Playing the pressure game

MS Dhoni and Shahid Afridi are men of nature, who say no to bide by conference. Both stand out for their daring attitudes but are doubtful leaders. On Wednesday it is they, and not their Prime Ministers, who will be the most significant men in Mohali. Their decision will pressure a match that has gained panic-stricken extent. 

So on the eve of the semi-final, describe by some propaganda-driven television channels as a mahayudh (Great War), Dhoni and Afridi were cautious, conceal their nerves after smiles and flashes of humour. Afridi was on time for his communication with the media. Dhoni had arrived late, not an uncommon incidence in the World Cup, and something the Indian organization has never been able to explain. As even as Dhoni was wrapping up, Afridi was already in the room exchanging small talk with the Pakistan media. 

Afridi is a restless man, always on the lookout for something - mostly misbehavior. Even before Dhoni had stand up, Afridi was next to him, smiling but looking his opposite number in the eye. He shook hands and then put his arm over Dhoni's shoulder. The cameramen went berserk. A moment later Afridi sat down, curved forward, in control and ready to take on the world. For the next 15 minutes Afridi answered the media's questions with the wit of a stand-up comedian. His response was impromptu, abrupt, in short bursts and left everyone chuckling.

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Vettori realistic after overcome

The Daniel Vettori who twisted up at the post-match meeting after the semi-final was not the Daniel Vettori that was probable to turn up. He was not grumpy, angry or irritable. He was not overly disappointed; he did not look like his world has not working around him, or even like a small part of it was shattered. 

For the sixth time, New Zealand has exit the event at the semi-final stage and they have never reached a World Cup final. Vettori would have had every right to come into view upset, heartbroken and gutted, as he looked on the field when Thilan Samaraweera hit the winning runs. By the time the media conference came around, 15 or so minutes later, he had dried his eyes and put the loss in viewpoint. "I can only speak for this team, I can't speak for the teams of yesteryear and we just came up short," he said practical as you like. 

The coming up short started with the bat. New Zealand lost 6 for 25 runs at the end of their innings, counting a theatrical 4 for 4, and was bowled out for 217. Already, they knew they were on the ropes. "We thought we were 20 to 30 runs short," Vettori said, although he maintain that he had made the correct decision by choosing to bat first. "Our top order came up short and alongside the Sri Lankan bowling it was tough to recover."

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Clarke name selected captain for Bangladesh tour

Michael Clarke will guide his precursor Ricky Ponting and a little-changed touring party to Bangladesh for three incomplete over’s matches after being formally named Australia's new captain on Wednesday. Clarke will captain Australia in Tests and ODIs, while Cameron White continues as national Twenty20 captain.

There was no shock at the sight of Clarke suitable up at the SCG for the statement, taking on the responsibility that he has waited uncomplainingly for over a lengthy term as vice-captain. "It is a great honour to be chosen captain of Australia but at the same time a great shock as I wasn't expecting Ricky Ponting to stand down," Clarke said. "I have always appreciated those who have come before me in this role and humble to think of my name being mention alongside theirs."

It did not take long for the matter of Clarke's fame to be raised, given another raft of public polls that long-established he was far from the public's stand-out choice as leader. "I don't know precisely why it's there, but it is and it has most likely been there over the whole of my career," he said. "Optimistically I can earn the admiration of the doubter who is out there. No doubt it's about how I behavior myself on and off the field, I need to continue to be true to myself, and people are allowed to their own opinion but it is important I do everything in the wellbeing of the team, and try to do everything I can to be the best captain I can possibly be.

"I don't sit here and consider I can get the whole of this country to like me, people are always going to have their own views, but for me it's about admiration, it's about earning that respect, leading the team in the right way, playing cricket in the right manner."

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