The World of International Cricket

The World of International Cricket deviation

2010-06-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hi this is Jim Nariel from cricketbatwillow.blogspot.com

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All the best, enjoy and use the report and we will return to Hiking next post

Cricket Twenty20 2010 Clips

2010-05-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

Cricket and the discussion over the Twenty 20 Lottery

2010-05-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

Twenty20 cricket is often described as being a lottery. Is this a fair description? Does it do the game justice?

Cricket is one of the oldest games on the planet. As with every great sport it seems (cricket, tennis, golf) the English invent it and then the rest of the world beat them at it. It's just a matter of time.

The same thing happened with cricket's newest form of the game - Twenty 20. The English invented it and it was first showcased on the county circuit. Since its inception there have been two Twenty20 world cups with the victors emerging from the subcontinent - India winning in the inaugural event in 2007 and Pakistan emerging victorious in England in 2009. With the third twenty20 world cup in the Caribbean only a few days away it's time to make a few predictions on the potential outcome of the tournament...

Here's the thing. The cricket purists of the game don't like Twenty20 that much. There is a perception that Twenty20 cricket tips the game even further in the favour of the batsmen and against the bowler. Furthermore, many suggest that the shorter format of the game reduces it to a bit of a lottery. In just 20 overs either side can win and it just comes down to who can ride their luck the most.

Now I'd be the first to admit that I love test cricket. For my money it is the pinnacle of the game that should be the measure of any cricketer. But at the same time there is great beauty in the Twenty20 game. Bit hitting makes those people that don't even consider themselves cricket fans stand up and take notice. We've seen a level of excitement in the game that looked like perennially waning. T20 cricket has seen the advent of some of the most innovative shots to ever be seen - the most notable is of course the Dilscoop, but we've also seen the constant evolving nature of both the reverse and conventional sweep. It's all testament to how multi faceted cricket is and just how great a game it truly is.

But is it really that much of a lottery? There's a school of thought out there to suggest it isn't. Here's why. Spin has played a prominent role. Bowlers actually win matches as well as batsmen (whilst their figures don't look good in conventional terms). And finally, teams that have more matchwinners in their sides over the course of a tournament tend to go further.

Of course there is a flipside, but can we truly call Twenty20 cricket a lottery?

For the best place on the web to make your latest cricket bet click http://www.worldcricketbet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Siddall

The mongoose Cricket bat inventor

2010-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

The world of Cricket bats

2010-05-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

Cricket bats are the key tool used in cricket other than the ball. Bats are described as paddle shaped, flat on one side but V shaped on the opposite side. This is said to improve airflow around the bats making them swing faster and with more power. The material bats are made from is willow wood, this is the wood of choice for the bats because it is tough, light weight and shock resistant. The bats are also treated with linseed oil, this is used to provide additional protection and also creates more friction on the ball giving batters more control while playing cricket.

Before the 18th century cricket bats were shaped similarly to current day hockey sticks. This suggests that early games of crickets were played using shepherds crooks as the bats. Although there is not a great deal of evidence about the very early cricket there is still a bat in existence from 1729 and this is representative of the early shape of the cricket bat.

When purchasing new cricket bats it is imperative that proper care is taken to ensure the bat is well prepared for the game of cricket to last a great deal of time. Before a brand new cricket bat is ever used it should be knocked in. The process of knocking a bat in is done by hitting the bat with either a cricket ball repeatedly are using a special cricket mallet. The process of knocking in a cricket bat will compact the fibres in the willow wood making it stronger, so when it first used it will not break. The process of knocking in can take anything from 3 to 6 hours and will often consist of the bat being hit 8000 to 9000 times. Pre-knocked bats are available on the market at a slightly higher price but this saves the time of the player having to knock the bat in, installing confidence when playing that the bat will stand up to the task in hand.

Law 6 of cricket says that cricket bats must be no more than 97 centimetres in length and no more than 10.8 centimetres in width. Importantly it states that the hand holding the bat is considered part of the bat, therefore the hand hits the ball it counts as a hit. Also the rule states that bats may be made of no material other than wood.

When selecting the type of cricket bats you wish to use you must carefully consider the type of player you are, whether it is a big hitter or someone who likes to pick and choose their strokes while batting. Also you must consider the size and weight of the cricket bats before purchase as all too often players performances are hindered by picking a bat the is too small or large or that weighs too much. It is recommended that a lighter bat be used, especially at a young age, to help with the control of the ball when playing.

Established in 1973, Morrant Group Ltd is a family run business with over 35 years experience in mail order team sports equipment. Father, Daughter, Son and staff are working hard every day to ensure that our company achieves its aim. We sell a range of sports gear, including cricket bats and other goods. Please visit our website at http://www.morrant.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shantelle_Hynes

Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup

2010-05-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

The world of IPL in the moden Cricket game

2010-05-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Style of IPL
To begin off, the IPL is now firmly established on both the Indian and the world cricket scenario. The entire procedure including auctions, glamour, filmstars, hype and media fervor adds to the excitement and charm and it feels like watching cricket in a bullfight arena.

The Indian Premiere League is a decidedly different experience than the kind of cricket we used to see in our childhood, with the lone batsman playing ball after ball, refusing to give ground or leave the wicket. I remember how frustrated the entire crowd used to get at those snail pacers who were only after creating personal records at the cost of team victory.

One-Day Cricket Saves the Day but Still Insufficient for Today's Pace
It of-course started with Australian millionaire Kerry Packer's concept of bringing cricket to the arena of professional sports from the arena of amateurs. However, Kerry Packer's initial proposals met with contempt from those opposed to change, people who did not ignore reality found a middle-way and One Day Cricket was born. It became an instant hit. The frenzy and popularity made it clear to sports organizers that sports lovers and cricket fans loved it. One-Day Cricket, being of limited duration brought all the energy and capital together in a short and brilliant spurt. It opened the new age of cricket. The T20 came as a logical step to take cricket into the fully professional squad.

IPL Is the Best Bet to Save Indian Cricket
I think the Indian Premiere League is an excellent concept because professional management, big industry investment and involvement, and high fees of players negate the possibilities of match fixing. Simple cricket fans like us can watch honest games, and relax knowing market dynamics is creating the best possible fun combination on the cricket fields.

The Actual Official Website and Online Store of IPL
However, it remains that the IPL having gained fame will become the target of those trying to make a quick buck. I have seen several websites on the Internet, which seem to be entirely dedicated to the Indian Premiere League, and also trying to sell dubious merchandise for cricket fans at unreasonable prices.

If we feel that IPL is good for Indian Cricket, and the Indian Premiere League 2010 needs our support to pull through the blames of discrimination cast upon it, it is also our duty to avoid spurious businesses that try to cash in on the popularity of IPL.

IPL Merchandise - Infibeam.com is an exciting new online destination and community that focuses on selling latest Mobiles, Books, Cameras, Apparels, Jewellery, Beauty Products and Best Books Online in India at guaranteed lowest price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doshi_Rahul

Cricket Information

2010-05-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

What you need to play cricket

2010-05-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

There is a range of cricket ground equipment needed to play a successful game of cricket. The equipment used must fulfill specific requirements in regards to the rules and regulations of the game of cricket.

When setting up the cricket ground equipment the first few basic items required are the boundary and the sight screen. The boundary has 2 primary uses within cricket. Firstly the boundary is simply used to mark out the edge of the playing field, marking out the area of play. Secondly the boundary is used for the scoring of runs within the game of cricket, where a four is when the ball reaches the boundary, but a six is when the ball is hit clean over it. A sight screen is another very important piece of cricket ground equipment that must be set up before playing a game of cricket. The purpose of a cricket sight screen in crickets is to aid the visibility of the ball. The sight screens are placed at each end of the cricket ground opposite to the wickets, the colour of the sight screens makes seeing the cricket ball easier for the batsman. The sight screen also helps block out any distractions through light or otherwise that the bowler or batsman may face, which in turn help improve player performance.

The third piece of cricket ground equipment that is needed before starting to play cricket is the stumps and bails. The stumps are 3 wooden polls that are placed vertically in the ground directly behind the batter at each end of the pitch. Stumps are no more than 28 inches tall and have a spike at the end to be easily put into the ground. The bails are two small pieces of wood that sit on top of the stumps to link them together. In a game of cricket the batter is out when the stumps are broken apart, with one or both of the bail's leaving the stumps. This can happen through the ball hitting the wicket, the batter hitting the wicket with their bat or if a fielder hits the wicket with the hand the ball is in.

The final two pieces of cricket ground equipment needed to begin your game of cricket is a ball and a bat. A regulation cricket ball has a cork base, and is wrapped in twine which is covered with leather. Cricket balls are also normally red or white, and very hard making them a potentially dangerous object when playing a game. A regulation cricket bat is often made from either Kashmir or English willow. A cricket bat has a long handle and on smooth face, with the other face in a triangular shape. Regulations also state that bats can be no longer than 38 inches and no wider than 4.25 inches.

With the amount of cricket ground equipment needed it is very important not only to purchase high quality items that will last but also affordable to save on major costs. Should you have any questions about the equipment available always to be sure to ask a customer representative at your cricket ground equipment supplier and they will always be willing to help.

Established in 1973, Morrant Group Ltd is a family run business with over 35 years experience in mail order team sports equipment. Father, Daughter, Son and staff are working hard every day to ensure that our company achieves its aim. We sell a range of sports gear, including cricket ground equipment and other goods. Please visit our website at http://www.morrant.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shantelle_Hynes

How to put on a Cricket bat Grip

2010-04-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

How Cricket bat grips can improve your game

2010-04-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

For all levels of cricket players, from the guy that plays professionally down to the weekend cricket player that has just begun playing, there is a desire to work to improve one's game. Some of this work comes from practice, specifically batting practice to work on batting technique and timing. With practice, a batter can be able to easily score runs off even the best bowler. However, there are many other ways to work on one's game. One of these is trying out various cricket bat grips to find the one that works the best for you.

What is the Cricket Bat Grip?

The grip of the cricket bat is the area where they batter holds the bat. The grip is made of a number of different materials including rubber and leather. As technology has evolved for the sport of cricket, cricket bat grips have come a long way since the inception of the modern cricket bat. The grip has two critical jobs that require a very specialised material. A grip must cushion but still allow good control. The cushioning, or anti-shock effect, allows the batter to more comfortably hit repeatedly. The shock of the bat making contact with the ball, over the course of a game, can cause fatigue in the hands of even the most hardened batter. By adding a grip made of anti shock material, it reduces this fatigue. The other job of the cricket bat grip material is to provide a surface that has sufficient friction to ensure that the bat doesn't go flying with a really hard swing.

Choosing the Right Grip Material

There are many different options and opinions as to what is the best grip material for a cricket bat. Some emphasise the anti-shock properties while others emphasise how well the grip sticks. The two need to be balanced, but that balance will vary depending on the person. However, the extremes can be discussed. A grip that offers truly superior anti-shock properties at the expense of all else will be hard to hold onto and can even make the bat twist slightly when it makes contact with the ball. In other words, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. However, someone with a lot of hand strength that squeezes the grip tightly will need more anti-shock material than someone that doesn't hold the bat as tightly.

The amount of grip that each type of grip material offers too, can be too much. Something really sticky may ensure a good grip on the bat but could also cause pain and blisters with repeated use. On top of this, a truly sticky grip material would become less and less sticky as dirt, skin contact and skin oils all work to stop the grip from being as sticky. Most people find that they prefer a texturised grip of some sort that offers grip through friction. Some purists still use leather as well because it cannot be beat for those that have sweaty hands or for those playing in wet conditions. However, proper care of the leather and there being products with better anti-shock properties, make some choose a rubber-based grip instead.

Are you looking for Cricket Bat Grips for your sports club or just for your hobby? If so then speak to Sckub Sports. For more information on the company please visit the website at http://www.sckub.co.uk/epages/Store2_Shop1043.sf

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Worthington

Imran Khan the cricket Legend

2010-03-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Cricket bowling legend Imran Khan

2010-03-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Inspirational leader, mentor, genuine all-rounder and talented cricketer describe a true Pakistan legend. Imran Khan was certainly one of the greatest Pakistan cricketers ever and one of the best all-rounders in the game of cricket. Such a legend was Imran Khan that he defined the term world-class all-rounder. That he was an inspirational captain who transformed Pakistan into a formidable Test team and World Cup Champions in 1992 augmented his value.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan on November 25th, 1952, Khan made his First class debut as a teenager in the 1969/1970 domestic season. His immense talent was immediately apparent, precipitating his selection to the Pakistan Test team in 1971- at the tender age of 19. Khan- an exponent of fast swing bowling and an accomplished batsman- became a fixture on the Pakistan team in a career that spanned two decades. In a Pakistan team that placed emphasis on youth, Khan's durability was a mark of his class.

