Adam Gilchrist vomits "horse crap"

Adam Gilchrist was a fine cricketer.

A cricketer for whom I had a lot of respect. But by showing his 'true colors' lately he is fast becoming a bit of a moronic asswipe.

First he had a dig at Sachin, but then he forgot that Indians are cricket crazy and his book would probably sell well there. So he sorted that out in quick time.

Now he's come out and labeled Murali a chucker. And apparently the ICC bent their laws so that Murali could bowl in international cricket.

The law was changed because half the people bowling in international cricket violated the existing law at the time. Under that law, Mcgrath, Pollock etc all chucked.

Maybe Gilchrist dint pass his science test in school or maybe he wasn't too good with the maths to go too deeply into such matters to understand what exactly happened.

Gilchrist goes on to say that Murali was protected by "Political influence". Maybe he dint even pass his geography cuz mate we are not India. We are whole separate country. With our own flag and everything.

There was NO political influence. The ICC launched an investigation and Murali was tested in AUSTRALIA and they them selves cleared him. In fact it was the Uni of WA who cleared him. Maybe some resentment from Gilly not getting a certain acceptance letter.

If anyone at all cares, the law of the 10 degree limit was extended to 15 degree because it is only at this threshold that the human eye can actually detect any flex in the arm.

But to me the final straw is him stating that allowing Murali to bowl was against "the spirit of the game".

For someone who 'seemed' to uphold this very same spirit during his playing days it is amazing how quickly he seems to have forgotten it after he stopped.

Whats the point ?

Heading into Zimbabwe is always interesting because you never know quite know what to expect.

Other than the fact that Sri Lanka is going to offer them a complete thrashing.

I’m not ashamed to say that I don’t know half the team that will take the field for the ODI series from the Zimbabwe. I lost interest in Zimbabwean cricket ever since Andy Flower left and the mass exodus in 2004.

That Zimbabwe had some grit about them. Led by Andy and Heath Streak, the batting was solid and the bowling was effective. Since then the Zimbabweans have been fielding 2nd string teams.

Which makes me wonder what the point of this series is. England would rather cancel the Sri Lankan tour in 2009 rather than face a 2nd string Sri Lankan XI.

Why must should we expect less from Zimbabwe. Or better yet, Why must we play them in the first place.

Sean Williams just pulled out to play cricket in South Africa, Brendon Taylor opted for Australia. Tatenda Taibu is in some court facing assault charges, oh hello? Tiny Taibu in an assault case?

The man assaulted apparently said “You should see the other guy”

This series going to be an absolute farce.

The only reason I am remotely interested in this series is because, couple of the young cubs I predicted big things for here, are going be playing.

Even the Sri Lankans are not taking this seriously, Jayasuriya will be just across the border, playing for the Dolphins, then he will hop on a plane to Hong Kong, to play in the 6s.

Which by the way promises to be more interesting as Sri Lanka are the defending champions.

However, for some unknown reason, they have sent King Sanga and Murali

Probably to ensure the annihilation will be as swift as possible.

Zimbabwe haven’t won a game against SL since 2004, I don’t expect this to change anytime soon.

Tier A Preview : Tamil Union

Profile.

The story of Tamil Union is one of always being the brides maid, but never the bride. They are the Tasmania of Sri Lanka.


Not too many of the TU players get into the test team but when they do they make it count. Tamil Unions favorite son is also every body’s favorite son. The goggle eyed one aka Murali.


Came in 3rd in Tier A last year and will be strong challenger for the title this season.


Leadership
28 year old Muditha Maduwantha should be leading the side out for another season. A make shift player who can bat both at the top and lower order and bowls first change.


But what the Union will be looking for from him is some inspired leadership and to maintain consistent performances throughout the season.


A feat they couldn't accomplish last year winning 4 and losing 3.

Batting- Hit and miss.

A decent batting line up with national player Lanka de Silva leading the way. He is ably backed up by veterans Sajith Fernando and last years player of the tournament Muthumudalige Pushpakumara.


The biggest challenge for the team however will be to put up consistent scores. Last season the batting was a cacophony all sorts. Scores of over 400 one day and less than 150 the next.

To be a legitimate candidate for the title this year the batting needs to take on more responsibility to ensure the bowlers have good totals to play around with.


Bowling-lacks the punch

This is where Union will struggle. Although they have good variation, their in ability to pick up wickets last season was one of the reasons for their inconsistent performance.


A lot will be expected from captain Maduwantha. However all eyes will be on the off spin of Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, the Unions highest wicket taker in the last season. Having made the move to the Tamil Union last year be finally delivered on his much hyped talent. More big things are expected this season.


Right of passage
There are a couple of young uns to keep an eye on here. Suranga Lakmal in his debut season led the attack well. With some experience under his belt he will be required to provide more early breakthroughs this season. If Tamil Union are to make a severe dent in the table you’d have to back this young fast bowler to deliver.

Gihan de Silva has been loitering on the talent he has got. An average of 26 in 3 years of first class cricket doesn’t sound like much but all that can change this year if he gets his act together.

Playing in the middle order at a pivotal no5-6 positions de Silva, coach Brendon Kurruppu will be expecting a lot more from this 23 year old this season to back up his keeping.


Prediction

Tier A:2nd or 3rd