Harmison hates cricket

Though initially charming, titles of my posts skirting and manipulating, "Omar Loves Cricket", are a concept that has probably long worn off. Nevertheless, I will continue to amuse myself.

Steve Harmison is a strange fellow. He sucked during the Ashes apart from a couple of decent spells, retired from ODI's soon after, and is finally speaking out about his retirement and the Ashes.

He told the Mail on Sunday: "From the very first ball of the Ashes series I hated the game of cricket. I've made myself a promise as a result: from now on I'm going to make sure, whatever happens, I enjoy myself.

"Everybody told me it had been made out that I'd virtually lost the Ashes on my own.

"None of our big players turned up, at least not on a consistent basis, and some of us failed to achieve anything at all. I'd place myself in that last category.

"But I do feel I've been made a scapegoat, and I think, in part, it's because of my perceived laid-back attitude."

Harmison's plan had always been to quit ODIs after the World Cup in a bid to prolong his Test career, however his failure in the Ashes forced him to bring forward his retirement.

He said: "The plan was to pack in after the World Cup. I first thought about it in South Africa in 2004 and told Michael Vaughan.

"Last year, I missed Tests through an injury from a one-day series and in India I realised I'd had enough. I wanted to prolong my Test career and that's why I've packed in one-dayers.

"Martyn Moxon, who has just left as Durham coach, asked me if I'd missed playing for England when they beat Australia in the one-day final last month. I told him I missed celebrating on the balcony but not the game. He replied: 'You made the right decision'."

Good riddance to him then! I hate this sort of attitude from a cricketer. I'm not even English and I'm pissed off at him. What a sorry way of justifying his poor performances. He was selected to represent his country, which is such an honor, and naturally, a lot of hopes rested on his shoulder. He claims that a lot of other players didn't perform as well, but none of them seem to hate the sport they were playing. That's no excuse and its this defeatist attitude that irritates me.

Harmy doesn't agree with the critics opinion of his 'perceived laid-back attitude'? However, how is it perceived wrong, if he is claiming he hates the bloody sport? The critics are right on the money there buddy.

English cricket doesn't need Harmison on the balcony either. That's useless. The balcony should be full of players who ache to be on the field at any chance they can get. This chap belongs in the stands as a cheerleader, as cricket is lot better off without such depressing characters.

On a side note, what is up with trend of English players who can't seem to handle the mental strain of an international career? Marcus Trescothick comes to mind...

Dear England, you depress me...

You showed no fight.

I'll be honest, I knew you would lose the Ashes, but I didn't think you would get rolled over so emphatically. Your victory last year will now be looked upon as just an anomaly. I am disappointed that did not play up to your full potential. I guess I'm more disillusioned (and impressed) by how ruthlessly the Aussies are playing now. Even with aging players, they continue to dominate this game. Last year's victory was a glimpse of perhaps a new era. That Australia were, in fact, beatable, that they have weaknesses just like all of us. There were indications that perhaps the world order of cricket might have changed slightly against their favor.

Not quite so...Their incredible run until this series, their planning, their desire to reclaim what should have been theirs was insurmountable. They were more aggressive and they knew how to get it. They tried new strategies, new field placings, new sledges....yet you were were stuck in glorious 2005 series. And lost or drew series after series in between.

So many mistakes. Where could I start? Playing both Giles and Jones was foolish. Choosing Flintoff as captain was foolish. Leaving out Panesar was dumb. Ignoring Mahmood was just silly. How can a bowler get into his stride, if you're not going to bowl him. He's the fastest of the lot. Give him first change and 20 overs an inning. And your batting was too defensive. While Australia scored at 4.5 runs an over, you would score at 2.5 runs. The best defense is offense. Lets not even talk about field placings. I have no clue what Flintoff must have been thinking when he placed his men.

Hope you recover soon. Sorry for the curtness in advance.

Sincerely

Warne, McGrath and now Harmison retire

Retirements in cricket, it seems, are cyclic. A few players announce their departure within a season of each other. They come in patches, and may or may not, mark the end of certain style of cricket that that particular team plays. It's too early to tell what affect Warne and McGrath's retirement will have on Australian cricket. And we still have 2 more tests to go. Since its all happening so fast, one probably wont be surprised if Langer and Hayden hang up their bats. One thing is for sure though. This Ashes meant a whole lot more to Australia. Announcing your retirement after retaking the series so emphatically, indicates how satisfied they are with their accomplishments, and how they would like to end their international careers on a high.

