Saluting Sachin - 'The complete modern batsman'

Bat and ball / Andrew Hughes / 17 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

The master at work

"Tendulkar has pushed back the statistical frontiers of cricket and has done so with personal humility and considerable style. We should all take this opportunity to salute theLittle Master, the complete modern batsman, whose achievements will probably never be equalled."

Andrew Hughes pays tribute to India's record-setting batting genius

One hundred international centuries. It barely seems credible. And it's unlikely ever to be matched. Ricky Ponting has managed 71 and may not add too many more. Jacques Kallis is 41 behind and even the great Brian Lara finished on 53. In consistent accumulation of hundreds, Sachin Tendulkar has dwarfed his contemporaries and is completely out of reach numerically.

It has been suggested that the sheer weight of international runs he has garnered (33,854 and counting) is the inevitable result of a career that began as long ago as 1989. But there has been nothing inevitable about it. You don't get to keep your place in an international team, let alone a team from a country as rich in batting-talent as India, for 23 years unless you deserve it.

He has scored centuries against every opposition, in every format, under all conditions and in every kind of match situation. He has faced Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose in Kingston, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram in Karachi; Shane Warne, Allan Donald, Glen McGrath, Muttiah Muralitheran. He has matched them all and outlasted them, working tirelessly to remove every tiny flaw from his technique.

He began as a teenager with a big domestic reputation. His early international career was about survival, but he was brave, coping well with the inevitable attempts to bully him and showing a prodigious mastery of all the shots. His first Test century came in 1990, a match-saving effort when India were in trouble on tricky Old Trafford pitch.

By the mid-1990s, he was at his peak and revelling in his ability to take apart any attack in any circumstances. His batting in those years combined the destructive power of Viv Richards with the precision of Brian Lara. At Sharjah in 1998, he single-handedly destroyed the Australian bowling with two sublime centuries, of which this 134, scored on his birthday, was the finest.

In the latter part of his career, he has found new ways to beat opponents, no longer demolishing bowlers, but taking them apart with the sublime ease of the master craftsman. In the Chennai Test of 2008, he led India on a record-breaking chase. It was a majestic century throughout which he didn't play a single false shot:

There have been many others; a brave 114 on a lightning fast Perth track in 1992; a gritty 136 on a turner against Pakistan in 1999; his blunting of Dale Steyn on his way to 146 in Cape Town last year; the first ever double century in a one-day game, scored in the blistering heat of Gwalior whilst suffering from severe cramp. Amongst his century of centuries there has not been a dull innings.

After watching Tendulkar bat early in his career, Don Bradman said this: "I saw him playing on television and I was struck by his technique. Now I never saw myself play but I feel that he is playing much the same as I used to play."

There's no greater praise than that. Tendulkar has pushed back the statistical frontiers of cricket and has done so with personal humility and considerable style. We should all take this opportunity to salute the Little Master, the complete modern batsman, whose achievements will probably never be equalled.

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Copa America Betting: Brazil complete quarter-final line-up

Copa America / Michael Lintorn / 14 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Neymar felt he delivered his Santos form as Brazil beat Ecuador 4-2

"Despite their unconvincing early form, Brazil are unsurprisingly still rated the most likely Group B participants to take the trophy at [4.0]."

Brazil, Venezuela and Paraguay all progressed to the quarter-finals on a hectic final day in Group B, and two of those sides will renew acquaintances this weekend.

The main theme of the Copa America group stage was that of the favourites starting unthinkably slowly and then raising their game when it mattered most and Brazil kept it alive with a 4-2 victory over Ecuador.

The holders, winners of four of the last five editions, entered their final Group B fixture knowing that defeat would end their participation but they wound up claiming top spot after two strikes from Alexandre Pato [[6.2] to be top goalscorer] and Neymar [[6.0]], the latter's first competitive goals for his country.

It wasn't all plain sailing for Mano Menezes' men though, who were twice pegged back courtesy of Felipe Caicedo by an Ecuador side who hadn't found the net in their first two matches in what was easily the most goal-littered day of the competition so far.

In the earlier encounter, Venezuela and Paraguay both booked their last-eight places with an action-packed 3-3 draw. Venezuela scored twice in the final two minutes to avoid defeat, in doing so denying Paraguay their first triumph and finishing above the World Cup quarter-finalists.

