Associate Cricket: Asian T20 Cup Preview
Russell Degnan

After a short break associate cricket returns with the last, and probably most keenly anticipated of the WT20 world regional qualifying tournaments. Ten teams are involved, in two groups of five, with the top three, exclusing Afghanistan progressing. This is slightly problematic, as the semi-finalists will no doubt be those three teams, and the draw, based on the 2010 ACC Elite Trophy appears to favour a weaker group A, although it is probably marginal. With seven teams in with a reasonable chance of making the semi-finals there is no margin for error from any side.

Group A
Afghanistan, as top seed, and past qualifier for the main event will be favourites, but, not needing to win (and needing to keep Hamid Hassan fit before all else), they might be tempted to play with their side a little.
Malaysia were unexpected semi-finalists in 2010 beating UAE on course to 4th, but were competitive even in losses, recently qualified for WCL5 and will be a good chance. The Oman game will likely decide their fate.
Oman are probably favourites for second place in the group, with the 3rd highest CricketEurope rating and a strong performance in the WCL3 where Wategaonkar and Ranpura starred.
Bhutan are cannon-fodder. They escaped relegation in 2010 through the absence of Bahrain (like Singapore, a far the better side) but were mauled repeatedly. A record T20 loss is possible.
Maldives are rated worse than Bhutan, they won the ACC trophy challenge and might be better than that, but the tiny atolls will be pleased to be here, and unlikely to compete.

Group B
Nepal, host and a good one with an enormous cricket following (percentage wise, even by full member standards) and crowds. That passion, nor junior success, hasn't translated to date, and they might be the unlucky team here again.
Hong Kong have some quality youth, particularly Nizakat Khan , but some uneven results in the WCL2, though they retained their status (and funding) and went close to UAE.
UAE have been on the up of late, with an experienced side and some solid performances in the I-Cup against Afghanistan and (more importantly) the WCL2. Was the surprise disappointment last year, and won't want a repeat in a format that can throw them up.
Kuwait are the dark horse in a strong group. They'll need two upsets to progress which seems unlikely, but their recent record (2nd in WCL7, 3rd in WCL6) is solid.
Saudi Arabia are the make-weight in this group. Will be surprising if they win a game, but upsets have happened throughtout qualifying. Woulf be ecstatic with seventh place.

The helpful contacts at the ACC inform me NTV (Nepal) are broadcasting the ACC Twenty20 Cup. There are no official web-streams - something that the ICC ought to make a priority for all women's, age group and associate tournaments - but NTV seems to be available online


World Cricket League Six passed me by while I was away, but a brief recap for the record. Malaysia played host to the Channel Islands nations, a hopeful Kuwait and Nigeria, and a Fiji in free-fall from higher up. Fiji continued to struggle, and Nigeria were winless; the remainder of the games were ridiculously close, Guernsey going undefeated, but winning 4 games by a combined 7 wickets and 21 runs, Jersey won 3 games 37 runs and 3 wickets, but lost three by 1 wicket and 17 runs, Malaysia being the (perhaps) fortunate second placed team, losing the final by two wickets. This tournament proved again that cricket is remarkably even between the teams ranked 10th through to 36th, even if none of them are a match for the very top, as a contest it is brilliant. WCL5 will be in Singapore in February.

Idle Summers 29th November, 2011 21:25:25   [#] [0 comments] 

Monday Melbourne: CCXLIII, November 2011
Russell Degnan

Christmas sunset. Taken November 2011

Melbourne Town 28th November, 2011 20:28:14   [#] [0 comments] 

Ratings - 27th November 2011
Russell Degnan

Recent Results

2nd/3rd TestIndiavWest Indies
Pre-rating1095.20929.30
Form-48.92+9.69
Expected MarginIndia by 133 runs
Actual MarginIndia by an innings and 15 runs
Actual MarginMatch Drawn
Post-rating1093.74923.80
Series Rating1140.42888.00

Two tests from the archetype file of recent Indian results at home. The second test began with the flying Sehwag start, tons from Dravid, Laxman and Dhoni, and an imposing 7 dec. 631. Then the spinners got to work. Dhoni is self-confident enough to open spinners when he believes they'll take the wickets, and against the West Indies they have been. Ojha 4/64, Ashwin 2/49 and the impressively quick but erratic Yadav 3/23. The West Indies have player capable of making runs however, even if their ability to do so consistently evades and costs them. A Bravo ton and 84 from Samueals got them to 4/401, and the outside possibility of either a draw or testing target. Things fell apart quickly after Bravo's dismissal however, and they needed to content themselves with turning a crushing loss into a merely disappointing one.

