The Surfer
Saqlain Mushtaq hopes to play again
Saqlain Mushtaq was once Pakistan's first-choice spinner
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
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Rohit Mahajan of The Hindustan Times caught up with Saqlain, who left some hints that his cricketing future lies in England.
So much has changed in his life in the last eight years: the mastery of the doosra, acclaim and ignominy, injury and insult — and now a new British passport. Monty Panesar should soon have competition.
Saqlain, though, wishes to play down this talk. He is in his 31st year, a stage in life when spinners peak, but injury troubles have made him prudent, and he's not looking too far ahead — or at least not speaking about it.
Full postCricket slips off the English radar
It was, by any stretch of the imagination, a monstrous weekend for British sport - the Wimbledon men's final, the Silverstone Grand Prix, the start of the Tour de France
Andrew Miller
25-Feb-2013
It was, by any stretch of the imagination, a monstrous weekend for British sport - the Wimbledon men's final, the Silverstone Grand Prix, the start of the Tour de France. But what of England's meek one-day series surrender against West Indies at Trent Bridge? Barely a peep was heard. Mark Nicholas, writing in The Daily Telegraph is incredulous.
The cricket failed to register a passing nod, never mind receive a proper bunk-up. It beggars belief, really. Imagine those Botham-Richards head-to-heads failing to make the radar. I think not. There are reasons for this that are not of the team's making, but they still have to take some of the rap.
Comfort pauses for the bladder-heavy
David Foot of The Guardian delves into an important aspect of a batsman's game.
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
David Foot of The Guardian delves into an important aspect of a batsman's game.
There are many stories about cricket's calls of nature. Some players held out better than others. The popular Glamorgan left-hander Emrys Davies, according to a few Arms Park survivors, could rarely go through a session without the obligatory exit. We can only imagine the torment he went through during 7½ hours at the crease when he made 287 in Newport.
The path-breaking team of 1971
Michael Ferreira, the former world billiards champion, says DilIp Sardesai's heroics sowed the seeds for Sourav Ganguly's assertion of the Indian identity, in The Times of India .
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Michael Ferreira, the former world billiards champion, says DilIp Sardesai's heroics sowed the seeds for Sourav Ganguly's assertion of the Indian identity, in The Times of India.
The developments in the West Indies, took us all by surprise. If memory serves me right, Dilip scored a double century - (212, was it?) - in the first Test and then followed it up with another in the second. He did with such resolute batting, showing no fear.
Ferreira, reflecting on a team that suddenly went on from wanting to draw matches to winning them, feels it’s all to do with one’s mentality.
Full postPathan repeats the learning curve
Ajay S Shankar of the The Sunday Express follows Irfan Pathan’s progress as he goes back to the basics.
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Ajay S Shankar of the The Sunday Express follows Irfan Pathan’s progress as he goes back to the basics.
Pathan finally sought the help of Dennis Lillee and the MRF Pace Academy, the place where he was groomed initially.
Lillee says,
Full postSchofield reborn
Andrew McGlashan
25-Feb-2013
One of the best stories to come out of this year's Twenty20 has been the success of Chris Schofield at Surrey. The former Lancashire and England legspinner has relaunched his county career and claimed 17 wickets in the qualifying stage. Seven years ago he played Tests and was touted as the 'next big thing'. Then it all went wrong and last season he was left trying to forge a living playing Minor Counties and doing some part-time decorating. In The Sunday Times Simon Wilde charts the long road back and finds a motivated cricketer who still has dreams.
Looking back, Schofield, who was born in Rochdale, realises that he should have left Lancashire long before they let him go at the end of the 2004 season. His bowling had been going nowhere for some time and Lancashire were no longer interested in developing it. They had other spinners and the only way he could get in the side was as a batsman. In his last season he bowled just 26 overs in the championship but scored 99 against Warwickshire and 69 against Surrey as a No 6.
Smokers stubbed out
At the beginning of the month the nationwide smoking ban came into force throughout England
Andrew McGlashan
25-Feb-2013
At the beginning of the month the nationwide smoking ban came into force throughout England. Away from the obvious changes to pubs and clubs the new regulations will hit county cricket teams, too. How many photos have their been of Shane Warne puffing away on the balcony during a match? In the Sunday Telegraph, Mike Atherton takes a look back the strong link between cricketers and smoking.
Even the Lancashire dressing room of my time was inhabited by half-a-dozen or so. Nick Speak, Graham Lloyd, Phil DeFreitas, Wasim Akram and Graeme Fowler all paid constant homage to nicotine. Early season Benson and Hedges games, when sponsors not only provided loot but product as well, produced a terrific scramble for those distinctive yellow bricks; even the non-smokers were known to hoard a packet or two to bargain with. How about a few half-volleys in the nets then, Daffy?
Is there more to sport in South Asia than cricket?
Himalmag finds out.
Sriram Veera
25-Feb-2013
Himalmag finds out.
Boria Mazumdar believes cricket has transformed India, as much as India has transformed the sport.
Cricket today provides India a feel-good space, where nearly all differences can be overcome. The assertion of an Indian ‘identity’, the expression of cultural nationalism or the feeling of a common emotion – these are no longer confined to the stadium and post-match activities. For instance, a poll conducted a few years back found that more than 50 percent of India’s youth would prefer to live in another country. However, as journalist Sandipan Deb has observed: “Even when they do go away to some other country, they have a live cricket scorecard open surreptitiously on their computer monitors throughout their working day, and they turn out in daunting numbers at the stadium whenever India’s playing in their adopted country.” The global Indian wants simultaneously to escape his country and to embrace it. Clearly, cricket is no longer a mere ‘national’ obsession.
Michael Roberts looks at the ceylonese origins of cricket in Sri Lanka.
Full postIrfan Pathan back to swinging days
Sriram Veera
25-Feb-2013
Is he back to his best? Is he out of the lean patch? Pradeep Kumar, of Times of India, finds out.
Everything is going well. I working on on my routines well. My fitness level is high. I am bowling well and even played a game in which I bowled 17 overs. I am feeling very positive now. I cannot say anything more now. I'm waiting for things to happen. I just need to be patient.
Let's hope Twenty20 can beat backlash
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
Tanya Aldred in The Guardian reflects that after four bumper years, the lousy weather has hit the rollercoaster success of the Twenty20 Cup.
This year, things have soured. Divine retribution may have been a long time coming, but the rain hasn't stopped. The ECB hired four extra Super Sopper machines but still the matches are called off. Counties face a torrent of refunds and an equally unattractive administrative mountain. Umpires have asked for more protection - Peter Willey has spoken of getting in "professional security". The Hampshire bus was stoned and the players abused at Southgate, and the Middlesex players were relieved of their wallets. A combination of rain and alcohol has brought out the inner oik in some spectators. The ECB have pledged to act.