Mumbai: His name starts with 'James', but doesn't end with 'Bond', His role in the team, however requires him to don all roles, and excel in each. Much like the fictional secret agent with whom he shares his first name with.And many times in the recent past he has proved his worth with his multi-purpose skills. ‘Hopes’, therefore, sounds an apt surname, for till he's around, there's always hope for his side.
James Hopes, one's sure, will be a key man for Australia in the upcoming seven-ODl series against India. For, not only does he play varied roles, but also fits into each of them -be it opening the batting or playing a blinder lower down, breaking partnerships with his deceptive fast-medium stuff, or making acrobatic saves either side of the wicket- with ease.
It don't have any specific role as such, I have to adjust as the situation demands, shrugs Hopes. “In fact, I am enjoying it. I enjoy batting in any position, I am always ready to share the new ball when required, and fielding has always been my strength. That could also be one reason why I a1ways play without any pressure, and when's there's less pressure, you always give your best.”
Hopes has never found it difficult to adjust to the different formats of the game.
“I have heard people talk about it (in adjusting to the Twenty20 format), but at least I have never faced any difficulty If you are an international cricketer, that's one of the requirements. I enjoy all formats (T20, ODI, Test), each has its own charm, ODIs will always retain their own in- dependent status, so also Tests,'' the all-rounder who plays for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, opines.
How will his IPL stint help? “you can't compare Twenty20 with ODIs, But yes, IPL sure has taught me how to perform before a huge crowd. That's a very important factor, for the crowds here can be both amazing and intimidating.'' Hopes also puts playing for his country well above IPL'S riches. 'At the end of the day people will remember you by the way you played for your country Nothing can match that feelling,” he adds. For the upcoming series Hopes has developed “four-five variations” in his bowline arsenal.
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The manner in which the New South Wales Blues have entered the finals of the Champions League should make them the favorite to lift the trophy
Of course this is being written before the second semifinals between Cape Cobras arid the Trinidad and Tobago, so it's hard to preview without knowing who would be in the foals. If the winner of the second semifinal takes the momentum of their win in the finals then it could well be one of the best T20 contests that will be played.
Realistically the T20 matches should run Close and not be one-sided affairs. That can happen if a team batting first gets carried away and tries to hit every ball into the car park and lose their day and are dismissed for nothing. The match can also be one-sided if the team batting second gives up mentally while chasing a big total.
That happened to Victoria Bushrangers who having lost two wickets without a run on the board just seemed to drop their shoulders and look at a chartable total as too much. Their approach in the middle overs was disappointing, something expected from Australian teams.
The NSW blues certainly had as good game plan and perhaps that explains why they have been top dogs in Australian cricket for so long.
They have a strong batting line-up with the explosive Warner at the top of the order and bat deep so they seem to recover from early loss of wickets and still put up a tough target for the opposition to chase. Their bowling too has variety and Simon Katich is marshalling his resources brilliantly indeed
Of course this is being written before the second semifinals between Cape Cobras arid the Trinidad and Tobago, so it's hard to preview without knowing who would be in the foals. If the winner of the second semifinal takes the momentum of their win in the finals then it could well be one of the best T20 contests that will be played.
Realistically the T20 matches should run Close and not be one-sided affairs. That can happen if a team batting first gets carried away and tries to hit every ball into the car park and lose their day and are dismissed for nothing. The match can also be one-sided if the team batting second gives up mentally while chasing a big total.
That happened to Victoria Bushrangers who having lost two wickets without a run on the board just seemed to drop their shoulders and look at a chartable total as too much. Their approach in the middle overs was disappointing, something expected from Australian teams.
The NSW blues certainly had as good game plan and perhaps that explains why they have been top dogs in Australian cricket for so long.
They have a strong batting line-up with the explosive Warner at the top of the order and bat deep so they seem to recover from early loss of wickets and still put up a tough target for the opposition to chase. Their bowling too has variety and Simon Katich is marshalling his resources brilliantly indeed
Mumbai: There was a famous picture of little Emmy Charlotte playing on her father Ricky Ponting's lap at Headingley Leeds, in August this year The picture is rare because it is the only one that captures the Australian captain in a cheerful mood during an otherwise mind- numbing series. She's perhaps the only one he can't refuse.