Khan was the first true star of Pakistan cricket. He possessed qualities that made him a very marketable cricketer and raised the profile of the game in Pakistan. Many young Pakistanis looked up to Imran Khan as a role model- leading to more interest in fast bowling on a spin-dominated sub-continent. Khan was a pioneer for fast bowling in Pakistan- inspiring other pace bowlers like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

Khan's statistics at the highest level indicated that he was not merely an exceptional all-rounder. As a batsman, he was well above average. However, he was also a genuine strike bowler with figures that are the envy of specialist bowlers. From 88 Tests, Khan garnered 3,807 runs at a fine average of 37.69. He scored six Test hundreds- more than some specialist batsmen do in their careers. If Imran's betting was good, his bowling was great. Khan plucked an amazing 362 Test scalps at a metronomic average of 22.81. His strike rate of 53.7 was the hallmark of a genuine front-line bowler.

In ODIs, Khan's figures were equally remarkable. From 175 matches, Khan took 182 wickets and was parsimonious with an economy rate of 3.89. His ODI batting average of 33.41 with a strike rate of 72 demonstrated his pivotal role in Pakistan's lower middle order.

Imran Khan spent a considerable amount of time on the English county circuit- more than he spent in Pakistan's domestic leagues. He played for teams like Worcestershire and Sussex of England and had a couple of seasons with Australian side New South Wales in the early 80s. Khan's First class career- spanning 22 years- was illustrious. He played 382 First class matches from 1970 to 1992, scored more than 17,000 runs and took 1287 wickets.

Khan's career ended in glory- the type of end that befitted a legend. He was captain on the side that defeated England by 22 runs to capture Pakistan's first World Cup title. Since his retirement from competitive cricket, he became a cricket administrator and politician. No scriptwriter could have scripted Imran Khan's story any better. He left as a legend and with the title of world champion. Indeed, Imran Khan was a champion in his own right- one of cricket's finest.

Darrell Victor is a freelance writer and cricket enthusiast from the West Indies. For articles on West Indies cricket, read: Reasons for the decline of West Indies cricket: http://www.helium.com/items/1264594-west-indies-cricket. A West Indian Perspective on Test cricket: http://www.helium.com/items/1258936-test-cricket

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Victor

How to bowl the perfect delivery in Cricket

2010-03-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

How to Bowl the Perfect Cricket Wicket Taking Delivery

2010-03-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

So you want to improve your bowling? Worry not as there are a few techniques and measures you can take to improve your bowling figures.

Firstly, before you start to engage in any bowling, it is always a good idea to ensure you warm up. These are your general muscle warm ups to make sure that you do not pull or tear anything.

Once you have warmed up its now time to ensure that you have a proper run up. You can do this by going to the crease and imitating your run up in reverse. This will enable you to make sure you have the correct number of steps and may even help you eliminate bowling the dreaded no ball. This is quite common and you will often see many bowlers doing this. For those of you that don't know, this is why they grab a bit of sand and place it on the ground as this is their marker.

So, now we get on to the run up. The run up is crucial which helps to deliver speed and power to your wicket taking delivery. Initially start with small steps and then start to take bigger strides until you are in full motion. The run up should be quite comfortable and this is where marking your steps will help. Your head should be straight, still and focussed on where you want to bowl.

As you approach the crease, you need to think about where you will be bowling, where your fielders are placed and also trying to get as close to the crease as possible without giving away any extras. As you bowl your wicket taking delivery ensure that you completely follow through to get maximum power and to avoid injury.

All the above are crucial in helping you bowl the perfect wicket taking delivery. There is one main point left which is the ACTUAL place where you should bowl. In cricket, if you want to make it as a top flight bowler, then line and length are probably the most crucial elements that one needs to master. Bowlers such as Australia's Glen McGrath is world renowned for consistency bowling line and length each and every time. Even through times of injury, he always came back to be ranked in the top.

So what is line and length? The line is the route of the ball in accordance with the batsmens stumps. The length is where the ball bounces and pitches. As batsmen do not need to hit every ball, the bowler needs to invite the batsmen to hit the ball which will in effect increase their chances of taking a wicket. Cricketing legend Geoffrey Boycott calls this area the 'corridor of uncertainty' as the ideal place to bowl. The key is to create doubt in a batsmen's mind whether to play on the front or back foot and whether to play the shot at all. Ideally, this should be based around the 'off stump' region, not too wide and not too tight.

So in summary, a good posture and run up are important but the main ingredient of a top class wicket taking delivery is line and length. Keep practising and working on this and you can't go wrong.

Z Fazal has been writing articles for many years. His website Cheap Hotels Benidorm can be found at http://cheaphotelsbenidorm.com/ which helps people looking for accommodation in this popular Spanish town.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zaheer_Fazal

Cricket IPL match one day old RR vs DC

2010-03-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Top reasons why the Cricketing IPL league is glamour and much more

2010-03-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

T20 has given a new meaning to cricket. Cricket started with test matches and went till one day and now, its brand new format is twenty20. With the victory in Twenty20 World Cup Cricket Tournament in South Africa, this format has become India's beloved game. After seeing so much praise, BCCI has tried and given it a new dimension in India with IPL T20.

Indian premiere league proved itself last year. In order to start this idea BBCI has taken the support from cricket boards of various countries, so that they allow their players to play in the IPL Cricket League. They are being paid heavy sums for doing so.

Auctions of the players and the state teams have attracted many big business houses, bollywood stars and millionaires from all around the world. These big names that are paying certainly do make a difference in the game.

In India, people consider cricket as a religion than just a sport. This passion for the game has written the success story of this format and league. This league has not given only cricket but lots of entertainment also through Bollywood stars, cheerleaders, music, etc.

In this league there are eight teams representing various regions of India and these teams are combined with international cricket stars and domestic players. They play matches in the twenty20 format against each other. Every team will be playing two matches against another team and the four highest winners will be playing two semifinals. The semifinal winners will then play the finale of the game. This gives the lot of action to the cricket lovers all around the world.

IPL T20 is a league which gives a chance to the domestic players to improve their game and learn from their seniors. In this, every team has to play only 20overs. This is shortest form of cricket which has given tallest of height to cricket.

Sonal Arya has completed her Ph.d in Archeology. She is an author and offering advice for quite some time. She provides useful advice through her articles that have been found very useful. Please visit here to information on IPL T20 [http://www.indiancricketleagues.co.in], Indian cricket league, live score [http://www.indiancricketleagues.co.in/icl_live_score.php] and ICL cricket league.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonal_Arya

The best cricket in Barbados

2010-03-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Top Cricket in Barbados

2010-03-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Cricket in Barbados usually takes place in the Kensington Oval stadium in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. The national sport of Barbados is cricket and is a favourite sport in the Caribbean in general as the fans of The West Indies team flock to the world-class matches at the Kensington Oval. Barbados cricket is also hosts matches with some of the worlds top players such as batmen Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Chris Gaylle. Some of the best & fastest bowlers that play are Pedro Collins and Tino Best. Many guests that stay at Crossbow Villa love to have a day out at the cricket!

Cricket in Barbados has become that important that it is often regarded as being one of the international cricket capitals and even largely contributes to the West Indies team with famous Barbadian players such as Wes Hall, Sir Garfield Sobers, the late Keith Boyce, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and David Allen. Some of the more famous current players are Corey Collymore and Ian Bradshaw.

You can visit the Kensington Oval to see a good game of Barbados cricket at almost any time. It's only a short drive away from Crossbow Villa too! There are all sorts of different Barbados Cricket matches taking place including the international Test Match, One-Day games, first division matches or beach friendly games as well as fun cricket games on the village green or local open pasture field. Whatever you choose to do and wherever you go on a day out from Crossbow Villa, you'll find Barbados Cricket matches a joyous occasion!

Crossbow Villa Barbados is located in St James, Westmoreland, a lovely area with beautiful sea views located just five minutes from the famous Barbadian West Coast.Crossbow Villa has eight bathrooms and six bedrooms, a formal 12 seater coral carved stone dining room and has just undergone a complete refurbishment.If you are looking to rent out any villas in Barbados or find out further information about holidaying in Barbados, please visit our website at http://www.luxuryvillasbarbados.com for detailed reviews, news and photos.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_R_Freeman

Sachin Tendulkar in the Mumbai Indians Team

2010-03-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

IPL 3 Twenty20 Cricket Fever - Are You Ready?

2010-03-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

If you are an ardent fan of the modernized cricket and you enjoyed the glamor and excitement that came along with the Indian Premier League - Then you have a reason to cheer about. The much awaited IPL is back to make the country go crazy in 2010.

There are 97 players who have registered for the IPL 2010 auction. The list of players includes a maximum of 26 players from Pakistan, 17 from Sri Lanka, 12 from South Africa, 9 from New Zealand, 9 from Australia, 8 from West Indies, 8 from England, 2 from Bangladesh, 2 from Zimbabwe, 2 from Canada, 1 Ireland and 1 from the Netherlands. The players will be listed in the January 19th auction if the franchises express interest in them. Last year in 2009, out of 100 that registered 50 were in auction.

Several individuals and companies have shown a growing interest in owning IPL teams, such as actors Ajay Devgan, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, and the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.

Bidders will be offered a choice of 8 to 10 cities that can be made their home team venues and they will be allowed to bid for any number of cities. The highest two bids will be chosen and companies will use the name of that city as their home base and sport their team brand.

The final schedule of IPL 2010 which is to be played in India rather than an international location has been announced. The first match will be held between the defending champions Deccan Chargers and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The IPL 2010 will begin on 12th March and the final match will be on 25th April, 2010. A few new venues - Vishakapatnam, Ahmedabad and Dharamsala have been added apart from the existing 8 home venues of each of the teams. This time no new teams will be added but new players including the former ICL players will be available for auction for IPL 3.

Initially, the craze started when top Industrialists like Mukesh Ambani and Celebrities like Shah Rukh khan participated in the auction and successfully won the bids for owning franchises in the Indian Premier League. The highest amount in this auction was for the Mumbai team. This team was successfully bid for an astonishing amount of $111.9 million or Rs. 503.5 Crores by Reliance Industries' Chairman Mukesh Ambani. The next highest was for the Bangalore team which was successfully bid for $111.6 million or Rs. 502.2 Crores by the liquor king Vijay Malaya.

This huge amount of money was never seen in the history of cricket. The prize money announced was three times the prize money of a cricket world cup. This is the main reason why the cricketers from all around the world are trying to make their place in the Indian Premier League. IPL has managed to squash everything in its way & create history in the world of cricket.

Cricket is considered to be more like a religion in India than just a sport. And the God of cricket is here. So it's going to be yet another season full of enthusiasm, excitement, glamor, & fun. The pre- IPL craze says it all. It is going to be a success story all over again. So gear yourself up and get ready for IPL 2010. You surely wouldn't want to miss it, would you?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rama_Swamy

Some more great cricket test match highlights

2010-03-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Cricket Test match England vs Bangadesh test number 2

2010-03-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

England 496 and 209 for 1 (Cook 109*, Pietersen 74*)
beat Bangladesh 419 and 285 (Shakib 96, Tamin 52, Tredwell 4-82) by nine wickets

What was at times a fluctuating contest turned into a comfortable victory for England as Alastair Cook finished his first tour in charge with a controlled, unbeaten 109 and Kevin Pietersen continued his return to form with a 74 to complete a nine-wicket victory and a clean sweep. England remain the only team to have an unbeaten record against Bangladesh, but have been made to work hard for their success by a home side that showed signs of development but still frustrated with fundamental mistakes.

It was particularly satisfying for Cook to guide his side home with his 12th Test hundred, having copped plenty of criticism for some naive captaincy through the tour. It was, as ever, more efficient than spectacular, as he picked off the generous offerings from a tiring Bangladesh attack. His toe-ended cut to bring up three figures and slog-sweep through midwicket to seal the result were both fitting as he proved captaincy would not affect his dogged batting.

Before a ball had been bowled on this tour Cook was left out of England's preliminary Twenty20 squad, but in every match since he's shown how his game has developed. Adding a touch of adventure to his steely temperament he ended as the leading scorer in the series after making a career-best 173 in the first Test and demonstrated an authority that had been missing during his struggle form form last year.

Needing 209 at almost four an over after Shakib Al Hasan's fighting 96 kept England in the field until after lunch, Bangladesh had a chance to squeeze the visitors, but they couldn't muster the resolve. Shakib looked exhausted, having made 141 runs and bowled 66 overs in the game. He wondered around the field with his arms folded and, rather than open with himself, allowed Shafiul Islam and Abdul Razzak to gift England an easy start.

