now also i feel very tired and want to hit the bed soon.. but made up mind to write something.
I have decided on one more thing, that what ever be my situation, I will definitely keep writing something or the other on a regular basis.

So...lets see how far i keep up my promise on this issue..

So both the South American giants have exited from the tournament. And its a all European affair..
and the team which i supported after making, so many judgements, lost and lost to Germany.. if and only if Klose hadn't scored the equalising goal.. Argentina would have won. Italy thro' - expected result. Ukraine was jus a one man army.

England, as usual lost in the penalties. It was Becks last time and this time, Lampard, Gerrald both screwd. Well, when the next coach takes charge, Penalties should be his first criteria according to me... Rooney.. sheer madness, rehabitation for so long and a minutes madness takes him out..
Next, the biggest upset of the world cup, Brazil losing to France... Ronaldo's world cup has come to an end. This is the first time in the past 4 editions of the World cup that Brazil has not entered the finals. 1994 - Brazil won against Italy (penalties). 1998 - Lost to France ( Zidane's magic) 2002 - beat Germany (Ronaldooo..) 2006 - lost to France in the Quarter Finals (Henry).

Italy vs Germany

France vs Portugal

Am not going to bet on any, my bet proved to be wrong last time.. so keeping my fingers crossed..

The reason i have not been writing for quiet some time is, firstly i was feeling very bored to write and secondly also the same reason.. Some thing good also happened, which kept me busy and its none other than the telecast of ESPN STAR... major boost apart from the Soccer World Cup would be Formula 1.

its been nearly , well 3 years since i watched a full fledged F1 race.. and atlast it happened. i watched both the British as well as the Canidian Grand Prix. though i would have liked Schumy to be on th podium, it was Alonso dominting all the way. This guy, is just driving amazing and the car is jus fantastic, Ferrari have just been out runned. Hope some miracle happens for Ferrari and Schumy. Damit..!! its only till July 9th tat i would get these 2 channels... (That's when world cup ends).

Coming to the World Cup, i was in a fix as to which team i should support to, definitely not France - bcos Henry plays for Arsenal and i dont like Arsenal beating Manchester United... so ruled out.. Brazil- they have already won 5 time, why not give a chance for others.. Germany, Italy - ok.. no comments..
i think i will go for Ukraine or Portugal- - Svechenko, C.Ronaldo.. but not sure
Argentina - though they have won earlier i think i will support them.. Saviola plays well.. he plays for Barca and they do defeat Real Madrid... so ok.. i have decided am supporting Argentina... will join Maradona's army..

well, tomor.. the quarter fianals start.. and Argentina play Germany.. score line 2 - 0 (hopefully...!!!)
ok.. so when the quarter finals are over, i will be back to say a few words..

and soccer fans... i hope u saw the 25 passes made by Argentina against S&M - best goal i have seen in a long time.. much better than Beck's free kick... wat u say...???

Now you know why India lost the ODI series against West Indies....

SICK OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNING

Come Monday, 234 constituencies of the state will go to polls. And be sure this time its going to be really close, the ruling AIADMK or DMK. Eventually it is clear that only either of these 2 parties can come to power.

Speaking of campaigning, it’s really bugging, switch on to any regional channel, go out on the streets…you can hear voices. Each one saying what they did and what they will do when they come to power.

And probably I think the reason for such nonsense, the Election Commission of India announcing the dates for elections much earlier. Well, I would say 2 weeks prior is more than sufficient. In older times when the media was not playing this much of an active role, the election dates were announced much earlier. But now we are in a different spectrum altogether…anything and everything can be communicated at unimaginable speeds.

At least they stop the nonsense by 10 PM because the EC is very strict in this aspect…thanks mainly to the former EC of the 90’s Mr. T.N. Seshan who had brought about all these rules and regulations…rather put these rules and regulations into practice.

Well, this is not what I alone feel, when I spoke with my aunt today morning, she also said the same, open the paper, switch on the television or go out on the streets…you can hear election campaigning. She said she is really sick of this and thereby no proper coverage of other things happening around the globe.

So, if the concerned people in the EC are reading this, please think about the suggestions… 2 weeks is definitely a good time to announce the dates, so that the general public does not have to bear this nonsense for too long.

Atleast the campaigning will stop by Saturday 10 PM…but on Sunday, you cannot be peaceful lying on your sofa’s…coz door to door campaigning is allowed and I don’t have to say more…you will have crowd coming and knocking your door step…please vote for us.. smile, close the door and wait for the next knock…!!!

bloody hot...

Today was one of the worst days probably..of the year.. No..i did my exam well, its to do with the SUN... my god..wat heat.. today after a fruitful day at college, when i was on my way back home...it started may be earlier than tat... i take the train and then catch a bus... and shit i was jus not able to hold..the rods...burning as if they wer taken from a furnace...

And goodness me when i saw the temperature...it said 107 degree F.. (42.6 C)... madras has never had such a bad temp to my knowledege..then later came to know that in the last 30 years this is the first time the temp has crossed 42 C..