Though McGrath's retirement is still yet to be confirmed, its still a whole lot of retirement talk this past month. Martyn announced it after the 2nd test while Boje silently parted ways with South Africa soon after. I assumed McGrath would stay till the World Cup. Harmisson, on other hand, bar a game here or there, had become a liability for England in ODI's.

The big news is Shane Warne though. Sad day for cricket. As far as I can remember, he's been cocky, arrogant, and a his rise to cricking stardom coincided with Australia's dominance this past decade. He's been an incredible part of Australia's success. There is no doubt that he is the best at what he does. The numbers speak for themselves. But more than that, he was an integral part of the Aussie aggressive, in your face, mind games, which propelled them to the top and intimidated all others.

England can't win....can they?

226 runs required of 72 overs...

Flintoff on 51 off 66 balls.

Peitersen is 50 off 128 deliveries.

Both are batting well and have attacked Australia this morning. Do you think they can do it!?

UPDATE: Nevermind. I spoke too soon. Flintoff and Jones out.

Australia ruthless

I went to bed after Hussey made his century thinking Australia were well and truly in charge of this game. I felt sorry for England. But they seemed to bowl with no strategy. Australia, on the other hand, amended their first innings mistakes, conquered Harmisson and Panesar, and set about trying to win the test match. Drawing the game was never an option for the Aussies.

They were in control of the situation. Clarke and Hussey were dancing down the pitch, taking singles on both sides of the wicket, and smashing boundaries at will.

Naturally, I didn't think anything more would shock me afterI woke up this morning, got my cup of coffee, and checked the scoreboard.

My goodness. 102 from 59 deliveries? Are you kidding me?

Gilchrist has effectively ended this series! His onslaught, though I haven't seen it yet on reply, must have been incredibly demoralizing. No wonder most bowlers chose Gilchrist as the "World's Scariest Batsman".

The Aussies have not only given it to England like no other, but they have embarrassed the opposition beyond belief. England have been put in their place. Their Ashes win last year was an anomaly. What I am enjoying about this is how confidant everyone in their camp seemed to be coming in this Ashes series. All the talk in their media was Ashes, Ashes Ashes and how they were the 2nd best test team in the World. Their thrashing at the hands of Sri Lanka and Pakistan was a clear indicator that their class was temporary. Australia don't look like they are going to let up. I am no one to predict but 5-0 seems like the likely scenario. Save face and fly home now is my advice to the English camp.

Monty on fire!!!

Oh! How England must be regretting not playing Panesar in the first 2 test matches! This is great stuff from him on a day one pitch. If only this were the 1st test and not the 3rd...

On a side note, its great sportsmanship how Gilchrist chooses to walk. That's pretty respectable in today's game.

Poll shows 97% of the world* thinks Australia will win the Ashes

There you have it folks. The people have spoken. Australia will win the Ashes.

Though some might say 30 is too small of a polling number to make such broad-based assumptions, I shall stand by my poll and claim that it was a fair survey. I feel 30 a fairly decent sub-section of our populace, and this blog probably attracts a diverse community! The blog stats, after all, indicate that most of my visitors actually hail from the UK. So, in conclusion, 29 to 1, or 97% feel the Aussies will win.

In other news, I shall update my blog poll of the week...umm every week.

*refers to the 30 chaps who took my poll.

Damien Martyn retires

One of Australia's most dependable batsmen, Damien Martyn announced his retirement today. A bit sudden don't you think? And during the Ashes too. Doubt it will effect the outcome though, since rumors pointed towards Andrew Symonds playing in his place anyway. I'd like to say something about him, but I guess he was one of those players who let his bat do the talking for him.

Though wasn't he the fellow who pushed Sharad Powar during the Champions Trophy presentation ceremony?

But you might be wondering how I can tie this up and relate it to Pakistan. Well, while going through his career stats, it was interesting to note that his career test average, as it stands now, is 46.38. His average against Pakistan, however, was a lofty 61.57, which is almost 15 runs higher! Thats also his highest test average against any opponent.

But wait...there's more!

His ODI average against Pakistan though, is on the opposite end of the spectrum. After 28 ODI's, he averaged just 28.31 which incidentally is his lowest average against any country! How interesting is that?

Well, I think it is!

My advice to the England team to avoid another thrashing

Over this thanksgiving break here in the US, I managed to watch 3 of the 5 days of the first Ashes test. I didn't have time to write about it, but I had some thoughts in my mind.

