The Gayle force show

Chris Gayle has gone from an aggressive opening batsman, who occasionally takes the opposition to the cleaners, to now the most powerful, feared and consistently destructive cricketera on the planet. Following his axing from the West Indies squad that played against Pakistan in late April and early May 2011, Gayle was left with no cricket ahead of him anytime soon. Luckily for Gayle, an urgent call came his way with good news. Dirk Nannes would be unavailable during the Indian Premier League twenty20 through injury and the Royal Challengers Bangalore wanted Gayle as his replacement, the rest is history.

Gayle found his touch almost immediately, announcing himself with a blistering 102 not out from a mere 55 balls. From this point on there was no stopping the irresistible force that is Chris Gayle. The powerhouse went on to thump an outstanding 608 runs in just 12 innings (four less innings than his two nearest contenders on the run scoring ladder) at an average of 67.55 and strike rate of 183.13 making him the leading run scorer of the IPL 2011. Plenty of stats to back him up but wait there's more. He became the first and only man to score two centuries in the same IPL season, with his highest score being 107. Along with that he smoked 56 fours and 44 sixes, a total of 488 runs in boundaries. His immense power meant he physically ran less than 20 per cent of the runs he scored.

I for one, was thrilled to watch several of his best innings, particularly when it seemed any ball he hit in the air would travel for six. His huge upper body strength and power meant timing was almost unnecessary for Gayle to clear the pickets. He would either chose six or four and follow through hard and true. It was often mentioned during the television telecast, that Gayle was one of the strongest men in international cricket, his training regime more that of a body builder than cricketer. Words certainly ran thin when looking for superlatives to describe Gayle's midfield antics. At one stage, I recall the big screen at the ground clearly stating, "We've run out of words", following another display of mass superiority over the bowler.

It hadn't taken long for Chris Gayle to show the world he meant business and while it may have left the West Indies Cricket Board a little red faced, they persisted in not selecting him. One of the greatest shames in recent cricketing memory, is the way he has been treated by his home board. The best T20 batsman in the world--in my own opinion--is not being selected to play for a mediocre T20 team, that has barely anything on offer to keep him out of a place. While Gayle still maintains that he wants to play for the West Indies, the WICB just won't let him, regardless of just how damn good he really is. Let the kid play is all I can say. No bigger statement could he have made following being dropped than to demolish any bowler he faced--the likes of Brett Lee, Dale Steyn, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne--none of them could stand in his way. He didn't need to be technically correct, time the ball with perfection or be fast when running between the wickets. Gayle's own brand of cricket was on display in the best way possible and for many it was pure perfection.

Looking back on Gayle's IPL season, the question remains. Is this sort of batting good or bad for the game? While there is absolutely no doubting its entertainment factor was huge. Gayle's lack of technique, stand and deliver attitude, however effective as it may have been, was watched by hundreds of thousands of young kids each evening, all wanting to bat 'like that'. With this in mind, my biggest criticisms of twenty20 cricket are brought to the forefront. Lately we see test cricketers dangling the bat out to dry and snicking out, because they feel as though they have to play more and more balls. This stems purely from the expansion of T20 cricket, where obviously playing every ball is a necessity to score runs. Chris Gayle has certainly become a massive role model. However in my opinion a role model must be, in cricket at least, someone who's technique or mannerisms are proper, authentic and sound.

Having said this I find some other fantastic batsman in T20 cricket to be the best to watch across all formats, particularly in test cricket. Michael Hussey, Tendulkar and most recently Shaun Marsh, have demonstrated that building around a firm technique can transform into runs on any stage. Particularly in Marsh's case, a young guy who was first noticed through his ability to score big runs in T20 cricket. He was the top scorer in the first ever edition of the IPL, however, he demonstrated great composure and patience in his first two test matches. These players know when and which balls to leave alone, they wait for the worst deliveries and then they pounce, put them away and score their runs. Watching Hussey in test cricket has always been one of the best treats for me. A man who is so focused on success that each and every movement is based solely around practicality and effectiveness. However, Hussey has also demonstrated that these simple principles are just as effective, while maybe not as entertaining, when put into practice in twenty20 cricket. Hussey's most recent IPL was mostly successful scoring 492 runs, with an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 118.84.

While I may be comparing apples and oranges, or a rock with a hard place, I still prefer a good old fashioned struggle. To build a hundred of 220 balls in a test match is more to me than a quick fire 70 in a twenty20. With the advent of the IPL, big money and high octane entertainment on the cricket field, there will definitely be supporters that will go the other way. But for now I'm enjoying seeing the Gayle Force at his best. Blasting anyone who comes in his way, out of the ground. Wouldn't we all like to see him in his current form and mindset in a test match? What would happen? A quick fire twenty odd or will he go berserk as he did so many times in the IPL and take test cricket to a place it has never been before? Chris Galye is without a doubt the purest form of power anyone could ever hope to see on the cricket field and don't we just love it. Total entertainment.

