A match-winning workhorse, and MVPs

For a number of years, Michael Kasprowicz's name conjured up images of a third seamer toiling away, keeping the batsmen on a rein until the big boys had rested enough to come back for a second spell. Guess what? Kaspa's all grown up now. After a successful period with Glamorgan last year, where he picked up 77 wickets, he was recalled to the Australian one-day side after a four-year break when Brett Lee was injured. Since then, he cemented his spot with a number of breakthrough performances, replacing Lee in the process.

While Kaspa was effective earlier, he did not devastate sides as consistently as he does today. With 27 wickets in his last 11 games, he isn't a stock bowler anymore. As he showed against New Zealand yesterday, and Pakistan a few days ago, he's a match-winner.

Malik the MVP
Nearly ten years ago, Sri Lanka decided Sanath Jayasuriya was wasted down the order, and pushed him up with immediate and devastating effect. In a similar move, Shoaib Malik was pushed up to No. 3. For Pakistan, the move was vital. Malik would often come in during the end overs, and not fulfill his batting potential. But now, given more time, Malik could settle in before going for his strokes. Two centuries in the Asia Cup, as well as some handy offspin made Malik the find of the tournament, even if Sanath Jayasuriya, another useful allrounder, was man of the series.

So just how handy is he? Since January, Malik has claimed 20% of his side's wickets and scored 13% of their runs, making him a player of enormous value for Pakistan. Only Flintoff and Jacques Kallis play a bigger role for their teams. Significantly for Pakistan and South Africa, two players contribute more than 25% to the team's cause.

Turn, turn, turn
While the established dictum in England is 'put the opposition in to bat', there's a danger in ignoring the fact that spinners are likely to, and most probably will, play an important role in one-dayers at this time of the year. Since 2000, conditions have tended to favour spinners more and more as the year progresses. This has a lot to do with the weather, as well as the amount of wear and tear on pitches used frequently. The bowlers get more grip on the worn-out tracks, and the batsmen don't find the ball coming on to the bat. Though wicked turners are highly unlikely, there is often enough purchase for spinners to do damage. It's enough reason for England to be concerned, as they play Sri Lanka today.