Think about the other ones that usually have Ponting in the frame. An arrogant, gum-chewing, ruthless captain of a highly dominating team, not known to take the slightest of insults (Read: lack of performance) lightly That's the Panting a cricket fan would usually identify with. Why just the fan, that's the ' Ponting even his teammates more often than not identify with.
When all-rounder Shane Watson was Diked if the Australian national team is used to seeking advice from some of the game's stalwarts Down Unfelt he stopped the question short and said, why would you need anyone when you have one of the all- time greats right there with you. Ricky's someone the whole team looks up toe's
Ponting's contribution to the game doesn't need a mention. That he's right behind Sachin Tendulkar in the run-scoring department is explanation enough. In fact, he's got
something more that Tendulkar his only perhaps yearned for in 20 years - three World Cup wins, two as captain; two Champions Trophy wins, both as captain; and a cupboard full of individual awards honouring him as the world's best.
“Oh yes, he's at the forefront, right up there as far as out set-up is concernedly says present national coach Tim Nielsen, explaining at large Ponting's influence in Australian cricket at the highest level.
“Ricky's a decision-maker and his word carries a lot of weight. Whether it cioncerns selection matter the line-up, the batting order, he's got a huge say. We (Nielsen and his support staff) contribute, but he's definitely the one out there handling things.''Australia's Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey is equally in awe of the skipper.”Mr Cricket? Why just me? Most these guys (his teammates) can be called Mr Cricket. They're all as dedicated to the game. There's Ricky he's as good an example there is,'' says Hussey.
To Hussey's knowledge - and there's quite a bit bf that to his credit - Ponting's genius is not just one that usually brings him runs. Nor is it just the captain who is marshalling his men.
“He is at the core of a lot of things, deciding on strategists batting order, handing out responsibilities,'' says the southpaw.
Shane Warne famously nicknamed Ponting as 'Punter' due to name his fascination for racing grey- hounds and betting on them. He breeds them for racing anklets because he's quite sure of himself.
That's what Ponting's been doing with the Aussie team too, nurturing during them to the core to get the base out of his boys. Evaluating Ponting's contribution to the game and Australian cricket is as difficult as quantifying the joy and happiness he gets while playing with his daughter
Think about the other ones that usually have Ponting in the frame. An arrogant, gum-chewing, ruthless captain of a highly dominating team, not known to take the slightest of insults (Read: lack of performance) lightly That's the Panting a cricket fan would usually identify with. Why just the fan, that's the ' Ponting even his teammates more often than not identify with.
When all-rounder Shane Watson was Diked if the Australian national team is used to seeking advice from some of the game's stalwarts Down Unfelt he stopped the question short and said, why would you need anyone when you have one of the all- time greats right there with you. Ricky's someone the whole team looks up toe's
Ponting's contribution to the game doesn't need a mention. That he's right behind Sachin Tendulkar in the run-scoring department is explanation enough. In fact, he's got
something more that Tendulkar his only perhaps yearned for in 20 years - three World Cup wins, two as captain; two Champions Trophy wins, both as captain; and a cupboard full of individual awards honouring him as the world's best.
“Oh yes, he's at the forefront, right up there as far as out set-up is concernedly says present national coach Tim Nielsen, explaining at large Ponting's influence in Australian cricket at the highest level.
“Ricky's a decision-maker and his word carries a lot of weight. Whether it cioncerns selection matter the line-up, the batting order, he's got a huge say. We (Nielsen and his support staff) contribute, but he's definitely the one out there handling things.''Australia's Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey is equally in awe of the skipper.”Mr Cricket? Why just me? Most these guys (his teammates) can be called Mr Cricket. They're all as dedicated to the game. There's Ricky he's as good an example there is,'' says Hussey.
To Hussey's knowledge - and there's quite a bit bf that to his credit - Ponting's genius is not just one that usually brings him runs. Nor is it just the captain who is marshalling his men.