First of all, this test was everything I felt it would turn out to be. England were well and soundly beaten. Australia were clinical and thorough in their approach. Flintoff might claim the damage is not resounding, and the English supporters may point to their defeat in the first test of the 2005 series, but my opinion is that, unless things change dramatically, McGrath's arrogant 2005 prediction of a 5-0 whitewash may come true this time around.

In order to avoid this England need to play Monty and Chris Read. Focusing on just wicket-keeping, Read was unfairly dropped after a decent run with the bat. Clearly Fletcher is a man who like his cronies and favorites around, but in order for his team to win matches, one needs a great wicket keeper. Read is talented and I like his batting style. He is a lot more aggressive. (more on this later)

Watching Ashley Giles bowl was painful. He is out of form and the only way he can get wickets if if they are gifted to him. England needs to put faith in their batsman, give them the added responsibility of playing one less batsmen, and play Monty Panesar. Monty is someone who creates the wicket taking opportunities that England so desperately need. The balance in the end would be worthwhile, as ideally, Australia would not score as much (since Monty would be playing) and thus, there would be less runs to chase (which is good, since you're playing a batsmen less).

As far as their batting goes, the Englishmen need to take a page out of the Australian strategy book and realize that attacking is the best option. Langer's assault on the first morning set the precedent for a huge total. England DO have the players who can bat for 200 odd balls. If they could do so at a strike rate of 75, then we would have a match on our hands. I like Strauss, Cook and Bell. I feel they are the best batsmen on this English side who can provide this role of an anchor. Strauss is an aggressive batsmen by nature, and has the ability to focus for long periods of the game.

Pietersen was brilliant on the 4th day. It was fun watching him bat. I doubt anything affects him and he will be fine for the rest of the series.

Flintoff needs some runs under his belt. I have a feeling the extra bowling responsibility that he is taking on is affecting his batting. Makes sense. I mean, one can only take so much strain. Which is where Panesar comes in. He is a wicket taking bowler and he will provide those long spells allowing the pacemen to rest.

As far as the rest of them go, Sajid Mahmood isn't good enough for a look just yet. Harmisson, Anderson and Hoggard are England's best bets, and will probably improve as the series goes on.

The first Ashes test resulted in complete embarrassment for the English. There was no way, i ever thought they were the second best side in the world. Sadly the Aussies have given them a reality check. However all is not lost. I feel they have the ability to draw this next game. Given the way things are going, a draw would be a remarkable achievement in its own right and a victory of sorts for them.

Ashes: Exciting first session goes Australia's way

The first session just ended and the one thing that stood out for me was Flintoff's fiery exuberance after getting Hayden's wicket. That just serves to complement my beliefs that playing Australia in the Ashes really brings out the best in him. I say that because he was quite dull in Pakistan.

As for Harmison, I don't think he should have been taking off so early, after just 2 overs. Langer was playing streaky shots off him initially and Flintoff was perhaps hasty in his decision. Certainly won't help the chief strikers confidence if your captain takes you off at the first sign of trouble. He should have been given some time to settle into his stride. His second spell was a lot smoother.

Langer, on the other hand, is on a personal mission. He is batting superbly. His aggressive batting is similar to Lara's batting intent yesterday.

Just as I finish this, Langer gets caught! Flintoff strikes! Its swung England's way again! Here comes Martyn....

Great - The Ashes is finally here!

On a side note, thank goodness the Ashes start tomorrow!

I am pretty tired of reading all the hype about them during the past year and I really just want this series to start. The English media in particular seemed to ignore most of the cricket their side played since they won the last Ashes. It's definitely a big deal for both sides, but I don't know if its worth numbing down all the cricket that's not the Ashes. Australia, on the hand, won 11 of 12 tests since, won the Champions Trophy and pretty much were back to their winning ways.

The English batsmen do have what it takes to stand up to the Australia and their bowlers have the ability. Their only hope is that they play brilliantly. Though no one has been really impressive on the English side in the past 15 months, besides perhaps Ian Bell and Alistair Cook, the Ashes brings out the killer instincts amongst players on both sides. I feel England need to work really hard and NOT play the way they have been playing prior to this.

Should be a fun series. I plan on watching it as well. For the sake of the media and fan hype, I hope England does well. My prediction, however, is that they are going to whipped well and truly by the Aussies.

As for all the Australians and all the racism (which definitely exists - from personal experience), I hope this crap stops. I am not too fond of the Aussie mind games and their incessant sledging. It cheapens the sport and make the players and fans look like common bully's and uneducated fools. Just play or watch the damn game, appreciate its competitiveness and keep your mouths shut!