England's Preparation for the Ashes

It's going to be in 2009 Summer. The Ashes Test series is considered as the most significant Test series in cricket. Both the teams, Australia and England, who compete in it never like to give up. Australia has had the better times in the Ashes in the last two decades, but England is now a much more improved side.

This year, England has so far fared well in Tests. In their current series against South Africa, they managed to display a wonderful performance in the first Test match. But, the second Test match was the stark opposite of it. This may have happened due to the lack of their consistency.

Australia on the other hand, have always been consistent. It was only one match they have fallen to the opposition this year, so far. But, that too by making a good fight. So, if England have to defeat them, consistency will be the key.

England's new found players like Tim Ambrose, Ryan Sidebottom and Matt Prior seem to have good talent. So, do the Aussies have new found players like Mitchell Johnson, Beau Casson and Phil Jacques. These new talented players from both the sides will be hungry of been given a chance to prove their worth in the prestigious Ashes series.

So, there we go. The Ashes Test series in the next year's Summer is most probably going to go down to the wire. Another wonderful series like the 2005 Ashes to be expected. Cricket fans, be ready to watch this wonderful battle between the game's oldest rivals.

Review system is good for the game

Although, only one game was played using this new review system, but from what everyone saw in that match, this system has more positives than negatives. Just remember Sachin and Dravid not walking after they clearly edged the ball and the umpires turned the appeals down, what would have happened if there was no review? Who knows.

I think it's the next best thing happened to cricket after a long time. Ya, I agree there was some doubt about Sehwag's dismissal, but that was the only negative point. Even before the match there was some doubt about the system in case of LBWs, but I think with some improvements we will be able to get 100% correct decisions in the future.

How many people come to watch cricket matches just to see one specific batsman(like Sanath, Sachin, Gilchrist, Pieterson) and one bad decision ruin the day for them? Nobody likes it. Remember, that Ajantha Mendis should have got a hat-rick against India, but Simon Taufel turned it down. What history that would have been... That's why I think this system will even help to popularise the game further.

After the embarrassment for Sachin and Dravid, I hope batsman will start to walk after they edge the ball as they know a review is possible. This will improve the spirit of the game. How many times we've seen too much anger from players and bad relationships between teams because of bad umpiring? (Just remind INDIA v AUSTRALIA Test series). All of that will not happen as players will respect the decisions now, as they know it's the correct one. Specially, for edges we can use the hot spot technology as the Trakker may be ineffective in guessing the difference of sounds from either bat hitting ground, pad etc.

The only question mark is about LBWs. I think the 'hawk-eye' should be improved and there won't be any problem thereafter. But, 'hawk-eye' can definitely be used to know where the ball pitches and where it hits the pads.

Finally, I'm quite sure that this will improve the game of cricket and the correct decision making will make the better team win in almost every match. And in my opinion, however much you say decisions even out, I think Asian teams have had the rough end of it more than the other teams. Aussies always have their way with the umpires. So, I'm pretty sure that the other teams will be able to catch up with Australia with the help of this review system, which I hope will happen very soon. The ICC should continue with this review system for the betterment of the game.

The Two 'M' Powers

It was trouble time for India and easy time for Sri Lanka. The two 'Ms', namely Muralitharan and Mendis caused havoc to the Indian batsmen in the 1st Test match of the Idea Cup Test series.

No doubt, the spinners showed the difference in the two teams. India's experienced spin attack in Anil Kumble and Harbajan Singh didn't work well for them. The two suffered to do any big damage in what was a good spin pitch. But, the two Ms did exploit the pitch to great effect. They bagged 19 out of the 20 Indian wickets!

Mendis playing in his debut, showed a lot of courage and character while the Master of Spinning, Murali, showed his experience and viciousness yet again. It was the 21st time Murali took 10 wickets in a match.

The former Indian batsman and present commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar, recently told that Indian batsmen are 'no more good players of spin'. It seems to be true, because Sri Lanka is a place where a batsman will have to use all his skills to play spin. And, on the other hand, they were facing very good spin bowlers. Although, in the past they had fared well with very good spinners like Shane Warne and even Muralitharan, this time they failed to do so.

The four celebrated batsmen in the Indian side, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman will have to play upto their potential in the next 2 matches or else they'll be letting down their team. But, this task for them seems to be a real toughy and at the same time the best chance to prove that their ability to play spin is still in them.