Free IPL Ringtones

Its IPL season and everyone is as excited as they were before the first match.I know many of you love the IPL anthems and wish to set them as your ringtones.There are many websites including the IPL website which are providing ringtones for download but they are charging for them.I support the open-source philosophy and am distributing the ringtones for free.

I have a small collection of mp3 ringtones and am willing to share it with all of you.All you have to do is email me at contact@namanb.com and request for the ringtones.I'll reply to your email with the instructions on how to download these ringtones.

I'm disallowing comments for this post as I don't want comments like

Naman,My Email ID is fortytwo@arthurdent.com or whatever.Please send me the ringtones or please reply in a comment.

I will try to and most probably *WILL* reply to your emails within 24 hours.So be patient if you don't get a reply in a few hours.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Shah Rukh Khan recently announced his IPL team-Kolkata Knight Riders.I know that there are lots of mad SRK fans out there who will be supporting this team.But,I am neither a SRK fan nor do I support the Indian Premier League.SRK seems to be investing a lot on the team and his team is the most publicized team in the IPL.It could turn out to be a good investment.

To know everything about the Knight Riders,you can visit their website.One thing I find very funny that SRK or more probably the guy from Red Chillies who registered the domain didn't care to register it privately which means that all SRK fans know where you can contact him.

The whois information says-

Red Chillies
Mr. Shah Rukh Khan (sukhmandir@hotmail.com)
Deepvan Bldg., Jn. of 20th Road,
Khar Danda Road
Khar West
Mumbai
Maharashtra,400052
IN
Tel. +91.2226058703

Here's the knightriders anthem(Korbo Lorbo Jitbo) video-


Here's just the audio-


If you have visited their website or have watched the video,you would've noticed the golden helmet and its unique poor design.I wonder if the little portion in the middle hinders the visibility.I know that the helmet has been designed to go with the theme but after all the guys have to bat wearing that helmet and I don't think the visibility is too great.

Goodbye And Good Luck

This post is best read with music supporting it-

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

This post is about the second test between India and Australia at Sydney played for the Border-Gavaskar trophy.The result of the match-Australia won by 122 runs.

Man(Men) of the Match-The idiots above,Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson.

The first 3 lines say it all.The 2nd Test between India and Australia was literally 13 vs 11.The umpires were clearly biased towards the Aussies.The number of bad decisions is unbelievable.I didn't have time to count the number,so here's a video.Don't think that the video has all the bad decisions.



Mark Benson asked Ponting whether Ganguly's catch was cleanly taken and believed him when he said that he was out.This is clear Racism.Speaking of Racism,Harbhajan Singh has been banned for 3 tests for calling Symonds a 'Monkey'.There was no proof that he had said that.SymondsMr Monkey called it a racist comment.Perhaps Symmnds belongs to the race of monkeys.For God sake what's wrong with calling a person a monkey in a country where Tuxedos are called 'Monkey Suits'.If ICC doesn't get its act right,we might need a new International Cricket Board.

Thus I think that some conclusions can be drawn from the test.Either the umpires are biased or they need to retire.In either of the 2 cases I think it's time to say-Good Bye and Good Luck.The umpires should spend some time with their families.I don't think that any match in which these umpires stand should be called an 'International Match'.I don't think ICC will bear Bucknor for about 4 more years after which he will officially retire.

Now its time for me to express my anger at the Umpires properly.

Here's a gift for the umpires-

A Tribute To Misbah

Pakistan newcomer,Misbah-ul-Haq has a habbit of getting out in the most funniest possible manner.Here's a post dedicated to his dismissals.

In the ICC World Twenty20 Finals,he managed to get himself out by playing a silly shot when Pakistan were in a very comfortble position and could have won easily.Here's what he managed to do-




When asked about the shot he played in the ICC World T20 final,he said in an interview that he would play the shot agian.In the 2nd ODI against India he dared to play the same shot and this time things were a bit different.He didn't manage to hit the ball and was bowled.Have a look-



Recently,in the first test between India and Pakistan at Delhi,he got run out in a really funny manner.He jumped to let the ball hit the stumps while he was in the air.You definitely need to look at this video-

T20 Champs Teach Aussies A Lesson

India proved yet again that they are the Twenty20 world champions.They convincingly defeated Australia at the CCI stadium by 7 wickets with 11 balls to spare.Here are the scores-
Australia-166-5
India-167-3

The scores tell the story and the match was always inclined towards India.The bowlers did an excellent job to restrict Australia to 166.Gautam Gambhir did a great job to give India a great start which helped them chase the decent total.He was adjudged the Man of the Match and won himself a Maruti Suzuki SX4.

