No Ball or No Call?

By Adrian Meredith

MELBOURNE, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) November 15, 2012: In the recently completed test match, South Africa vs Australia at Brisbane, 1st test, there were four no balls that otherwise would have been wickets.

2/192 Over 55.4

Siddle to Kallis, (no ball) 1 run, caught at mid-off! Another soft dismissal, but Asad Rauf has asked the batsman to wait to check if there's a front-foot fault. Siddle's landed on the line, so it's been called a no-ball. Kallis gets a life. He tried to whip the ball over midwicket once again but this time the length wasn't full enough, the line was more on off stump and he got a leading edge that lobbed tamely to Lyon. But Siddle's front foot was not behind the line, it was on the line.

3/107 Over 24.3

Morkel to Cowan, 1 no ball, there's a noise as the ball flies past Cowan's hips and the South Africans roar for the caught behind, umpire Rauf says not out. South Africa ask for a review. Morkel's front foot is close to being a no-ball but a fraction of his heel is just behind. Or is it? It's very very close. It's been called a no-ball so it doesn't matter if Cowan hit it or not. Replays on hot spot indicate that the ball brushed the glove too. That would have been out had Morkel's front foot been a fraction behind the line. I don't think South Africa lose a referral for that.

4/340 Over 92.5

Morkel to Clarke, 1 no ball, another no-ball, this is Morkel's second but it adds to South Africa's huge total. Clarke was cut in half between bat and body, AB thought there was an edge after he collected it but I think it brushed the thigh. Will wait for replays to confirm. Hot spot indicate an inside edge, so Morkel has bowled two no balls and got edges that have been caught behind off both. Only himself to blame.

1/26 Over 10.6

Pattinson to Amla, 1 no ball, bowled him! But umpire Rauf is checking if Pattinson had over-stepped. He has! It's a no-ball. Amla bowled off a no-ball. It was full and fast in the blockhole just outside off stump, Amla tried to squeeze it out but got an inside edge on to his stumps. Australia's joy is short lived. That's four wickets off no-balls in this Test. Two to each team.

Now, I have no problem with the third one - after all, that was called at the time. But the other three weren't. The second one was given not out originally, then was referred as they thought he had hit it - it proved that he had - but it was now given not out due to the no ball! And then the other two were both given out - no ball wasn't called initially, but then on umpire review they were given not out because they were no balls.

The first thing to consider is this - is it reasonable for umpires to review in case it was a no ball?

In the original days of cricket, there was no TV replay. It was a no ball because the umpire could see it to be a no ball at the time. If it wasn't obvious, then it wasn't called.

In my opinion, we can really go one of two ways:

OPTION 1: Review every ball of the entire match to see if it could be a no ball

In international matches, there is enough money to do this and it doesn't have to be time consuming. They could install no ball mats and have a third umpire permanently assigned to checking no balls as the ball is bowled, then checking it by the time that the next delivery is due to be balled. Then, if it is deemed to be a no ball, then it could be given as an extra run. They could do this in all international matches - but probably couldn't realistically do it domestically.

If we go down this path, then it is going to be a lot harder for bowlers. They are going to be bowling from a foot behind the line, and hence aren't going to get quite as much power into the ball, which will be especially tough on fast bowlers. It is already hard enough for bowlers; but this will make it even tougher.

But, then again, a no ball is, effectively, cheating. Try playing a game where the bowler can bowl from halfway down the pitch and you will know how huge an advantage it is. No balls are called no balls for the simple reason that they give a bowler an unfair advantage. But is it fair to call all of them?

The fact of the matter is that if we called all balls in this way, in your typical test match there would probably be a no ball once every 30-50 balls or so - about 5 times as many as are called. It would give a huge extra advantage to batsmen.

OPTION 2: Remove the ability to review a wicket to see if it was a no ball.

Doing this will mean that we go back to the "if the umpire didn't see it, it didn't happen" rule that has always happened in the past. Umpires could still call no balls but they wouldn't be able to review in case it was a no ball. If they missed it at the time, then they missed it.

Doing this would continue to give bowlers some hope and would also let us feel a bit like there is something traditional about it.

The problem, of course, is that if it is a no ball then it shouldn't be out, and some people might feel that it is unfair to deliberately turn a blind eye to this.

Currently, of course, we are doing it a third way - but I don't like this:

OPTION 3: No balls are called at the time by umpires unless there is a wicket, in which case we go to the third umpire in case it might be a no ball

Doing this has a feeling of unfairness about it - by robbing bowlers of wickets and also taking much more time than it should. It also has the feeling of unfairness because they are probably missing lots of other no balls - and lots of other runs. Runs can be crucial to the outcome of a game too.

