20.1.08

Dexter


A very good series that I caught on TV recently. Its already done 2 seasons in Showtime. Very impressive characterization and storytelling. Based on a books "Darkly dreaming Dexter", "Darkly devoted Dexter" and "Dexter in the Dark" by Jeff Lindsay. Haven't read the books, but I'm pretty sure they are very impressive.

A lot of thought evoking action throughout the series. I'm not giving out any spoilers in this write-up. But, I will say one thing. It will make you empathise with people you wouldn't normally empathise with. But, I don't know if I'd be giving out any spoilers anyways. Because, there is very less suspense all along the series. But, even then it will keep you hooked.

A very new look at the mind of a killer. Very nicely directed, acted and overall a great series. More about the books at: http://www.randomhouse.com/doubleday/dexter/

Aussies are denied 17 in a row

Whew! what a relief.. to India and its fans. Although India looked like India would stop Australia in Sydney where they had their 16th consecutive win, equalling the world record, here in Perth they looked better than in Sydney. It was a team effort. Everyone in the team contributed. The key was the first innings bowling performance, where they got the Aussies attacking as usual off guard with very impressive disciplined bowling. Although Australia fought back in the second innings, it wasn't enough.

So, finally India gets the deserved win down under this season. I'm happy for them and for Kumble who got to 600 wickets. Hope we give them a run for their money at Adelaide next.

6.1.08

Unbeatable Aussies Make it 16 in a row: Claremont Lingo-> Aussies bongu their way to Victory

The last time Australia had won 16 tests was in Mumbai, 4 years ago. It happened again today at the SCG. India gave a run for their money. Guys like Laxman, Tendulkar, Kumble, Harbhajan and to an extent Dravid played with their hearts out. Kumble shined with both bat and ball. Symonds was amazing on both bowling and batting, not so good fielding because of a bad ankle and was adjudged man of the match. Big scores by Hayden, Hussey, Symonds kept the runs flowing for the Ozzies.

But, I'm worried about how umpiring decisions can impact a match. Consider Australia, a side that's much stronger mentally, bubbling with more confidence and on a roll. Consider the other team India who have always had their ups and downs in the recent times. Who does a bad decision affect more? Australia can capitalize on bad decisions more than India. And how many decisions go against India? Atleast five, How many against Australia? atleast 2. Who made the most of it? Australia.

Symonds made 130 more runs than he should have, Ishant Sharma had 1 wicket less than what he should have (zip), Ponting should have made 2 or 3 runs less than what he made in the first innings or should I say he should have capitalized like Symonds and made a hundred?, Ganguly and Dravid should have had more than 51 and 38 runs in the 2nd innings (and practically saved the test match).. A match that was poised to be one of the greatest contests of recent times.. one in which Australia was challenged in all the departments.. ending in a win to Australia.. which shows the tenacity of the Australians and the resilience of the Indians. Well done to both the teams..

They proved they can make the game interesting even with umpires who have their eyes in their asses.


Well, there's a lot of should haves and must haves.. what matters is Aus won by 122 runs. The image that always will stay in my mind, is Gilly (the last man I believe who is worth looking upto according to me in the current Australian Side) going up in appeal just as he brought his glove to stump a well behind the crease Dravid, which had just caught a ball that had kissed the pad of the batsman, off Symonds along with all the other Aussie fielders. Did he think it was out? I want to ask him for sure..