Author: WebDesk

-Boria Majumdar It has been a very strange build up to this contest. India started the world cup brilliantly and won what is perhaps the most important match of all against Pakistan. Bangladesh on the other hand suffered a humiliating defeat against South Africa by more than a 100 runs. Ahead of the India South Africa game, there was no mention whatsoever about the India Bangladesh clash. Most had expected India to win against South Africa and had that happened, Rohit’s men would be assured of a semi-final berth. And Bangladesh would have been on their way out. Things changed…

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– Boria Majumdar Fast bowling is an art. To get everything right is one of the hardest things and that’s why only a rare few can aspire to greatness. One of the greatest of them all was Wasim Akram. And Wasim, as Alan Mullally, one of his good friends, tell us, was always open with his ideas and suggestions. In the words of Mullally, “It was after a county game and we were both in the balcony. Wasim called me and asked to show him my wrist position while bowling. When I did, he asked me to do a slight…

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-Boria Majumdar It is the final before the final. Australia versus England at the MCG in front of a 100,000 fans for a spot in the semi-final. A loss will mean it will be over for one of the tournament’s early favorites. England, who lost to Ireland because of the rain, will feel they were hard done by the rules. Australia on the other hand were under par against New Zealand. Even against Sri Lanka, a match they won, they weren’t at their best. At the MCG, it will be a story of two teams both wanting to peak at…

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He was the fastest bowler of his time and one of the most feared. And may I say he has retained that aggression inside and it comes out on occasions, albeit in a good way. Yes Jeff Thomson hasn’t changed and hence makes great conversation. Not very technology savvy, it took him a bit of time to get used to things but when he did, the conversation just flowed. Excerpts from the chat. Boria- Jeff I am told you have watched the India Pakistan match very closely. How good was Virat and will you say he is as good as…

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-Boria Majumdar It is an hour and fifteen minutes drive from downtown Sydney. But the opportunity to meet Neil Harvey is such that the drive was a welcome one despite being sleep deprived and tired. And just as I turned into the driveway and parked the Kia Sports car my friend had lent me, the sense of apprehension hit me hard. Harvey, the last surviving member of Bradman’s invincible team of 1948, hardly meets anyone. He is a recluse and at 94 isn’t well either. His knees are troubling him and that has taken a toll on his mental health…

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The last time there was a World Cup final in Melbourne this man was the one to lift the trophy. As captain of Australia Michael Clarke, nicknamed pup, retired as top dog. One of Australia’s best captains he opened up in this candid conversation with Boria Majumdar. Boria- will you say this is one of the most open tournaments? Michael- Absolutely. Most times you have one or two teams that are run away favorites but here this time round you have four or five teams that have a real chance of winning the tournament. India, Pakistan, England, Austalia, South Africa,…

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