The openers had strolled to 40 before there was any trouble - albeit through another dubious umpiring decision. Jonathan Trott was given run out by the third umpire when the only replay available showed the stumps broken only after Trott had made the crease. It only added to the catalogue of poor decisions in this game, but unlike the previous ones had no bearing on the match.

If anything it only hastened Bangladesh's demise as Pietersen demonstrated the flair that separates him from the rest of his England team-mates. Using his feet to drive the spinners beautifully and unfurling the occasional switch hit, he appeared to recover the swagger that made him such a force before his Achilles injury. He will face sterner examinations soon, but can head off to the IPL in good spirits.

For moments on the final day, like periods throughout the series, Bangladesh offered stubborn resistance, only to crumple when more something substantial could have been built. On his 23rd birthday, Shakib bristled with intent as he tried to carry his side to a position of safety. Needing to both extend the lead and take time out of the game he shunned the cautiousness his opposition favour and took the game to England.

Almost from the off he made his intentions clear, chipping down the crease to the quick bowlers and scything cuts and drives through the off side regularly. At the other end Shafiul Islam blended defence with purpose as the pair added 60 in 14 overs. England looked ragged but rather than stick with their captain, Shakib's team-mates were unable to resist the flighted temptation of James Tredwell with Shafiul and Naeem Islam both gifting their wickets at crucial moments.

It meant the momentum Shakib created was wasted and he was marooned with the last-man Rubel Hossain when still 14 short of a deserved hundred. Again Shakib backed aggression to get him through, taking 10 from the first five balls of Tredwell's opening over after lunch. But, just one shot away and with a field set tantalising tight in on the single, Shakib couldn't resist running down the wicket and having an enormous swipe. He missed and despite a forlorn dive was stumped to end hopes of a hundred and Bangladesh's chances of forcing a draw. It was a deflating end that killed off both Shakib and his team's heart for the fight

How to bat like Viv Richards - if you dare to dream

2010-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

One of the best Batsman in the World of Cricket

2010-03-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

You knew when he was coming. The outgoing batsman would already have disappeared into the pavilion, and the expectation of what was to follow filled the air. Viv kept you waiting ... time to ponder.

Then he appeared, sauntering, swaggering, arms windmilling slowly. He would take guard, and then, head tilted back slightly and cudding his gum, he would walk a few paces down the pitch to tap it while looking the bowler in the eye. It was calculated menace and magnificent theatre from arguably the most devastating batsman of all time. How to bowl to him? Get him to the other end, perhaps. Hold your nerve, do not take what might follow as personal. Occasionally he was vulnerable early on if his desire to dominate overwhelmed him. But he had no weakness until his eyesight infinitesimally, but inevitably, started to let him down and those eye-shots became harder. His strengths were on the front foot.

So far forward could he get that he was able to plant that left foot outside the line of off stump, at once eliminating lbw and creating his own leg-stump line from where he would flick bowlers relentlessly through midwicket. Or he might send a similar ball skimming through extra cover. Straighten the ball down the line of the stumps and the bowler stood a chance, but he rarely missed and they ran a terrible risk. His power was awesome, he hooked devastatingly and never wore a helmet, rocking back from his front-foot base to take the ball from his eyeline in front of square. Occasionally, for no apparent reason, he would block an over in immaculate fashion, seemingly in defensive position before the ball had left the bowler's hand. Then, refreshed, off he would go again.

See the best swing bowlers in cricket

2010-03-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

How to perform swing bowling in Cricket

2010-03-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Joys of Swing Bowling:

In Swing bowling the ball deviates as the ball moves in the air either towards (in swinger) or away (out swinger) from the batsman. Key factor that invokes the swing is the release of the ball in mid air to take a parabolic action rather than dig it in short. Holding the seam position upright is essential to generate swing. Further effort should be to bowl from as close to the stumps with a high arm action and head steady and level. Richard Hadlee's action was found to be closest to perfect bowling action. Anyone taking up swing bowling seriously would do a lot good to review his action in great detail. Do not trade speed for good length at early age as without speed it is not possible to generate decent enough swing and almost no reverse. Further the acceleration in the run up should be gradual. Windy conditions aids swing bowlers. If the wind is blowing east to west it is better to get the best out swing bowler with his out-swing following the wind direction and making it more difficult for the batsmen to negotiate. Deviation in swing bowling is induced by the bowlers whereas in seam bowling the deviation is random and not induced by the bowler.

Outswing Bowling: Seam position is held near the traditional slip with the shiny side inside (right) and rough side outside (left). Aerodynamics bring to action laminar air flow on the shiny side and turbulent air flow on the rough side as the turbulent air flow is later than the laminar flow the ball moves in the direction of the turbulent or rough side making the ball move away for the right hander.

Bowlers use this delivery to generate false shots - Edge to the wicket keeper or slip region early in the innings by pitching the delivery on or around the off stump and generating enough swing, inducing errors in the batsman's mind - The region around the off stump is also termed as corridor of uncertainty by many players. Key Exponent: Past: Andy Roberts, Kapil Dev, Dennis Lillee, Richard Hadlee, Glenn Mcgrath, Botham, Curtly Ambrose, Allan Donald. Present: Shaun Pollock, BretLee, James Anderson, Jacques Kallis.

In-Swing Bowling: Seam position is held near the leg slip region with the shiny side out (left) and the rough side inside (right). The flow in this case is turbulent on the right side and movement towards the right hander after pitching. An in swinger becomes potent when it is bowled as an in swinging Yorker.

Bowlers use this delivery to great advantage against left handers as the ball would move away for a left hander and induce edges.

Also when there is variable bounce, bowling an in swinger to a right hander would get wickets when the ball keeps low and the batsmen in unable to get his bat in time and gets bowled or trapped in front. Otherwise with normal bounce it is far easier to play an in swinger for a new batsman than an outswinger. Key Exponent: Past: Imran Khan, Courtney Walsh, Whispering Death (Michael Holding), Wasim Akram. Present: Shoaib Akhtar, Lasith Malinga, Irfan Pathan, Mathew Hoggard, Makhaya Ntin .

Bala
http://www.cricketmorethanagame.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Balachander_Subramanian

The countdown for the Cricket World Cup in India

2010-03-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

The wonder of the Cricket World Cup

2010-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Cricket - the national sport of the British that has known to become a favorite of many nations with its sensational field action, the high energy vibes and the electrifying audience. It adds much life to this otherwise boring game that was known only to the 'men in white'. What initially was a drag of a game played at idle to enjoy the sunny weather and is played all over the world, around the year, be it sunny, cloudy, cold or sweaty.

This game spread over consecutive days was made succinct, by introducing the new strategy of one-days involving fifty overs to score, for both the participating teams. White uniforms gave away to colorful attires matching the national colors of the countries. The banal red ball was switched for an exclusive white one and the speculators now encompass of virtually the entire world.

With the advent of the one-days came the world cups; the thrills, the chills, the oomph and battle. With nations trying to slaughter on ground the opponents with their wit, acumen, skill, endeavor and patience. Held after every four years; this is one event the world waits and enjoys to its best, celebrating action with a vigor and style.

The celebrations are unique and dynamic on their own, from official sound tracks to complete advertising campaigns; the ambience depicts to its best the epic world cup fever. It is the time for making, breaking and remaking new records. It all began in the year 1975, when the first world cup was held in England, with eight participating teams who played fifteen matches in fifteen days. The first three tournament are sometimes referred to as the 'Prudential Cups' as they were sponsored by the Prudential Plc., a financial service company. The final match was held between West Indies and Australia in the Lord's stadium, during the first world cup.

It was in 1992 that the colored uniforms were introduced. The cricket world cup is considered to be the world's third largest and most viewed sporting event, according to one survey. On the record, Australia has won the cricket world cup three times, with West Indies close behind by winning it twice. However, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have won the world cup once.

With more nations trying to strive to win the honor of achieving the world cup to take back home, the competition has become ferocious. Even the team players work hard to be a part of the refined skill pool that makes a world cup playing team. This leading tournament organized by the international Cricket Council offers much perks to its participating teams and the viewers across the globe and entails outstanding performances that one can cheer for.

To learn about the cricket world cup please visit http://www.cricketmove.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hamza_Ejaz

India vs Sri Lanka in Cricket Twenty 20

2010-03-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Twenty-20 cricket - a game for specialist cricketers

2010-03-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Twenty-20 is the compact version of cricket that has taken the World by storm. The shortened format means the onus is on entertainment. The games are intense affairs that are fast paced with lots of drama. Initially T20 was not welcomed with open arms especially by lovers of test cricket. However, whether people like it or not the 20 over brand of cricket is here to stay.

Because of the short duration Twenty-20 cricket is a game for specialist cricketers. There is simply not enough time to adapt to playing conditions. Players need to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. To be successful in Twenty-20 matches, players need to be able to improvise and think on their feet. A good cricket brain is a must and will help to outthink opponents.

In test cricket batsmen have the luxury of playing themselves in. This gives them a certain amount of time to see the ball. In many ways, the 5 day format is the opposite of Twenty-20 cricket. There is no time to adjust the eyesight as batsmen are expected to score runs quickly rather than merely occupy the crease.

The all-rounder is a valuable commodity in the shortest form of the game. The ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes these players important members of the team. Some of the best teams have now recognised this. Including several all round performers will give the side strength and balance. It also gives the captain plenty of bowling options in the field.

Bowlers are just as important and some would say they earn their money more than the other players. A maiden over is a rarity in the hectic Twenty-20 arena but the ability to bowl dot balls or keep the run rate down to a run a ball makes the difference between winning and losing. By bowling a consistent line and cutting out the odd poor delivery, bowlers can make it difficult for the batsmen to score sufficient runs.

Twenty-20 cricket is a game for specialist cricketers and most cricket playing nations have now realised this. Players who are regulars in their countries test or one day squads can no longer expect to be included. In twenty over cricket, only players that can make valid contributions should be included.

The author is passionate about all forms of cricket particularly at international level. He is a contributor to the Cricket News Blog website that features all the latest cricket news and comment. He earns a living from trading all forms of cricket on the betting exchanges. He is the author of the popular Cricket Betting System which covers his methods in detail. The publication shows how to become a successful cricket trader.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Hextall

How to perform the very best cricket catches

2010-03-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

2 best Simple But very effective cricketing drills for fielding

2010-03-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

When it comes to playing Cricket, alot of people focus on preparing their batting and bowling skills before any match. However players tend not to focus on their fielding all that much which can really be the difference between a winning and losing side.

After all, good fielding can not only contribute to taking more wickets either by good catching techniques or making the most of a run out opportunity, but it can also contribute enormously by saving runs. We will discuss some very effective fielding drills that can help with improving your fielding techniques.

Slip Catching Drill

A fielder in the slips needs to have pretty good reflexes when it comes to taking catches that come to them. An effective slips catching drill involves a few players. One throwing the ball, another holding a cricket bat and the remaining players are there for catching the ball.

The idea is for the person holding the cricket bat to vary the angle of the bat on each throw such that the ball deflects to different players that are preparing to catch the ball.

This is an effective drill to recreate a catch in the slips.

Fielding Drill

In this case we have a wicket keeper near the stumps, a player holding the bat ready to hill the ball in the outfield, and several players queued in a line ready to field the ball. The idea here is for the wicket keeper to throw the ball to the batsmen, this player then hits the ball high into the outfield for the fielder first in line in the queue to chase down and first hopefully catch the ball.

This fielder then gets the ball and throws the ball over the stumps to the wicket keeper and goes to the back of the queue. There can be several variations to this drill, but this is a good example of high catching and throwing.

These are just two examples of fielding drills to improve your fielding skills.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Whilliam

The best bowling from the fastest bowlers in the world of cricket

2010-03-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

11 best ever fast bowlers in Cricket

2010-03-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

In cricket's history, many bowlers terrorized and troubled batsmen with sheer speed and guile. So many past and current quick bowlers excelled at their craft that picking the best of them guarantees that some greats are omitted. To make the subjective task of picking the best easier, one must use relevant criteria. These criteria should be both subjective and objective, with due emphasis on statistics. The best fast bowlers must have:

Impressive Test statistics: Test matches are the yardstick by which fast bowlers are measured

Genuine pace: able to bowl at 140 kph/86 mph

A good career average: Below 25.00 for this list

Number of matches/ number of wickets: The best should have either at least 50 Tests or 300 Test wickets (not necessarily both)

Bowling strike rate: The best fast bowlers are genuine strike bowlers (maximum 55)

These criteria rule out good quick bowlers who played a limited number of matches and many good quick bowlers from the 19th and early 20th century. Still, the all time fast bowling eleven (who satisfy all the criteria) has instantly recognizable names in the cricket world. The best fast bowling eleven (in random order) are:

1) Glenn McGrath (Australia)

As the leading pace bowler on the all-time Test wicket-takers list (563 wickets), Glenn McGrath is indisputably one of the best. Apart from fulfilling all criteria, McGrath has regularly dismissed top batsmen of his time like Mike Atherton (19 times), Brian Lara (15 times), Sachin Tendulkar (6 times).

2) Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)

This fast bowler carried the fortune of his team on his shoulder. He took 36 5-wicket innings hauls and nine ten-wicket match hauls. His Test wicket tally of 431 wickets from only 86 Tests was phenomenal. Whether Hadlee bowled in Asia, the Antipodes or Europe, his figures in all conditions are astonishing.

3) Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

Wasim is the best fast left-arm fast bowler to have played cricket. His variations, pace and guile made him a dangerous fast bowler on any surface. This master of reverse swing was adept with both the old and the new ball- enabling him to take over 400 Test wickets.

4) Waqar Younis (Pakistan)

Known for toe-crushing in-swinging Yorkers and the ability to swing the ball both ways, Waqar Younis would even make a top-five list of best fast bowlers. His Test bowling strike rate of 43.4 puts him far above most fast bowlers on the list. That he often bowled on the flatter sub-continental pitches makes Waqar's achievements even greater.

5) Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)

This giant of West Indian fast bowling terrorized batsmen with pace and steep bounce in the 90s. Curtly Ambrose bowled with an aggression that you could discern beyond the boundary. He created bunnies out of batsmen like Mike Atherton, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh and Graeme Thorpe.

6) Imran Khan (Pakistan)

Before Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, there was Imran Khan. This fast bowler raised the bar for Pakistan fast bowlers with a series of match-winning performances. 362 wickets from 88 Test matches cements Imran Khan's place among the all-time best.

7) Malcolm Marshall (West Indies)

Malcolm Marshall was highly rated by all batsmen who faced him- including Indian batting legend, Sunil Gavaskar. As the best of the demonic West Indian fast-bowling quartet on the 80s, Malcolm Marshall's strike rate of 46.7 puts him in the fast bowling stratosphere.

8) Dennis Lillee (Australia)

Dennis Lillee's destruction of the West Indies in the 1975/76 series Down Under inspired the creation of the West Indies' fearsome fast-bowling quartet. Lillee was dangerously quick and effective. He was the fastest fast bowler to reach 300 Test wickets (by matches). His aggregate of 355 wickets from only 70 Tests declare his greatness.

9) Allan Donald (South Africa)

The 'White Lightning' from South Africa kept batsmen on their toes. His Test bowling strike rate of 47.00 in taking 330 wickets from only 72 Tests made the 'White Lightning' a daunting proposition for batsmen.

10) Joel Garner (West Indies)

Joel "Big Bird" Garner was a metronomic West Indian fast bowler. Although he did not scalp 300 Test wickets, it was because he played only 58 Test matches. His strike rate of 50.8 was impressive and he averaged 20.97 with the ball- the mark of a great fast bowler.

11) Fred Trueman (England)

Fred Trueman set the fast-bowling standard back in the 50s an 60s. He was the first fast bowler to break the 300 test-wicket mark. Even decades after he graced the field, cricket pundits mention his name as one of the greatest of all time.

Naturally, many great names are omitted from this list. The competition was so tough that Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Shane Bond and Dale Steyn- among others- are not on the final XI. However, Steyn- still an active Test cricketer in 2009- has the chance to displace another great in the near future.

And now you can read brief profiles of some of the best spinners that the game of cricket has ever seen:

http://www.helium.com/items/1516046-best-spin-bowlers-in-cricket

How Pakistan Won the 20 20 Cricket World Cup

2010-03-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

8 Important Tips to Win at Cricket Test Match on Betting Exchange

2010-03-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Betting exchanges are an innovative new addition in the world of online betting industry. One great advantage of using betting exchanges is that there are no bookies, which ultimately results in notably better-priced odds.In addition, on betting exchanges, you may opt to BACK (bet on), or LAY (oppose), which means that you can be either a punter or a bookie. Betting exchanges are specifically good for betting on cricket matches.

Tips for Betting Exchanges on Cricket (Test Match):
Efforts of test match cricket players on the field offer some outstanding betting odds in betting exchanges, as cricket is a custom-made game for such type of gambling.

Tip 1 - Logically, all betting patterns on betting exchanges for cricket depend on numbers. Therefore, the more "numbers" linked with the game, the better it becomes for you to bet.

Tip 2 - To begin with cricket betting on betting exchanges, it is better to consider the most tremendously betted market in cricket, which is the runs market.

Tip 3 - At the beginning of a Test match, betting bookies will provide a market on expected runs in each innings. For example, in a summer Test match between New Zealand and England, if England wins the toss and elects to bat first, then reckoning on the prevailing climate conditions and batsmen picked, you can quote a total of 320-335 for England.Next, if you believe that England might score more than 335, buy at that sum for per run and if you believe that they might score less than 320, then sell that figure for per run.

Tip 4 - Next, if you buy and England's total score exceeds the expected 335 score, then you win the difference per run between the final total. In addition, if you trade and England scores less than 320, then also you win the difference per run between the final total.

Tip 5 - The runs market is very unpredictable. However, it is imperative to remember that the opening quote is updated constantly all through the innings. If England fails to make a good start and lose early wickets, then the opening quote might decline.

Tip 6 - Next, if they make a good start, the quote will rise. You may close your bet before time by using new quotes at any time.For example, if you buy at 335 and England makes fast 60 runs without losing any wickets in the initial 10 overs, then the opening quote will inflate to around 365-380 mark.

Tip 7 - Thereby, if you had bought at 335, you are now able to sell at 365 for a quick 30 times your bet per run profit. In addition, remember, with betting exchanges for cricket you always purchase at high and trade at low.

Tip 8 - Due to the instability feature of the runs market, opportunities keep on popping up regularly. One vital tip to remember is that, dealers on betting exchanges in cricket are at times a bit slow to respond, if a team starts losing early wickets and that too quickly.

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How Darren Gough scores a hat trick in Cricket

2010-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

England Fast bowler in Cricket -- Darren Gough

2010-03-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Darren Gough's nicknames - Rhino and Dazzler - represent his personality as a cricketer and as a person. He was called 'Rhino' because of his aggressive, ebullient approach to life and the game of cricket. 'Dazzler' was derived from his showmanship- on and off the cricket field. Gough even won a dancing competition- unsurprising for the man who likes to 'gallery' himself and acts like the life of the party.

In his playing days for England, Darren Gough was a premier strike bowler- even when bowling in tandem with new-ball partner, Andy Caddick. Gough was just short of 6 feet, but possessed enough passion and skill to succeed on the field. He was always willing to try new things and it was his use of swing and variations that brought him many wickets at international and domestic level.

Born in Yorkshire on September 18th, 1970, Darren Gough- a proud Yorkshire man- made his First-class debut in 1989 for his native county. He went on to play 248 First-class matches for England, Essex and Yorkshire between 1989 and 2008. Gough scalped 855 wickets at an average of 27.15. He may have even fancied himself an all-rounder, having scored a First-class century and 20 half-centuries.

Gough's bowling was an asset to England- even helping the team rise from being an average team to a consistent, winning team at the turn of the 21st century. In his 58 test matches, Gough took 229 wickets at an average of 28.39. His batting was not crummy either.

Gough scored 855 runs at an average of 12.57. His first two half-centuries were scored early in his career- with his first half-century in 1994 (65 against New Zealand) remaining his best score. His counter-attacking 51 against Australia also gained him the approval of Aussie fans- who considered him an Australian at heart.

Gough also had a lengthy ODI career as well. He played 159 ODIs- a lot for an English player- and took 235 wickets at an average of 26.42. Gough's ODI economy rate is 4.39. He even managed to stay around the England team long enough to play two Twenty20 International matches for England.

A knee injury abbreviated Gough's Test career in 2003. However, he was reluctant to give up on his international career with England and continued paying the shorter form of the game. Gough's last few years in international cricket were characterised by a series of comebacks. When he was not selected for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, Gough had to accept that his playing days were over. Ever the fighter, he remained in the headlines until he announced his retirement from the First-class game in 2008; after many successful years for county and country.

And now you can read brief profiles of some of the best spinners and fast bowlers that the game of cricket has ever seen:

The best spin bowlers in cricket history: http

How to Bowl a Googly in Cricket

2010-03-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

How to Bowl a Googly in Cricket

2010-03-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

The googly is a cricket delivery that turns like an off spin stock delivery but is bowled with a leg spin action. In other words it looks like a leg spin delivery but spins from the off side to the leg side. This is achieved by releasing the cricket ball from the back of the hand as opposed to the front like a normal leg spin delivery. The googly was invented by Bernard Bosanquet, an English cricket player who played during the turn of the previous century. The effectiveness of this delivery is obvious as the ball is turning in the opposite delivery as what the batsman is expecting.

The grip is exactly the same as the leg spin stock delivery. The leg spin bowling grip is the little finger and ring finger down and the middle and index finger up. Two fingers up and two fingers down and the seam running between the up fingers. The ball has to sit comfortably but firm in the hand. The ring finger is the spinning finger. The thumb can be on or off the cricket ball, whatever feels the most comfortable.

The wrist in the reverse position from what it is in the standard leg spin stock delivery. For the googly, at the point of release, the back of the wrist should face the batsman and the palm should face back to the bowler. The seam should be facing toward the leg-side in the direction of leg slip. The ball is released over the wrist out of the back of the hand.

The action is the same as the standard leg spin stock delivery. The shoulders, hip and feet should be aligned with the target. The front arm leads and steers the action and pulls down driving the action forward. As the front arm pulls down the right shoulder will come forward generating the power in the delivery. The right shoulder should rotate towards the target and finish with that shoulder facing the stumps. The googly should be bowled outside off-stump, encouraging the batsman to drive or go on the back foot to cut. The surprise of the ball spinning in the opposite direction that expected will be enough to cause the batsman to miss the ball or make a mistake.

If the pitch is turning big, it will be OK to drop this delivery short once in a while to try to get the batsman to cut the delivery. If the batsman is not picking your googly this will surprise him and there is a very good chance he will play the ball onto his wickets when trying to cut the shorter googly. Not too short, but slightly shorter than drivable length is OK on a spinning pitch. Do not bowl this delivery at the stumps as it will just continue harmlessly behind the batsman leg. The line should always be outside off stump.

A great cricket tip is to develop two googlies. One that is very easy to spot by the batsman and one that is very well hidden. Bowl the googly that is easy to spot until you are confident that the batsman thinks he can spot your googly. Then surprise him with the googly that you hide very well. He will not suspect it at all as he thinks he can pick your googly!

Checkout my site for much more information on cricket spin bowling: http://www.spinbowlingtips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Menno_Gazendam

How to Master off spin bowling in Cricket by Shane Warne

2010-03-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

How Shane Wayne Changed the Face of Cricket with the ball of the century

2010-03-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

The Ball of the Century refers to the leg spin delivery that Shane Warne bowled to Mike Gatting in the 1993 Ashes series at Old Trafford, Manchester. It was the first ball Shane Warne ever bowled to the English batsmen. The ball spectacularly bowled Mike Gatting and became significant not only in the context of the match itself or even the series but in actually helping to revive the lost art of wrist spin bowling.

The UK's Channel 4 ran a poll in 2002 to find the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. This delivery came in at number 92.

Background

The 1993 Ashes Series saw England field a full strength team again for the first time since the suspension of quite a few players touring South Africa during the Apartheid era. Australia took the Ashes Urn in the 1990/91 season but England looked to seriously challenge Australia and reclaim the Ashes.

Old Trafford tradionally favours spin bowling and England picked two spinners, Phil Tufnell and Peter Such, while Australia picked the unexperienced Shane Warne as their only spin bowler. Although Shane Warne had shown promise at the start of his career it was nothing spectacular and many experts saw wrist spin bowling as a redundant art in the modern game.

Graham Gooch sent Australia in to bat and Australia made 289 runs with Mark Taylor scoring a century. England responded well and Mike Gatting came in at number three with England on 71/1. At this point Australian captain, Allan Border, brought on the young Shane Warne. Mike Gatting was already a legend of the game and well known for his expert batting against spin. No one expected Shane Warne to cause him any trouble.

The delivery itself

Shane Warne ran up to the wicket in his slow relaxed style and delivered what seemed like a normal leg spin delivery. Initially the ball seemed to be travelling straight down the track. However, halfway in its travel the ball started to rapidly drift towards the leg side. This drift caused the ball to pitch a foot outside of leg stump. Mike Gatting simply padded up to the ball not expecting to be troubled. Even if the ball spun back he did expect to be given LBW as the ball pitched outside leg stump. However, the ball spun and bounced back so sharply that it shot past a bemused Gatting and hit the top of off stump.

The aftermath

Australia went on to win the test by 179 runs with Warne picking up the man of the match award.

