Gilchrist, Yusuf Pathan and Sehwag can be pinned? What about Jayasuria?
It is interesting that a format such as T20, which is made for those who play the game in only one way- destructively- has pushed bowlers to work out lines to pin them and force false shots.
In T20, scoring runs at a strike rate of 170%+ is destructive. And if you cannot knock out Gilchrist, Pathan or Sehwag in this format, it can be all over in a short time. You usually cannot tame them- while they are there, as they will be smacking it all over the park. They may in the process get themselves out... that is what the conventional thinking is..
But look at what is happening- bowling teams are finding ways to keep tabs on these blokes:
1. Adam Gilchrist
Usually unstoppable as he can smack you off the backfoot and frontfoot- as he drives as well as he pulls. But Kumble has had a better equation with him, in the last few years, keeping it full. He will still hurt you, but you have more options to control him this way. Kumble got him out in Australia (07-08) sliding it full and wide, got him in the last IPL Finals (ok, it lasted two balls) by preventing his backfoot game.
Yesterday, Delhi leg spinners bowled googlies from around the leg stump. Fuller again. Although Gilichrist got out, he was nonetheless showing signs of getting to terms with this length. Instead of charging down the pitch (and missing) he swept to square leg and slog-swept over mid wicket. Eventually, a very full googly outside leg stump got him.
2. Virender Sehwag
Mumbai Indians have shown a way to control him. Left arm- over the wicket onto leg stump and right-arm over the wicket- angled in. His favorite off-side play is all but taken out. Deccan Chargers were quick to adopt this plan and were successful as Sehwag was forced to fabricate inside out to Ojha, from outside leg stump- and scooped it over mid-off. With Gambhir injured and the Delhi middle order not quite firing, there is that little bit extra burden of Sehwag to consider constructive options, even in T20.
Will he play a more managed innings or just follow his natural instincts on an unnatural line of play given to him?
3. Yusuf Pathan
After his maverick 100 hundred against Mumbai Indians, he is back on the radar this year, after a poor IPL last time in South Africa, on bouncier pitches. Anil Kumble (Bangalore Royal Challengers), had special plans for him- bringing on Steyn and Kallis to keep it short and bouncy, since Pathan hits most of his big shots off the front foot. It worked for Bangalore (even after being dropped once at mid-wicket) and it also worked for Kolkatta (though they eventually lost, getting a taste of their own plans).
4. Sanath Jayasuria?
Yet to fire in this IPL, although did well in the first game against Rajasthan and was a bit unlucky against Delhi to be out after clearing mid-off, to a wonderful catch. There are questions lurking over his abilities as compared to two years ago, but teams can ignore him at their own peril. You can see that he is not given width and teams have managed to strike the right length to him. Steyn was brilliant to get him lbw- pinned without footwork- perhaps a sign of slowing reflexes?
But with 14 games in the league-phase there will be a few unlucky teams where his full fury might unleash, especially since Tendulkar is in good form, and singles are a good option for Jayasuria to play himself in (With Gambhir & Graeme Smith injured, Sehwag and Pathan may not have that luxury though).
Bowlers are getting more organized in T20, and showing that batters will need to be selective and be ready to blend in constructive phases (2/3 overs!) if needed. If batters come with a predetermined destructive 'natural game' mindset, they will find it a bit unnatural- as bowlers are the ones who initiate play.
Saumil
Mumbai
22 March 2010
Mar 22, 2010
Mar 21, 2010
Hail Karpov Kumble, 2007-10
Anil Kumble was (is) a positional style bowler- strategic rather than a tactical one (in chess terms). He essentially makes bowling plans which keeps batsmen out of their comfort zone- typically by choosing a length which is not natural to the batters, backed by field placements which look defensive, but are well calculated and induce intent in the batsmen. Converting a batter's intent into doubts and forcing errors, is then part of a deeper theme.
1. Australia 07-08 (Test series).
I do not recollect many horizontal bat shots from Australians, except perhaps Hayden- till Perth (3rd Test). The pace bowlers kept a good length mixed with fuller variations in angle. Add to that a compulsive 'natural' game tendency from the Aussies- it sure created problems for themsleves, even with front line Indian pace bowlers getting injured as the series progressed. It is unfortunate that India had lost the first two tests, essentially because of batting problems. But Australia 07-08 was a clear example of bowlers collectively sticking to a theme rather than each bowler trying to knock down wickets based on their personal impromptu skills.
