Kirk Douglas’s sex face + Ant McPartlin’s fivehead = Scott Styris

First though a video showing the reverse hit.

Atherton writes:-

It is a sign of genius that a player can make the laws of a game look foolish while not obviously cheating. Muttiah Muralitharan is the only player of recent times to have forced a change to the Laws of Cricket, so that now the definition of a fair ball includes the phrase, “shall not debar a bowler from flexing or rotating the wrist in the delivery swing”. Now Kevin Pietersen has forced MCC, the custodians of the Laws, to take a closer look at the fairness and legality of switch-hitting.

Mike Atherton then goes through the various views and aspects of the issue and concludes:-

Whatever the outcome in time, this issue marks Pietersen as one of the most influential cricketers of the day. Cricket history has generally shown bowlers to have been the most innovative and forward-thinking: overarm bowling, the googly, reverse swing, the doosra, the flipper - all bowler inventions to keep the batsman in check.

Now Pietersen, ironically a man hitherto regarded by some as not the sharpest tool in the box, is helping to redefine the way we think about the game. That in itself is a definition of greatness.

If you enjoy cricket, as I do, worth a look.

Watch IPL Live Online with IPL Live Scores - Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers Live from MAC Stadium Chepauk in Madras.

Click this link below to Watch the IPL live match from the Indian Premier League IPL, Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers Live Streaming Online.

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Watch IPL Live Online with IPL Live Scores - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers Live from M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Click this link below to Watch the IPL live match from the IPL, Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers Live Streaming Online.

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The Important IPL Match for both of the IPL Teams - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers Live from the DLF Indian Premier League - IPL between the Vijay Mallaya Owned Rahul Dravid's Team - Bangalore Royal Challengers take on the Hyderabadi Ace Batsman - Very Very Special - VVS Laxman & his Unstoppable team - Deccan Chargers-  in their Home Ground - M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

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Yayyyy!!!!!!!!! Finally, WE WON!!! Many more to go guys...we can do it...The Unstoppa'bulls'!

I hope it all about the bad pitch out there.

I have so much of faith on players like Andrew Symonds,  Adam Gilchrist ,Hershelle Gibbs, Shahid Afridi, Scott Styris, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh, Chaminda Vaas.

They can really charge up the game.

Ofcourse, we missed Hershelle Gibbs, Shahid Afridi in the last game.

The pitch was an absolute disgrace and any hope of a meaningful battle between bat and ball was destroyed before the toss. It was dustier than the Birdsville Track with the ball going through the top of the surface from ball one. No two deliveries behaved in the same manner and this meant Ishant Sharma, Murali Kartik and Mohhamad Hafeez were virtually unplayable in the first innings and all but the two Australians surrendered without much of a fight.

Deccan captain VVS Laxman set the example early when hit on the glove playing forward to Sharma. He spinelessly took the easy road deliberately throwing his wicket away soon after rather than doing the hard yards by getting in behind the ball and risking a few bruises.

Gilchrist and Symonds played as you would expect, intelligently and bravely, and with the ball shooting and turning square they did well to get 23 and 32 respectively. Symonds did his best to hold the innings together farming the strike where possible yet still the team in beige could only bat 18 and half overs in compiling 110.

It doesn't matter what the length of match or the state of the pitch, runs on the board are always valuable and the Deccan Chargers seam attack of Vaas, RP Singh, Styris and Banga bowled a great line cutting their fingers over the ball effectively bowling quick finger spin and in the process reducing Kolkata to just 38/3 after 10 difficult overs.

Ganguly, to his credit and in direct contrast with the opposition skipper, received his fair share of bruises playing a cool and courageous captain's knock till the diminutive 21 year old left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha cleaned bowled him with a sharp spitting delivery when the score was 68 at the end of the 13th over.

Hafeez joined David Hussey at the crease and in a run a ball partnership they added 20 before the Pakistani also fell to Ojha attempting a telegraphed premeditated reverse sweep.

At this stage with less than four overs remaining the match was delicately poised. Tempers were fraying, the enormous crowd was in full voice, the tension was palpable and then the unthinkable happened. A light tower blew a fuse and the players strolled off to the bewilderment of all concerned.

About 20 minutes after the interruption match referee Farouk Engineer was seconds away from declaring a tie under the Duckworth/Lewis calculations when miraculously the lights ignited and sensibly the players and umpires decided to finish the match.

It was hardly worth the effort. David Hussey, as he has done on several occasions for Western Australia and Victoria, finished the match with a flurry of boundaries and deftly judged singles to end a thrilling, hazardous and ultimately anti-climactic match.

Although the pitch was bordering on dangerous and strokeplay was always a risk to wicket and limb, this match, up until the lights failed, was the most intense, bitterly fought T20 match I have ever seen and if this is the sort of contest that the IPL will produce then it thoroughly deserves its own window in the international cricketing calendar.

If you can't see these matches, find a way. You won't regret it.