Warne continued hos devastating bowling throughout the series and took 34 wickets at an average of 25.79 sharing the man of the series award with Graham Gooch.

Legacy

The ball of the century started a decade or more of dominance by the Australian cricket team. Warne went on to become a legend of the game and voted as one of the five cricketers of the 20th century. The art of leg spin also became popular again and is yet again firmly rooted in the modern game as an essential skill for any team to have.

Check out my site for a complete source on cricket spin bowling and tips. http://www.spinbowlingtips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Menno_Gazendam

How Brian Lara scored 153 as the worlds greatest batsman in cricket

2010-03-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

How Brian Lara became the worlds greatest batsman

2010-03-12T05:36:00.000-08:00

Brian Lara is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen of all time and certainly one of the best of the modern era. The former left-handed West Indian batsman mesmerised cricket fans and bowlers alike with his batting ability. You know that a batsman has left an indelible mark on the game when he has a signature shot. In Lara's case, he had a few signature shots.

Brian Lara will be remembered in the cricketing world for much more than his unique, stylish batting and huge scores. As at 2010, he is the world record holder for the highest individual scores in both Test and First class innings. His Test-best is 400 not out, while his First Class best is 501. What is even more remarkable is that he reclaimed the record for the highest individual Test score mere months after Australia's Matthew Hayden captured it. So far, he is the only man in Test history to reclaim that Test batting record.

After his international debut in 1990, Lara was recognised as an emerging talent in world cricket. He stamped his authority with his maiden Test century against Australia at Sydney in 1992. He compiled a huge score of 277. The score itself wasn't the marvel for many cricket pundits. It was the way in which he dominated the Australian bowling- attacking, but never offering a chance. He was only dismissed by the run-out route- a testament to the quality of his innings.

His early fame and prima donna-like behaviour after he first broke the world record in 1994 made his relationship with cricket and fans a bittersweet one. He was revered but disliked by many. Some probably liked and disliked him simultaneously. A lot of his detractors probably never understood the kind of scrutiny and non-cricketing pressure that his worldwide fame (at age 23) brought. Brian Lara assumed the West Indies captaincy for the first time in 1998. After what he termed "moderate success and abject failures" as West Indies captain, he resigned the captaincy in the early part of the year 2000.

Lara had been the captain of the West Indies team on three occasions. Each stint ended in somewhat controversial circumstances. His last stint as captain actually ended with his resignation from international cricket at the age of 38- an age where he was still in top form. His departure came at the end of the West Indies' World Cup campaign in 2007. Lara still managed to play a couple First-class games for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2007/2008 season, where he piled on a massive score against Guyana. His season ended prematurely when Lionel Baker of the Leeward Islands team fractured his forearm with a bouncer.

Lara played for several major teams since he made his First-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago in the 1987/1988 season. His ODI debut for the West Indies came two years later against Pakistan. Other teams that Lara played for include Northern Tranvaal (RSA), Warwickshire (England), Mumbai Champs (India) and the ICC World XI.

At the end of his career, Brian Lara has healthy averages in Test, First-class and ODI matches. He also accumulated over 22,000 international runs in his 18 years of international cricket. Undeniably, Brian Lara is a living legend of the game of cricket and the greatest West Indian batsman. Whether the criterion is run scored, style or averages, Lara has to be considered as one of the top. For his cricketing exploits, he remains an inspiration to many young cricketers, particularly batsmen, in Trinidad and Tobago.

Darrell Victor is a freelance writer and former insurance advisor. To read his latest articles visit http://www.helium.com/user/show_articles/338815

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Victor

The greatest Cricketers of ALL time

2010-03-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

9 Greatest Cricketers of ALL time

2010-03-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Throughout the history of cricket there have been those that were special, who were slightly different to their fellow cricketers and made the crowd sit up whenever they arrived on the pitch. Of course every game has its heroes and cricket is no exception. And every nation has its own cricketing legends that they believe were better than those of other teams. This article will introduce you to 9 of the world's great cricketers from past and present.

Imran Kahn was a great Pakistani cricketer who played at the highest level for over twenty years from his debut in 1971. He was a great all rounder who led the Pakistan team to their first world cup just before he retired. Always elegant in both action and speech he was one of the best all-rounders that the game has ever had. He is now a politician in Pakistan and the leader of a major political party. He played in 88 tests with a batting average of 37.69. He took 362 wickets with an excellent bowling average of 22.81.

Shane Warne is an Australian spin bowler who is one of, if not the, greatest spin bowler the game has ever seen. He was born in 1969 in Victoria and has played test cricket since 1990, retiring in 2007. He has taken more test wickets than any other player in history. He was also the first player to take more than 600 test wickets. He played in 140 tests and has taken 685 wickets with a bowling average of 25.25.

Gary Sobers was a highly talented cricketer who was born in Barbados in 1936. He played 93 tests for the West Indies and scored an impressive 8032 runs. He had a batting average of 57.78. He was also a very good slow left arm bowler, taking 235 test wickets, with an average of 34.03. He is best known for being the first batsman ever to score six sixes in one over in 1968 in a first class cricket match while playing for Notts against Glamorgan.

Ian Botham was a great English all-rounder. He was the scourge of bowlers with his prodigious batting ability and he was just as adept as a fast medium paced bowler. He was born in Cheshire in 1955 and played mainly for Somerset. He was very much a true all rounder as he was as good at bowling as batting. He played in 102 test matches and scored 5200 runs, with an average of 33.34 and he took 383 wickets with an average of 28.40.

WG Grace is thought by many to be the most influential cricketer the game has ever seen. He was born in 1848 at a time when cricket was not the massive sport that it is today. He is one of the reasons, with his great batting ability, that cricket became so popular. When he was out first ball at a match once, he refused to go telling the umpire that, "the crowd are here to watch me bat and not to watch you umpire!". There were not many test matches then so he played only 22 and scored 1098 runs with an average of 32.29. He took 9 wickets with an average of 26.22. This average is low even though he was playing into his late fifties!

Allan Border was born in 1955 in Sydney and was Australian captain. He still has the world record for the greatest number of uninterrupted test matches. He also had the record, at the time, for the most runs in test matches at 11174 in 156 tests. He was also one of the most prolific hitters of centuries with 27 in test matches. He also took 39 wickets with an average of 39.10.

Shaun Pollock is a South African medium fast bowler who is well known for his accuracy and reliability. He is also a very good batsman who has scored over 3406 runs in 100 test matches with an average of 31.24. He has taken 395 wickets at an average of 23.25. He is South Africa's most prodigious wicket taker in both one day international and test matches.

Viv Richards is one of the all time greats of West Indian cricket. He was a very successful captain to one of the best West Indian sides ever. He was a powerful batsman and scored an average of 50.23, scoring 8450 runs in 121 matches. He only lost 8 matches in the 50 that he captained.

Don Bradman was born in 1908 in New South Wales and was not only the best Australian but is thought, by many, to be the best batsman of all time. His batting skill was so good that the England cricket team in the 1928-1929 tests resorted to bowling at the batsmen rather than the wickets in order to try to win. This was known as the bodyline series. The dispute from this was so bad that it nearly caused a diplomatic dispute between England and Australia. He played in 52 tests and scored 6996 runs so he had an incredible average of 99.94. These statistics make him the best batsman ever.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Vaughan

1st Test Match Cricket Day 1 Highlights of India vs Bangladesh

2010-03-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

9 important dates for the Cricket Match Series Between South Africa and India

2010-03-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Amidst the war to retain number one position in five day test matches, India is really keen to play with its nearest competitor - South Africa. The plan was made on a very short notice. BCCI (Board of Cricket Control of India) requested South Africa board for this series. South Africa also showed its interest for the competition and they decided for a series in India.

Now, the schedule has arrived and these two nations will play two test matches and three one dayers between Jan 31 and Feb 27. They will also play couple of practice matches in the meantime.

The entire schedule follows:

Jan 31: South Africa (SA) team arrives in Mumbai

Feb 1: SA team travels to Nagpur for the first test match

Feb 2-Feb 3: SA team plays two day practice match at Nagpur

Feb 6-Feb 10: First Test Match in Nagpur

Feb 14-Feb 18: Second Test Match at Eden Gardens at Kolkata

Feb 21: First One Day International (ODI) between India and RSA in Jaipur (Day/ Night match)

Feb 24: Second ODI between India and RSA in Kanpur

Feb 27: Third ODI between India and RSA in Ahmedabad (Day/ Night match)

It is apparent that whoever wins the Test Series will retain the pride of being number one in the 5 day test matches. India has advantage of playing on home ground, but South Africa is known for their strength to challenge teams at their home turf too. We look forward for another exciting series where both the teams are likely to play with their full strength.

For latest news and views on Cricket please visit http://www.sportsaffairs.blogspot.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Priya_Ranjan

5 major Spin Bowling tips to greatly improve your bowling

2010-03-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Learning bowling from the Cricket legends

2010-03-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

In today's day to day unfolding world of cricket spinning and bouncing have become a common trend of Indian cricket players. Cricket is the mere game of a team and not a victory of an individual rather playing for just their own motherland. It's the combination of a bat and ball in pure terms of batsman and the bowlers. Glancing on the two parts it's the hard and solid efforts of both for steeping the ranking and purchases the accomplishment. Neither lone bat makes to conquest nor ball; it's the tough combining of the rare two in a perspective way that achieves to the goal.

A term bowling can be measured in two terms - Fast bowlers and quality spinners. From the very times Indian cricket team has been losing the quality spinners and fast bowlers. Still the dearth of bowlers never led to its down fall as its standing by effort made it to remain a supreme power.

Various bowlers depend on rate of knots, spin and flight to achieve their motive. The recognition of bowlers is certainly based on various strategies and criteria's. The criteria's may particularly include their discrepancy, past records, performance, Ever breaking hits, career events, number of matches played not to hit but to win.

There was a time when India was possessed with quality bowlers and was threatened on the vision of their retirement only. But in a usual manner, as the topmost line of every cricketer becomes "INJURY", countryside relics with no option.

A country like India has obsessed, competent, stupefying and outstanding players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, and Anil Kumble. In the here period Harbhajan Singh has become the leading power just followed after an all rounder Anil Kumble. No doubt to the case Bhajji is not regarded as fast bowlers but ever remained a noteworthy off spinner in recounting globe of cricket.

In the here period Harbhajan singh has become the leading power just followed after an all rounder Anil Kumble. No doubt to the case Bhajji is not regarded as fast bowlers but ever remained a noteworthy off spinner in recounting globe of cricket.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mahendra_Pal

How to bowl leg-spin like Shane Warne

2010-03-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

The 4 crucial steps to leg spin Bowling

2010-03-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Leg spin bowling is a style of spin bowling in cricket. It is a delivery bowled by a right hand bowler and will, after landing on the cricket pitch, spin from the leg-side to the off-side.

The grip. The leg spin grip for the normal stock ball delivery is a very simple one. The ball must be held firmly in the hand but not too tight and deep in the palm - otherwise the ball will get stuck during delivery and the bowler will generate less spin. The seam of the ball must run underneath all the fingers (opposite of a fast bowler grip). The index and middle finger must be up and on top of the ball and seam and the ring and little finger must face down. The side of the ball must rest against the ring finger. The best way to describe the leg spin grip is to hold the ball with two fingers up and two fingers down.

The action. The action for the spin bowler is as important as the grip and release. The action can be side on or a bit more open chested but the important thing is that the left arm (for a right handed bowler) arm drives the actions forward. The left arm must throw your body forward by pointing it in front of the bowler and pulling it back strongly during the delivery stride.

During the action the body must rotate so that the bowling shoulder ends up facing the batsman. This must happen whether or not the bowler is using an open chested or side-on action. The importance of this is that the bowler rotates his or her body against the landing foot in order to swivel the body. In cricket jargon this is called to pivot on the bowling foot.

The pivot. To pivot the bowler must both turn the body and push up on the toes of his or her landing foot. This does two things: It helps the bowler swivel the body against the grip on the foot - creating more turn when the ball pitch - and it also helps in the bowler releasing the ball from higher - resulting in more bounce.

The release. The whole hand must work together as one when released. Do not move some fingers independently of others. The hand and wrist must be one. The ball must be released with the seam facing upwards and aiming towards first slip.

During the release the wrist must also be cocked at the start. In other words, the arm and hand must not run in a straight line. Watch some clips of great leg spin bowlers as they start off with their run-up, the bowling wrist is always cocked. So another top cricket tip is that the bowling wrist for the leg-spinner must always be cocked as it helps to impart more spin.

A really good cricket tip you can give a young spin bowler is to tell him or her that as much of the spin is generated in the action as in the release. Another great cricket tip is that bounce is as important for a spin bowler as turn - this is why pivoting on the landing foot is so crucial.

