Father of Cricket finally gets Accoladed

On Sunday , The originators of the game of cricket – The Englishmen finally claimed their crown by pulverizing the Aussies in ICC WORLD T20 finals in Barbados. England outclassed their adversaries in all the departments of the game to become worthy T20 world champion. When a team wins in the shortest form of cricket with three overs to spare, it is a pretty comprehensive triumph.

Only a few would grudge Paul Collingwood his moment of glory. Over the decades, Australia has often got the better of England. That’s why this victory must have tasted extra sweet to the winning side. Though not exactly Ashes but it was special all the same.

It was a stark demonstration and triumph of teamwork. Right through the tournament, every England player justified his place in the team. For instance , even though Lumb failed as a batsman but contributed heavily by getting the dangerous David Warner run-out by a direct hit. In fact, England fielded superbly right through the championship. Collingwood’s superb catch also exemplifies that.

Kieswetter , natively South African , was one of England’s great discoveries in the tournament. What a wicket-keeper batsman to have in your team! But it was Kevin Pietersen, another South Africa born, who was really England’s man of the championship. There is an arrogance in his batting which only comes from supreme self-belief. The way he demolished the Australian attack was a treat to watch.

England didn’t have as many 150 kmph men as Australia. But Sidebotton, Broad, Bresnan all bowled to a plan. Graeme Swann in action was a feast to be enjoyed throughout the torunament and the finals were no exception. Unlike Indian spinners, he was never afraid to flight the ball in any situation and also earned rich rewards for the act.

Australia got away with their mistakes against Pakistan. After that improbable triumph, Aussies were looking the favorites to lift the trophy. But England was too clinical for them. Michael Clarke had a poor tournament as a captain and as a batsman. But nobody seems to be talking about it since Australia reached final.

England’s triumph makes it clear that good teamwork is the key to T20 success. That’s what Dhoni’s Men in Blue had done in 2007. The rule remains the same. Only the team that followed it was different