Cricket World Cup So Far...

First week of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. And surprisingly nothing much to write home about. Only minnows in abundance so far. Almost all of the matches extremely one-sided with only England allowing Netherlands to come a little closer perhaps. India-Bangladesh opener had some suspense due to Bangladesh's upset win in 2007 packing India out of that World Cup.

Only two big matches played so far and both unfortunately were one-sided affairs. South Africa thrashed West Indies on 24th and Australia thumped little brother New Zealand in a listless encounter today. The most absorbing one of the week just got over, Bangladesh defeating Ireland by 27 runs in a low scoring match. But one minnow defeating another minnow--does the result make any difference?

On the positive side, South Africa made a good impact. Pakistan came strong with good showing in both batting and bowling. Australia growing stronger with two easy wins and somebody must stop them before they run away with the fifth title!

Pak faces Sri Lanka tomorrow in a crunch match. India take on England in another big match on Sunday. The weekend is packed for you!

But has this World Cup become only weekend excitement? Big matches are very few and sparsely placed. By the time the tournament hots up it's already knockout stage and the knockout stage has just seven matches including the final.

I feel disappointed with the 2011 format. Too many minnows, no super six or super eight or super league. To find out more Read Here! And give your views.

Player Review Decision Welcome!

For ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Player Review Decisions are allowed meaning the captain of the fielding side or the batsman at the crease can appeal to the TV or third umpire for a review of 'out' or 'not out' decisions by making a T sign to the on-field umpire. A team is allowed two unsuccessful review appeals per innings. A review is considered unsuccessful if the third umpire does not reverse the on-field umpire's decision and the decision stands. If a player succeeds in getting the umpire's decision reversed then this will be a successful review and will not count for the limit of two decisions. We have seen today a Canadian batsman successfully reversing his 'out' decision to 'not out' by the third umpire. We have also seen two unsuccessful reviews by Canada against Sri Lanka while fielding.

This facility introduced earlier on a trial basis is most welcome considering the nowadays frequent umpiring mistakes. The rules are also practical. You cannot go on appealing on umpiring decisions as there is a limit of only two unsuccessful reviews per team per innings. But if you are fighting real umpiring menace then you can be successful in your review appeals and the limit of two would not apply. But technology must be sound enough to justify or reverse umpiring decisions.

Now if terrible Australian umpires are operating  Team India need not worry!

Sideburns!!!

***At 12 noon, if the Indian ruling coalition announces it’s noon time, the Indian opposition would cry hoarse, ‘ Too little too late! It’s midnight! We demand an enquiry and leave the responsibility of doing so to us!’ So committed to oppose!

***One senior executive has three cars for all the three members of his family. But he has to walk miles everyday for health!

***Online money making sites (so called) tell you how they made millions in minutes or days or maximum one month. But if they are already rolling with millions why they ask you to pay a heavily discounted pittance to join and pitifully offer you nearly a hundred percent discount the moment you try to leave the site! A riddle I cannot solve. 

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