Check out my site for a complete source on cricket spin bowling and tips. http://www.spinbowlingtips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Menno_Gazendam

The first steps for a Cricket Umpire

2010-03-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

4 all importasnt points to deliver when Cricket Umpiring

2010-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

The role of the cricket umpire is similar to that of a football referee. However, it must be noted that there is an appointed match referee in international cricket, who serves to settle disputes and conducts disciplinary hearings. The cricket umpire is a neutral element on the field of play who seeks to uphold the laws of cricket and the spirit of the game as well. The cricket umpire is also a decision maker whose adjudications can often change the direction of a match.

There must be at least two umpires in a cricket match. In professional matches, there's a third umpire, a reserve umpire and a match referee. The two standing umpires and the third umpire are actively involved in the game- making decisions that directly affect the outcome.

Safety is the first port of call for the two standing umpires. They decided when play will begin or resume after interruptions caused by rain or pitch repairs. The umpires decide whether the conditions are safe and fit for players before proceeding with play.

Once play begins, the two umpires work in tandem, switching positions for each over. There is an umpire standing behind the stumps at the non-strikers end and one at square leg. The umpire at square leg generally assists the other umpire with decisions like no-balls (for height), run outs and stumping appeals).

The umpire who is behind the stumps at the non-striker's end keeps track of the ball bowled in the over. He must also determine the legality of each delivery (sometimes with the help of the square leg umpire). That umpire is responsible for ensuring fair play and making decisions about appeals by the fielding side and assisting the scorer by signalling 'extras' and boundaries. He is also responsible for calling periods of play like the end of an over and the start or end of a session.

While the match referee usually deals with disciplinary matters, a report must first be made to him by the standing umpires. However, in some instances, the standing umpires have the authority to penalise the teams for breaches of the spirit and rule of law. For example, umpires may apply penalty runs for ball tampering or time-wasting. The umpires also have significant discretion concerning the duration of play where bad light becomes a factor.

Previously, the cricket umpire was the ultimate authority in a cricket match. However, technology highlighted the numerous gaffes made by umpires to the extent that certain changes were made. In 2007, the ICC used a referral system where players can challenge the umpires' decisions. Before that, umpires were allowed to use the third umpire to refer marginal lbw decisions. Despite these challenges to their authority, cricket umpires remain an authority on the cricket field that upholds the integrity of the game.

And now you can read brief profiles of some of the best spinners and fast bowlers that the game of cricket has ever seen:

The best spin bowlers in cricket history: http://www.helium.com/items/1516046-best-spin-bowlers-in-cricket

The top 5 fast bowlers in cricket history: http://www.helium.com/items/1518569-top-fast-bowlers-in-cricket-history

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_V

The 3 best ways of looking after your cricket bat

2010-03-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

3 best ways of Looking after your cricket bat

2010-03-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

In Britain, cricket is a very popular game among other games. Two teams are involved in this game. They have a team of 11 players. The game of cricket is loved worldwide. In countries like India and Pakistan, it is considered as a 'religion'. Cricket involves just two simple gears that include bats and balls. Other equipment include stumps and sightscreen. The game also has some equipment necessary for the safety of cricketers. These include helmets, batting gloves, mouthpiece and wicket keeping gloves.

Cork base is used to make the cricket balls, which are then covered with twine. Finally, it is covered with white or red leather on top. Another significant equipment of cricket is bats. It is significant to understand that cricket bats require maintenance even before and after the game.

It may come as a surprise to you that even a new bat needs to be looked after. It is essential to note here that before the bat is used on the field, it has to be prepared for the game. Cricket bats should be used for knocking down shots before these are actually used on the fields. It will safeguard it against damage. You should follow certain procedure before using bats for full swing. This will provide better results.

Linseed oil is beneficial to grease the cricket bat. You should coat it and allow the bat to soak its goodness for a few hours. Then you should put another coat of oil on it. However, you should ensure that there is not excessive oil on the bat.

The next step is to hit a wooden knocking mallet on the bat for about 10-15 times, you will notice few dents but it is quite normal. Ensure that you are not hitting the wooden mallet on the back of cricket bat, use the wooden knocking mallet, and they are available in many sport equipment stores at affordable price. Repeat the session of knocking with the wooden mallet for about 10-15 times for a number of days until the bat has received minimum of about 3-4 hours of knocking session. It is important to remember that you grease the bat before every knocking session begins with linseed oil.

You should hit the edges of the bat with the help of knocking mallet until it becomes round in shape. It is significant that you care for your bat before the final matches. Thereby, it is advised that you should use the cricket bat for practicing before you use it on the ground for final match.

Bats are valuable equipments and your match performance depends a lot on the kind of cricket bats that you use. Hence, adequate maintenance of cricket bats is of vital importance particularly before you start using it.

The author can teach you more about cricket supplies to try and help you improve your cricket skills. It is important to have the right cricket equipment, cricket supplies and cricket clothing to get the best out of your cricket training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Harding_Cotton

India Sri Lanka twenty 20 cricket -february 10 2009 Indian innings final session

2010-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

World Twenty20 Cricket - What it is and Where it Happens

2010-03-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

For those of us who are not cricket fans if we were to hear the expression 20/20 we would think of 20/20 vision; but for the cricket lover the phrase 20/20 brings up a completely different vision! Often written as Twenty20 cricket this is a relatively recent form of the traditional cricket game and the vision for a Twenty20 cricket fan in 2010 could be spending time in Barbados, St. Lucia, Guyana or St. Kitts to watch the next World 20/20.

So what is Twenty20 cricket and when did it start? In 2003 this form of cricket also referred to as T20 cricket was introduced in the United Kingdom for professional inter-county competitions by the England and Wales Cricket Board. The game involved two teams each of whom has a single innings and they are batting for a maximum of 20 overs.

Twenty20 Cricket matches last around three and a half hours which means that the game is brought more in line with other popular sports. It has been very successful in achieving its aim of creating a lively game which would be attractive to live spectators as well as TV viewers. It has now spread wildly around the cricket world so that on most international tours there will be at least one T20 match played.

The first Twenty20 International Cricket Match took place on 17th February 2005 between Australia and New Zealand. It was approached in a light hearted way with both teams wearing kit similar to that worn in the 1980s plus some players taking it to the next level by sporting 1980's hairstyles, beards and moustaches; competing in cricket and for the best retro look at the same time! At least the T20 cricket match was won by Australia but as it was so clear that they were the winners the players and umpires started to take things less seriously and Billy Bowden even produced a red card, which are not normally used in cricket.

The inaugural World Twenty20 was played in South Africa in 2007 where India defeated Pakistan by five runs. In 2009 Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets. The third ICC World Twenty20 Cricket Tournament will be held in the West Indies in April and May 2010. It promises the world's best cricketing talent in this thrilling and fast tournament.

The ICC World Twenty20 Cricket Tournament will take place in Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Guyana from 30th April to 16th May 2010. With locations like these even a person who has not followed cricket before could easily be tempted to go on a Twenty20 cricket tour. Barbados has actually opened a museum in November 2009 which is called the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum and those who go there on these cricket tours can also enjoy some of the best beaches around. In fact the Crane Beach was rated one of the ten best beaches in the world by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. St. Lucia, another location included in these Twenty20 cricket tours, has an amazing combination of tropical bliss as well as diving, snorkeling, spa pampering and so much more.

Some critics may say that although the T20 cricket format has proved so successful it could be influencing youngsters to being misguided about the game thinking it is all about trying to hit 6s and 4s. However the impact in general has been extremely positive and the Twenty20 game is a more athletic and explosive form of cricket.

Jackie de Burca has taken a recent interest in cricket because of going on a Twenty20 cricket tour. Now she loves cricket and wants to inform more people about the 2010 Twenty20 cricket tours in the West Indies. http://www.gulliverstravel.co.uk/cricket/icc-world-twenty20-west-indies-2010

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_A_De_Burca

Clips from the great moments of cricket

2010-03-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Cricket and a family run business

2010-03-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Cricket is a very popular sport, not only in the UK but across the world. Many people choose to take it up from a very young age, and carry it on into their adulthood. As so many children show an interest in playing cricket, it is important their parents buy them the correct cricket equipment to meet their needs.

There are many types of cricket equipment that make up the game, some of which are obvious, and some which are not. It goes without saying that to play cricket you will need a bat, for example. However, some items of cricket equipment aren't as obvious, but it is important that anybody buying cricket equipment knows exactly what each item is and what it does.

Cricket shoes, for example, are more complex than you might think. They are available by a variety of well known manufacturers, including Adidas, Nike, Puma and Slazenger, and they come in sizes to fit junior players. Luckily, it is possible to buy cheap cricket shoes from a range of retailers, so parents will not have to worry about spending a lot of money on shoes for their children that they may outgrow quickly. Cricket shoes have spikes on the bottom, which helps to give the players extra grip into the ground and gives extra leverage for when they are batting. They are also reinforced to give extra foot and ankle protection when needed, something that is important for a growing child.

As children grow into adults they may decide that they want to continue playing cricket, and if so, the responsibility of buying their own cricket equipment falls on their shoulders instead of their parents. Cheap cricket shoes for adults are also available from a wide range of retailers who stock discount cricket equipment, and these also come from many well known manufacturers. This includes Kookaburra and Gunn and Moore. As well as cheap cricket shoes, it is also possible to buy accessories for them such as spare spikes and studs.

Other types of cricket equipment that children may need when starting to play includes hats, base layers and batting pads. Like cheap cricket shoes, these kinds of accessories can be bought from discount sports equipment retailers, and from a range of well known brand names. As well as clothing, they may also need accessories such as cricket bags, to carry all of their kit in, and base layers, which are designed to go under the clothes to give extra protection to the player and keep them warm.

If you are looking to buy some cheap cricket shoes or other type of cricket equipment, either for yourself or for your child, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the wide range available. If this is the case, then you will need to find out exactly what you need before you make a purchase - retailers of such items will be able to give you tailored advice so it is advisable to give them a call or email them to find out more about their products on offer.

Established in 1973, Morrant Group Ltd is a family run business with over 35 years experience in mail order team sports equipment. Father, Daughter, Son and staff are working hard every day to ensure that our company achieves its aim. We sell a range of sports gear, including cheap cricket equipment and goods. Please visit our website at http://www.morrant.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shantelle_Hynes

Twenty20 Cricket World Cup - Six 6's

2010-03-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Cricket ICC World Twenty 20 World Cup - The Cricket Match That Makes You Go Crazy

2010-03-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

ICC World Twenty 20 world cup 2010 is the highlight of all cricket lovers around the world.

There are many top cricket playing teams in the world with their fans spread over and it sure is tough for these fans to keep track of their favorite cricketers. The cricket is played all around the year and Cricket lovers are waiting for the upcoming ICC world Twenty 20 world cup as it has been scheduled to start of in April in West Indies and this is actually an ODI series that is scheduled between all the Asian countries.

The Australians and the English are still competing for the next cricket series to be played on their soil in November - lets see who ends up with the battle of becoming the host of the next season.

Countries are always interested in hosting the Cricket games as there are cricket fans spread all around the world that spend their hard earned morning just to get a glimpse of their favorite cricketer bat and bowl and so at the slightest chance they sure try to land up and are ready to buy tickets at all costs.

This surely makes the cricket hosts economic condition boom up because visitors come up from all parts of the world plus the hotels are booked in advance, cricket fans travel to their country to watch the cricket match and this helps in generating revenue for the business of the country and thus the economy booms up.

The cricket fixtures are scheduled so that everything turns out in an organized way according to schedule plus you can get all the relevant details from the online cricket sites who like to keep their cricket fans glued to their site and provide them a regular up date.Though the actual full timetable of the series cricket matches is finally updated 2 to 3 months before.

So keep prepared for the cricket season as it sure is time to wind up your work before hand and avail the benefit of watching live cricket in the cricket field at your convenient homes it sure is up to you. It takes a lot of hard work even in planning and scheduling the cricket matches as everything is fully organized The whole world is full of fans eagerly waiting for the cricket match so you sure get value for your hard work through the huge profits that you and up with at the end of the season.

The television companies are also involved with the battle of wits as each one is interested in buying the Broadcasting rights as through Cricket they can end up making large profits because the whole world is full of Cricket fans.

In cricket it takes two to tango, as without the other batting partner you sure are at a loss and it is the batsmen who take their team it win as the partnership and coordination between the two batsmen is the way to win.

Entire cricket world is looking forward to ICC World Twenty 20 world cup 2010.

Get newest Updates, Live Cricket News, Live Cricket Scores, Cricket Fixtures and more on ICC World Twenty 20 2010, find out more on Watch Live Cricket

SIR IMRAN KHAN GREATEST ALLROUNDER IN THE HISTORY OF CRICKET

2010-03-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Cricket Specialties - The All-Rounder

2010-03-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Cricket is a battle between bat and ball; it is a battle that involves batsmen, bowlers and fielders. Although every cricket player must field and bat, there exist specialist batsmen and bowlers. Some players develop their batting and bowling skills to such a high level, that they are considered all-rounders.

In cricket, all-rounders are players who have more than one specialty (typically batting, bowling or wicket keeping). The conventional view of all-rounders is that of players who can bat as well as they can bowl. However, the concept of the all-rounder has evolved to extend to wicketkeepers or even exceptional fielders who can help to win matches purely by their prowess in the field. In modern cricket, there is a sub-classification of all-rounders into genuine all-rounders, batting all-rounders, bowling all-rounders and wicketkeeper-batsmen.

Some cricket commentators opine that an all-rounder is a player can earn a place in the team either as a specialist batsman or specialist bowler. Such a player is a genuine all-rounder. One classic criterion for a "genuine all-rounder" was that the batting average should be higher than the bowling average. However, several players in cricket bat and bowl but are merely "good enough" in either skill. They may not be able to earn a pick on a team on the strength of their batting OR bowling but by virtue of their batting AND bowling.

There are also many batsmen who can bowl and bowlers who have a decent batting average. Wasim Akram, Pakistan's lethal left-arm fast bowler, ended his Test career with a batting average of 22.64. Carl Hooper, the West Indian batting enigma, was a specialist batsman who managed to scalp over 100 Test wickets. Cricket experts considered neither of them to be all-rounders. To many, Wasim was merely a good lower-order batsman and Hooper was an occasional bowler who had a fair share of success with the ball whenever he bowled.

Some players' statistics make a stronger case for all-rounder status than Hooper's or Akram's. Cricket pundits consider these players batting or bowling all-rounders. West Indian Chris Gayle (batting all-rounder) is very effective with the ball (in ODIs and T20s anyway) but his batting is far stronger and more devastating. In 2009, Stuart Broad's batting shone brightly, making him a bowling all-rounder.

"Batting all-rounder" or "bowling all-rounder" is also a transient term for a specialist batsman or bowler who becomes increasingly better at the other specialty. New Zealand's Daniel Vettori started as a specialist bowler. He then became a bowling all-rounder and, subsequently, a genuine all-rounder when his batting average surpassed his bowling average.

Flicx Cricket Pitch in action

2010-03-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Good Length Area on a Cricket Pitch

2010-03-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

The good length is the best place to pitch the ball in order to both get a batsman out as well as to keep the runs down. We have all seen pitch maps in international matches where the most economical bowlers land a majority of their balls in the good length zone.

The good length zone is a square area about 3 feet by 3 feet. It is about 8 feet away from where the batsman stands. The spot changes for each batsman depending on where he stands at the crease and how good his reach his. A tall player will have a good length spot a little further down the pitch than a short batsman.

Highlights of the good length spot

The batsman is in two minds when the ball is pitched there. He cannot be entirely comfortable going back foot or front foot and as a result usually defends the ball.
Any cricket field is usually set assuming that the bowler will hit the good length spot. As a result, any shots played off this length have a good chance to going to a fielder and not for runs.
Since the batsman is usually undecided about whether to go front foot or back foot, there is a good chance off a shot being played in the air which will result in a wicket. This is especially true when the spinners are bowling.
The area is also prone to wear and tear from the bowlers running up and down the pitch repeatedly. This results in the area becoming rougher and more difficult to bat on as the game goes on. This is particularly true in the longer version of the game.

For aspiring bowlers, it is essential that they ask their coach where the good areas to bowl in are and practice landing the ball there for optimum results.

Nick Stevens

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Stevens

Knocking in a cricket bat

2010-02-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

How to choose the right cricket bat

2010-02-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some pointers that you should consider.

How strong are you? If you have good shoulders, biceps and strong forearms, you can go in for heavier bats. Heavy bats are good for big shots and they also last longer than light ones as they do not break easily. A good way to test if your bat is too heavy for you is to hold it with one hand at the top of the handle. Now raise your extended arm above your shoulder height and hold it for about 20 seconds. If you cannot hold it comfortably for even 20 seconds, it is too heavy for you. Remember that you will have to use it for at least an hour if you want to make a good amount of runs, the bats weight should be something that you can manage as you get tired.
How high is your back lift? If you have a back lift like the one Brian Lara had, you better stay away from the heavy bats even if you are strong. Big back lift players rely on bat speed for their shots and you will be best equipped with light or medium heavy bats. If you however have a low back lift like Sachin Tendulkar or Paul Collingwood, you can try heavier bats for more punch in your shots.
Long handle or short handle? Long handles are not very popular these days. If you are however quite tall and play your shots standing upright, a long handle bat is quite good as you will use the middle a lot more than with a short handled one.
Where do you prefer the sweet spot to be? Some players like it low, some like the sweet spot to be in the middle, some like it to be evenly spread. It is all a matter of personal choice. Once you have decided where your sweet spot should be, tap a cricket ball at the store to assure yourself that it is exactly where you want it to be.

Cloverdale Cricket Masterclass fielding tips

2010-02-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

Being great at fielding on the cricke field

2010-02-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

That catches win matches is a very old saying and this is very rightly said. Many times in a cricket match, the fielding level of teams is the determining factor in the outcome of a match. A team may have the best batting line up, have the world's deadliest fast bowlers and spin bowlers, but if the fielding of the team is not up to the mark, winning can be an impossible task. The whole team could be playing well and a misfield from a fielder could suddenly demoralize the whole team. Cricket is a team game and every member of the team must give his best if the team wants to win a match.

Fielding in a cricket match is all about anticipation. Better the level of your anticipation is, better will be your resulting fielding effort. Remember a good fielder is one who is comfortable in fielding at any position, be it the boundary or the slip cordon. Cricket fielding tips are capable of giving you proper fielding guidance if you follow them seriously.

Fielding in the boundary can be very tricky if you do not have the right amount of concentration. The boundary is the nosiest area in a cricket field and any lapse can prove to be fatal to the team. If you are fielding in that position, never be distracted by the noise and bantering from the crowd. Cricket fielding tips suggest that your sole aim must be to follow the movement of the ball and anticipate in advance where the ball is likely to end up.

The golden rule of taking catches while fielding is not to celebrate too soon. Remember what happened to Herschelle Gibbs, when he started his celebrations a bit too early after taking the catch of Steve Waugh in a crucial world cup encounter. South Africa was knocked out from the tournament and Australia went on to win the trophy, all because of a missed catch. Remember to secure the ball in your hand for enough time before you start celebrating. Never get carried away when you have taken the catch, even if you have caught the world's best batsman for a duck.

Following the cricket fielding tips are crucial while fielding at any position in the cricket field. While fielding at close in positions like slips, gully and short leg, make sure that your stance is proper. Keep a proper distance in between both your feet so that your body weight is divided evenly. Rest lightly on the balls of your feet so that you can easily maneuver yourself to the direction in which the ball is going past you. Remember, that catches should always be taken with soft hands. If you are a close in fielder, never neglect to wear protective gears like helmet and pad. Remember injuries sustained while fielding can turn to be life threatening for a player.

The Unforgettable Moments in International Cricket

2010-02-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

English Cricket - Pietersen, Flintoff

2010-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

The previous record was held by Indian captian Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was taken by Chennai in the 2008 auction. His transfer fee amounted to $1.5 million. Flintoff and Pietersen's fees shall be paid as salary but on a pro rata basis as the duo can only play for three weeks and not the six weeks equivalent of a season.

Aside from the two sought after English players whos ability to turn a game around can change the fortunes of the teams they play in and ignite the crowd, the other English cricketers who were taken were Ravi Bopara who went to Kings XI Punjab for $450,000, Owais Shah was taken for $375,000 and Paul Collingwood got $275,000. Both have joned Delhi. All of the English cricketers who were taken in have to pay 10% of their share of their auction price to their counties that they play for in the County Championships for releasing them for the first season.

Bangalore's owner Vijay Mallya said that he was willing to pay more in order to obtain Pietersen's services, calling it a worthwhile investment. He even hinted that since the role of captain is still open in the team, Pietersen is being considered to lead the Royal Challengers. N. Srinavasan, the secretary of the Indian Cricket Board and owns the Chennai Super Kings, was happy with his new recruit, Flintoff, calling him one of the best all rounders in the business.

English players failed to get involved in the auction last year due to international commitments and once again shall be limited to half of t he IPL season due to its home test series versus the West Indies this coming April and May. The IPL starts on the 10 of April to May 29. Next to the English duo, South African all-rounder JP Duminy was taken for $950,000 to the Mumbai Indians, with his price greater than three times the original fee. Fellow South African Tyron Henderson got six times more than his value when the Rajasthan Royals shelled out $650,000 for him.

For Australia, Australian batsman Michael Clarke would have also been earning a high wage as his price tag was at $1 million. But he withdrew from the auction citing the need for rest in preparation for a busy year for the Australian Cricket Team. Included in the team's schedule is a Test series against South Africa, the Ashes series and the Twenty20 World Cup. Australian paceman Saun Tait went to the Rajasthan Royals for $375,000 and shall be reunited with former Australian teammate Shane Warne. George Bailey was the other Australian sold for $50,000 to Chennai.

Contracts that were handed out are all for two seasons, instead of three. Critics rationalized that Flintoff and Pietersen's absence from the IPL auction last year worked in their behalf this year to earn so much more, the reason behind was that the abundance of talent that was up for sale last year.

Ton 10 Cricket Dismissals

2010-02-23T13:23:00.001-08:00

Cricketing tips for enpiring batsman

2010-02-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

There are hundreds of different batting tips in the game of cricket which can all potentially improve your batting and run scoring ability. Here is a selection of cricket batting tips that I've found useful to help improve your batting.

-1st Batting Tip - Keep your eyes level, it's been shown that having your eyes level helps speed up your reaction time. It makes it easier for your brain to process the incoming information if your eyes are level when the ball is delivered.

-2nd Batting Tip - Your first movement should be from the shoulders towards the line of the ball. The rest of your body will follow naturally and will help ensure you get correctly inline with the ball.

-3rd Batting Tip - Play the delivery based on its length, if it's short; even if it's in line with the wickets it should be 'tonked away', Andy Flintoff style, to the boundary. The same principle applies with full deliveries and half volleys.

-4th Batting Tip - One of the most important things is to watch the ball from bowlers hand in run up all the way to the bat. By watching the ball in the bowler's hand you can see what the bowler may be trying to do with the ball. Try to identify which is the shiny side or rough side, so you can determine which way they may be trying to swing the ball. The same applies with spinners; but also make sure you closely watch the wrist movement to determine the type and direction of spin.

-5th Batting Tip - When batting against spinners, try doing an initial 'forward press' by making an initial half-step on to the front foot as the bowler bowls. This will give you a good base to play from and help give you quicker feet.

-6th Batting Tip - It is essential to maintain a solid base when batting and to be in a solid position when you play the ball. If you watch, for example Brain Lara play a cover drive, he has a solid base from which he plays the stroke and he is perfectly balanced.

For more cricket batting tips, cricket tips, news and gossip, head over to http://www.cricketsecrets.com/ and discover the #1 under used cricket secret, that you can use today to explode your cricket results!

Visit the forum at: http://www.cricketsecrets.com/phpBB2/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Canaway

Cricket batting coaching

2010-02-22T13:14:00.001-08:00

How to look after your new cricket bat

2010-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you have bought yourself a nice, brand new cricket bat then, you cant wait to get out into the nets and use it. However, unless you are a professional who gets their bats for free, or you are rich enough to buy a new bat every few weeks, this is the worst thing you can do. Below I will walk you through the technique for knocking in your cricket bat:

Equipment needed: Wooden bat mallet, Linseed or bat oil, a clear protective face for the bat, an old ball, finishing grade sandpaper.

1. The very first step is to get your mallet and to very lightly brush it off the edges of the bat, starting from the top of the edge and working down. You will see some slight denting, but this is normal. What you don't want to do is to hit the edge hard, as this will start to crack it, you should barely be putting any force into this. This should be done for about 10 times on each edge (a time is going from the top to the bottom of the edge) each time gradually putting a little bit more force into each stroke, in the end you should be hitting the edges with a medium force, so you can feel the bat trying to twist in your hand with the stroke, but you can still control exactly where you want to hit. Ideally your bat will not have a protective face on it, as this makes oiling harder. If it does, no worries but you must take the face off after a season.

2. The same process should be repeated for the face of the bat, working your way this time from the toe of the bat to the shoulder. However, do not hit the splice! (This is the bit where the handle is glued in a 'V' to the blade of the bat) Again you should see a little bit of denting on the face of your bat, this is perfectly normal as the wood is very soft, the process of knocking in a bat compresses the fibres of the wood and makes them tougher, and less likely to split.