2. India vs Australia '08 (Home Tests).
The first Test in Bangalore, was a flat track and Kumble had a deep point right from the onset, much to the bemusement of Ian Chappell- who described it as welcoming the Aussies with easy singles. But Kumble had plans to keep the run rate in check by preventing boundaries and giving perhaps a single or two, but retaining control on the nature in which the game is played. This was a pitch when 3+ runs an over was the 'natural' thing. And of course, he would have had plans to slip in enough straighter balls which may get you out trying to explore the gaps sqaure of the wicket.
The plans did not quite work, as Ponting made his first Test century in India. But Ponting had played a measured innings- cutting-off (natural) horizontal bat shots. However Kumble claimed that 430 as a bat-first score was not good enough. You can argue that by attacking, you could have knocked them over for a lower score, but before we criticize a plan, execution also must be considered. Kumble himself had not bowled too well in that match and had problems in Sri Lanka as well. And considering the below par execution, 430 it must be said that was not good enough and India drew the match. Not addressing run-rate issues and only going for wickets could have been double edged and worse.
3. Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2009
It is quite amazing that a positional approach works in a short format such as T20, which is more like blitz chess (tactical by nature, demanding quick threats and exchanges). But Kumble has the ability to analyze clinically- he said on commentary, that every two dot balls the batsman will try to fabricate something in T20. He sure got Gilchrist out for a duck in the finals, by pinning him for the two balls he faced with fuller deliveries, and then anticipating his charge, foxed him in flight.
But more importantly, in semis/finals, Bangalore had bowled angled into the batters (allowing singles to the leg side) and then some straighter- threatening the stumps. A strategy which worked as pitches were a bit slower and held up a bit- bizzare for South Africa. The batters let him down in the finals of IPL 2009, as is well known.
4. Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2010
In India, bouncing can be a tactical ploy- a surprise weapon- but Kumble has made it the strategic device this summer of IPL 2010. Bangalore dried up the runs for Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals), with short stuff from Steyn and Kallis, without slips, all inside fielders on the ring. Dots or singles or risk it and get out. Moreover, Kallis also bounced Pathan for two balls, bowling round the wicket, just to change the angle.
Last year, major Indian batters except Tendulkar and Dravid (Raina was good after Hayden took bowlers apart), had struggled in South Africa, on account of the bounce. This year Anil Kumble is repeating it, just that the bounce comes from the pace of Steyn and Kallis rather than the pitch. Today, Mumbai Indians faced the same plan and the (junior) middle order found it hard to get on the front foot. More importantly, Kumble is using all his wit to have a plan for each batsman, and also get his bowlers to slip in enough variations in swing and angles (also usually planned), as did Vinay and Praveen Kumar today.
It's not easy to bounce around in India, as there will be times when batsmen get stuck into it, if the ball rises only waist high. But Captain Kumble will have plans for that as well (hopefully you do not want to see top edges land safely in the semis/final).
Saumil
Mumbai
21 March 2010
Unfortunately, international cricket tournaments are not as sensible as chess tournaments. After a league of all 8 teams play each other, twice- home and away, they will decide it based on semis/finals as one match rounds. In theory, such an exhaustive league should pick out the best team without the need for a knockout round. But if you need sensationalism of a 'final', just pick the top two teams and have a best of 5 finals. Else, the brilliance of the league phase, where you are really tested to win consistently, can all be lost and forgotten- as AB de Villiers and Dilshan are now seen as let-downs this year.
1. Australia 07-08 (Test series).
I do not recollect many horizontal bat shots from Australians, except perhaps Hayden- till Perth (3rd Test). The pace bowlers kept a good length mixed with fuller variations in angle. Add to that a compulsive 'natural' game tendency from the Aussies- it sure created problems for themsleves, even with front line Indian pace bowlers getting injured as the series progressed. It is unfortunate that India had lost the first two tests, essentially because of batting problems. But Australia 07-08 was a clear example of bowlers collectively sticking to a theme rather than each bowler trying to knock down wickets based on their personal impromptu skills.
