Conclusions from the T20 World Cup, 2010
The nostalgia from the recently concluded T20 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of worldwide audiences. However, newer episodes of the saga have started to flow. Two new teams entered the final at Barbados, which resulted in a thumping win by England over the Australian team.
Since the start of this game, it has been noted that the psychology of play has evolved steadily over time. Newer plans and tactics are being setup in the race for glory. Here are some morals that can be drawn from the encounters in the Caribbean:
1. The Rookie factor
It was observed that this format of game gives an edge to the rookies. Zimbabwe thwarted Pakistan in a warm up match; Bangladesh gave them a comparatively tough time while the Afghani team played well too. They made a perfect impression of a team who had a bright future. Though there were times when they awe struck because of their lack of experience against professional outfits. However, they definitely had a plethora of talent (like Hamid Hassan) and it is hoped that more talent will emerge from Afghanistan in the future.
2. The Asian teams giving up too soon
It is observed that teams from the sub-continent have the knack for this format of cricket. However, they seem to be erratic too. They had an edge against the other teams, playing on a turf similar to ones back home. Despite the batting friendly pitches, the Australian and English teams powered through to the finals. The Indian team fell because of their lack of performance while the Sri Lankan team was not consistent during the tournament. The Pakistani team on the other hand had a hard time in gathering a fully fit squad. The men from Pakistan will definitely come up
Another important lesson that every team will learn is that the game of T20 is never really over until the last bowl has been bowled.
3. IPL helps out
The Indian Premier League has had a great impact on the game. The league has managed to bring out some talented men to the foray and has helped the players that were out of form. For instance, Dirk Nannes became this year’s leading wicket taker and Kevin Pietersen found his form with the bat in the T20s. The IPL has helped the Indian team too, as it brought out some local talent from the basic level.
4. All IPL’s fault
On one hand, the league has helped to train and entertain. Nevertheless, its schedule is constantly conflicting with the Future Tours Program, which came very close to having a conflict with the Cup itself. For many players, the IPL hampered the training for the World Cup as the South African team openly blamed it for their lack of performance.
5. The Classics cannot be out
This year’s tournament has proved that the license for slogging and untraditional shots is much easier to avail. Nevertheless, the original classic cricketing shots cannot be outdated as Mike Hussey, Pietersen and Mahela Jayewardene gave good presentations on that.
6. A place for the pacers
Despite making biased pitches to side with spinners and batsman, fast bowlers like Shaun Tait, Morne Morkel, Ryan Sidebottom, Mitchell Johnson and Mohammad Aamer proved that they could still succeed. The only requirement was a stable head on the shoulders along with some variation with the pace.
7. South Africa is going backwards
The Proteas have one of the best teams in the format and yet there are few instances in the journey when they have clearly out-classed their opponents. They definitely seem to be moving on the back track. Being under pressure of not having won a trophy since 12 years, their fans are quite desperate. They must huddle together for a plan to play smart cricket together.
8. West Indies and New Zealand disappointing again
The Kiwis have a good team at a glance, but have failed for a long time to enter into something major. They have the ability to hamper the progress of any competitive team at the international level; however, their inconsistent performances had lead to their downfall. The West Indian side has a similar story. While their selectors are trying to build up a competitive team, they will have to dig deep for some outstanding talent to shine at the international level.
9. Australia; not so ‘invincible’
The Aussie team had a definite change in attitude when they entered into the tournament. They certainly came to the Caribbean to win. However, teams' like Pakistan and England gave them a lesson that persistence was the key to success.
10. England can win the game they invented
They were the pioneers of the sport and it took them a long time to make a comeback, but what a comeback they made. By defeating the Australians in the final, they certainly have marked the beginning of a new era.
11. Entertainment can be short, but still interesting
In essence, what this T20 showed to the IPL was that tournaments can be short and still attention capturing. The T20 World Cup created a hype that will leave its mark for times to come. The IPL on the other hand is getting longer by the day as the next season is planned for 94 matches. There is a point where things do start to get onto the nerves.
12. Rain does not leave the match in vain
If there were doubts about the Duckworth Lewis System’s efficiency in T20; this year’s tournament has removed all doubt. It gives an unfair advantage to the side with the second innings if they have not started well.
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