Why does Australia not $u(k any more? Alternatively, we have a short memory!

"I am trying to remember to what July 2013 was like"

If you were somebody who goes through a daily routine of refreshing the Wisden India or ESPNCricinfo every morning, then you would notice what I am taking about here.

Lets rewind to a few months back when Australia were in England trying to win The (coveted) Ashes, which the touring party lost by a margin of 0-3.

During that series, England were not at their best and Australia almost won 1 out of those 3 matches (revise the tense 1st game) and were winning position in a drawn test due to bad light (remember the controversial last). With 2 matches drawn and close finishes, England did win the series, and there are no "almosts" when it comes to results,a 0-3 scoreline hardly did any justice to the Australian team.

But if you were to read the post series coverage on any of the above mentioned websites, or any other for that matter, if you would believe that the urinating English players (on the pitch and Panesar) are the best in the world today. Hell, I could pick up articles saying that.

But, that is old news. That was in July 2013. A long time back. To be precise, 6 months!

Today, England have been dancing to Australian tune and have lost control of their game in a very public fashion. How in  a matter of 6 months, you ask? We can't say, all we are noticing is that damned scoreline which is 2-0 right now in favour of Australia. And also because, we can no more see beyond a week in the past. Got to keep up you see, got to release content!

Image Source - MSN.com

POLITICS PLAGUING CRICKET...

It has become a common sight to watch cricket lovers fuming over the unjust selection of non-cricket playing individuals being selected for the executive posts in the various cricket boards that function in the country.
Nonetheless, the person is always a politician (virtually white collared or drowned in scams) whose knowledge and expertise inspite of being completely irrelevant to the game comes to power and the trend continues.
Coming to one of the most sought after cricket clubs in India, The Mumbai Cricket Association MCA , many are not aware that its last president cum cricketer was former India stumper and ex-Mumbai captain Madhav Mantri who took over the post in late 1987 and handled it effectively till 1994 when the cricketer era in the managing chair came to the end.

Till now you would have got the hint on what topic I am showing my abhorrence.
Yes you are absolutely right.
It’s the election of MCA President on its way for which after Sharad Pawar (who is no more interested in such a small income resource after being head of BCCI and ICC) two contenders namely former captain of India Dilip Vengsarkar and former chief minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh are vying for.

At one side you have a former India cricket captain and vice president of MCA for 8 years who was chief selector of this world champion team maintaining rank 1 in tests as well as bringing back the World Cup Trophy to India. The one who knows the needs and requirements of the young upcoming cricketers and the challenges facing them.

On other side we have the former chief minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh who like his predecessor is alien to the cricketing world and its nuances.

I am not taking anyone’s side here, but definately politicians entering into cricket doesn't paint a good picture. At a time when Indian cricket is going from strength to strength it becomes of prime importance to think of ways to sustain it, and clearly politicians making their way into cricket boardrooms is not a prudent one. One has to agree that when a former cricketer with good track record comes to the boardroom he brings in experience and knowledge relevant to the field with him. And when a politician comes, he brings politics!
Politicians should be only allowed to work as a non-executive members for cricket boards to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Matters pertaining to cricketers and their selection and policies should be left to former cricketers only.
Let the cricketers handle cricket and politicians handle politics....