The third test began at Edgbaston today between England and India, in the shadow of trying times as the UK attempts to come to terms with the wide spreading riots of recent days. Andrew Strauss, for the first time in the series, won the toss and put the Indians into bat first on what looked like a pitch that would offer an advantage to the bowlers. The England team had one change. Bopara replaced the injured Trott, he came in at No.5 and Ian Bell moved up to No3. The Indian team were bolstered by the return of Sehwag and also Mishra and Ghambir, replacing Harbhajan and Yuvraj respectively. Both of whom have flown back to India with injuries.

England Dominate In Birmingham

Two back-to-back defeats and the Indian dominance of Test cricket is already being questioned. The fact that the downfall of short lived Indian supremacy of Test cricket is being discussed more than the resurgence of the English Test side even by the English is testimony of just how big this fall is. While form and commitment along with an over burdened schedule are being cited as the biggest reasons for our pathetic display in England, is there more to what meets the eye?

Indian Cricketers And the Truth Behind Their Poor Show on England Tour

Day three of the third N Power test series began with Alistair Cook and Eoin Morgan at the crease for England. Both were looking imperious the previous evening and were looking to bat England into an unassailable position. India had toiled in the previous day and were starting to look a little weary, several of their players were leaving the field at various intervals in what seemed like a rotation policy. The most notable being Sehwag, 10 mins before the close of play. It’s fair to say, this did not go un-noticed by the media and he came in for much criticism in the morning sports paper columns.

India On The Brink At Edgbaston

India has been playing test cricket since 1932. That was the year when India played its first test match at Lords in England against the MCC. All these years many batsmen have made their appearance and quite a few have a left a lasting impact on the game.

A Word About Rahul Dravid, Is He the Greatest Indian Batsman Ever?

Even though there are various games, cricket has captured the mind of many people. These days it is gaining popularity across various countries. The days are long gone where the games used just a bat and ball, but today we see a more elaborate cricket kit involved, which helps the players to play the game with spirit and more confidence.

Cricket Kits – An Effective Way to Perform to the Fullest

The Oval has been a happy hunting ground for India, and this was the venue of India’s first test victory in England in 1971. The pitch has aided spin in the past and India would have gone into the match hoping for a better result than in the first three games that England won on wickets aiding their fast bowlers.

England Tour 2011: Summary Of Fourth Test Match, India Vs England

Cricket is a modern day sport played between two teams. Each team has eleven players. The game is played on an oval or round shaped ground which has a rectangular 22 yard long pitch at the center.

A Brief Introduction to Cricket

Day 2 of the second Test match between India and England started with much better batting conditions than the previous day. The sun was shining and the green tinge the wicket had on day one seemed to have faded. The experienced pair of Dravid and Laxman came to the crease with India on a score of 24-1, chasing the England first innings total of 221. The early exchanges were very much dominated by the Indian partnership, taking advantage of some loose bowling from both Anderson and Broad. As the morning progressed, the score line seemed to be moving along effortlessly until Laxman fell, just before lunch, to the bowling of Bresnan not long after making his fifty.

Broad and Dravid Shine at Trentbridge (Second Test Day 2 Review)

The second test match of the four match series started at Trentbridge this morning, both India and England had injury problems leading up to the match. For India, their bowling Talisman, Zaheer Kahn was to miss out with a leg injury, as was the opening batsman Gambhir with a bruised elbow. For England, Chris Tremlett could not recover in time from a hamstring strain. The replacements for the Indians were Sreesanth and Singh, and for England the bowler called up to replace Tremlett was Tim Bresnan.

Sreesanth Leads Indian Fightback (Second Test – Day 1 Review)

The first test of the series between the two top Cricket teams in the world was as thrilling as most fans had anticipated. On an overcast day at Lords, the Indian captain Dhoni won the toss and without any hesitation put England into bat first. The England team were unchanged from the side that beat Sri Lanka earlier in the summer, whilst the Indians had one noticeable absence at the top order in Sehwag.

England Dominate The Early Proceedings At Lords (First Innings Review)

A few surprises and some notable omissions notwithstanding fans from across the globe have voted for cricket’s greatest Test team. The list consists of four players each from two teams (Australia and India) that have dominated Test cricket for the last two decades, two from a team (West Indies) that redefined the pace bowling and one from a team (Pakistan) that is more volatile than an unstable lab chemical!