Here are the awards-
Best Fielder-Yuvraj Singh who won Rs1,00,000
Most Number of Sixes-Yuvraj Singh(3) for which he won another Rs1,00,000
Best Economy Rate-Harbhajan Singh(4.25) he too won Rs1,00,000

Here are some awards which I would like to declare-
The Dark Horse-Robin Uthappa for his batting performence
Free Gainer-Virender Sehwag for his horrible bowling

What I would like to mention is that Ponting and Symonds are as old as Sachin Tendulkar and were a part of the Australian side.If Virender Sehwag consistently fails to perform India should seriously consider including an experienced player like Sachin Tendulkar in the T20 side as he is a much better all-rounder.

THE CUP IS COMING HOME

The pictures say it all.India are the ICC World Twenty20 champions.Yes,the team managed to do it.Here's the match in brief-

India - 157-5 in 20 overs
Pakistan - 152-10 in 19.3 overs
Result-India win the T20 world cup final by 5 runs.
Man Of The Match - Irfan Pathan for his bowling figures of 3/16 in 4 overs.
Man Of The Series - Shahid Afridi

After effect of the match-I have a sore throat as I screamed too loudly while cheering for India.

India started well with Gautam Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan giving a good start to the innings.Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni failed to deliver and India managed 157-5, a total which was not enough.Gautam Gambhir played a nice innings of 75 runs off 54 balls.

But India proved to the entire world that wickets do matter in T20.Misbah Ul Haq nearly won the match for Pakistan but lost his nerve and his wicket.Irfan Pathan and RP Singh bowled perfectly but Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth were a bit on the expensive side.Pakistan's key player and man of the series,Afridi failed miserably as a result of great bowling by Irfan Pathan.Imran Nazir was looking dangerous but he was run out before he could steal the match from India.

Shah Rukh Khan was there to cheer India and gave the players big bear hugs after the match.MS Dhoni took off his shirt in celebration.This is going to be a memorable match for the team.The last over could have decided the future of Joginder Sharma.Pakistan was a hit away from victory and at the same time India was a wicket away from victory.Here's a clip of the last ball in which Misbah-ul-Haq threw away his wicket to Joginder Sharma-



India had a great world cup.Here are some interesting facts.They lost just to New Zealand(lucky side) and were nearly knocked out in the super 8 stage.Pakistan lost just 2 matches in the world cup,both to India.Pakistan has never yet defeated India in a world cup match.

BCCI has announced a reward of 2 million dollars for the Indian team and a sum of Rs 1 crore to Yuvraj Singh for his 6 sixes in Stuart Broad's over.Another important fact is that India don't have a coach.Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh as bowling coach and fielding coach are the only guidance they had.

The ICC World Twenty20 has been a big success.The matches have been spectacular.There was just 1 one-sided match,the one between Sri Lanka and Kenya.Rest of the matches have been too close for comfort.The world cup has been literally unpredictable.Two sub-continental teams in the final is a rare sight.The final was a perfect end to a perfect tournament.

INDIA WIN SEMI FINAL

Yes it 's true,Australia India Won the Semi Funeral Final against Australia in the ICC World Twenty20.They literally threw Australia out of the ICC World Twenty20.India will now face Pakistan on Monday at 12:00 GMT which will be 5:30 pm IST. Yuvraj Singh was the man of the match as he totally destroyed the Australian bowlers by making 70 runs off 30 balls.I have a Physics exam so I'll keep this post short.

The final will be very interesting with 2 sub-continental fighting for the cup.India are the only team which has defeated Pakistan in the ICC World T20.I predict a nail-biting final which might probably end in a bowl out.

INDIA REACH T20 SEMI-FINALS

This Post is a long description of the match, so in short here is the summary-
India - 153/5
South Africa – 116/9

Result: India won the match by 37 runs and qualified to the semi finals as group toppers with a net run rate of 0.75. New Zealand manage to qualify with a net run rate of 0.05.I never thought it would be enough but it was as compared to South Africa’s net run rate of –0.12.