The third test ollowed an ever more familiar script of dead pitch reincarnated as raging turner on the last day, once journalists have bemoaned the death of cricket via dull draws. Bravo again anchored the West Indies innings; by game's end he'd produced 404 runs for the series. But they'll regret a number of points in this game, losing 6/72 being the first, Ashwin cementing his place in Australia by taking five. India likewise scored heavily, Tendulkar's non-landmark didn't come, and therefore never went, but his dismissal and Dhoni's shortly after signalled the second key moment. At 6/331 the West Indies ought to have acquired a large lead, the likes of which only Australia and Sri Lanka fail to defend. Instead Ashwin, with Kohli in tow, knocked up a ton, reducing the lead to 108, and seemingly guaranteeing a draw.

Cue the twist, from 2/82 on the fifth morning the West Indies batting was shockingly poor, Ojha being the main destroyer (6/47) with Ashwin in support (4/34). That left 243 runs to be chased in 64 overs. The sort of target that only inept batting could have produced, but thankfully one that promised a tight result. For a third time, the West Indies failed to capitalise on chances, dropping Sehwag three times is near unforgivable, and their ground fielding in the latter stages cost them dear when runouts were on. Nonetheless, their defensive fields, and the tirelessness of Rampaul brought about the closest drawn finish in test history. A fair result, but one the West Indies were unduly pleased with.

A series then, that broadly went the way it was expected to, but one both can be pleased with, in their own ways. India have found a quick with real speed in Yadav, and Ojha and Ashwin's efforts were exemplary, even if they will struggle on the unforgiving decks of Australia. The West Indies have a serious talent in Bravo, and enough potential in Braithwaite, Barath and Edwards to make runs, once (if) they put away the loose shots. Their bowling is well balanced, if not brilliant, but they'll be able to challenge Sri Lanka in the near future, if ther trajectories continue.

2nd TestSouth AfricavAustralia
Pre-rating1185.891122.99
Form+11.61-26.93
Expected MarginSouth Africa by 81 runs
Actual MarginAustralia by 2 wickets
Post-rating1179.411127.29
Series Rating1223.731087.37

Nearly the perfect test match, between two sides that have made a habit of such things in the past two decades. It is unfortunate that so much of the coverage harped on it being the last match in an absorbing series. While true, it would have been the last match come what may, and might have been dead in a three test series. Context in test cricket is very important, longer series between major powers is a self-interested solution that doesn't address the problem.

Better to enjoy the game we did have, particularly one that reached these heights. South Africa looked to be bossing the first day, lit up by a rapid Kallis 50 and a 112 run partnership from Prince and de Villiers. Quick wickets after tea, som inspired fielding from Cummins and poor shots left them at 266. Hughes comes in for a lot of criticism (rightly) but he succeeded for long enough here to put Australia in a dominant position. Once out though, Steyn ripped out the middle order, and it took 38 from Johnson to produce a meagre 30 run lead.

That looked small by stumps on day 3, Amla (105) and de Villiers (73) dominant and only Cummins, a 17 year old with the engine (and body) of someone much older, posing any type of threat. Once again, wickets tumbled together though, and at 7/266 Australia looked to be on top. 41 from Steyn shifted that equation back against them, as did Philander removing both openers inside 3 overs. Thus it fell to Ponting, with a peerless 4th innings record and hopeless form, and Khawaja, yet to make his mark to find something. They did, until Tahir removed Khawaja right before the light failed. The final day produced everything, with all four results possible until nearly the end, when only the draw was removed. As each wicket fell, first Clarke, then Ponting, then Hussey, Australia looked finished. Haddin (55) and Johnson (40*) were unlikely heroes given most wanted them dropped, and when Haddin fell to Philander with the new ball, his fifth wicket, they still looked to have done too little. Cummins might play a decade and never have a larger influence on a match, and in truth, his 13 run cameo was immensely lucky, but that didn't matter when he pulled Tahir through mid-wicket.

Australia are far from back, though they have good reason to believe they ought to have won 2-0, just as South Africa do. South Africa's quest for a victory over Australia at home will wait until they play four tests in a few years. For now, all that can be said is that two sides with great talent and glaring flaws, youth and potential, players on their last legs, and players who oughtn't be in the side combine for enthralling cricket.