Test Cricket’s ‘Dream Team’ Out!

Ignored by the controversy surrounding India’s decision to call off a Test Match needing 86 runs off 90 balls was the continued improvement of their counterparts. Since a 2-1 series loss against Australia in 1995, the West Indies have fallen spectacularly from their position at the top of the cricketing world. Players such as Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall and Sir Viv Richards (to name a few) retired during a 5 year period which devastated a younger side in the long term.

Finally A New Dawn For The West Indies?

This article argues the case for Irish inclusion at the top tier of One Day International cricket. Statistical comparisons with other teams are made, past results are examined, and the popularity of cricket in Ireland is discussed.

The Case for Irish Inclusion at the Top Tier of One Day International Cricket

Old Trafford was the setting for the fifth and final one day game between England and Sri Lanka. With the scores poised beautifully at 2-2, the day was set up to bring and exciting climax to the Sri-Lankan tour of England. England make the surprise decision to leave out Stuart Broad from the team and brought in Samit Patel of Nottinghamshire to replace him. The Sri Lankans also made one change, with Prasad replacing Lakmal in the seam bowling department.

England Secure Series Win

A trip down memory lane with regards to my fond memories of village cricket. I hope to make clear the relaxing power the beautiful game. Or at least stir memories up for you the reader.

Village Cricket

There are many reasons as to why we should encourage more children to get involved with cricket. This would help with their fitness, and also their personal development. What can clubs and schools do to promote more cricket themselves?

More Cricket for the Youngsters!

The statistics of the Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar are examined. The question of whether his statistics suggest that he might be considered an all-rounder is discussed.

Could Sachin Tendulkar Be Considered an All-Rounder?

As far as bowling is concerned, there are several strategies which are implemented by the bowler in order to attain success or get the batsman out. Basically, bowling is all about combining the right techniques and sheer practice which brings the desired perfection in the game of cricket. During these times, when the batsmen have dominated the cricket field anyway, it is not merely about how to make the ball slower but the implications or the significance that it carries in the game of cricket.

How to Make a Ball Slower

Trentbridge was the setting for the fourth ODI match between Sri-Lanka and England in the 5 match series. England won the early afternoon toss and chose to put the Sri Lankans into bat first.

England Stroll To Victory

The second match in the five match ODI series was played at Headingly in Yorkshire in glorious sunshine, making a nice change from the poor weather that has affected the majority of cricket matches in England in recent weeks. England won the toss and put Sri Lankan into bat on what looked like a good surface, Sri Lanka made a steady start before hitting the self-destruct button. The Sri Lankan pair of Dilshan and Chandemal managed to both run themselves out before reaching double figures, giving England the upper hand in the early stages.

Sri Lanka Secure Resounding Win

Every cricket lover must be aware of the popular phrase which emphasizes the importance of fielding and says that ‘catches win matches’. There lies the significance of cricket fielding tips, which every player should memorize. Of all the cricket games that we witnessed till date, we have noticed the role and importance of fielding which acted as a deciding factor behind many victories. Similarly, we have also seen many strong cricket teams losing an almost-won match, due to poor fielding quality of the players.

Cricket Fielding Tips

Basically there are two ways in which to carry out the job of fielding: The player can either consider running towards the ball in an attacking mode and grab it after getting it from the ground. The other technique is to pick the ball with the help of the legs. In this, the player will be required to stoop down, put the legs in a way so that it does not move further and then pick it up.

How to Do Fielding and Throwing in Cricket

Leg glance is the term used in the game of cricket, when the batsman flips or flicks the ball from the wickets (where he is batting, i.e. stumps) or from the off side to the leg side. This is a classic shot and is normally played by great players of the class like Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar etc. One can play this shot only with practice. With rigorous practice one can easily master this classic shot. This is not a very powerful shot, and requires class and not might to play.

How to Play Leg Glance

The first One Day International of the summer between England and Sri Lanka, played at the Oval, was predictably ( for this summer so far, anyway ) a rain affected game. Heavy downpours in London meant that the 50 over game was reduced to 32 overs between the two sides. England had been humbled by Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup earlier this year, so they very much had a score to settle. The new captain of the one day side for England was Alistair Cook, replacing Andrew Strauss, while Dilshan took over the helm for the Sri Lankans.