3. Now, by this time you should have done about an hour or two of knocking in the bat, and are probably thoroughly bored and want to use the thing, sorry, but you still have some work to do! Again, on both the edge and the face of the bat you should work your way 10 times with ever increasing force, by the tenth time, you should be hitting the face of the bat with the same, and sometimes greater force than the bat will normally be used to in a match, however, please do not do this to the shoulder of the bat, it is a weak point and easily split, use the medium force on the shoulder all the time. Also do not neglect the toe of the bat, this is an important bit to knock in and should be done with the same force as is used on the shoulder. N.B When I say the toe, I mean the very base of the face of the bat, do not turn the bat upside down and hit the bottom of it! Later on, another thing you can do is to hold the mallet upside down and the bat in your other hand and to swing the bat towards the mallet as if playing a stroke.

4. Ok, so that is the mallet work out of the way with, and you should have done roughly 3-4 hours of work on the bat. The next stage is the first coat of oil. Get an old rag and soak it in Linseed oil or specialist bat oil. you should then rub this over the whole of the bat, except for the splice and handle. Leave this stored horizontally for 12 hours.

5. When you come back to the bat, you may see little deposits of oil on the surface, no worries, just get the rag and rub these away. The important thing is not to over oil your bat, one more light coat after this will be easily enough for the whole season. Many people put far too much oil onto their bats, causing them to gain quite a bit of weight and in the end deadening them well before they should be.

6. The next step requires you to grab a mate, and an old cricket ball. Get your friend to give you light throw downs on the full (no bounces). Start off by just blocking these back to them and slowly work up to playing strokes, but no full blooded ones yet! This should be done for another hour. Don't worry if you see some seam marks on the bat, again this is natural.

7. You should now attach a clear bat face to the bat, this will help to reduce cracking in it, and if correctly used, will prolong the life of your bat, try to get no air bubbles when applying this. Newbery's Hammeredge bat sheets are in my opinion the best for this as they are thin, yet still protect.

8. Take your bat to your nets and use there for a couple of weeks, after this, your bat is ready to be used in a match.

9. At the end of the season, remove the bat face and oil the bat again. The reason for removing the bat face is that if you leave it on, the face of the bat will start to dry out and crack due to it not having any oil. To remove the face, pull it off from side to side, minimising the amount of wood that lifts in the process. Once this is done, get some finishing grade sandpaper and rub down the face and edges of the bat before oiling.

10. Apply a new bat face and use the bat for the next season!

Do Not's when knocking your bat in:

Use a metal hammer/mallet, for obvious reasons!
Hit the back of the bat with the mallet, this will damage it!
Soak your bat in oil, as it will deaden it.
Use a new ball straight away, these are very hard and will damage the bat, they have to be played in with an old ball first.

Those are the stages for knocking in your bat, personally I have knocked in a lot of bats by hand, usually to generate a little bit of money, so I have come up with this technique for knocking in and caring for the bats. I will add that sometimes a bat will break during knocking in, or soon afterwards. This is generally not your fault, but one of the bat- you do get some hidden faults in bats, or just a bad one! Also how hard the wood is does sometimes affect how quickly/slowly you move through the stages, if it is very soft wood, you need to spend a lot more time on the early stages.

Also knocking in helps increase the length of time a bat will perform for, but will not increase its performance, if anything, it will be slightly the opposite, but not enough to notice. Professionals do not knock their bats in as they have several and will just be given a new one if they break it!

If you want to learn more, or if you wish to send a bat to me to knock in, please contact me at the following address: agbontheway@yahoo.co.uk and put in the title Bat knocking in.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Batty

The funny side of cricket - quite a chuckle!!!!

2010-02-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Cricket article - change from old to new

2010-02-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

Many films about England, which occur in the 1700's and 1800's, often, have a scene which involves the game of Cricket. Although it looks a lot like American baseball, it is different, seeing as cricket is baseball's predecessor by at least 300 years. The game seems to be played by all people in all social status circles, and is enjoyed by all people from the royal family to the lowliest commoner. It was also played by all who knew the rules and had the equipment to play the game. It was recently featured in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and it was because the ball hit and broke a window that the children hid in the wardrobe and ended up in Narnia with a great adventure on their hands.

The history of Cricket is long and complex. In 1598, the first written record of the game of Cricket was recorded as being played. It became solely an adult game in 1611 and was featured in a Shakespeare play, because it was so popular with the masses. After nearly two centuries of being nearly outlawed by the country's puritanical zealots because the game caused people to bet on the games, riot for teams, get arrested for horrible behavior, or skip church on Sundays to play, the London magistrate declared the game was 'respectable' and could be played without fear of reprisal or jail time. Marylebone Cricket Club wrote the 'Laws of Cricket' in 1788, which gave some guidelines to the play of the game and penalties for breaking the laws. The laws were explicit on how long the pitch was meant to be from the pitcher to the hitter. They also detailed how far the pitching crease was to be from the bowling crease. The bowling crease was where the hitter was to stand and wait for the pitch. It addressed the exact size of the wicket, along with the ball and how much it should weigh. The way that the ball was pitched was always underhand until 1864, when and over arm bowling was allowed to be used. This was the pitch that broke the window in the Narnia movie.

The history of Cricket game play began before the Civil War and was helpful in keeping the country's mind off of the troubles brewing within the nation itself. The first international game of Cricket was played in 1844. The teams who played were the United States and Canada.

As far as an Olympic standing went, Cricket's only time in the Games was in 1900. This featured France and Britain in a game which lasted 5 days of play. This was the normal time period for a game until the 1960's when the game was abbreviated to one day of game play. Unfortunately, in 1981, the pitching by underarm bowling was not allowed after a game between Australia and New Zealand. The incident involved the Australian captain ordering the pitcher of his team to utilize the underarm technique in an effort to stop the New Zealand team from scoring any more runs.

Ethan has been an online writer for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in sports, finance, and product reviews, you can also check out his latest website on VX-3000 which reviews and lists the best Microsoft LifeCam VX3000 for your online video chatting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ethan_D_Orman

Some Cricket World Cup Highlights

2010-02-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

Where and How to pitch that ball in Cricket

2010-02-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Highlights of the good length spot

The batsman is in two minds when the ball is pitched there. He cannot be entirely comfortable going back foot or front foot and as a result usually defends the ball.
Any cricket field is usually set assuming that the bowler will hit the good length spot. As a result, any shots played off this length have a good chance to going to a fielder and not for runs.
Since the batsman is usually undecided about whether to go front foot or back foot, there is a good chance off a shot being played in the air which will result in a wicket. This is especially true when the spinners are bowling.
The area is also prone to wear and tear from the bowlers running up and down the pitch repeatedly. This results in the area becoming rougher and more difficult to bat on as the game goes on. This is particularly true in the longer version of the game.

For aspiring bowlers, it is essential that they ask their coach where the good areas to bowl in are and practice landing the ball there for optimum results.

Nick Stevens

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Stevens

Anyone fancy a bowl - can do better!!

2010-02-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

A Few tips on how to practise cricket

2010-02-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

Circle cricket

This develops the cricket skills of batting and fielding. Batsmen must use proper technique and strokes, and learn the right tactics to score more runs - like hitting the ball into gaps and only playing balls that are necessary. They will face the ball when turning, and slide their bat over the line.

The fielders must restrict the number of runs scored by anticipating where the ball will be hit, and attempt run outs by returning the ball quickly to the in-fielders or by going for direct hits. They must also back up the throws. Fielders can surround the batsman, but must keep out of the 5m circle. Batsmen retire after they have scored 5 runs.

Variations include increasing the number of runs, increasing/decreasing the number of fielders or size of circle or running area. Again, the best dimensions are those that make it a close competition between ball and bat.

Pairs cricket

Pairs cricket is a great way to develop all cricket skills. The batsmen work in pairs, and have a set starting score, perhaps 100. They bat for a set number of overs - perhaps four, and every run scored adds to the starting score. If they lose a wicket, 5 runs are deducted and the batsmen change ends. After their four overs, the batsmen retire and the next pair take over.

This can be developed into a full scale match between two sides of 8 players, one batting and one bowling. Each batting pair has 4 overs each, every fielder must bowl at least one over and a maximum of 4 in a 16 over match. Wides and no balls count as two runs for the batting side, but no additional balls are bowled.

The horse's tail game

This is a really fun way to develop close catching skills. One end of the arc of fielders is named as the horse's head, and the other the horse's tail. The coach hits a variety of catches to random fielders, who return the ball to the wicket keeper.

Each catch taken promotes the successful fielder one place in the arc towards the horse's head, and each brilliant catch promotes him/her two places. But, each dropped catch moves the guilty fielder down to the horse's tail.

The object is to avoid being at the horse's tail when the coach decides the game is over - this might be a set number of hits, or a specific time. It's a recipe for competition, chaos and fun, as well as sharpening fielder's reflexes.

The rules of all these games can be varied to suit the situation. But, this is just a start, as there are many more games that are great for developing cricket skills, as well as being fun in their own right.

Anthony Jenkins is a cricket player and coach, and has been involved with the game for over 4 decades. He manages a junior cricket team, and plays in the Shropshire cricket league. He also manages http://www.cricket-for-parents.com, where you can read more of his work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Jenkins

For a laugh some funny moments

2010-02-17T13:16:00.001-08:00

Buying Cheap Cricket Equipment on the Internet

2010-02-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Apart from the cricket equipment that is used during a game, there are accessories that the players use when they are not in the game to make their lives easier. Cricket bags, for example, also come in wide range of branded styles, with manufacturers such as Dukes, Adidas, Kookaburra and Puma to choose from. Some retailers also choose to produce their own lines of cricket equipment and accessories, which are also of high quality standards and worth the money.

If you do decide to take up playing cricket as a sport, or have a child that wants to play, be sure to research into the range of cheap cricket equipment you can buy. It is also a good idea to look into cricket protection; baselayers are available which give the player extra warmth and thigh guards, which do as the name implies.

If you buy your cheap cricket equipment from the Internet, make sure the retailer's website is a secure and safe to use. If you need any further information on their products, feel free to give them a call for advice.

How to Buy a Good Cricket Bat

2010-02-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Choosing the Right Cricket Bat and what to look for

2010-02-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

An Excellent cricket bat is made with an English willow called Salix Alba Cearulea which have to contain 12-14% moisture to save the bat from getting brittle
The raw willow collected is pressed mechanically to bring down the size by 5-8mm there by making the bat’s surface like a spring
The perfection of the mechanical pressure applied to the bat can be known when a seam mark appears on the bat when struck with a soft ball a few times
If a crack seems when struck against a soft ball with a bat the easy rectification for the bat is to apply some linseed oil and keep the bat a few days to absorb it
The second manufacturing aspect of a bat is the grain width of a bat.The ideal number of grains is said to be about 6-12 grains across the face of a bat
Balance and feel is the another important thing in which it differs from each person and their taste of the bat
The lighter the bat the more easy to move the bat and also to middle the ball,the weight bat has also got good features when it is well connected with the ball.Sachin Tendulkar is using the heaviest bat (1.51kg) ever.
When the weight is distributed evenly it has got more advantages than the lighter bat since it is easier to move
The bat with a comfortable length for each batsman is the best to opt.A longer bat has a slow bat speed
A sweet spot is the area where most of the bat weight is concentrated.The normal sweet spot is between 4 and 12 inches.The higher sweet spot (5-13inches) from the toe which helps the batsmen to play hooks and pull shots and the lower sweet spot (3-11inches) helps in drive shots

How to Buy a Good Cricket Bat?

2010-02-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

A cricket bat is very precious to batsmen. There is nothing more exhilarating in a cricket match than to watch a cover drive or a pull shot race away to the boundary from your bat. The sound of the willow smashing the ball is also very pleasant for the true cricket lover.
This brings us to an important topic which is to decide how to select a bat that is right for you. The selection process of a cricket bat obviously starts with your budget. If you are on a low budget, you can only choose from Kashmir willow bats or low grade English willow bats. If you can however spend more, you can get quality bats that will give you brilliant results for a long time.
Kashmir or English Willow
Most people rule out Kashmir wood as being inferior. While this is mostly true, they do hold some value in certain circumstances. If you play your matches with hard cheap cricket balls with a lot of wax on them, you can use a Kashmir willow bat instead of your English willow bat. The English wood bat is meant to be used on high quality leather balls without wax. A hard, cheap, waxed cricket ball can break your English wood bat in two, especially if it is not seasoned.
English willow bats are however great when you use good quality leather balls. They are especially useful if you are one of those batsmen who times and pushes the ball rather than have a big whack at it. If seasoned well initially, they will last a very long time giving you consistent results.
Nick Stevens
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Stevens