Man Of The Match: Rohit Sharma for his 50 from 40 balls and excellent fielding.

The Super 8 match between India and South Africa was a complete thriller. India had to win this one to reach the semi finals. Pakistan and Australia from Group F, booked their place in the semis. Pakistan qualified as group toppers and Australia defeated Sri Lanka in a virtual quarterfinal. Nothing was certain in Group E.

India won the toss and elected to bat first. Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini gave the Indian batsmen a few problems by taking 3 quick wickets in 4 balls. I had a feeling that th pitch had something for the bowlers. India managed to score 153/5 thanks to MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, a youngster who got 50 off 40 balls. They helped India to get to a decent score.

South Africa, a team, which is known for it’s fielding, had trouble in the field. Johnty Rhodes had a tough time noting down all the poor fielding efforts. That helped India get to 153. This meant that South Africa needed 126 to advance to the Semi Finals.

Indian bowlers had to do a good job to win this one. I, being the greatest optimist as far as Indian cricket is concerned had a feeling that they might just manage to do it. Sreesanth had a tough job in the first and third over as he found it difficult to control the swing of the ball. However, RP Singh managed to get two wickets off his first over. Sreesanth also bagged one early into the South African innings.

Rohit Sharma continued to have a great day as he hit a direct hit at the stumps to get Justin Kemp out in the 16th over. South Africa had made just 30 runs by that time. I just finished writing the preceding line when in the same over RP Singh got another wicket. He bowled Pollock out and the score was 31/5. 12 wides had been bowled which meant that despite of India’s efforts to help South Africa, they couldn’t capitalise.

After the 5th wicket what mattered was 126 and 142.South Africa needed 126 to reach the semis as 2nd team and 142 to qualify as group toppers. The situation was very funny for a New Zealand fan. During the Indian innings they were supporting South Africa and during the South African innings, after the loss of 5 quick wickets they were supporting India and were hoping that South Africa end up with a score less than 125.

South Africa continued to have a tough time as Irfan Pathan built on the pressure created by RP Singh. After 10 overs South Africa were 48/5 and required 78 runs from 60 balls to qualify to the semis. I was enjoying myself sitting in front of a 29’ SONY WEGA TV with an IBM laptop.

When the fast bowlers were done with their 3 of their overs it was time for Harbhajan Singh to bowl. He was hit for 15 off his 1st over. Since Dhoni had a backache, Karthick was in control of things behind the stumps. This also meant that Dhoni had an option of bowling. That could be interesting. He once bowled in a test match against Pakistan and his hair was everywhere.

South Africa reached 100 with 21 balls remaining. South Africa needed 26 off 21 balls and boom Sreesanth gets another wicket. Boucher played a ball onto his stumps and for a few moments nobody realised that the bails were knocked off. The South African score was 100/6. Harbhajan Singh dismissed a desperate South African tail-ender as a result of a great stumping by Karthick.

Victory was impossible for South Africa. They required 20 runs off the last 2 overs to qualify for the semis. I was on my feet for the last 2 overs. The only problem was that India would now have to face Australia in the semi finals. India was determined to eliminate South Africa.

Albie Morkel fell to RP Singh, bowled in the 19th over. Their score was 109/8 with 8 balls remaining. They scored 1 run off the next 2 balls. South Africa needed 17 runs off the last over by Harbahajan Singh. The details ball by ball-

1st ball: Single
2nd ball: Another single
3rd ball: Dot Ball and South Africa need 15 more runs
4th ball: Stumped; South Africa- 111/9
5th ball: Ntini hits a four
6th ball: Ah! The last ball, Ntini gets a single

India has qualified for the semi finals by defeating South Africa by 37 runs. India face Australia in the semi final on Saturday at Durban. Pakistan will take on fortunate New Zealand.

By the way, this might be the longest post ever to be posted on my blog. The ICC World Twenty20 has facilitated this. I simply love this form of the game and feel eager to make posts everyday as new records and unexpected results are a common feature of it.