Anderson Inspires England To Victory

The tenth cricket World Cup is almost upon us and there is much for spread betting punters to weigh-up before diving in. Starting with England, and Andrew Strauss’s men are likely to have Sporting Index’s spread punters particularly torn.

World Cup Cricket Spread Betting Preview 2011

The first T-20 match for England under the captaincy of Stuart Broad ended in disappointment for the home fans in an un-seasonally chilly Bristol. This is rather oddly the only T-20 match that is to be played between the two sides this summer, surely a best of three series would have been better for both the players and the fans.

England Vs Sri Lanka – T-20 Match Review

The upcoming test series between England and India will be the most important match between the two sides for many years. India are currently the Number one ranked team in the world and England are Number two, based on the official ratings. Both sides are in top form, India won the 50 over Cricket World Cup in the spring and are currently 1-0 up against the West Indies in a 3 match test series in the Caribbean. England impressively retained the Ashes in Australia earlier in the year, and have just defeated Sri-Lanka in a 3 match test series in England.

England Vs India – Test Match Preview

The final test match of the England v Sri Lanka test series was a rather stop start affair, mainly due to the typical English weather. It was the first time the Rose Bowl in Hampshire had hosted a test match, and it was hugely anticipated on the south coast. After a delayed start due to rain, England won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat. James Anderson and Chis Tremlett made early in-roads into the Sri Lankan top order, removing the high class pairing of Sangakkarra and DPMD Jayawardene to expose the fragile Sri Lankan middle / late order in favourable bowling conditions.

England Vs Sri Lanka – 3rd Test Review

Dear Sachin, I know you find it extremely uncomfortable and feel embarrassed whenever you’re referred to as God. You have time and again said that you are a mere mortal whenever you’ve been revered as God or when fans have walked to you and touched your feet. But I still find it difficult to believe that you are just a mortal, and it’s not just me or your few MILLION fans; even many of your illustrious colleagues from the cricket world share the belief.

A Letter to God

Sachin Tendulkar defines everything what a man should be. Sachin proves the superiority of humans over all the creatures created by God. Of all the creatures created by God, humans are the only one with exceptional reasoning brain. In fact, it’s the only thing God gifted them with- the mind and its indomitable spirit. Sachin has used just this spirit to propel himself into realm of supremacy. He was armed with nothing but his vision.

Sachin Tendulkar – God of Cricket

The reason cricket can be a good trading ground is due to the big swings in prices but coupled with a decent time window. You will obviously see most of these big swings in the one day or 20/20 games. My personal favourite and I think the easiest strategy to implement is laying the bowling side when taking early wickets.

Trading Cricket for a Guaranteed Profit

The inaugural Davis Cup match took place in Brookline, Massachusetts, near Boston, at the Longwood Cricket Club in 1900 – and the American team won the first three matches. Dwight Davis won his singles match on day one, and together with Holcombe Ward conquered the doubles match on day two. That year, the teams were supposed to complete the remaining matches even though the United States had already secured its team’s position as the winner of the cup.

History of Davis Cup Tournaments

Does any sport bring about more fascination in facts, figures and statistics than the game of cricket? Some would suggest that North American sports also involve numerous stats and detailed analysis, but cricket seems to be in a world of its own. All of these statistics should be there to offer clarity to the sport.

The Greatest Batsmen In Cricket

Cricket is one of those sports that really seems to divide views. Some people see it as exciting and providing the perfect form of entertainment. For others, however, there may be a feeling that cricket is a sport that’s slow and perplexing.

Why Do People Enjoy Cricket?

Thousands of individuals enjoy cricket around the world whether it be recreational or professional. The game brings physical, sociable and mental advantages to people of all ages. As with most physical exercise, taking part can develop endurance along with bowling, hitting, catching and sprinting abilities. Furthermore, it can benefit children by building their co-ordination skills.

Choosing The Right Cricket Batting Gloves

This article uses statistical analysis to examine the playing records of Hashim Amla and Jonathan Trott in One Day Internationals. Standard deviations and confidence intervals are calculated. A comparison with Michael Hussey at a similar stage in his batting career is made.

How Good Are Hashim Amla and Jonathan Trott?

