Straight to the point- 7+4 or 6+5? I think in this World Cup it won’t be a case of ‘If 6 have failed, the 7th batsman will more or less fail’. Also, that 7th batsman can easily bowl 4-5 overs atleast if required. So, when comparing that with a 5th bowler who won’t bat as much as our 7th batsman will bowl (those who are getting it won’t find this confusing one bit) 7+4 seems a more attractive proposition.
Now to the other question: if 7+4, then who is the 4th bowler? This should vary according to the opposition. So, as far as Ireland is concerned, I say we should stick to Piyush Chawla. Simple reasons, they haven’t seen much of him, infact none at all, so for a leggie that is excellent if he is a mystery to the opposition. Flippers, googlies and even the conventional break have more chances of picking up wickets than Ashwin’s mildly spinning off-breaks and his carom-ball. Also, there shouldn’t be much of a question of “bowling in powerplays” where Ashwin comes into play. So, go with Chawla, bat first, get a good total and put them under the pump In the evening.
Some are worried with the pitches, particularly in India- they aren’t offering assistance to seam, swing or, more importantly, spin. But as the tournament goes on, with all its group stage fixtures, come quarters and I say we will have some excellent worn down pitches just fine for spinners. Venues for the quarters are Mirpur, Colombo and Ahmedabad. Already a lot of matches have been played on each of these venues. Same for semi-finals- Mohali and Colombo. So, spin was, and will stay without doubt remain a major factor in the world cup.
Ireland will not be an easy proposition tomorrow, and not only due to their superb win over the Poms. They will try to tie us down with some tight bowling initially and their excellent fielding. But if we manage to see the initial phase out, importantly without losing wickets, we will be fine. Yes, this is usually the case with any match, but it is all the more important tomorrow.
And their batting hinges on William Porterfield and Brien brothers, with veteran Johnston providing the finishing touches. So, we have to be careful as they are pretty thick skinned – tough people who won’t give up, have nothing to lose and can be calculative and cool while batting.
But I still get a feeling we will rout them tomorrow. Let’s see what happens…..
Now to the other question: if 7+4, then who is the 4th bowler? This should vary according to the opposition. So, as far as Ireland is concerned, I say we should stick to Piyush Chawla. Simple reasons, they haven’t seen much of him, infact none at all, so for a leggie that is excellent if he is a mystery to the opposition. Flippers, googlies and even the conventional break have more chances of picking up wickets than Ashwin’s mildly spinning off-breaks and his carom-ball. Also, there shouldn’t be much of a question of “bowling in powerplays” where Ashwin comes into play. So, go with Chawla, bat first, get a good total and put them under the pump In the evening.
Some are worried with the pitches, particularly in India- they aren’t offering assistance to seam, swing or, more importantly, spin. But as the tournament goes on, with all its group stage fixtures, come quarters and I say we will have some excellent worn down pitches just fine for spinners. Venues for the quarters are Mirpur, Colombo and Ahmedabad. Already a lot of matches have been played on each of these venues. Same for semi-finals- Mohali and Colombo. So, spin was, and will stay without doubt remain a major factor in the world cup.
Ireland will not be an easy proposition tomorrow, and not only due to their superb win over the Poms. They will try to tie us down with some tight bowling initially and their excellent fielding. But if we manage to see the initial phase out, importantly without losing wickets, we will be fine. Yes, this is usually the case with any match, but it is all the more important tomorrow.
And their batting hinges on William Porterfield and Brien brothers, with veteran Johnston providing the finishing touches. So, we have to be careful as they are pretty thick skinned – tough people who won’t give up, have nothing to lose and can be calculative and cool while batting.
But I still get a feeling we will rout them tomorrow. Let’s see what happens…..
i don't agree with you about Ireland haven't seen much of Piyush Chawla.
ReplyDeleteBecause in an only ODI Irish team played against India, Piyush was included in the squad and in fact he was the peak of the bowlers, ending his spell with 3 wickets.
Still its a good strategy to have one leg spinner in the team along with your main off spinner Harbhajan who can also confuse the batsmen with his googly and flipper.
Nice post by the way...
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