Forthcoming Series

2 TestsAustraliavNew Zealand
Pre-rating1127.29876.93
Form-11.61-24.18
Expected MarginAustralia by 175 runs

Also two tests, but noone outside New Zealand seems to care that cricket's fiercest but most poorly maintained rivalry is again so limited. The expected margin explains this, and New Zealand's poor form make it likely that Australia will continue their 18 year winning streak over their neighbour. The caveat is injuries which plague the Australian side, leaving them with an inexperienced and erratic top order, and an inexperienced and almost unknown bowling attack. New Zealand have the batting to capitalise on the latter, and the fieldsmen to take advantage of mistakes in the former. Whether they have the talent to press home any advantage they are given is unclear.


Rankings at 27th November 2011
1.England1333.15
2.South Africa1179.41
3.Australia1127.29
4.India1093.74
5.Pakistan1051.47
6.Sri Lanka1036.58
7.West Indies923.80
8.New Zealand876.93
9.Bangladesh622.73
10.Zimbabwe556.62

11.Ireland559.06
12.Afghanistan514.53
13.Scotland437.45
14.Namibia407.53
15.Kenya338.92
16.U.S.A.296.99
17.Uganda268.44
18.U.A.E.219.51
19.Netherlands202.55
20.Nepal196.51
21.Canada154.58
22.Hong Kong148.65
23.Cayman Is134.24
24.Malaysia123.90
25.Bermuda105.40

Shaded teams have played fewer than 2 games per season. Non-test team ratings are not comparable to test ratings as they don't play each other.

Idle Summers 27th November, 2011 20:38:14   [#] [0 comments] 

Monday Melbourne: CCXLII, November 2011
Russell Degnan

Sunset by the Yarra. Taken November 2011

Melbourne Town 21st November, 2011 19:07:55   [#] [0 comments] 

Ratings - 12th November 2011
Russell Degnan

Recent Results

3rd TestPakistanvSri Lanka
Pre-rating1051.681036.39
Form+28.44-27.52
Expected MarginPakistan by 8 runs
Actual MarginMatch Drawn
Post-rating1051.471036.58
Series Rating1112.09975.92

A match that was surprisingly, given the venue, shortened by rain, hindering Sri Lanka's of a result as they got on top for the only time in the series. Sangakarra was again the catalyst for Sri Lanka, making 144 and taking his series tally to 516 runs. This time he got some small support, from the captain, and a little support from the bowlers, Welegedara taking 5/87 to get a 73 run lead. It wasn't enough to force the play however, as the ever patient Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq kept Pakistan in the game. Sri Lanka did declare in the end, setting a tempting 255 run target off 57 overs that Pakistan declined to chase, but they drifted towards that declaration, held up by Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul. The series ended, therefore, in the hosts favour, but by a narrow margin. A series expected to be close, marked by a lot of draws on a flat pitch, met every expectation. Pakistan have moved ahead of Sri Lanka in the ratings, but the difference is marginal; what they will be pleased about is the quality of their cricket, after a tumultuous few years of below par performances.


1st TestIndiavWest Indies
Pre-rating1111.89921.28
Form-62.14-9.20
Expected MarginIndia by 143 runs
Actual MarginIndia by 5 wickets
Post-rating1095.20929.30

A match not expected to be terribly close, was, for a time, looking like a major upset, before class prevailed. The West Indies, by and large batted very poorly in this game. Except for Braithwaite's patient (some might say slow) 63 and Chanderpaul's brilliant 118 and 42, the only other contribution of note in the game was 42 slogged runs by the captain to help set a more difficult target. India's batting in their first innings however was awful, ranging from lazy strokes to plain sloppy. It was a team effort from the West Indies, led by the captain who had their tails up, but one they couldn't sustain. India's spinners, first Ojha (6/72) then Ashwin (6/47) opened the second innings, such was their hold over the batsmen on a pitch taking turn, restricting the chase to 276.

Though never entirely comfortable, the West Indies lacked the bowlers to exploit conditions and while they bowled with discipline, restricting the scoring and preying on mistakes, they were too few, and the target too small. The latter issue led to some shameless non-cricket in an attempt to guide Tendulkar to a pointless record, one he again failed to attain. His innings, and composure, was the determining factor in the win, and needed no cap on it. His dismissal however, ironically, led to India again missing their expected margin, and another significant ratings drop. They need a more commanding performance to move back up.


1st TestSouth AfricavAustralia
Pre-rating1180.151133.16
Form+0.54-26.34
Expected MarginSouth Africa by 73 runs
Actual MarginSouth Africa by 8 wickets
Post-rating1185.891122.99

As strange a match as you'll ever likely encounter, marked by a day of normal cricket, a session and a half of insanity, and then another day of normality. Much has been, and will continue to be written about the insane part, and rightly so. On a helpful wicket, but no worse, and one that hardly changed from day to day, both sides looked completely inept, Australia adding reckless to the mix. For a brief period test cricket sped up to something approaching baseball, 6 innings worth of batters coming and for 7 hits, 10 of them not even facing enough deliveries to make a full count. South Africa had the better of the interlude, but ought to have been dead and buried after Watson and Harris conjured an 188 run lead, but Philander, Morkel and Steyn were devastating in reply.