The way that they are currently doing it is unfair, and, while, as it so happened, the recently completed test didn't seem to favour one team over another as far as this was concerned, the fact is that it could. What if one team gets 4 decisions against them while the other team doesn't get any? It'd feel unfair.

Option 1 might seem reasonable and probably is plausible but the main problem is that it would become even easier for batsmen. They need to do something for bowlers! It'd make bowlers really feel useless.

If they can then find something for bowlers then fair enough but I just don't like option 1 at all.

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Australia on Right Track with All-Pace-Attack

By Adrian Meredith

Australia are nurturing fast bowlers to keep their sights at ICC World Cup 2015

MELBOURNE, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) October 24, 2012: It has been commented recently by Shane Warne, Australia's last decent spinner, that right now Australia should consider all-pace in most conditions. This is coming from a spin bowler! And that says enough for me.

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So let's look at the current options, to see how it stacks up:

Spin bowlers:

Nathan Lyon has done well enough in tests, averaging around 27, and is probably Australia's best test spin bowler. But he has recently commented that he is overloaded with advice. The fact that he isn't being used in ODIs or T20s suggests that perhaps his time in the test team is limited.

Michael Beersomehow got a game at Shane Warne's insistence and has a terrible record, both in tests and in first class matches, averaging around 50 in both formats. Plucked from obscurity, like so many others, as with most others he has stunk.

Xavier Dohertywas actually the form spin bowler in the Australian domestic circuit when he was picked for the ill-fated 2011 home Ashes series, playing in conditions not suited to spin bowlers. He still gets a game in ODIs and T20s but in tests he is seen to be surplus to requirements. A bit unfair, given his domestic form; but the numbers at test level don't look good.

Jason Krezja took 12 wickets on debut - but went for so many runs that it cost Australia the match. Since then, he got injured and others jumped ahead of him. Has a worse domestic record than anyone else in consideration, though he does do well bowling in partnership with Doherty.

Nathan Hauritzwas doing reasonably well in the test arena, after being plucked from obscurity, before being dumped, getting injured, and then staying dumped, in spite of being in huge form. I am not sure exactly what happened to him but it seems that the selectors got sick of him for one reason or another.

Fast bowlers:

Mitchell Johnsonis a left arm bowler with some serious pace who a couple of years ago won the ICC player of the year award. He is a form bowler who is up and down, but when he is hot he is the best bowler in the world. The kind of shock bowler that scares oppositions, he is someone that you want to have in your squad, even if you don't always play him. He can also bat fairly well on his day, has a test century and may benefit from playing the role of the bowling all-rounder.

Ryan Harris is in great form, with one of the best international bowling records of anyone in the world - other than perhaps Vernon Philander. His big problem is his tendency to get injured, so he has to be managed well. But so long as injury isn't bothering him he is definitely Australia's best bowler.

Peter Siddle has hardly any domestic matches behind him, yet is already almost 30, having gone through strings of injuries through his youth. In tests he is a real trier and plays above his domestic record. He rarely fails and is a great bowler to have to support some of the more erratic bowlers.

Ben Hilfenhaushad a poor start to his domestic career but in recent years has come good in a very big way, had an amazing start to his test career, is amazing in England, and is just so steady. He did lose form at one point and whether he has truly regained it is a big question mark. Provided that he is in form, he is a very steady bowler who can bowl forever and really drains an opposition team.

Doug Bollingerhas such an amazing record and was the foil for Ryan Harris but then in that ill-fated home Ashes series in 2011, he was quoted as saying that he "hit the wall" and hence has been banned from playing tests - or really much else internationally - since then, in spite of being in great form. A real line and length bowler, similar to Stuart Clark and Glenn McGrath, Bollinger has developed McGrath's fabled intimidation factor as well. A pretty good bowler to have outside of the team, as backup.

Mitchell Starc is probably the best of the new bowlers who have recently been discovered, yet a few times didn't even make the starting line up. He trained with Wasim Akram and is deadly dangerous in all formats. A left arm quick with control and variety he is a real danger and not just a star of the future - he is a star right now.

Justin Pattinsonhad a pretty ordinary domestic record, albeit after just a handful of games, before he was plucked from obscurity to play tests, and has done remarkably well. He has now done remarkably well in both ODIs and T20s, and, unlike some of the other young fast bowlers going around, hasn't succumbed to injury. Very consistent with his bowling and is also a real fighter with the bat as well.

Pat Cummins had that fabled amazing debut against South Africa, then promptly got injured and has been nursed very delicately since then, though his performances at times have been ordinary.