Along with these two, even Aaron Redmond and Daniel Flynn have made it to the list. The list looks a lot different after the departure of Shane Bond, Stephen Fleming, Lou Vincent and Craig McMillan. In order to keep experimenting with the rotation policy, the Selectors have also axed Michael Papps, Craig Cumming, Matthew Bell and Matthew Sinclair from this list.

Here's the list of the Contracted players :

• Daniel Flynn
• James Franklin
• Peter Fulton
• Mark Gillespie
• Gareth Hopkins
• Jamie How
• James Marshall
• Chris Martin
• Michael Mason
• Brendon McCullum
• Kyle Mills
• Iain O'Brien
• Jacob Oram
• Jeetan Patel
• Aaron Redmond
• Jesse Ryder
• Tim Southee
• Scott Styris
• Ross Taylor
• Daniel Vettori

New Zealand always come up with some decisions which comes as a bolt out of the blue for many. Again they've live upto what they perform over and over again. Even this might be subjected to mid-term changes. Lets look out for the changes. Don't be surprised if you see any.

I wish I knew, random visitor, I wish I knew..

It could be that he saw Glenn McGrath in those shiny pantaloons.

Maybe it's the animal attraction of Daniel Vettori (Miriam would switch allegiances for him).

Or the lust created by being near The Perfect Boyfriend

Alternatively, it could be the fact that he gets to play with Scott Styris.

Any one of these, is sure to test the average heterosexual..

Scott Styris: Stripper name would be Bambi SweetLick.

Over the last couple of days you could see any number of people wandering round Headingley with the kind of slightly bemused expression you’d see on an Australian who's been given a library card as a joke birthday present.

The source of the befuddlement? What the heck is going on with Morne Morkel?

First it seemed as if we’d captured the services of one of the coming men of South African cricket. Then it’s reported that he’d signed to play for ICI in India at the same time. Now today we learn he’s been selected to tour India with the South African test team during the run up to the English season. Unless he’s one of highly talented triplets or Doctor Who’s new regeneration, then someone’s kippers will go cold waiting for him to turn up to the team breakfast.

Just as confusingly is what led us to this situation. No one really seems to know why his name has been linked with this Indian league, if he’s actually signed or not and just what he’s got to say for himself about the whole thing. As not only is his agent claiming no knowledge of the deal, but seems to have no way of actually contacting him. I mean, the guy’s currently in a Bangladesh hotel with the rest of the South African team, not filming a new series with Bruce Parry in the Amazon basin.

The Springbok 2000BC: South Africa’s most technologically advanced mobile phone and Morne Morkel’s personal communication device of choice.

The whole thing is a mess. Although in this case, not one of our own making and one that’s engulfing a number of other English county sides. For now, the club seem fairly certain he’ll be with us before the first game of the season, but who knows what will come out the woodwork tomorrow? Not Mr Regan’s fist of course, that was removed a couple of days ago as I mentioned in my last post...

Si’thee later,

Len

After the confusions they had initially about their icon player, they've decided against Laxman and Andrew Symonds has taken the role. Just like Chennai Super Kings did, Hyderabad has also gone in full fledge to buy Andrew Symonds, the second highest bid player in the auction. Let us have a look at the team.

R.P.Singh - He is one of the new found faces of Indian Pace Bowling. He is very good with the ball as he has this uncanny nature of swinging the cherry both ways. He aslo looks very seducive with his action as it doesn't look as pacy as it gets to the other end. He's a skidy customer but yet can surprise the Batsmen with the bounce that he can extract. He did well during the T20 World Cup. He has been brought by the Hyderabad team for USD 875,000. Quite a good ploy to get him in.

Rohit Sharma - He has been one of the best players in the just concluded CB series down-under. Evenwhen he made his International debut during the T20 World Cup, he played a couple of match-winning knocks which showcased his calibre. He is electric in the field and is a handy player to have in the team as he can shift gears and manage his innings properly. He was brought by Hyderabad for USD 750,000.

Adam Gilchrist - The name itself triggers terror in the heart of the Bowlers around the World. He might have retired from his International duty. But it is our privilege to have him here to continue his good work at this format. He can tear apart any attack with such an ease. He's simply unstoppable once he gets going. His exploits behind the wicket is exemplary. I'm eagerly waiting to see him back in action again after his lay-off. He was brought by Hyderabad team for USD 700,000.

Shahid Afridi - Even this name strikes terror in the Bowler's heart. But his inconsistency can be a key factor.The player of the T20 World Cup was a perfect fit for this man. He can bowl his quickish leg-breaks as well. He has the highest Strike -Rate for the year 2007 in ODI's at about 170 runs per 100 balls. In the T20 World Cup, it rose upto 197 runs per 100 balls. He can spell devastation with both Bat and Bowl. He was brought by Hyderabad for USD 675,000.

Herschelle Gibbs - He is a big match player.You can always count on him for big scores. Again, he has all the time in the World to hit the ball out of the park as and when he wants. He is simply one of the best fielders around in International Cricket. He can take the game away single-handedly. He was brought by Hyderabad for USD 575,000.