Brazil's success later in the evening made that late action even more significant as Paraguay were ranked the second-best third-placed team, a position that due to a few flaws in the format means that they now face the Group B table-toppers again, while Venezuela must meet Chile.

Despite their unconvincing early form, Brazil are unsurprisingly still rated the most likely Group B participants to take the trophy at [4.0], however even that is a big increase on the [3.3] that they were offered at before the tournament.

Venezuela's impressive performance to date hasn't altered the perception that they are the least likely nation to go all the way for the first time in their history at [95.0], while Paraguay's upcoming collision with the Selecao renders them [29.0] long shots.

The knockout rounds get underway on Saturday with Colombia clashing with Peru and an Argentina versus Uruguay showdown that the Albiceleste are [1.6] to win. Don't forget - every single Copa America game is available for free via Betfair's fantastic Live Video service.

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Irish Oaks Betting: Dancing Rain to complete Epsom & Curragh double?

Tipping / Timeform / 13 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Dancing Rain (red cap) may struggle to confirm form with those who finished behind her in the Epsom Oaks

"Normally, the Epsom Oaks is a good indicator of who is the best middle-distance three-year-old filly of their generation, but the way the race was run gives half of the field excuses."

This Sunday sees William Haggas' Dancing Rain bid to become the third British filly in as many years to do the Oaks double. Timeform's Paul Robson assesses what chance she has...

Dancing Rain has come a long way in a short time, her victory at Epsom coming just six weeks after winning a Newbury maiden on her reappearance, and although she improved to finish second in a listed race at the Berkshire track next time, her Oaks win still came as something of a surprise to most, returning a Betfair SP of [29.0].

Dancing Rain's classic success was arguably down to the tactics deployed by Johnny Murtagh, who was allowed to go off in front unchallenged. Murtagh stacked the runners up just before Tattenham Corner and kicked off the final bend, turning a middle-distance classic into a sprint. Understandably, not many runners could get into the race, and Dancing Rain bravely fought off the challenge of Aidan O'Brien's Wonder of Wonders, scoring by three quarters of a length.

The strong suspicion is that many of those Dancing Rain beat at Epsom will improve past her, hence the fact she can be backed at [5.3] to complete the Oaks double while the runner-up form Epsom is a short as [2.16].

Like many of those that ran at Epsom, Wonder of Wonders was disadvantaged by the steady gallop, even though she was better placed than many racing in second. She was the only filly to put up a strong challenge to Dancing Rain, going as short as [1.11] in-running on Betfair, but the front-runner had kept just enough in reserve. Wonder of Wonders is a big, rangy filly, who will probably be better suited by the more galloping track at the Curragh, and the chances are that there's still a big chunk of improvement in her. She has an obvious chance of giving O'Brien his fourth Irish Oaks in six years, but her price fully reflects that.

Another leading Ballydoyle contender is Irish 1000 Guineas and Pretty Polly winner Misty For Me, who is available at [8.0]. A very impressive display when defeating multiple Group 1 winner Midday at the Curragh by six lengths for her latest success makes her the Timeform top rated, but that that was over a mile and quarter, when dictating a steady gallop under a shrewd Seamie Heffernan ride before unleashing a devastating turn of foot to quicken clear, and there are doubts about her at Sunday's trip, a mile and a half seeming to stretch her stamina when fifth in the Oaks at Epsom.

Godolphin's Blue Bunting ([6.0]) has also tasted 1000 Guineas success, beating Together by three quarters of a length at Newmarket, but unlike Misty For Me she is very much bred to be an Oaks filly (by Dynaformer and from a staying family). Blue Bunting came with a late surge as her stamina kicked in at HQ, one of the first off the bridle but responding all the time, and her run in the Oaks can easily be excused, poorly positioned in mid-field and having little chance to land a blow (finished fourth). Godolphin have never won the Irish Oaks, but that record could well be broken as this race is likely to suit her a lot more than Epsom and she's potentially even better than she showed at Newmarket.

Ribblesdale winner Banimpire ([12.0]) proved her stamina at Royal Ascot last time, knuckling down to see off Field of Dreams by a short head. A tough and consistent filly who has won five of her last six starts, Banimpire is sure to give her running but may be vulnerable to the improvers.