YUVRAJ AVENGES WITH SIX IN SIX

Yuvraj Singh's six sixes in Stuart Broad's over(19th over) won India their match against England.India made 218/4 and reduced England to 200/7.Yuvraj's sixes made the difference.Here an analysis of Yuvraj's 58 which came off just 14 balls.

At the end of the 18th over Yuvraj had a little tiff with Andrew Flintoff and unpleasant words were exchanged.He nearly followed him to his fielding position but the umpire intervened.Yuvraj had real hot Punjabi blood flowing in his veins.He hit the first four balls for four sixes.All Stuart Broad was bowling and looking towards the sky.He had a little meeting with Collingwood.

Yuvraj Singh said that after the 4th one he looked at Dimitri Mascarenhas and said to himself-"He hit me for 5,I'll do one better".And he did it.The sixth six got him the fastest Twenty20 50.He reached 50 in 12 balls.He truly deserved to be the man of the match and he was declared so.Have a look at his sixes-



If you still think that Yuvraj Singh's 58 did not matter,let me tell you that at the end of 18 overs India and England both were at 171.As a result of this scintillating performance by Yuvraj,India are still in contention to reach the semi-finals.

Today India face South Africa in another do or die situation.South Africa have a net run rate of 0.7 so they are safe unless beaten convincingly by India.New Zealand has played all 3 matches and has a net run rate of 0.05.India are at 0.2 which means that if India manage to win today,they'll be through to the semis.It's a difficult task but let's hope for the best.

INDIA STEAL VICTORY FROM PAKISTAN

Here's a cricket situation-
India vs Pakistan
Pakistan require 1 run to win from 2 balls.

In ODI cricket,it is impossible for India to win from here.But Twenty20 is a completely different game.This is exactly what India did yesterday.India scored 141/9 off 20 overs.Pakistan required 11 off the last over.Then they required 1 run off 2 balls.Thanks to a dot ball followed by a run out by Sreesanth,India managed to draw level with Pakistan.Pakistan's score-141/7.The story doesn't end here when it comes to Twenty20 as I've mentioned in an earlier post.

The match is decided by a bowl out which is cricket's version of the penalty shootout.For more details read the post mentioned above.Till date there have been 2 such bowl outs.New Zealand defeated West Indies 3-0 in the first one.The same was the story with yesterday's match.India defeated Pakistan 3-0.

Everyone was excited about the first Bowl Out in the world cup.The umpires and the supporters were equally excited.Pakistan won the toss and asked India to Bowl first.The atmosphere was calm as both teams had already qualified for the Super 8 stage.But a bowl out was required for a result.Everyone was curious after seeing a bowl in Sehwag's and Uthappa's hand.

India nominated-Sehwag,Harbhajan,Uthappa,Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth.
Virender Sehwag,Hrabhajan Singh and Robin Uthappa had no trouble hitting the stumps.On the other hand,Pakistan had decided to go with conventional bowlers.Yasir Arafat,Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi bowled miles away from the stumps to give India an easy victory.

This means that India are Group toppers from group D and will be in group E in the Super 8 stage.India was close to losing the match,but they literally stole victory form Pakistan.

SRI LANKA ANNIHILATE KENYA

Sri Lanka literally Annihilated Kenya to knock it out of the ICC World Twenty20.They scored a record breaking 260 runs off 20 overs.Mind you 260 is considered a good score even in 50 overs ODI's.They took the game to a new level.This is what I love about Twenty20.There are no bounds when it comes to Twenty20.Everyday something extraordinary happens which forces me to write more than 1 post a day dedicated to Twenty20.This was an example of an excellent performance by Sri Lanka.

This is not the end of the story as far as high scores are concerned.You should look out for the South Africa vs Bangladesh match today.There might be an even higher score today.

ASHRAFUL CRACKS FASTEST 50-WEST INDIES OUT

West Indies is out of the 2007 ICC World Twenty20.Bangladesh defeated West Indies by 6 wickets to reserve their spot in the Super8 stage of the world cup.Ashraful scored the fastest fifty in a Twenty20 international.He got to his fifty in 20 ball by hitting a six on a free hit.He also was the Man of the Match.Bangladesh have proved yet again that they are more than just a minnow.