Cummins Is Coming

Patrick Cummins bowls Kieron Pollard

We all love to see a once in a generation player at their best, be it Bradman, Warne or W.G. Grace. While none of these greats are playing at the moment, I think I know who has the potential to take the tag from our generation. An 18 year old fast bowler from New South Wales who can fling them down at 140km/h plus. A young man who has been rewarded already and named as the youngest Australian to be given a central contract since the system was conceived in 1998.

Patrick Cummins has a long way to come before he reaches maturity in regards to knowing his own game and developing his variety. Having said that he has another five or six years before he'll begin to move out of the 'young' category. With all this raw talent at such a young age, one must be forgiven for believing that the sky is well within the limits. The potential is in place for Cummins to have played at least thirty odd first class matches before he's even left his teens.

You needn't be an expert to know that experience plays a critical role in regards to developing as a player. With that in mind, imagine Patrick Cummins in 15 years, 100 or more test matches to his name, the amount of development that can occur in that amount of time is huge for any player. In Cummins' case you've already got a guy who can dominate some of the most destructive batsman around, as illustrated during his limited appearances in the Big Bash and Champions League. I'd love to see him end up along side the likes of Glen McGrath, Courtney Walsh and Sir Richard Hadlee at the pinnacle of international fast bowling.

The main obstacle in the way of such success will most certainly be fitness. Cummins has already had a recent back strain which prevented him from travelling with Australia A to Zimbabwe. Many fantastic fast bowlers have fallen short of their potential through injury, the likes of Shane Bond and Shaun Tait most recently with fantastic statistics in first class cricket couldn't make the cut with their broken bodies and disjointed patches of form. If Cummins is lucky enough to keep fit enough there is nothing stopping him from cricketing royalty in a decade or two. I know that I have very high hopes for him, especially in regards to a rebuilding Australian cricket side. While he's not yet a walk in for any Australian side, I don't think it will be long till he's the first man picked for every tour.

Warner Wants To Play Test Cricket

Seems to me as though David Warner is the real deal when he says he wants to play test cricket. It was obvious to all at the back end of last season that Warner offered a lot in the longest format of the game. Warner has long been a reliable run scorer, one of the best for several years in Sydney's first grade competition. When the opportunity arises I can see him taking it with both hands, not letting anyone down and becoming a successful player in all forms of the game.

The 24 year old has impressed in his nine first class appearances so far for New South Wales and Australia A. An average of 53.35 is more than impressive and if sustained it will surely ask questions of the test selectors. While Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawja linger as the top two preferences in the Australian squad, Warner will surely play the entire Sheffield Shield season. Plenty of game time in the longest format will allow him the chance to further prove his credentials.

For the moment Warner will be firmly focused on the Champions League Twenty 20 which will be followed by a trip to South Africa with the Australia T20 and ODI squads. The call up into the ODI squad is another massive boost to Warner who has been on a hot streak of run scoring form across all formats. A fantastic tour to Zimbabwe with Australia A, a great finish to the Sheffield Shield season and solid start to the Champions League all reflect well on the aggressive left-hand opener.

Recent scores include 38, 20, 16 and 53 in T20's, 211, 48 and 82 in first class cricket in addition to 120 in a one day match and 152 during a tour match. With a sport where scores and stats tell the biggest story, Warner is surely in selectors minds, most evident through his selection in the one day squad travelling to South Africa. As with most potential players of the future though, only time will tell.

If Hughes suffers injury or a run of poor form, I still think it will be Khawaja who is turned to first. However I have no doubts that Warner will remain on the doorstep and won't let his knocks go unnoticed. Pure weight in runs will always be the best way to get your name up there and I have all the faith in the world that Warner will pay dividends for New South Wales this summer. It surely cannot be long now until Warner dons the Baggy Green.

Marsh to Make Test Debut

With Shaun Marsh set to debut in the second test are we beginning to see a changing of the guard? This series has already seen three relatively new faces take to the field and with the addition of a fourth it would appear that the side is truly ready to succeed at the highest level with new blood.

Marsh has been in and out of the limited overs setup frequently over the previous two years and finally gets his chance in the baggy green while Ricky Ponting returns home for the birth of his second child. His T20 expertise is undoubted with 2139 runs at an average of 42.78. He is surely a proven run scorer. Marsh has had some excellent seasons in the longest format of the game but other seasons have seen him fall short of his potential. Despite these intermittent failures one can surely trust he will step up when necessary.

The adaptability of Marsh's game would appear to make him perfect for the role at number six. Strangely it will be Khawaja left as the final specialist batsman in the order with Marsh set to come in at first drop. On the flip side Marsh will enjoy the chance to face a newer ball coming onto the bat as he has done far more regularly when playing his first class cricket for Western Australia. If Marsh gets himself in there's certainly potential for a pyrotechnics display similar to the ones we've seen him provide in the IPL.