2. India vs Australia '08 (Home Tests).
The first Test in Bangalore, was a flat track and Kumble had a deep point right from the onset, much to the bemusement of Ian Chappell- who described it as welcoming the Aussies with easy singles. But Kumble had plans to keep the run rate in check by preventing boundaries and giving perhaps a single or two, but retaining control on the nature in which the game is played. This was a pitch when 3+ runs an over was the 'natural' thing. And of course, he would have had plans to slip in enough straighter balls which may get you out trying to explore the gaps sqaure of the wicket.
The plans did not quite work, as Ponting made his first Test century in India. But Ponting had played a measured innings- cutting-off (natural) horizontal bat shots. However Kumble claimed that 430 as a bat-first score was not good enough. You can argue that by attacking, you could have knocked them over for a lower score, but before we criticize a plan, execution also must be considered. Kumble himself had not bowled too well in that match and had problems in Sri Lanka as well. And considering the below par execution, 430 it must be said that was not good enough and India drew the match. Not addressing run-rate issues and only going for wickets could have been double edged and worse.
3. Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2009
It is quite amazing that a positional approach works in a short format such as T20, which is more like blitz chess (tactical by nature, demanding quick threats and exchanges). But Kumble has the ability to analyze clinically- he said on commentary, that every two dot balls the batsman will try to fabricate something in T20. He sure got Gilchrist out for a duck in the finals, by pinning him for the two balls he faced with fuller deliveries, and then anticipating his charge, foxed him in flight.
But more importantly, in semis/finals, Bangalore had bowled angled into the batters (allowing singles to the leg side) and then some straighter- threatening the stumps. A strategy which worked as pitches were a bit slower and held up a bit- bizzare for South Africa. The batters let him down in the finals of IPL 2009, as is well known.
4. Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2010
In India, bouncing can be a tactical ploy- a surprise weapon- but Kumble has made it the strategic device this summer of IPL 2010. Bangalore dried up the runs for Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals), with short stuff from Steyn and Kallis, without slips, all inside fielders on the ring. Dots or singles or risk it and get out. Moreover, Kallis also bounced Pathan for two balls, bowling round the wicket, just to change the angle.
It is a strategic theme of short bowling with variations which are also positional, rather than knock-out tactical! ..from the mind of Karpov Kumble.
Last year, major Indian batters except Tendulkar and Dravid (Raina was good after Hayden took bowlers apart), had struggled in South Africa, on account of the bounce. This year Anil Kumble is repeating it, just that the bounce comes from the pace of Steyn and Kallis rather than the pitch. Today, Mumbai Indians faced the same plan and the (junior) middle order found it hard to get on the front foot. More importantly, Kumble is using all his wit to have a plan for each batsman, and also get his bowlers to slip in enough variations in swing and angles (also usually planned), as did Vinay and Praveen Kumar today.
It's not easy to bounce around in India, as there will be times when batsmen get stuck into it, if the ball rises only waist high. But Captain Kumble will have plans for that as well (hopefully you do not want to see top edges land safely in the semis/final).
Saumil
Mumbai
21 March 2010
Unfortunately, international cricket tournaments are not as sensible as chess tournaments. After a league of all 8 teams play each other, twice- home and away, they will decide it based on semis/finals as one match rounds. In theory, such an exhaustive league should pick out the best team without the need for a knockout round. But if you need sensationalism of a 'final', just pick the top two teams and have a best of 5 finals. Else, the brilliance of the league phase, where you are really tested to win consistently, can all be lost and forgotten- as AB de Villiers and Dilshan are now seen as let-downs this year.
Mar 18, 2010
Tendulkar out-chesses Kotla, again!
Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2010
Mumbai Indians Bang it in at Kotla
Over the last few years, Tendulkar has played many memorable innings in all formats of the game. In a country where fans love records, and pundits keep pointing out that it is not about records - yet, nonetheless quote records when analyzing - it is often that many classy knocks get forgetten.
1. India vs Australia 3rd Test, Delhi 2008.
Ricky Ponting had decided that they would bowl straight and bang it a bit short on this pitch which is slow and low, with uneven bounce. This will prevent batters from getting to the front foot and with the weird pace/bounce, make horizonatal bat shots dubious. Pinned! Then a 'carrot' ball would be slipped in fuller but at angles not easy for driving.
Sehwag was out early, Gambhir to his credit hung in and made 20-odd till lunch (went on to a double ton), and Dravid was out trying to drive a fuller (surprise) ball. Tendulkar walked in and played brilliant punch-off-the-backfoot shots. Sure horizontal shots were not on, but a compact backfoot game was on. He gave momentum with a lovely 68, by overcoming the initial dot-chess.