Here are the Scores-
West Indies 164-8 off 20 overs
Bangladesh 165-8 off 18 overs

The result of the match also means that South Africa have reached the Super8 stage.If India beat Scotland,Scotland will be out and India and Pakistan will advance.Things can get more complicated in Group B if Zimbabwe lose today.In Group C it can be assumed that Kenya will not be able to make it to the Super8 as even if they win a match,their chances are slim with a net run rate of -6.002.Thus by the end of the day we will have at least 2 teams in the Super 8 stage and at most 5.

AUSTRALIA DEFEATED BY UNDERDOG

The title of this post says it all.Zimbabwe defeated Australia in their match at the ICC World Twenty20.Don't believe me?Look at this-


The match was a great one.This s what Twenty20 is all about.It's totally unpredictable.The last few overs were very exciting as Zimbabwe required 12 runs off the last one.They won the match by 5 wickets with a ball to spare.I had a bowl out in my mind while watching the last over as I predicted a tie but the match was destined to be shorter.For the first time I found myself cheering for Zimbabwe.There were 2 reasons for which I was doing so-

• My sister was supporting Australia.
  

• I hate Australian cricket team.
  

This results makes the England vs Zimbabwe much more interesting.Even more crucial is the fact that if Australia lose to England,they'll be on their way home.I hope Zimbabwe makes it to the Super8 stage.

ICC WORLD TWENTY 20

The first ICC World Twenty20 starts today,9/11/2007.This is going to be an important day in Cricket history.It is an easy date to remember for quizzers like GQ as it's 9/11.I'm looking forward to this world cup of an interesting form of the game.I personally prefer watching Twenty20 over 50 overs cricket as it's a new concept.There is no margin for error.The bowlers can't afford to bowl no-balls as they have to pay double for it.The batsmen sit in dugouts as they have to face their first ball within 90 seconds of a dismissal.

Today's fixture is South Africa vs West Indies at the Wanderers.I still remember that in the 2003 Cricket World Cup,the first match was between these very teams and West Indies surprised everyone by defeating south Africa.This time around,it's Twenty20,an unpredictable form of cricket.

You can download the complete rulebook.But in simplified form,here are the basic rules of Twenty20 cricket-

Match Conditions

• Each team shall bat for 20 overs unless all out earlier.
• Fielding restrictions apply for the first 6 overs of each innings (only two fieldsmen permitted outside the fielding restriction area at the instant of delivery).
• During the non Fielding Restricted Overs, no more than 5 fieldsmen shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area.
• No bowler shall bowl more than 4 overs in an innings.

Bowl Out

• In the event of a tied match, the teams shall compete in a bowl out to determine the winner. A bowl-out may also be used in the Final in the event of a No Result, provided weather conditions permit.
• The captains nominate five bowlers, who will bowl one delivery each, and teams will take alternate turns to bowl at the stumps.
• If, after both teams have bowled 5 deliveries, both have scored the same number of hits on the wicket, or have not scored any hits, a second series of deliveries must be started with the same players and shall continue until one team has scored a hit more than the other team from the same number of deliveries.
• The sequence of bowlers need not be the same as in the previous series and the captain shall have the freedom of choice at the time of each delivery as to which of the 5 nominated bowlers shall bowl.
• In the second series, all 5 nominated bowlers shall bowl a delivery before all of them are eligible to bowl a further delivery.

Delayed or Interrupted Matches

If, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lower number than originally allotted (minimum of 5 overs), then a revised target score (to win) will be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing. The revised target is calculated using the Duckworth/Lewis method.

Additional time is allowed for matches when the start is delayed or play is suspended.

Extras

• If a wide is bowled,the batting side is awarded an extra run
• Underarm No Ball-The bowl needs to be rebowled if it is bowled underarm
• Foot-fault no ball-In addition to extra runs,the batsman is awarded a free hit in the next ball.If the delivery is not a legitimate one(Wide or no ball),then the next delivery is a free hit.A batsman can be out on a free hit only if he is run out,handles the bowl,obstructs the field etc.

Time Penalties

• If the bowler doesn't start bowling the 20th over by the end of 80 minutes(the umpires have to walk at their normal to switch positions),the batting side is awarded 5 penalty runs.
• If an incoming batsman is not in a position to face his first ball before 90 seconds of the dismissal,he is out-timed out
  

UMPIRE HELPS ENGLAND WIN SERIES

What do these stupid umpires think of themselves?Those good for nothing monsters are not going to get away with a wrong decision without mention on my blog.
Their victims-Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid(the most senior players in the team).
Effect on the series-India lose 3-4.

