FROM ASHES TO LASHES............CAPTAIN EXTRAORDINAIRE , THEN AND NOW ON A POSTCARD

It's rather sad to see  the end of an era.....a great captain's invincible winning streak coming to a bitter end. Ricky has been there, has done it all and with aplomb.Though today it was a different story. Today at MCG, England scripted a new saga in one the greatest sporting rivalries of all times. Retaining  the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years is no mean achievement for Andrew Strauss and his men. They have taken the game to a new level. England was a better side by a huge margin and  the mighty Aussies of yesterday, well, mere shadow of their exceptional past.

Kudos to England, and to captain extraordinaire all I want to say is........................Nobody can remain at the top forever. Everything that goes up has to come down. And I guess it's time for you to have a serious talk with yourself Ricky. Nobody is questioning your commitment or the class. It's just a natural process I guess. The hunger as a captain seem to have gone. The flame is flickering and it's better that you put it off yourself and contribute to the cause of Aussie cricket from outside. There is still hell of a lot that you can do for this fabulous sport. 

So long Captain. Thank you so much for all the glorious cricketing moments and numerous classy centuries. What you have achieved wearing the baggy green, most can only dream about.


Yours truly,

An Ardent Fan

A SKIPPER AND A GENTLEMAN !!

Daniel Vettori's run-out recall decision of colly, Paul Collingwood was the defining moment at New Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg, 29th Sept 09, the champions trophy dual between New Zealand and England. Though I couldn't follow the match, but I saw the highlights.....saw the great ambassador Daniel, yet again showing that the spirit of cricket is very much alive during these days of extreme commercialization of this lovely game.

This was a crucial do-or-die tie for New Zealand and a decision like that , had England won, could have proved costly for Daniel and his team. But you know what? Vettori is one of the few true sportsmen who play the game in the right spirit..............THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE PLAYED..........THE WAY ONLY A GENTLEMAN CAN PLAY.......FAIR -N -SQUARE !!

Hats off to you Daniel ! I wish there were couple of more like you.