“He is at the core of a lot of things, deciding on strategists batting order, handing out responsibilities,'' says the southpaw.
Shane Warne famously nicknamed Ponting as 'Punter' due to name his fascination for racing grey- hounds and betting on them. He breeds them for racing anklets because he's quite sure of himself.
That's what Ponting's been doing with the Aussie team too, nurturing during them to the core to get the base out of his boys. Evaluating Ponting's contribution to the game and Australian cricket is as difficult as quantifying the joy and happiness he gets while playing with his daughter
Mumbai: Australian fast bowlers are known to talk up the team's chances just before a big series. They even smartly use the mediate to proclaim that the opposition is useless. Glenn McGrath's Ashes prediction, even after retirement, remained constant. Yes ‘5-0'. Brett Lee has taken up the mantle from McGrath and he recently predicted a 7-0 shoreline against India.
Mitchell Johnson though is an Aussie quickie with a difference. He prefers to talk more about himself than the opposition. Winner of the ICC Cricketer Of The Year
award, Johnson says he is good enough to open the batting in the One-dayers.
“I know it's a big call, but I really think I can open in One-dayers and T20s,'' the
left-arm-pacer, who has improved his batting enormously said on Thursday ; Guess one can't fault his confidence as the award he recently pocketed in Johannesburg is named after one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, West Indies' Garfield Sobers.
“I was padded up to go in early in may games in England especially when the powerplays were on, but - didn't really get a cancer's he said.
Johnson might have to wait if he wants to bat higher as the aussie top-order is in roaring form. “If there's an opportunity I want to put my hand upper he stressed.
Those words cast one's mind to India's Irfan Pathan, another talented left-arm-swing bowler who could bat and how the desire of the team-management to convert him into an all- rounder, disintegrated his bowling. Does it scare Johnson that the same could happen to him. “I have thought about it, but I'm not scared. I'm always going to work very hard on my bowling. That's going to be No.1 as that's what I'm in the team for, to hit the deck and bowl fast. But batting is something 1 take very seriously and I face all our main bowlers in the nets add not too many part-timers,'' he revealed.
It's not hard to sense that Johnson is passionate about batting, but it's hurling the red or white five-and-a-half-ounce orb that really gives him the kick. Johnson can hurl bomb- shells at over 90mph that break batsmen's hands and toes and make indelible marks on their chins. He did that to Graeme Smith (in Sydney and Durban) and Jacques Kallis (Durban) respectively
Mitchell Johnson though is an Aussie quickie with a difference. He prefers to talk more about himself than the opposition. Winner of the ICC Cricketer Of The Year
award, Johnson says he is good enough to open the batting in the One-dayers.
“I know it's a big call, but I really think I can open in One-dayers and T20s,'' the
left-arm-pacer, who has improved his batting enormously said on Thursday ; Guess one can't fault his confidence as the award he recently pocketed in Johannesburg is named after one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, West Indies' Garfield Sobers.
“I was padded up to go in early in may games in England especially when the powerplays were on, but - didn't really get a cancer's he said.
Johnson might have to wait if he wants to bat higher as the aussie top-order is in roaring form. “If there's an opportunity I want to put my hand upper he stressed.
Those words cast one's mind to India's Irfan Pathan, another talented left-arm-swing bowler who could bat and how the desire of the team-management to convert him into an all- rounder, disintegrated his bowling. Does it scare Johnson that the same could happen to him. “I have thought about it, but I'm not scared. I'm always going to work very hard on my bowling. That's going to be No.1 as that's what I'm in the team for, to hit the deck and bowl fast. But batting is something 1 take very seriously and I face all our main bowlers in the nets add not too many part-timers,'' he revealed.
It's not hard to sense that Johnson is passionate about batting, but it's hurling the red or white five-and-a-half-ounce orb that really gives him the kick. Johnson can hurl bomb- shells at over 90mph that break batsmen's hands and toes and make indelible marks on their chins. He did that to Graeme Smith (in Sydney and Durban) and Jacques Kallis (Durban) respectively
Hyderabad: The in-form team of the tournament runs into one of the organized outfits in the Champions league Twenty20 summit clash on Friday.