Jessie Harrington's Laughing Lashes overcame a disappointing run on the Rowley Mile in the 1000 Guineas to stay on from rear into third in the Irish equivalent, but her pedigree suggests that the four furlong step up in trip will be too much.

Normally, the Epsom Oaks is a good indicator of who is the best middle-distance three-year-old filly of their generation, but the way the race was run gives half of the field excuses. It would be disappointing if Wonder of Wonders wasn't able to improve, but her price is too short. On the other hand, 1000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting can be excused her Epsom run and, at a current price of [6.0], looks the value pick.

Recommendation

Back Blue Bunting @ [6.0] in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Sunday

Download a Free Race Card every day in July at timeform.com. Click HERE to register or see the menu.

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WSOP, Curry and Complete Fish

Pud's Poker Progress / Matthew Pitt / 30 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

The Kashmir. Might not look like much but it is Om Nom Nom!

The World Series of Poker starts tomorrow and I'm as excited as a a dog with two knobs despite the fact the only bits of it I will see are via the PokerNews live reporting page and the live streams of the final tables. For any poker player the WSOP is an amazing time, a time where the very best players in the world battle it out with rank amateurs, all sharing a common goal of winning s bracelet and a shed-load of money.

I was asked about my availability to work the WSOP as a blogger for PokerNews and although I said I could work the entire series they decided to go with the more experienced bloggers and then when "Black Friday" happened it had a major effect on the number of bloggers travelling to Las Vegas so I ultimately missed out. I'm obviously massively disappointed but I have to accept the management's decisions, and I do, and enjoy the WSOP via other means. Maybe I should try and actually qualify for one of the events next year?

Yesterday me and the Mrs went to watch the Hangover 2, after really enjoying the first film they made. Like the previous film this one was really funny but I felt they were going over old ground and should really have just done the one film. Don't get me wrong, I laughed at a lot of it and when it comes out on Sky I'll watch it again but it certainly wasn't as epic as some of the reviews had made out, that is for certain.

After the movie we headed to The Kashmir restaurant for some grub, the first time Mrs P has been there. The food is very nice and extremely cheap but when you get inside it is obvious why. The restaurant opened in 1947 and was one of the first of its kind to do so in Bradford and I would put money on the fact they are still using the same plates, bowls and cutlery from the day it opened! The décor is rank but at the same time it is quite authentic and I usually go there a couple of times a month. Pickle tray, a massive mixed starter, lamb dopiaza and chippatis for £7.80 is certainly not to be sniffed at, the only problem with the authenticness (is that even a word?) is that it plays havoc with my arse, but it's worth it in my book. If you're in the area try them out, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

On the way to cinema yesterday we saw one of those plastic policemen, you know the community officer do-dahs or whatever they are called, stood outside a house very close to where we live. Then when we returned some six hours later there was another one stood in the exact same spot which lead me to wonder WTF was going on. A quick search of the net reveals that four people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was bundled into a large cardboard box and driven to some nearby woods. How she escaped four people I don't know but she was found by a driver in a "dishevelled state." Scary shit on your own doorstep I'm sure you'll agree. The BBC have it covered here.

Now here is some poker advice for you that I want you to pay attention to, do not come play the five-max turbo SNG on Betfair Poker because they are not really easy, they are not full of fish and you will not win money from them. Thanks. Actually, that's a lie, they are a complete fish-fest. Why did nobody tell me about these before? Now the blind structure is awful and the payout is 70/30 but Jesus Christ the players in them are awful. I only played eight of them over the weekend, which I know is no sample size, but the stuff I saw in these games was worth the entry fee for entertainment value. I shove nine big blinds with KdQd on the button and get snapped off by the SB who puts his tournament life at risk, on the bubble, with Js2s! He of course gets there when the board runs out 3h-5h-4s-6d-Ah to cripple me then I got some pillock to call my shove with 8s4h whilst I held tens, seriously, and he got there too as the RNG thought it would be fun to display 2d-3s-Ah-5d-Jh on my screen! Four second places and a win have seen me lose money but these things should be a gold mine, that is if I can keep my head straight through all the variance I will obviously have to endure.

This blog has gone on for a little longer than I had initially planned so I will leave it there for now. Until next time, thanks for reading and all the best at the tables!

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