I wonder wat will happen during next month...
cant imagine...

Done...

Alas...technically i have completed my Masters in Commerce. Today marked the end of my last exam...

so..completed..wat now...???

Search for job....to my liking preferably...!!!

Wish me good luck guys....

Go..........Ferrari.....

Schumy.... is back...
So watch out......

1 gone, 2 remaining

Alas...! the first of my 3 papers got over today. well, am talking about my semesters. Today i had my paper on Financial Management, pretty easy though. comparing the amount of work i put in studying this subject, the paper was not tat very tough. but as usual made a few silly mistakes...hey..!! if i dont do mistakes, then i cannot be karthik... ;)

And my viva date has been fixed for 28th of this month. the very next day after my last paper...as if i am going to study for the stupid viva. and to top it all my guide...goodness me i just dont have words to say about him. i dont know how i managed to finish it under him..he is a real pest.

well, i will definitely miss my college life at the end of the three papers... but life has to go on.
my next exam is scheduled for 25th..its on Income Tax

Life at times is boring..............

10 ways to Beat the HEAT

> Drink plenty of water.
> Wear sunscreen lotion before going out.
> Stay cool, wear light colored clothes preferably white.
> Wear sunglasses.
> Protect your head with cap or other material.
> Maintain energy level, so take less fat and sugar.
> Fruits are natures gift.
> Avoid spicy food.
> Take rest and don’t travel out during the hottest part of the day.
> Splash cool water on your eyes every evening.

Karthik’s 10 ways for HAPPINESS

1. Do regular exercise.
2. Have regular sleep.
3. Listen to good music
4. Get close to nature
5. Maintain cleanliness
6. Dispose off rubbish
7. Anger, sign of weakness
8. Don’t advertise your problems
9. Enjoy each moment of life
10. Learn to appreciate others.

Election Mani (festo) folded!

Come May, 234 constituencies of the Tamil Nadu state will go to polls. As a result each political party has come up with manifestos which are in no way beneficial for the state. They talk about, gas stoves, colour TV’s, rice at door step and what not, but no one is concerned about the growth and development of the state.

To say something, I am not sure of the roads in other parts of the state, but roads in Chennai are pathetic and needs to be mended immediately. Electricity is another big crunch, summer has already started and imagine power cuts in this hot weather… I leave it to your imagination, where temperatures easily touch 40 degree Celsius. How many villages in the state have electricity for 24 hours, first of all the metropolitan itself doesn’t have power round the clock leave alone villages.

Another biggest problem would be water, we all know how we suffered two years ago because of water shortage, and we still depend on rainfall. And rainfall…me…me… last year the city of Chennai drained out water enough for 14 months into the sea. This speaks of the storage capacity.

These are some of the problems facing the city of Chennai alone and there are many more in the state and none of the political parties want to even consider this.

When there are mounting problems in the state, why don’t parties consider these and leave other things secondary. These things have to change for the betterment of the stat. And politics of the land need to grow into different heights into a more structured one. If politicians stop fighting among themselves, and consider the welfare of the people, then good and better things can be achieved.

Is Schumy too old for the Game…?

Has the reign of Schumacher and Ferrari come to an end? This is a question making quiet a wavelength. Albert Park proved so when both the Ferrari’s failed to make it to the Chequered Flag. Or! Has team Ferrari lost its lady luck. They have been dominating this game for the past 5 years 1999 to 2004 and in the year 2005, history was made in the name of Alonso, who became the youngest driver to be crowned the F1 champion.

This year too Renault has proved their mantle with wins in all the 3 races viz. Bahrain, Malaysia and Australia. Alonso has made 28 points out of a possible 30 and Renault lead the Constructors too.

BAR Honda too has emerged as a competitive team and Jenson Button is proving himself with every race. As of now after 3 races, Alonso leads the drivers standing, followed by his teammate Fisichella and Schumy stands in 4th place. In constructors too Renault clearly outrun with 42 points followed by Mclaren and Ferrari.

So what’s happening with Ferrari…? Why isn’t the famous trio of Ross Brown, Jean Toldt and Schumacher clicking? What has happened to winning? These are some of ht questions which I am sure Luca Di Montezemolo (Ferrari boss) would like to have answers.

At this rate, one wouldn’t be surprised if Renault wins this year too, but it is too early to comment. Come April 21, the San Marino grand prix will tell a lot about team Ferrari and Schumy in particular.