And yet, in some ways, that isn't really where Australia lost the game. When all is said and done, they both lost almost an entire innings for 47 runs. Where Australia lost was the rest of the game. Clarke's 151 was brilliant (and the passage of play where he faced Steyn a highlight of year) but, Marsh (now injured) and Siddle (who looked remarkably untroubled all things considered) aside, the rest were appalling. Amla had some chances, and Smith may be the ugliest batsman in world cricket, but the non-collapso scorecard read: Australia 10/284, South Africa 3/236. Things that have been apparent for some time continue to haunt Australia: Johnson is a liability that can't be carried by such limited support, Siddle a work-horse but no more, Haddin completely reckless, Ponting apparently done, and Hughes not worth keeping when better batsmen are available (and there are). New selectors arrived this week. If they are looking for an opportunity to bring forward change, this match provided plenty of justification, and even the captain seems unwilling to gainsay it.

Rankings at 12th November 2011
1.England1333.15
2.South Africa1185.89
3.Australia1122.99
4.India1095.20
5.Pakistan1051.47
6.Sri Lanka1036.58
7.West Indies929.30
8.New Zealand876.93
9.Bangladesh622.73
10.Zimbabwe556.62

11.Ireland559.06
12.Afghanistan514.53
13.Scotland437.45
14.Namibia407.53
15.Kenya338.92
16.U.S.A.296.99
17.Uganda268.44
18.U.A.E.219.51
19.Netherlands202.55
20.Nepal196.51
21.Canada154.58
22.Hong Kong148.65
23.Cayman Is134.24
24.Malaysia123.90
25.Bermuda105.40

Shaded teams have played fewer than 2 games per season. Non-test team ratings are not comparable to test ratings as they don't play each other.

Idle Summers 12th November, 2011 19:21:06   [#] [0 comments] 

Monday Melbourne: CCXLI, November 2011
Russell Degnan

The vagaries of spring again. Taken November 2011

Melbourne Town 8th November, 2011 06:20:23   [#] [0 comments] 

Ratings - 6th November 2011
Russell Degnan

Recent Results

Only TestZimbabwevNew Zealand
Pre-rating553.31885.38
Form-9.46-29.09
Expected MarginNew Zealand by 116 runs
Actual MarginNew Zealand by 34 runs
Post-rating556.62876.93

Zimbabwe may well rue that with better catching, cooler heads and a little more luck, they could have won all three tests since their comeback. They won plenty of admirers here for their spirited chase of a target that proved just out of reach, led by their captain, Taylor (117) but well supported throughtout the match by a top-6 that looks dependable, if nothing else. Their bowling was also reasonable even without Vitori; Jarvis keeping them in it with 5 second innings wickets. But beign better than expected is still not great, and they are still a step behind a weak New Zealand side, who failed to dominant the game, even if it was one they were generally on top of. Ross Taylor and Williamson provided the runs, and Vettori the bulk of the wickets before Bracewell chimed in with five on debut. An excellent game, and a good demonstration of the type of hard-fought and exciting cricket the weaker nations can produce, if only they had a reason to play more games against each other.


Forthcoming Series

3 TestsIndiavWest Indies
Pre-rating1111.89921.28
Form-62.14-9.20
Expected MarginIndia by 143 runs

A test series that ought to demonstrate that India remains a class above the teams in the middle of the test rankings. The West Indies played relatively well at home, but will be lucky to compete here, especially on the back of a disappointing tour of Bangladesh. The Indian media remains pre-occupied with pointless statistics, a further sign that cricket has lost its way, if it ever had it. After a difficult tour of England, several players need to prove that they still have something to offer, otherwise the process of rebuilding an aging lineup will have to start sooner than expected.

