uite an amount of debate.The lack of cricket available for the Pakistani players is concerning, Sohail Tanvir was just one missing in this years IPL
The two touring teams for this summer are Pakistan and the West Indies, two very capable sides, however two teams who are very inconsistent. Pakistan have been making headlines with the recent bombing of a tour bus which was carrying the Sri Lankan side. Despite the negative political aspects which are bringing down Pakistan, the cricket has been of a very high standard as of late.
The recent series against Australia was an example of this, despite losing the series they still managed to win 2 games in the 5 match series, which is very impressive against the 2nd ranked side in the one day arena. However, the amount of cricket that the players have been involved in is extremely alarming, another concern is that the Pakistani Cricket Board disallowed there players to play in this years edition of the IPL which is quite unbelievable.
This was a huge disappointment not just for the players, or their home country, but for their franchises, there absence was an enormous loss. Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals certainly felt the sting of this ruling from the PCB, as his team mate's in Sohail Tanvir, the leading wicket taker in 2008's edition of the tournament, and the first choice wicketkeeper Kamran Akhmal were absent; his side really could have used these star players especially looking back at how they couldn make a semi-final appearance.
The West Indies on the other hand, are a team that has both young guns and also players who have vast amounts of experience in the international arena. Shivnarine
Chanderpaul is 13th on the all time test run scorers, and his presence is one which can change games. The controversial captain Chris Gayle is both a glorious aggresive opener and leader, and he will be looking to lead his men through what is bound to be a wonderful series against the Australians.
Sure, these two teams might not attract as much attention as what South Africa might have during last season, however we must look at how much the Australian setup has changed over the past few months. The younger players have had to step up and put their hands up in difficult situations, and a new era is here, therefore a new brand of cricket will be played. These two opposing teams will be much more hopeful of defeating the Australian's in their own backyard, a task which was almost unthinkable in previous years.
It may turn out into a real dogfight for the new Australian line up, all that can be guaranteed is the Australian summer is closing in day by day, so get in on the action.
The recent series against Australia was an example of this, despite losing the series they still managed to win 2 games in the 5 match series, which is very impressive against the 2nd ranked side in the one day arena. However, the amount of cricket that the players have been involved in is extremely alarming, another concern is that the Pakistani Cricket Board disallowed there players to play in this years edition of the IPL which is quite unbelievable.
This was a huge disappointment not just for the players, or their home country, but for their franchises, there absence was an enormous loss. Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals certainly felt the sting of this ruling from the PCB, as his team mate's in Sohail Tanvir, the leading wicket taker in 2008's edition of the tournament, and the first choice wicketkeeper Kamran Akhmal were absent; his side really could have used these star players especially looking back at how they couldn make a semi-final appearance.
The West Indies on the other hand, are a team that has both young guns and also players who have vast amounts of experience in the international arena. Shivnarine
Chanderpaul is 13th on the all time test run scorers, and his presence is one which can change games. The controversial captain Chris Gayle is both a glorious aggresive opener and leader, and he will be looking to lead his men through what is bound to be a wonderful series against the Australians.
Sure, these two teams might not attract as much attention as what South Africa might have during last season, however we must look at how much the Australian setup has changed over the past few months. The younger players have had to step up and put their hands up in difficult situations, and a new era is here, therefore a new brand of cricket will be played. These two opposing teams will be much more hopeful of defeating the Australian's in their own backyard, a task which was almost unthinkable in previous years.
It may turn out into a real dogfight for the new Australian line up, all that can be guaranteed is the Australian summer is closing in day by day, so get in on the action.
Gayle is sure to cause headaches with his aggressive stroke play
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