This is the perfect summary for the final between India and England at Lords.The match was literally 12 vs 11.I'm totally disgusted after watching this series which was a victim of bad horrible umpiring.I just can't understand why Sachin has been the victim the most number of times.

I know what's going on.The old umpires who were once cricketers have decided that Sachin has to be denied of a century.They have had a mutual agreement to declare him out the moment there is an appeal against him.Sachin Tendulkar is a victim of cruel politics which is being played to suppress him.These umpires don't like to see records being broken by an Indian batsman.They are out to prevent Sachin from making inapproachable records.I'm sure they are going to fail to do so.ICC should reconsider it's elite panel carefully because what happened was just not fair!!!

SACHIN FALLS FOR ANOTHER 90

Another great innings by Sachin Tendulkar came to a dreadful end.A cramped Tendulkar fell for 94 to Monty Panesar.Anyways,India won the match by 2 wickets with 2 balls to spare.The match was a really exciting one.India required 10 off the last over with Robin Uthappa being the only proper batsman on the pitch.Finally India managed to win as a result of the efforts by-Robin Uthappa,Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Saurav Ganguly.But one performance without which this victory would have been impossible was Sachin Tendulkar's.As a result,he was declared the 'Man of the match' for his 94 runs.When Sachin was asked about missing his 42nd ODI century,he said that he was happy for India and wouldn't mind making some more 90's if they lead to an Indian victory.This spirit commands respect.I'm sure this was the last time Sachin got out in the 90's and he'll surely get a 100 in the Final at Lords.

INDIA VS ENGLAND 6th ODI

The 6th ODI is turning out to be so interesting that I decided to write a post immediately.India must win this match to stay in contention.England got lucky with the toss and decided to bat first and posted a score of 316 runs thanks to the last over by Yuvraj Singh in which 5 sixes were hit.

India have started pretty well with a century opening partnership thanks to Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly.Sachin Tendulkar just scored his 83th 50 and I hope he gets a 100 today.Saurav Ganguly has also reached his 50.He has been a victim of misfortune and bad umpiring lately.India has maintained a steady run rate.Sachin is currently scoring at strike rate of over 100.As a result,the required run-rate has dropped below 6 runs per over.England have not yet taken the third powerplay.

I hope the best for India and Sachin Tendulkar specially.

-Note this post was made when 20 overs had elapsed,circumstances might change later.Thus you can expect another post soon

ICC STINKS-INCOMPETENT UMPIRES TORTURE SACHIN

This is the first post of the ICC STINKS series of posts on Naman Zone. I’m totally furious after the second ODI between India and England. Yesterday, I was disgusted to see Sachin Tendulkar’s dismissal at a score of 99 runs. The umpire probably had a fight with his wife in the morning and transferred his frustration onto Sachin Tendulkar. A short-pitched bouncer from Flintoff hit Tendulkar’s elbow and the ball carried to the wicket keeper. Sachin Tendulkar clearly indicated to the umpire that the ball had made contact with his elbow. When the stupid and idiotic umpire gave him out, he stood in front of him in disgust for a few seconds hoping for a reversal that never came. The umpire didn’t care to bother the third umpire and ruined Sachin’s innings with his idiotic decision. Perhaps the umpire wasn’t on speaking terms with the third umpire. Who knows, the umpire might have a problem with Sachin Tendulkar.

Here are three of Sachin’s last 5 innings scores-93, 99 and 99. The figures speak perfectly about what Sachin has been through. Sachin Tendulkar has always been the victim of poor umpiring. He has been dismissed 13 times for a score between 90 and 99. I’m sure majority of these were wrong decisions by stupid, illiterate and incompetent umpires like the one in yesterday’s match.

When a batsman like Sachin Tendulkar is shaking his head over an umpire’s decision, he isn’t doing it because he has a survical pain or he wants to build his neck muscles. You need to take the players seriously. I don’t want to say that the umpires should discriminate between players. What I want to say is that an umpire should think twice when there is an element of doubt. You can’t just call it a human error and get away with it. The umpire should be made to face the consequence of his decision.