2 TestsSouth AfricavAustralia
Pre-rating1180.151133.16
Form+0.54-26.34
Expected MarginSouth Africa by 73 runs

Like the series above, one of cricket's oldest and strongest rivalries, now sadly devalued. Unlike the above, this devauling is caused not by a lack of on-field prowess, but by obstinate administration. In the past two decades, hardly a series between these two sides hasn't been close, and this will be no different. One-all is the likely result, though South Africa ought to win, and Australia will feel they continue to have the upper-hand. Conditions in both nations are sufficiently similar, and both play the same type of game, based around a strong pace attack, aggressive running, and athletic fielding. In all three areas, South Africa have the edge, in addition to the better spinner and the greater experience. Where Australia have the edge is the potential for one-off performances, from Hughes, Johnson, Marsh, even Ponting (whose recent form remains catastrophically bad) or their new bowlers: Cummins (if playing) and Lyons. On their last tour, Johnson and Hughes played in a manner not since seen; they'll need those performances again if they are to repeat.

Rankings at 6th November 2011
1.England1333.15
2.South Africa1180.15
3.Australia1133.16
4.India1111.89
5.Pakistan1051.68
6.Sri Lanka1036.39
7.West Indies921.28
8.New Zealand876.93
9.Bangladesh622.73
10.Zimbabwe556.62

11.Ireland559.06
12.Afghanistan514.53
13.Scotland437.45
14.Namibia407.53
15.Kenya338.92
16.U.S.A.296.99
17.Uganda268.44
18.U.A.E.219.51
19.Netherlands202.55
20.Nepal196.51
21.Canada154.58
22.Hong Kong148.65
23.Cayman Is134.24
24.Malaysia123.90
25.Bermuda105.40

Shaded teams have played fewer than 2 games per season. Non-test team ratings are not comparable to test ratings as they don't play each other.

Idle Summers 6th November, 2011 15:30:43   [#] [2 comments] 

Ratings - 1st November 2011
Russell Degnan

Such is the glut of cricket right now that matches start before the other ends from now until Christmas. Bangladesh and the West Indies will follow shortly.

Recent Results

2nd TestPakistanvSri Lanka
Pre-rating1038.351048.99
Form+7.18-9.27
Expected MarginSri Lanka by 5 runs
Actual MarginPakistan by 9 wickets
Post-rating1051.681036.39

A test that played out in a similar manner to the first, without the heroics of Sangakarra. Umar Gul made early in-roads into the Sri Lankan lineup, leaving the spinners to close out the innings. Pakistan again batted patiently, a far cry from a year ago, led by Azhar Ali's even ton, with the Sri Lankan bowlers again struggling. In the second innings Sri Lanka threatened briefly to post a difficult target, but noone went on. Mathews was stranded, although he wasn't scoring fast enough for it to matter, and the honours went to Saeed Ajmal. Wasting no time, Pakistan scored the runs before stumps on day four to take the series lead.

The result pushes Pakistan ahead of Sri Lanka on the rankings, with the latter needing to win the final test by 140 runs to regain 5th place. On recent form, and with Pakistan apparently at ease with the test format, it is unlikely Sri Lanka can achieve anything better than a draw.

Forthcoming Series

Only TestZimbabwevNew Zealand
Pre-rating553.31885.38
Form-9.46-29.09
Expected MarginNew Zealand by 116 runs

Like Bangladesh against the West Indies, this is the kind of match Zimbabwe should look to win, if they are to work their way back into favour, and more favourable tours (though I have my doubts that will ever happen). The absence of Ryder and Taibu will be felt by both camps, but probably balances out. Zimbabwe have shown in their first few tests back that their bowling has some spark, and they'll probably match what New Zealand can bring to the contest. Whether their batting can produce enough runs is doubtful; their admirable discipline in the last few games led to an absence of shots as well. New Zealand are not that strong in that department either, but strong enough, especially as Williamson continues to develop.

Rankings at 1st November 2011
1.England1333.15
2.South Africa1180.15
3.Australia1133.16
4.India1111.89
5.Pakistan1051.68
6.Sri Lanka1036.39
7.West Indies921.28
8.New Zealand885.38
9.Bangladesh622.73
10.Zimbabwe553.31

11.Ireland559.06
12.Afghanistan514.53
13.Scotland437.45
14.Namibia407.53
15.Kenya338.92
16.U.S.A.296.99
17.Uganda268.44
18.U.A.E.219.51
19.Netherlands202.55
20.Nepal196.51
21.Canada154.58
22.Hong Kong148.65
23.Cayman Is134.24
24.Malaysia123.90
25.Bermuda105.40

Shaded teams have played fewer than 2 games per season. Non-test team ratings are not comparable to test ratings as they don't play each other.

Idle Summers 1st November, 2011 14:34:41   [#] [0 comments] 

Monday Melbourne: CCXL, October 2011
Russell Degnan

The vagaries of spring. Taken September 2011

Melbourne Town 1st November, 2011 12:36:46   [#] [0 comments]