With the obvious exception of Watson at the top of the order it could be said that the Australian batting lineup has become very 'proper' in their approach. Illustrated by the tendency of the top order batsman to edge out pushing forward defensively during the last Ashes where a full blooded shot or leave would have been far better. Marsh therefore with his attacking pedigree could just be the spark needed to push Australia's good starts into huge and imposing totals. Marsh's proven ability to score big runs at a fast rate is perfectly illustrated by his statistics in the shortest form of the game. His ability to take the bowlers on and his attacking mindset are perfect for a team that needs a kick to set the tone for it's innings.

With the Australian batting line up falling into place nicely all looks up for the side in their quest to return to number one in world cricket. The youngest additions to side, Marsh, Khawaja, Lyon and Copeland all appear capable to make it at the highest level. Only time will tell now if Australia will once again be top of the pile. For now the number 3 position sits in the hands of a young Shaun Marsh.

India Moving Forward

Sachin Tendulkar has returned home with a sore big toe with four matches remaining in the ODI series against England. What does this mean for India? It's either a massive blow or an insignificance. While Tendulkar certainly had a golden 2010 he seems to be falling short of the mark thus far in mid 2011.

It would appear 'The Little Master' is completely content with what he has done in the game and with his 100th hundred you would expect him to call it a day. Tendulkar looks to have lost that drive to win and succeed. So without that killer instinct that lead him to conquer the world of cricket, is his position in the side justified? Furthermore, is he now only playing for himself?

I've always been a believer that there is no substitute for pure talent, especially when it comes hand in hand with experience. Having said that, India are on the brink of losing the likes of Tendulkar, Laxman, Dravid and others whom carry with them that wealth of experience. Is it time for India to get Raina, Kohli and Manoj Tiwary into the test side? While all this discussion seems somewhat detract I can answer my own question by saying no.

The management of the Indian side need to reinvigorate Tendulkar once again and get him to perform in a similar manner to last year, just as Dravid has done this English summer. India have a wealth of players lying in wait. The two things India need to do are 1. Play less T20 and; 2. Play more first class cricket. If these talented young players find a way to put aside their IPL commitments and play county cricket they will be far better off. This is where they can further their own development and experiences. They can be playing a high standard of tough first class cricket against world class players outside of the Indian team.

Team India are lucky enough to have some fantastic batsman among their ranks and should continue to persist in picking their absolutely best eleven. If India can develop another good fast bowler, have Harbhajan Singh back in form and get a fit Zaheer Khan back in the side they will once again reign supreme. Their few weaknesses can be easily fixed and a second coming of sorts is well within the question. They've got the players, all they need now is to rekindle their form and fire on all cylinders moving forward.

Trent Copeland's First Test Wicket

Trent Copeland strikes in his first over of international cricket to remove the Sri Lankan captain, Tillakaratne Dilshan.
What a legend!

Captaincy Equals Discipline?

Some how it didn't occur to me that Stuart Broad would actually be allowed to captain England again. But here we are awaiting Broad's next attempt at the top job. I hope I'm not alone when i say he is surely the least capable candidate as a captain. However as usual I don't doubt I'll soon be proved wrong.

Stuart Broad and hot head seem to go hand in hand. If Broad wants to assert himself as a genuine England cricket captain he must 1. maintain his current hot streak of form, after all you don't want your captain to be in a position Broad landed in leading into the Sri Lanka T20's where it was hard to pick the guy let alone have him leading the side and; 2. develop some form of composure. Time and time again I see Broad beat the bat only to explode and self-destruct with rage that it didn't result in a wicket.

The world isn't actually against Broad and until he figures this out there's going to be a long hard road ahead. For a man with such talent, pace, swing and ability to bat there seems to be a critical lack of cricketing sense up stairs when it comes to attitude. Despite this, nothing makes me happier than to see Broad's brain capitulate at a miss field by KP and the two hottest of heads in the side clash in an inferno the likes of a wild fire.

Nathans ideal passage of English cricket

Broad bowls, gets an edge which runs away for 4 after Pietersen cannot stop it in the gully

Broad: "Use your hands you p***k"

Pietersen: "F**k off, bowl at the stumps!"

Broad: "You're a useless t**t"

Ahhh if only it were like that all the time.

The best candidate for the current T20 side remains without doubt in my mind Eion Morgan who lead the side in their ODI against Ireland a few days ago. Morgan remains a certainty in any limited overs side and is blessed with natural leadership skills.

Despite all of this it would seem the added responsibility of actually being captain means Broad MUST remain disciplined and keep his head. Maybe being captain is exactly what Broad needs to get the best from himself. Only time will tell how good he can and will be as a player and as a leader. So for now I'll just have to let him go out and do his thing.

I wish Broad went for 50 today though :/