Cricket Viewpoint - News, Opinion, Analysis

Australia easily beat Bangladesh by 10 wickets at the World Cup today. In a rained shortened match of 22 overs each, Ricky Ponting had no hesitation in putting Bangladesh in to bat. The Bangladeshi batsmen came out swinging hard, but found the Australian attack did not really provide them with the liberties to do so.

Glenn McGrath was immaculate as always. McGrath picked up 3 wickets to become the bowler with the highest number of wickets at the World Cup, easing past Wasim Akram’s record.

Bangladesh scored 104 for 6 off their alloted 22 overs with Mashrafe Mortaza unbeaten on 25, Saqibul 25, and captain Habibul Bashar 24.

Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist then came out with a license to thrill and finished off the match by the 14th over itself. Gilchrist hit 59 off 44 balls, with 8 fours and a six. Matthew Hayden was undefeated on 47 off 39 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes, when the mayhem finally stopped.

Bangladesh have had a good world cup - until now, when they ran into a rampaging Australia showing no signs of slowing down.

Read the match report here

After India’s disastrous World Cup campaign, Ian Chappell, the brother of current Indian coach, Greg Chappell has suggested that it is time for Sachin Tendulkar to retire.

Ian Chappell who is always forthright and not known to mince his words, suggested in his column in the Mumbai based Mid-day news paper that “At the moment he (Sachin Tendulkar) looks like a player trying to eke out a career; build on a glittering array of statistics.

If he really is playing for that reason and not to help win as many matches as he can for India then he is wasting his time and should retire immediately.”

He also said that Sachin’s form was in direct contrast to that of Brian Lara, who was fleet footed and aggressive in his play. Age and injuries have appeared to take a toll on the Indian, whilst the West Indian has continued to play in the natural style that has been his trademark for long.

Read the full text of Chappell’s article here

Chappell’s comments have been slammed by former players in the Indian media.

Former Indian wicketkeeper batsman Chandrakant Pandit said Tendulkar has played the game for long to judge himself and decide on retirement.

“Sachin Tendulkar is good enough to know his ability and approach towards the game. He is an experienced player and knows how long he should carry on playing,” Pandit said.

“With his experience, he knows what is required at that level, he is very much aware. He can judge himself better than anybody else. I don’t think anybody should advice him whether to continue or not,” he added.

Read more about the reactions to Ian Chappell’s comments here.

England beat Ireland by 48 runs at the World Cup today.

However, it wasn’t an entirely convincing display. Winning the toss, England chose to bat scoring 266 for 7 in their 50 overs. The openers Ed Joyce and Michael Vaughan were both dismissed cheaply. Vaughan scoring a sumptous boundary before edging behind.

Vaughan probably needs to consider whether he should open or drop down to number 3.

Paul Collingwood was again the man for England, scoring 90 with three sixes before being run out.
Kevin Pietersen scored 48 and Andrew Flintoff 43, as England powered along to a reasonable, but not necessarily outstanding score.

Ireland scored 218 in reply in 48.1 overs. Andrew Flintoff took 3 wickets and Monty Panesar 2 wickets. Neil O’Brien was the top scorer for Ireland with 63.

So overall a win for England, but not convincing enough.

Read the full match story from the BBC here.