Thursday, January 31, 2008

CRICKET: CLASH OF THE TITANS


In what is anticipated to be an edge of the seat thriller, the Indians take on the mighty OZs in the shortest format of the game. For once the OZs do not bear the weight of the ‘Champions’ tag. It rests solely with the Indians.

As the Indians look forward to establish their supremacy yet again, the absence of two of their best players is bound to hurt them. The flamboyant Yuvraj Singh will definitely be missed. Yuvi though not in the best of form in the series Down under could set the stage on fire in a single over as he showed in the game against England, Stuart Broad being the unfortunate victim. In the absence of Yuvi the team would be banking on Viru, the senior pro. Given his form of late, he could be a safe bet.

Adding to India’s woes is the absence of RP Singh, who played a vital role in the T20 World Cup. He provided the crucial breakthroughs and also maintained a tight leash on the scoring rate. Now the team may have to rely on the effervescent Sreesanth to deliver the goods when it matters most. But the Indians are still potential world beaters in this format of the game.

The aussies have their own share of miseries with the absence of Shaun Tait, and the injuries to Punter and Hayden. But whatever the team combination is, one can definitely expect Thunder down under. So fasten your seat belts and gear up for a run feast.