This article looks at how good Sir Donald Bradman would have been in One Day International cricket. Strike rates and averages from past eras are compared to the contemporary game.

Sir Donald Bradman – How Good Would He Have Been in One Day Internationals?

The England cricket team have been going through a period of considerable success. Led by the impressive figure of Andrew Strauss, their Ashes victory in Australia last winter was a high point, pointing to the recent improvements in their form and fortunes.

Can England Dominate World Cricket?

Cricket bags are an important part of cricket equipment, nevertheless they often receive the least attention. A bag filled with all the cricket add-ons can be quite heavy, it is therefore smart to consider purchasing a fantastically large bag with wheels to create transportation quick, simple and safe. Getting the purchase right, would mean the player can enjoy their favourite game even more.

Buying a Cricket Bag

Cricket is a game that has been played around the world for many, many years. It originated in England and is still popularly referred to as the Gentleman’s Game.

A Little About The Game Of Cricket

This article describes how M.S. Dhoni became most powerful sports person of India. His track record shows that he is the best leader that Indian cricket ever had.

Lessons From Dhoni’s Leadership

Bodyline series The season of 1932-33 saw one of the most significant events in cricketing history, an event which would strain the Anglo Australian relationship to the very limit. It all began with a conversation in the Piccadilly hotel London between England Captain Douglas Jardine (Notts), a player who was obsessive in his will to win, Captain Arthur Carr, (Notts), and two skilful fast bowlers Harold Larwood, (Notts) and Bill Voce, (Notts).

The Bloody Ashes

Here is the 15 member ODI squad announced by the BCCI for the Indian tour of the Windies. Gautam Gambhir (captain), Suresh Raina, Parthiv Patel (wk), Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, S Badrinath, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel, Vinay Kumar, Yusuf Pathan, Amit Mishra, Wriddhiman Saha (wk). Some inclusions are questionable…

The Indian Squad to the West Indies

Cricket memorabilia is one of the fastest growing areas in the sports collectables field. 1864 saw the first publication of the “Bible of cricket” the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack and this is certainly an area worth concentrating on. The founder John Wisden (1826-1854) created the longest running sports annual in history.

Collecting Cricket Memorabilia

The summers of mid 16th century England saw the beginnings of what was to become the nation’s most fashionable sport The game of cricket originated in Saxon times in the woodland clearings of the weald in South-Eastern England. 1598 is the earliest reference where the game is referred to as creckett. Cricket gained in popularity and continued to be enjoyed throughout the 17th century played notably on Sundays after church, this being for many a time for leisure and respite from the arduous working week Wickets could be up to six feet wide and only a…

Cricket Early Origins

A lot of decoding is underway since the announcement that Sourav Ganguly will be joining Pune Warriors India (PWI) to try and boost the franchise’s sagging fortunes in IPL-4. One doesn’t change horses in midstream in an ideal world but then if things were perfect then a player of Ganguly’s pedigree would’ve been lapped up in the blink of an eye.

IPL 4 – The Return Of The King

Replacing Gary Kirsten as the coach of Indian cricket team wasn’t going to be an easy task but it had to be done. The appointment of Duncan Fletcher as Kirsten’s replacement has sparked off the same controversy yet again and the welcome messages for Fletcher have been far from flattering.

Duncan Fletcher, New Coach Designate for Team India

So… you’ve decided you want to buy a cricket bat? If you haven’t bought one before, where do you start? What are the best brands? How much should you expect to pay? If you do a quick search on the internet you will be bombarded with advertisements everywhere, trying to persuade you to buy a specific bat – this is not only unhelpful but it can also waste your money if you are drawn in by them.

How to Choose a Cricket Bat

KOCHI (India), April 30: Virender Sehwag struck a 47-ball 80 to power Delhi Daredevils to a 38-run victory over Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the Indian Premier League on Saturday. The Delhi captain lashed eight fours and five sixes to help his team post a challenging 157-7 following a disastrous start after choosing to bat first.

Sehwag Inspires Delhi to Easy Win in IPL

Indian Premier League 2011 is underway and is enchanting travellers from all over the world. Things just cannot get better and reasons just cannot be more appropriate for cricket lovers to look for cheap flights to India.

Indian Premier League Escalating Demand for Cheap Flights to India