Clint McKay was the form domestic bowler before getting his ODI debut a couple of years ago, doing amazingly well, and also incredibly well in T20s, but then, in his only test, he had bad figures; so is known as a limited overs bowler only. A bit unfair really, especially considering his domestic record, and perhaps in time the selectors will consider him for tests again. A pretty good bowler to have in reserve, who has variety and real skill in getting batsmen out.

John Hastingscame in to the team at much the same time as McKay, though didn't do quite as well, didn't play a test, and was off injured. He is still an amazingly good bowler though and, while he is probably a fair way down the pecking order, he isn't a bad bowler to have in reserve.

So compare these. At best we have Nathan Lyon or Nathan Hauritz as spinners, who both average around 30 in tests, though that is only in helpful conditions. In the fast bowling stakes, we have an array of a dozen or more bowlers who average around 25 - or under - in tests - in all conditions. Not to mention that we are often playing spinners who average 50+.

In my opinion it is a choice of:

A) Pick a spin bowler only when the pitch absolutely suits spin bowling, and only when the opposition team are weak against spin (i.e. not against India).

B) Never pick a spin bowler no matter what the conditions.

We have an array of different kinds of bowlers. We have the steady bowlers like Siddle, Hilfenhaus, Hastings and McKay. We have the attack leaders like Ryan Harris and Bollinger. We have the shock bowlers like Johnson and Cummins. We have the young tearaways like Pattinson and Starc. Not to mention that we have left and right, swing and true fast bowlers. Get a good mix, get the right, in-form fast bowlers playing and they would be deathly good.

I can't be sure who to pick. I would personally pick Starc, Pattinson, McKay and Johnson; but I can't be sure if that is the right mix. What I am sure of, though, is that playing a spinner, especially on a fast bowler's paradise like Brisbane is (the venue of the first test), is stupid.

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Starc, Bailey lead Australia to 4wkt win over Pakistan in 1st ODI

By Osama Tariq

SHARJAH (TheSportsNext) August 29, 2012: Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson dealt the early blow while George Bailey and skipper Michael Clarke delivered the final punch as Australia defeated Pakistan by four wickets in the first One Day International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

 

Mitchell Starc took five wickets, his best figures in One Day career, while Michael Clarke and George Bailey hit gutsy half centuries against Pakistani spin trio on a slow and low pitch in Sharjah as the match lived up to the expectations of a quality international cricket match.

This is the first time Australia have beaten Pakistan in a One Day International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistani skipper Misbah ul Haq won the toss and decided to bat first but Aussie fast bowler James Pattinson delivered two early blows which hampered Pakistan’s progress early on.

Mitchell Starc soon joined his new ball partner and Pakistan clearly looked down the battle at three down for 40 runs on the board before skipper Misbah ul Haq (26) and Asad Shafiq (56) joined forces to added 59 valuable runs for the fourth wicket.

Misbah ul Haq played a reckless shot and lost his wicket to Dan Christian but incoming Umar Akmal (52) accepted the responsibility and together with Asad Shafiq added another 61 runs for the fifth wicket before poor shot selection during the Batting Powerplay overs made Pakistan dig their own grave.

Pakistan lost last six wickets for just 38 runs and couldn’t even last for full 50 overs as they were bowled out for 198 runs from 45.1 overs.

Mitchell Starc produced his best figures of ODI career as he captured five wickets for 42 runs while James Pattinson also played his part by taking three wickets for 19 runs. Mitchell Johnson received some stick from Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal but still managed to grab a wicket for 43 runs.

Chasing a moderate target of 199 runs, Australia started in a cautious manner but Mohammad Hafeez once again proved his worth with an early wicket of dangerous David Warner (5) while Shahid Afridi got rid of Mathew Wade (10).

Saeed Ajmal soon got into the act and got rid of Hussey brothers. He sent Mike Hussey (5) back into the pavilion for his 100^thwicket in One Day International career before deceiving David Hussey (3) with a doosra to leave Australia in a spot of bother at four for 67 runs.

However, Australian skipper Michael Clarke (66) joined hands with Australian Twenty20 skipper George Bailey (57 not out) for 54 runs partnership for fifth wicket before Mohammad Hafeez returned in the Batting Powerplay to trap Clarke right in front of the wicket.

Still needing 78 runs for victory, Glenn Maxwell (38) gave Bailey good bit of sport for a 63-run sixth wicket partnership before George Bailey decided to use the long handle and struck Aizaz Cheema for a hug six over Long Off to make life easier for the visiting team.

In the end Australia completed the target with 10 balls to spare for the loss of six wickets to register their first-ever victory over Pakistan in Sharjah.

Mitchell Starc was declared Man of the Match for his brilliant spell of 5/42.

The second One Day International between Pakistan and Australia will be played on August 31, 2012 at Abu Dhabi.