1 - 0

Monday 6th February, 2006 will be known well among cricket historians and fans at large for 2 reasons. First, Pakistan won the first of the 5 match series against India, thanks mainly to bad light and the Duckworth Lewis rule and next Sachin Tendulkar became the 1st player in the shorter version of the game to score 14000 runs. The game will also be remembered for the most bizarre way the Pakistan captain got out.
First things first, Pakistan won the toss on a beautiful cloudy morning in Peshawar and opted to field first. Their option to field first was soon rewarded in the form of Shewag, when the score was on 5. Irfan Pathan – newly crowned all rounder of the team took the No.3 spot and silenced all his critics with a well made half-centuary. He was eventually out for 65 from 65 balls. However, India was in a definite attacking mood right from the word go, which made the Indian version of Adam Gilchrist to enter the crease. Dhoni played a gem of an innings with yet another half centuary.
While the drama was going on, the other side was occupied by the little master who was progressing at a steady pace. He too had his initial share of luck, he was bowled by Naved when he had just 20 runs on the board – but fortunately for him it was of a No Ball and this piece of cake was enough for him to make his 39th one day international centuary and at the same time crossing 14000 runs.
India eventually made 328, but personally I think they could have definitely made more if only they had held onto their wickets. Indians lost their last 6 wickets for a meager 20 runs.
Though only a few teams in the past have successfully chased a score beyond 300, Pakistani batsmen where upto it from ball one. Though they started a bit shaky, they soon steadied the ship and with wickets in hand they hit the ball all round the park. When they crossed the 250 mark, Inzamam-ul-Haq was out in a bizarre fashion. He was out for ‘obstructing the fielders throw’- the rules are clear and he was asked to leave the field. But this in no way hindered the Pakistani’s who were slowly inching towards their target. When they reached 311 for the loss of 7 wickets, bad light took control of the game. They needed 18 runs from 18 balls and when the umpires offered the light to the batsman, they gladly accepted it. As per the D/L rule, they were ahead by 7 runs and hence Pakistan won the match by 7 runs.
So, the 1st ODI ended in the most out of the ordinary way as one could expect. But immaterial of what ever has happened, the match will be recorded as a Pak victory.

CAS plays spoil sport again

Yet again, people of Chennai are being denied the live telecast of the ongoing cricket test series between India and Pakistan. Die hard fans of cricket regret for the CAS (Conditional Access System) and complain about the fact that while the rest of the country will cheer the Indians, Chennaiites are denied a pleasure which is close to their heart – watching live cricket.

This system of CAS plays its role only in the city of Chennai, though it was supposed to be put into effect in all the 4 metros only the Tamil Nadu government has implemented the same, while the other governments have simply refused to do so.

Previously, for other cricket matches played by India outside India, the state owned Prasar Bharathi (Doordarshan) gets the signal from other operators so that live telecast can be broadcasted. But however this time around they have failed to enter into an agreement with Ten Sports, a Dubai based channel which has got exclusive rights for the Indo – Pak series. Doordarshan was willing to pay Rs.20 crore for the signal and use their own advertisement but Ten Sports didn’t agree to this. Ultimately, what has been agreed upon is that Doordarshan will be permitted to broadcast 90 minute video clip age of the day’s action. This for a city like Chennai is by any means less, which is supposed to have the best cricketing crowds in the world.

It’s been more than 3 years since CAS was implemented and the takers to it are very less. Most of the people are satisfied with FTH (Free to AIR) channels for which they have to pay Rs.75 per month compared to Rs.200 – Rs.400 p.m in the pre CAS era. To this date there are innumerable numbers of PIL’s (Public Interest Litigation) in the Madras High Court but judgments are still pending.

DTH (Direct to Home) service has also come to the city but the takers are even less compared. To put in simple terms, what the people of Chennai really want is some regulatory body fixed by the government who will regulate the prices for the channels. There should be one common rate for the whole of city plus all the channels.

Rest apart, people of Chennai are denied to watch their favorite sport. They have to look on for glimpses of scores on news channels or look onto the internet or the best way is to travel to the outskirts of the city where CAS is all rubbish.

One thing is clear, seeing the number of takers for set top box, people of Chennai are not for it.

Tigers to have photo identity cards

Well, while accidentally glancing through the paper the other day; I came across this piece of information about tigers to have identity cards. At first glance I was curious to know what this is all about, actually I thought it to be the LTTE’s also known as the Tamil Tigers. But that isn’t something radical because the population of LTTE’s in Sri Lanka is very much compared to the actual population of the country. So, then they definitely need identity cards.

But when I ran through the first few lines I understood that it isn’t something to do with any extremist group rather it’s about wildlife. India is the place where one can find the Royal Bengal Tigers which are very famous all over the world. Tiger being the national animal of the country the Government would have thought that it’s high time they maintained a count of the number of Tigers that live in the country.

Earlier, forest and wildlife officials have been using physical count and pugmark verification to find out the number of Tigers in the wild. However, this technique was not considered reliable.

So, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) thought that it is better to rely on scientific survey, to determine the number of Tigers in the country. And hence, they would soon be issuing identity cards to all the Tigers and Tigresses of the country. So, what is this scientific method, the WII has proposed three new scientific techniques to have a more accurate count of the Tigers living in the wild. The three techniques are: computerized pugmarks, camera traps and finally DNA tests. The WII has planned to implement this methodology starting Jan 15th this year. Camera traps to shoot the Tigers would be set up at national parks and Tigers would be photographed throughout the year using laser technology. Scientists believe that such efforts would help in more accurate survey and would be an indicator for dead or missing Tigers. I am however skeptical about the whole issue, is it technically viable…? Is a question which time alone can answer...