Nehra ready to play Tests again

Ashish Nehra has been one of the best fast bowlers produced by our country. In my opinion, the Nehra's performance in the 2003 World Cup(excluding the Final) was one of the best by an Indian fast bowler. He is also probably the only Indian fastbowler to have clocked 150kph.

His career was bogged down by injuries, quite like his compatriot Zaheer Khan. But, he has made a strong and steady comeback to the international setup against all odds. He is an example for our younger fastbowlers as he hasn't missed a single game due to fitness issues.

However, it will be interesting whether the selectors will consider him or not. On the basis of his performances in the past two years, Nehra has now become an important cog in the National limited overs squad. Also, younger bowlers like Sreesanth and Ishant have gone for a lot of runs in the limited overs but have supported Zaheer khan well in the test matches. So, one wonders if BCCI would be ready to risk Nehra's involvement in the World Cup.
But, having him fit for the South Africa series is good news for Team India as the South African pitches support fast bowlers. Nehra has bowled really well previously in South Africa and if he can replicate those performances India will have a great chance to win the series.

Truly the Best Test Team Currently

There hasn't been a more disputed No.1 team in Test cricket than Team India. Experts have always questioned the ability of Team India to take 20 wickets. But, yet again, India have silenced their critics with a clinical performance on the last day. The test hung critically in balance on the start of the last day. But, the Indian pace bowlers did well to bowl the tale out quickly. It was a good performance by the seamers as the Australian tale is probably one of the most meanest tales in world cricket.

Chasing a total of 207 on the last day wasn't an easy task as the pitch was deteriorating. But, the Indian batsmen didn't leave any work for the tale to do this time. Sending Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3 was a great tactical move by Dhoni. It gave the youngster to make up for his unfortunate dismissal in the first innings. He  played with a clear and uncluttered mind and kept the Australians at bay as India chipped away to victory. This innings will give Pujara lot of confidence.

India also has found a solution to the spot for the second spinner. Pragyan Ojha has been one of the most impressive bowlers in this series. He has a great control over his line and length. His discipline and perseverance made it difficult for the Australians to score runs quickly. It was also good for Team India to have their leading bowlers back in action. It is a wise move to rest them for the ODI series as there is a lot of cricket coming up this season which will be followed by the Cricket World Cup.

The Ashes - England Squad

Over the past few years, India-Australia series have provided a lot of excitement. But, well, there is nothing as exciting as the mother of all battles, The Ashes. No matter how good England have been over the years, there is nothing as great as beating the poms for the Aussies.

So, lets have a look at the England Squad:

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Steve Davies, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar

Currently, the England and Australian squads are equally good with England having a better spin department. England batting line-up has greater stability than before. They have a bunch battle-hardened fellows in their squads who won't be picked apart by the Aussies like how the likes of Bopara and Ian Bell have got previously.

In Collingwood and Trot,t they have two very good grafters who will provide the strength in their bating line-up. Also, the form of Kevin Pietersen will be the key if England are to win the Ashes.

England's bowling department looks wewll balanced. James Anderson will be facing the test of his life. He has bowled amazingly well in English conditions. But, now as the leader of the pace attack he has to prove that he can bowl equally well outside England too. Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann have been great contributors to England's recent success. While, Broad has matured well into a consistent fast bowler capable of picking crucial wickets, Graeme Swann is arguably one the best finger spinners in world cricket. He spins the ball a long way and has been a great wicket-taker. England have backed up themselves well with Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan, Chris Tremlett and Monty Panesar.

It will be interesting to note who gets picked as the third fast bowler. Young English bowlers have had the tendency to wilt under the Ashes pressure. Will England stick with Steven Finn or pick some one more experienced like Tim Bresnan.?