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5-star Mitchell Starc restricts Pakistan to 198 in 1st ODI

By Osama Tariq

SHARJAH (TheSportsNext) August 28, 2012: Australian young fast bowler Mitchell Starc recorded his best figures in One Day International career on Tuesday as the so-called inexperience Australian side folded a somewhat experienced Pakistan team to mere 198 runs total in the first match being played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan looked good to score in excess of 260 runs at one stage when Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal were blossoming with each ball but as soon as Mitchell Starc shattered stumps behind Asad Shafiq, Pakistan collapsed.

Pakistan’s last six wickets fell for only 38 runs as Aussie pacemen James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc caused havoc to Pakistan’s middle and lower middle order.

Mitchell Starc grabbed five wickets for 42 runs which is the 21^st best bowling figures at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The best bowling figure by any bowler at this stadium is by Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka who captured seven wickets for 30 runs against India on October 27, 2000. The best bowling figure by a Pakistani fast bowler here is by Aaqib Javed who took seven wickets for 37 runs against India on October 25, 1991. The best bowling figures by a Pakistani spin bowler at this ground is by Shahid Khan Afridi who grabbed five wickets for 35 runs from 9.2 overs against Sri Lanka on November 20, 2011.

Pakistan innings could never got going as right from the start James Pattinson put Pakistan under pressure. Pakistan Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez was the first man to go who after surviving a Leg-Before-Wicket appeal due to Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) couldn’t prolong his innings and was trapped by the combination of Pattinson and David Hussey for only four runs from 12 deliveries.

Azhar Ali once again failed to prove his worth in the One-day team as he chipped one straight to the throat of Mid-On (Mitchell Johnson) for only five runs from six balls.

Pakistan’s other opener, left-hand batsman Nasir Jamshed (23 from 30 – 3 fours) was looking good at the crease and started to move his feet well before Mitchell Starc bowled a beauty to get his knick straight to wicket keeper Mathew Wade who made no mistake in accepting the simple catch.

Pakistan were looking in a spot of bother and needed a special innings from skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (26 from 48 – 1 four) but he failed to provide the goods as he could only manage to add another 59 runs to the total in company of Asad Shafiq (56 from 77 – 2 fours, 2 sixes) who was looking settled and resilient.

Umar Akmal (52 from 55 – 2 fours, 2 sixes) then joined Asad Shafiq and the two young batsmen took the score to 160 runs in the 36^thover before a huge batting collapse saw Pakistan folding to only 198 runs from 45.1 overs.

Once again it was Batting Powerplay which hurt Pakistan badly as Asad Shafiq trying to clear the infield was clean-bowled by Mitchell Starc for 56 runs.

Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shahid Afridi came and went in the space of only one delivery to score his 28^th One Day International duck, which was also a record 12^th Golden Duck for the fearful smasher.

Kamran Akmal, who never looked settled down the order, was bobbed down by some tight Aussie bowling before succumbing to pressure and edged one straight into the hands of Aussie skipper Michael Clarke for only four runs from 14 balls.

Umar Akmal (52) was the next man to go as he tried to lob the ball above point and cover fielder but found George Bailey who safely pouched the catch.

The rest was quite a formality as Pakistani tail-enders did their best to prolong the innings but Australian fast bowlers used reverse swing to great effect and skittled Pakistan to a paltry total of 198 runs.

James Pattinson took three wickets for 19 runs but star of the show was Mitchell Starc who captured five wickets for 42 runs which is his best figures in One-day career.

Watch Australia Vs Pakistan Cricket Series 2012 Live Stream

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James Pattinson rocks Pakistan early in 1st ODI

By Osmama Tariq

SHARJAH (TheSportsNext) August 28, 2012: Australian young fast bowler James Pattinson has already put his quality on show during initial overs in the first One Day International against Pakistan at Sharjah Stadium on Tuesday.

 

The right-arm fast bowler has gotten rid of Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali within the first seven overs as Pakistan are struggling at 31 for 2 after seven overs.

The first to go was Mohammad Hafeez, who failed to capitalize on surviving an Umpire Decision Review System challenge by James Pattinson, as he scooped gently a dolly to David Hussey at Short Extra Cover position who kindly accepted it.

Azhar Ali, whose selection in the One-Day format is still under question by many cricket pundits, never looked settled and after edging a wider one from Mitchell Starc towards the thirdman boundary fell over a delivery in the next over by James Pattinson and lifted the ball towards the Mid-On fielder Mitchell Johnson who pouched it with the help of a slide.

After losing two genuine batsmen at total of 28 in the seventh over, a lot of responsibility is now on Nasir Jamshed’s shoulders who has scored 14 from 21 balls while promising Asad Shafiq has joined him.

Watch Australia Vs Pakistan Cricket Series 2012 Live Stream

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