'I'm going to miss the big lug'
Unfettered Shahzad leads Afghanistan's compelling charge
Reader: kanad_boston
Fifty years ago a ten year old boy used to play cricket in a lane in old North Calcutta. Rahmat, an Afghan gentleman, used to watch the boy and his friends play cricket. They invited Rahmat to join them. Rahmat always smiled and said, "Kabuliwalas do not play cricket, but I enjoy watching you play the game", That boy is no longer a boy. But today he is thrilled to see Kabuliwalas do play cricket and a great cricket. Life is a symphony orchestra. "All the best to all Rahmats. Go ahead, you are a great cricket team and a great nation" -- This is a message from that boy.
Where Kohli is better than Tendulkar
Reader: Deepanjan Datta
Good job 'walking the tightrope' yourself and biting the bullet. It was imperative that an exercise in 'compare and contrast' was balanced to annul the counter-arguments. Without going into details of their respective batting credentials, let's just say - India rose with Tendulkar. Like Kapil Dev did in a generation prior (with pace bowling, and general inspirational presence), Tendulkar drove that belief that India can win. His success both as a cricketer and a non-controversial, acceptable sporting icon gave Indian cricket the brand value, financial muscle and advertising mascot rolled in one. Kohli is merely a reflection of these times, when economic liberties, and status of Indian cricket is established. It's an entitlement not because he's just arrogant, but his generation hasn't known it any other way. Tendulkar held our hand and said 'India can win'. Kohli grabs us by the lapels and says 'India will win'.
Shane Watson retires from international cricket
Reader: dunger.bob
Well, I'm going to miss the big lug. He's one of those players who's going to be remembered for his faults rather than his achievements I feel. That's unfortunate because his numbers, as an all-rounder, across all formats, stack up pretty damn well. My favourite Watto things include the ghost story and the Wahab battle but there are heaps of others he can tell his grand kids about. As others (like AussieNSW) have said, Watto is a very decent bloke. Very few airs and graces and a self deprecating sense of humour. .. I'll miss him and I bet the team will too. He's been good.
Reader: PrasPunter
Can't agree more with Daniel. An outstanding talent in limited-overs, wonder what ailed him with red-ball cricket. May be his fitness, may be the search for next Freddie in him or so after we lost Ashes 2005 or what-so-ever. Watto disappointed us in Tests as much as enthralled with the limited-overs versions. The powerful pulls would be the ones for memory. Punter handled Watto very well and it is not coincidence that Watto did really well when Punter was around !! Would Watto end up a hero by winning a World tour for Aus ? That should be a fitting tribute to some-one who excelled in that variant of the game !! Anyway, as the curtains come down, thank you Watto for all !!
India win after WWW in last three balls
Reader: Cricketforpeace
I am an Indian cricket fan. I wish to congratulate Bangladesh team for their sterling performance. I can understand the heart breaking feeling that their fans and countrymen are feeling right now. I sympathize with them. All is not lost for BD cricket as I am confident that their team will continue to improve. My gut feeling is that BD cricket had just turned the corner yesterday. They have proven that they are no more paper tigers. I sincerely hope that India and other countries invite them over to tour their countries from now on a regular basis. International Cricket deserves Bangladesh now more than ever before!