Friday, April 18, 2003

Incomprehensible descriptions of cricket matches will resume tomorrow.

The second test between Australia and the West Indies starts tomorrow in Trinidad. Australia are planning on playing an unchanged team after winning the first test by nine wickets earlier this week. They could have played only one spinner instead of two, and brought in another batsman, but they will continue with five bowlers. Opening batsman Matthew Hayden and captain Steve Waugh would both like to get some runs in this match, I think, although neither player is in any immediate danger. Darren Lehmann really needs some runs soon, or he will lose his place in the side to either Martin Love or (less likely but my choice) up and coming batsman Michael Clarke, who I think should be given a test match soon. For the West Indies, batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan will be back from an injury, which they will be glad of, as he is a very fine player. Wicket keeper batsman Ridley Jacobs (who batted well despite being injured in the first match) and bowler Jermaine Lawson will miss the second match, and will be replaced by Carlton Baugh and Tino Best respectively. Both players are inexperienced but by all reports very promising. The West Indians should be stronger in batting terms but weaker in bowling terms than in the first test. Australia to win, but possibly in a high scoring match.

In other cricket news, India and South Africa played in Bangladesh again today. South Africa bowled the Indians out for a modest 215, and got the runs without too much panic for the loss of five wickets with an over and a half to spare. The South Africans will be encouraged by the comfortable but not overwhelmingwin. The two sides have been playing in a triangular tournament with Bangladesh, and have won all their games against Bangladesh easily, and will so meet again in the final on Sunday. This could be a decent game.

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