Getting the Right Balance

When the World Cup has reached the half way mark at the group stage, there are already cries on few teams about the balance of the side.

India is at the top of this hit list. Many believe India should be playing with 5 bowlers. When some section thinks it should be 3 pacers and 2 spinners, while the rest believe it is the other way round. However the Indian think tank is still toiling the idea of playing 7 batsmen and currently working on the theory of batting first Vs bowling first. I for however suggest that India should test all theories before the knockout.

The next team that fall into this hit list is Pakistan. Many pundits were vocal in calling for 5 bowlers. After today’s game against NZ, Pakistan should seriously consider about playing a wicket keeper and utilize the services of Kamran Akmal as an opening batsman. After all both the opening batsman has done nothing to be proud off. However, Hafeez can survive the threat with his part time bowling skills, while Ahmed is waiting to be chopped. For any defeat you need a scapegoat and this time it will be Ahmed, though the chief culprit is Kamran Akmal for his services behind the stumps.

England looked perfect on paper with a strong bowling line up of Anderson, Broad, Bresnan, Swan and Yardy. However their bowlers leaked badly against the likes of Netherland, India and Ireland. Thank god, they came to party in the most wanted game against South Africa.

For South Africa the problem is entirely different. South African bowlers Steyn, Morkel, Tahir, Robin Peterson/Botha and the services of DuPlessis, Kallis and Duminy to bowl the 5^th bowler quota worked well so far. However, the weak middle order on paper was clearly exposed by English bowlers. I’m sure South Africa would have felt the pinch of leaving out Albie Morkel. Same problem holds good for Sri Lanka too.

For Australia, NZ and WI the issues are different. Australia is a team in making. It is a blessing in disguise that they have a good bowling attack to overcome the inexperienced middle order. I hope the return of Mike Hussey should make things better for Australia in the batting front.

With respect to NZ and WI, the expectations are minimal. Also they are making the best out of their outfit.

The results so far has only revealed that the weakness of one team favored the strengths of the other team. Though it is a battle of Strength Vs Weakness, I sincerely believe teams should play to their strength than that of opposition weakness. However playing to opposition weakness should only be a part of the strategy and not the actual game plan.

Bottom line: It is not always the balance that brings victory to the side. It is the chemistry of the composition that brings glory.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover