Archive for the ‘Brian Lara’ Category
Great Innings and Averages
Absolutely true. Dilip Premchandran on numbers and their relevance against the backdrop of quality of opposition the batsmen played. Spot on. Thats why we would always say Tendulkar, Dravid and Lara would be over the top than say a Inzy or a Ponting or even a Kallis. Who can forget the marvels of 114 in Perth, 148 in Sydney, 136 against a rampaging Saqlain and Akram, 117 in Melbourne, 241* in Sydney and again 154 in Sydney by Tendulkar. Or for that matter 277 in Adelaide / Sydney, 153 and 110 odd in 1999 series in wins scripted by himself — Lara against Australia ? Not to forget that 1991 Australia team had awesome pacers too good for India and then in 1999 India were another rubbish team on tour to Australia with the Fab Four just had started playing together. Besides 117 from Tendulkar, the only other innings of substance by an Indian on 1999 tour was 167 by VVS which started his love affair with Sydney and Australia.
Lets not forget the 180 by Dravid in Calcutta and then 233 and 72* in Adelaide 2003. Laxman’s 150 odd in Adelaide and epic 281 in Calcutta. Ricky Ponting’s saving 156 in 3rd Test Ashes 2005 was another effort of greatness. Steve Waugh’s batting efforts are full of valiance and bravery. Mohinder Amarnath in 1983 or Vishy in 1975 (perhaps). DBV in 1986 in England. This are landmark innings to quote just a few. And then contrast this with the innings by SL batsmen off late. Which ones would hold substance and weight ? Consider the opposition, conditions and match situations before judging a batsman quality. Many times batsmen dont score 100s but their efforts are as great as it can be. Who can forget Dravid’s effort in 4th Test in WI when no other batsmen either side crossed 50. Gavaskar’s last innings in Test cricket was in a losing cause. For that matter 138 by Inzamam which saved his career and got his captaincy in 2003 against BD. And JImmy Adams holding on with Walsh against strong Akram, Akhtar and Waqar in 2000 Carrib series. Does that count less than a great innings ?
The best test, as it has always been, is to check how the player did
against the finest team of his era. Sunil Gavaskar had 13 centuries against West
Indies, Sachin Tendulkar has 10 against Australia. Brian Lara had nine.
Inzamam-ul-Haq finished with one from 14 Tests.
Reason behind WI series
Those who say the ongoing India – WI series is useless and uncalled for, let me just state here for the record that this series is in response to the WI series prior to the world cup 2007 in India. This is a return series and was under “agreement” between BCCI and WICB.
4 ODIs then, 4 ODIs now. Before world cup then, after world cup now.
And yes that series was last time BC Lara played official international cricket last time in India. Its a pity that he didnt play a Test in India after 1994. Blame it on the scare tours WI make to India. 1983, 1988, 1994, 2002. 4 times in my life time.