Trinidad & Tobago have enthralled all with their entertaining brand of cricket and will look to overcome the final hurdle that comes in the form of New South Wales in what could well be a grudge match for the latter.
The Australians suffered their only defeat in the tournament to the Caribbean charmers and NSW skipper Simon Katich was clear in his assessment of the match.“If we play Trinidad, then we have to come up with a few different plans to the last time because they had our measure. It(defeat) come at the right time and was a good learning experience. This time hopefully we can have the revenge,” said Katich ahead of the final.
In the gap between losing from a winning position to T&T, NSW walloped Somerset Sabres and got the better of Victorians in the first semifinal in New Delhi on Wednesday.
with the bat that exceeded our biggest expectations. They (openers) really set up the game for us,” said Mott.
T&T skipper Daren Ganga was also optimistic. Having come into the tournament as underdogs, thy Caribbeans have exceeded expectations in their own way
Trinidad & Tobago have enthralled all with their entertaining brand of cricket and will look to overcome the final hurdle that comes in the form of New South Wales in what could well be a grudge match for the latter.
The Australians suffered their only defeat in the tournament to the Caribbean charmers and NSW skipper Simon Katich was clear in his assessment of the match.“If we play Trinidad, then we have to come up with a few different plans to the last time because they had our measure. It(defeat) come at the right time and was a good learning experience. This time hopefully we can have the revenge,” said Katich ahead of the final.
In the gap between losing from a winning position to T&T, NSW walloped Somerset Sabres and got the better of Victorians in the first semifinal in New Delhi on Wednesday.
with the bat that exceeded our biggest expectations. They (openers) really set up the game for us,” said Mott.
T&T skipper Daren Ganga was also optimistic. Having come into the tournament as underdogs, thy Caribbeans have exceeded expectations in their own way
Allrounder, Ganja Show The Way As T&T March Into Final
Hyderabad: Dwayne Bravo turned on the style yet again, At the receiving end this time were Cape Cobras, who so in keeping with the South African tradition on big occasions, choked. Bravo's unbeaten 58 helped Trinidad & Tobago chase down another imposing target with four deliveries to spare and finished the second semifinal at 178 for three on Thursday to set up a Champions League Twenty20 summit clash with New South Wales.
With a frontal assault led by their openers William Perkins and Adrian Barath, which Lendl Simmons ensured did not lose momentum, skipper Daren Ganga and Bravo gave the finishing touches. The former coasted to an unbeaten 44 (31b, 1x4, 2x6) and Bravo scored 58 (34b, 2x4, 3x6). At one stage the Calypso charmers needed 90 from the last 10 overs.
The wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium was a beauty to bat on and the South Africans had taken particular interest in targeting the straight boundaries. For them, JP Duminy assumed charge with an unbeaten 61 (40b, 4x4, 3x6) to take Cobras to 175 for five; it probably would have been much more but for a brilliant last over by Ravi Ramapul that saw only two runs scored.
Hyderabad: Dwayne Bravo turned on the style yet again, At the receiving end this time were Cape Cobras, who so in keeping with the South African tradition on big occasions, choked. Bravo's unbeaten 58 helped Trinidad & Tobago chase down another imposing target with four deliveries to spare and finished the second semifinal at 178 for three on Thursday to set up a Champions League Twenty20 summit clash with New South Wales.
With a frontal assault led by their openers William Perkins and Adrian Barath, which Lendl Simmons ensured did not lose momentum, skipper Daren Ganga and Bravo gave the finishing touches. The former coasted to an unbeaten 44 (31b, 1x4, 2x6) and Bravo scored 58 (34b, 2x4, 3x6). At one stage the Calypso charmers needed 90 from the last 10 overs.
The wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium was a beauty to bat on and the South Africans had taken particular interest in targeting the straight boundaries. For them, JP Duminy assumed charge with an unbeaten 61 (40b, 4x4, 3x6) to take Cobras to 175 for five; it probably would have been much more but for a brilliant last over by Ravi Ramapul that saw only two runs scored.
