Comedy of errors

India and South Africa are ranked 1 & 2 respectively in test cricket and 2 & 3 respectively in ODIs. Very little separates these two, at least in the sub continent. It was no different in the first ODI between these two teams. But as they say, India may not be the best team in the world but it is the most exciting team to watch. If you had any doubts they would have been cleared after watching last match. South Africa required more than 60 runs at an asking rate of about 13. In fact it is not easy to get those runs in one over forget about getting it in 5 overs with Steyn and Parnell on the pitch. It was here that Indians decided that the match was too one-sided. The solution? Well, transform Steyn and Parnell to Gibsy and Smithy respectively and yes transform Sreeshanth and Nehra to... guess what? Yes you are right. Mashrafe Mortaza. Now we have a game on. Yahoo! The end result will be decided by who blinks first. And it has to be South Africa because Indians were sleeping till penultimate over. So, once again our meticulous planning and execution injected much needed life in the most lifeless form of cricket. Can you imagine cricket world without India?

Rally round the West Indies

Are West Indians coming to the party finally? Well there have been many false dawns in last 15 years or so but this one looks genuine. Adrian Barath, Kemar Roach, Kieron Pollard and Narsingh Deonarine look to be a very good prospect for West Indies cricket's future. I am very eager to see Roach team up with Edwards and Taylor (not against India though). Add to it this line up Gayle, Shiv, Sarwan, Bravo and Benn. This team now looks decent enough to me as far as limited overs cricket is concerned. The Twenty20 world cup is in Carribean this time and I hope we have a much better organization and contest than 2007 ODI world cup. I have a lot of expectations from this West Indies side. Having only heard of the aura of Lloyd's men I want to see the passion of West Indies crowd after they put up good show as hosts on and off the ground. Best of luck West Indies.