V.V.S.Laxman - He is one of the classy Batsman that the world has ever seen. He plays some stylish shots which ropes in admirers around the World. He has this habit of building partnerships but lacks the ability for big shots. He's a slow mover and has been often critisised for his fielding. He has to prove a lot in this format. He has been brought by Hyderabad for USD 375,000.

Chaminda Vaas - He is one of the most brilliant Bowlers that Sri Lanka has produced. He can swing the ball both ways and has a very good slower one. He can make sure that runs are cut off when he bowls. He keeps on trying in the field. He also has the ability of playing big shots and can clear the field consistently with ease. He has been brought by Hyderabad for USD 200,000.

Scott Styris - A man capable of changing things around. He is very good with the bat and his ability with the ball makes him special. He can don both the roles and perform exceedingly well. His current form is the only cause of concern. But his ability as a player can't be neglected. He was brought by Hyderabad for USD 175,000.

Nuwan Zoysa - He was very good when he first broke into the International scene. He used to extract good pace and bounce due to his height. He was later troubled by injuries and has been out of the Sri Lankan squad for quite sometime now. He has this habit of picking up wickets at regular intervals. He was brought by Hyderabad for USD 110,000.

Chamara Silva - He is one of the new finds of Sri Lankan Cricket. He is very consistent with the bat and is also a good finisher. He can take a game away from the opponents with getting noticed too much. He bats lower down the order and provides that extra cushion for his team . He is a very good fielder and he was brought by Hyderabad for USD 100,000.

Andrew Symonds - He has done lots on the field for the World to recognise him. He is very good in all departments of the game. He can shift gears easily and can strike the cricket ball as clean as a whistle. His presence will itself bring energy into the team. His fielding stands out. He is such a player who can deliver under any situation. He is the second highest paid player and is brought by Hyderabad priced at USD 1.35 million.

This team looks quite capable of turning the tables around. But I feel they lack the cushion of a slow bowler. Other than that the side looks pretty balanced and has all the other aspects of the game well covered.The team is stacked up with the best big-hitters that the game has seen in modern times. The Coach for this team will be Robin Singh. The team is valued at USD 112,895,000. The logo looks very good, denoting the brute force that team possesses of.

For schedule of the Hyderabad team, kindly follow the link. For details about the Second Bidding follow the link.

I cant believe my eyes. Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Herschelle Gibbs, Shahid Afridi & Scott Styris for Hyderabad? Faced against real biggies, am amazed at how Deccan Chronicle managed to pull off a coup.

Whoopie. 3 cheers to the Deccan Chronicle Hyderabad team. Honestly, i had no hopes for Hyderabad when pitted against Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Mallya, Priety Zinta, India Cements and Shah Rukh Khan. But this is simply an amazing haul.

Above pictures courtesy: Cricinfo

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HYDRABAD
Adam Gilchrist         2.8 c
Andrew Symonds   5.3 c
Hershelle Gibbs       2.3 c
S Afridi                     2.7 c
VVS Laxman           1.5 c
Rohit Sharma         3.0 c
R. Zoysa                 0.44 c
C Vass                    0.8 c
RP Singh               3.5 c

DELHI
V Sehwag                  ICON PLAYER
D Vettori                   2.5 c
S Malik                      2.0 c
Mohammad Asif      2.6 c
A B Devilliers           1.2 c
D Karthik                  2.1 c
P Maharoof              0.9 c
T Dilshan                 1.0 c
G Gambhir              3.0 c
M Tiwari                 2.7 c
G Mcgrath              1.4 c

MUMBAI
S. Tendulkar            ICON PLAYER
Harbhajan Singh      3.5 c
S. Jayasurya            3.9 c
S Pollock                  2.2 c
R Uttappa               3.2 c
D Fernando            0.6 c
L. Malinga              1.4 c
S Chanderpaul
L Bosman              0.7 c

JAIPUR
Shane Warne            1.8 c
Greame Smith          1.9 c
Younis Khan             0.9 c
K Akmal                   0.6 c
Yousuf Pathan        1.9 c
M. Kaif                     2.7 c
M. Patel                   1.1 c

MOHALI
Yuvraj Singh                 ICON PLAYER
K Sangakkara               2.8 c
Mahela Jayawardena   1.9 c
Brett Lee                    3.6 c
S Sreesanth                2.5 c
Irfan Pathan              3.7 c
P Chawla                    1.6 c
R Powar                     0.68 c
R Sarwan                   0.9 c

BANGALORE 
Anil Kumble                 2.0 c
Rahul Dravid               ICON PLAYER
Jacques Kallis              3.6 c
Zaheer Khan               1.8 c
M Boucher                  1.8 c
C White                       2.0 c
W Jaffer                      0.6 c
Daryl Steyn                1.3 c
N Bracken                   1.3 c

KOLKATTA
S Ganguli                    ICON PLAYER
S Akhtar                    1.7 c
R Ponting                   1.6 c
B Mccullum                2.8 c
C Gayle                     3.2 c
A Agarkar                1.3 c
D Hussey                 2.5 c
U Gul                       0.6 c
M Karthik               1.8 c
Ishant Sharma       3.8 c
T Taibu                   0.5 c