As far as ICC is concerned, it should keep a check on the umpires and should make some changes in the rules. It’s about time the use of technology is increased. I’ve had enough of stupid, arrogant and dumb umpires. The player’s should be allowed to challenge the umpire’s decision like they are allowed in tennis. This is the only way to keep the players and bloggers like me happy. This is all about Sachin’s torture.

Think of it this way, a youngster is tortured the way Sachin was yesterday. For instance, he faces a wrong decision at a score of a duck. The consequences could be disastrous. The match could slip out of the hands of the batting team. His career could be ruined. He’ll be left with his statistics, which would not have a column saying-“Number Of Wrong Decisions faced”.

Despite of the unfair competition between India XI and England XII (Obviously I’ve counted the stupid umpire), India managed to score 329/7, a total that is very difficult to chase. Thus, India ended up winning the match by restricting England to 320/8

HORRIBLE NEWS CHANNELS

News channels are supposed to be a source of information which is true and unbiased.Some news channels seem to have forgotten this.We have channels like CNN IBN messing up news.They told my friend Ankur Banerjee(GQ) to act as a student of class XII when we were in class XI.He was told to act as if he was to appear for IIT-JEE 2007.Almost everyone who knows GQ knows that he is a Linux enthusiast and simply hates Microsoft.How did CNN treat him?They said that had an ambition to become the CEO of Microsoft!!!They also renamed him-Ankur Bhattacharya.This is how a news bulletin is generated.

In another incident,Delhi Aaj Tak reporters asked three students of our school as if they were horrified over the CBSE syllabus change for Class XII.They were asked to express their anxiety about unavailability of textbooks.The textbooks were more or less available on time and nobody faced any problem.

I hope you are convinced about the fact that News Channels telecast more fiction and very little facts.They twist up the news and depict it as they want to and force their views on the public.Moreover,the crime shows are meant to scare and entertain people more than spreading awareness.The host looks like a convict ho escaped Tihar Jail.

Let me talk in terms of cricket now.Yesterday,when India lost to England in the first ODI of the series,the news channels grabbed this opportunity to fill their empty time slots with rubbish news about the match filled with exaggeration.The news bulletin said that all of the three senior players-Sachin Tendulkar,Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid failed to score well in the match as if the rest of the 8 players were incompetent and were playing just for the sake of playing.Cricket is supposed to be a game in which one team has to lose and the other has to win.Yesterday,it was not India's day.You can't just say that India performed poorly.The other aspect is that the England batsmen did a good job.Nobody blamed the bowlers who managed to get just two batsmen out.

I really prefer newspaper over a news channel as news looks like news in a newspaper and it is fiction once a news channel telecasts it.

INDIA XI DEFEAT ENGLAND XII

The second test between India and England at Trent Bridge was literally a 11 vs 12 contest with umpire Simon Taufel helping England in India's first innings.Despite of all his efforts, India managed to defeat England by 7 wickets in the match.My heores for the match are Zaheer Khan,Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly.

India deserved to win this match as they had done everything right.The match had a few moments when the players got a bit verbal with each other but this is a part of test cricket.What I didn't like about the match was the wrong dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly.In the last test match the umpire had reversed his decision when he wrongly adjudged Petersen's decision.If Wimbledon can use Hawk eye,why can't Cricket?

My statement is that when a cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar is standing and staring you after being dismissed,he isn't doing so because he likes your beautiful face.A batsman is not allowed to appeal against the umpire's decision.This the the most he can do.Such appeals should be considered by the umpires.

After this series of wrong LBW decisions,what is being discussed?I'll tell you.The umpires are blaming technology and not the ICC.Nobody wants to go back to the stone age.The technology should be utilized properly by changing the rules suitably.

I have no problem with Simon Taufel.He is the best umpire in the world right now.He has admitted his mistake.This is enough as far as I am concerned.But I feel that ICC should look into this matter carefully.

Another feature of the match was that when it was certain that India would win the match,England resorted to their favorite mode of bowling-Negative body line bowling.

On a lighter note the test match was a great one for India.India are now 1-0 up in the 3 test match series.I am looking forward to the last test match as I am sure it will be interesting.