2. Australia again, 3rd ODI 2009
This time Sunny Gavaskar gave a hint, in his pitch report, that Sehwag and Gambhir could struggle. Tendulkar again played wristy shots to straight balls and gave a start chasing a modest score. However the chess that Yuvraj handled was unusually interesting- see my old post
3. Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2010
Gambhir put Mumbai into bat and left the field early with an injury. We cannot say exactly what he had in mind, but the Delhi bowlers bowled it at length or fuller, mixing slower balls. Tendulkar was up for it by coming down the track to pacers- to nullify the uncertainty of pace variations- and working it into the gaps on both sides. It went all wrong for Delhi with Mumbai posting over 200 for the second time in two matches.
Now when Mumbai bowled, Tendulkar's experience of being at the receiving end of the dot-chess at Kotla in the last few years, was translated to a plan for opponents. Moreover, if other teams study the way Mumbai bowled to Sehwag they will have a lot to gain (left-arm over the wicket to leg stump, and right arm over, angled into him- taking his off-side play out). Eventually, Sehwag still made a decent score (26 of 16) but scooped it to long off as Bravo angled it in.
The result? Malinga banged it in a bit- straight- and Dlishan plays all over and around trying to pull. AB de Villiers tried to square cut a ball just outside off and played on. The big guys were gone (Gambhir was not fit), and it was too much work for the others to chase 218.
Tendulkar has had some good outings at Kotla with the bat, but this might have been sweet, dot chessing as a captain with the ball!
Saumil
Mumbai
18 Mar 2010
Mumbai Indians Bang it in at Kotla
Over the last few years, Tendulkar has played many memorable innings in all formats of the game. In a country where fans love records, and pundits keep pointing out that it is not about records - yet, nonetheless quote records when analyzing - it is often that many classy knocks get forgetten.
1. India vs Australia 3rd Test, Delhi 2008.
Ricky Ponting had decided that they would bowl straight and bang it a bit short on this pitch which is slow and low, with uneven bounce. This will prevent batters from getting to the front foot and with the weird pace/bounce, make horizonatal bat shots dubious. Pinned! Then a 'carrot' ball would be slipped in fuller but at angles not easy for driving.
Sehwag was out early, Gambhir to his credit hung in and made 20-odd till lunch (went on to a double ton), and Dravid was out trying to drive a fuller (surprise) ball. Tendulkar walked in and played brilliant punch-off-the-backfoot shots. Sure horizontal shots were not on, but a compact backfoot game was on. He gave momentum with a lovely 68, by overcoming the initial dot-chess.
2. Australia again, 3rd ODI 2009
This time Sunny Gavaskar gave a hint, in his pitch report, that Sehwag and Gambhir could struggle. Tendulkar again played wristy shots to straight balls and gave a start chasing a modest score. However the chess that Yuvraj handled was unusually interesting- see my old post
3. Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2010
Gambhir put Mumbai into bat and left the field early with an injury. We cannot say exactly what he had in mind, but the Delhi bowlers bowled it at length or fuller, mixing slower balls. Tendulkar was up for it by coming down the track to pacers- to nullify the uncertainty of pace variations- and working it into the gaps on both sides. It went all wrong for Delhi with Mumbai posting over 200 for the second time in two matches.
Now when Mumbai bowled, Tendulkar's experience of being at the receiving end of the dot-chess at Kotla in the last few years, was translated to a plan for opponents. Moreover, if other teams study the way Mumbai bowled to Sehwag they will have a lot to gain (left-arm over the wicket to leg stump, and right arm over, angled into him- taking his off-side play out). Eventually, Sehwag still made a decent score (26 of 16) but scooped it to long off as Bravo angled it in.
The length though, was just perfect in general- bang it a little short of length and at varying speeds. Pinned! Cannot come forward and horizontal bat shots are dubious, unless you have a compact/wristy backfoot game like Tendulkar's.
The result? Malinga banged it in a bit- straight- and Dlishan plays all over and around trying to pull. AB de Villiers tried to square cut a ball just outside off and played on. The big guys were gone (Gambhir was not fit), and it was too much work for the others to chase 218.
Tendulkar has had some good outings at Kotla with the bat, but this might have been sweet, dot chessing as a captain with the ball!
Saumil
Mumbai
18 Mar 2010
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