Mumbai: The awesome huskies are here. But catching a glimpse of the World Champions and Champions Trophy winners on Tuesday in India for a sevenfold series that begins on October 25 in Baroda, was as elusive as rain in October. Nine members of the team, led by Ricky Ponting, gave the waiting media- men an artful dodge as they slipped out of the cargo gate of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Air- port here on Tuesday afternoon.
Six members of the 15-strong squad are involved in the Champions League Twenty20 where Aussie sides Victoria Bushrangers and New South Wales are contesting the semis. Doug Bollinger Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee are playing for the New South Wales Blues, while Petet Siddle, Jon Holland and Cameron Whlte are representing Victoria Bushrangers.
The way the Kangaroos are being guarded here, it becomes clear that last year's November 26 attacks in this city, and then the terror strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore has changed the rules of the game in the subcontinent forever The team, along with coach Tim Nielson, was escorted to its hotel in Bandra under tight security provided by the Mumbai Police.
The hotel itself we virtually converted into a fortress, with outside vehicles being diverted almost 200 metres away from the hotel. The hotel guests were being screened thoroughly and outsiders Were barred from entering the place.
Six members of the 15-strong squad are involved in the Champions League Twenty20 where Aussie sides Victoria Bushrangers and New South Wales are contesting the semis. Doug Bollinger Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee are playing for the New South Wales Blues, while Petet Siddle, Jon Holland and Cameron Whlte are representing Victoria Bushrangers.
The way the Kangaroos are being guarded here, it becomes clear that last year's November 26 attacks in this city, and then the terror strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore has changed the rules of the game in the subcontinent forever The team, along with coach Tim Nielson, was escorted to its hotel in Bandra under tight security provided by the Mumbai Police.
The hotel itself we virtually converted into a fortress, with outside vehicles being diverted almost 200 metres away from the hotel. The hotel guests were being screened thoroughly and outsiders Were barred from entering the place.
There was a time when the Australians viewed a tour to India as one of the toughest, but that has changed. They now toe India every year end note of the players are also part of the Indian Premier League. The Australians now
embrace the Indian cricket experience unreservedly and the Indian shores no longer hold any demons for them.
The Australians will be looking forward to their seven One-day games in India with a great deal of optimism, Their 6-1 win against England followed by the successful defense of their title in the Champions Trophy means that they are back to their winning ways.
Ricky Ponting and his team have realized that they need not emulate the unbridled aggression of Adam Gilchrist or Matthew Hayden to be successful. They have learnt that they can be successful by playing a different but equal and effective brand of cricket
A lot of positives have emerged over the last few months for this team. Nathan hilarity has been in woodworm, which is an encouraging sign, as spin was an area of major concern for Australia. Shane Watson's backtrack centuries have proved that he has the technique and range of strokes required to open in the ODIs.
It is hard to predict the out- come of the series, because India, too, have been doing very well in One-day cricket over the last year. It's going to be a really riveting, hard-fought contest. The score line will read 4-3, but I am not ready to predict in whose favors!
embrace the Indian cricket experience unreservedly and the Indian shores no longer hold any demons for them.
The Australians will be looking forward to their seven One-day games in India with a great deal of optimism, Their 6-1 win against England followed by the successful defense of their title in the Champions Trophy means that they are back to their winning ways.
Ricky Ponting and his team have realized that they need not emulate the unbridled aggression of Adam Gilchrist or Matthew Hayden to be successful. They have learnt that they can be successful by playing a different but equal and effective brand of cricket
A lot of positives have emerged over the last few months for this team. Nathan hilarity has been in woodworm, which is an encouraging sign, as spin was an area of major concern for Australia. Shane Watson's backtrack centuries have proved that he has the technique and range of strokes required to open in the ODIs.
It is hard to predict the out- come of the series, because India, too, have been doing very well in One-day cricket over the last year. It's going to be a really riveting, hard-fought contest. The score line will read 4-3, but I am not ready to predict in whose favors!
