This is yet another attempt at keeping this blog going. I have found myself incapable of getting down to writing some posts, though there has been much to say in the past month or so. This attempt at revival was triggered by an old love. Something very close to my heart and something which is being celebrated by its ardent followers right now. I am talking Cricket, friends.

The ongoing Champions Trophy seems like a time of celebration to me. The entire cricketing world has gathered in India to clash heads for the Champions Trophy. Though the timing of the event, the format, the scheduling and other ingredients have taken some flak, I must say I am very excited at the prospect of the whole tournament. The wide range of international talent, some new and some old and some others rediscovering themselves-all this promises a good 2 weeks ahead.

To dive into matters straight away, the early qualifiers sprang no surprises, with West Indies and Sri lanka qualifying to the main draw quite comfortably. The lack of serious competition in the first four matches, raised expectations for the last match of the lot-Sri Lanka vs West Indies. What a non-gamer, that was! I for one, dint expect that match to be a real contest. Knowing West Indies’ nature of capitulating ever so meekly every once in a while, this had to come sometime. On the other hand, SL looks a very very well knit unit. Bowlers finding form, batsmen looking settled, and the captain seeming right on the button with evrything he does. No wonder, Barry Richards thinks they are one of the strong contenders to lift the trophy.

Yesterday’s India-England game promised a lot but it was pretty much decided midway through the first innings. England need to sort out their batting order to add some balance to the batting. It seems two natured with the aggressive talents of Freddie and Pietersen coming upfront and in case that should fail, the likes of Collingwood and Dalyrymple will do the reconciliation act. Whatever the order is, I belive these 2 should be certain things, Bell should bat at 3 and Freddie at 5. With Pietersen at 4 and Collingwood at 6, the batting seems more secure and if one of the top 4 get going, that provides the momentum for Freddie to come in and lauch himself later in the innings. The English bowling looked alright, considering it was the first game of the tournament. Harmisson will get better, Sajid Mahmood should find some rhythm as time goes.

India on the other hand looked in good touch with their bowling, though again, their batting order needs to be re-looked. Against strnger bowling units like Australia, South Africa, the current order will fail more often that click. Irfan Pathan at 3 is a definite no-no for me. There are far better batsmen in the team who need to be cast in early and No.3 is a vital spot. Agreed, he’s done well so far, but I have my reservatons on his success against better bowlers. Only time will tell.

Only time will tell as well, if this effort of mine was a kick-off to more blogging. For now, the Champions trophy is underway.

On a side note, a rather important one, Someone please take away Mandira Bedi!!!