No, these aren't popular dishes from a Japanese menu, neither are they names of women Jackie Chan has dated, nor are they player names of the Chinese basketball team. In case you're still wondering what, in the name of God, do these tongue twisters mean, well, then let me end your misery. These were a few out of many, many martial arts styles that exist in our big wide wonderful world. For those of you who didn't know a word beyond Karate and Kung Fu, this must have come as a real shocker, isn't it? Well, all I can say is, that was just a tiny tongue twisting trailer (alliteration accidental!) of what is in store for you in the remainder of this article! Read on to know more about various martial arts styles and descriptions.
Martial Arts Styles and Descriptions
Here are some of the most popular martial arts styles:
Judo: Judo is not only a martial art, but also an Olympic sport. It is a grappling style martial art that involves a lot of pinning, joint locking, and throwing in order to hold down the opponent. One of the main principles of judo is to use the opponent's strength to your advantage and overpower him.
Tae Kwon Do: This martial art of Korean origin is probably the best-known martial art and certainly one of the most popular ones. It also happens to be the national sport of South Korea. Powerful kicking techniques are a striking feature (pun unintended) of this widely practiced martial art. More on Tae Kwon Do techniques.
Karate: The martial art that happens to be on most lips the world over, karate is a strike-based martial art which involves several types of kicks, punches and open hand strikes, in addition to the use of elbows and knees. Karate chops (made famous by Hollywood action movies) are one among the most popular martial arts moves known.
Kung Fu: The term 'Kung Fu' refers to a family of Chinese martial art styles as well as techniques of strengthening and balancing one's mind and body. Kung Fu became a rage in the western world thanks to a certain Bruce Lee. Kung Fu fighting styles incorporate a variety of kicks, punches and hand strikes. At the same time, it also focuses on agility, reflexes, strategies and reading the opponent's mind.
Different Styles of Martial Arts
What are the different styles of martial arts? Where did they all originate? How many types of martial arts are there in all? How are they different from one another? Well, I guess the information presented in the subsequent sections of this article will answer most of these questions.
For those of you who would be interested in a simple list of all martial arts, rather than detailed descriptions about the various styles of martial arts, here is a simple martial arts styles list (in random order, and excluding the ones which have been mentioned at the beginning of the article).
Friday, November 6, 2009
Cricket: Australia Beat India after Chewing Off All Their Nail Stubs
What more does it take to win a match, I keep wondering. Making a game out of a 350-run herculean chase, while keeping the asking rate under control all throughout the game, apparently does not do it. What matters is finishing off, something India will rue till the day they forget this match (translates to never...).
It all started with a 93 (89 balls) from Shane Watson and a 112 (112 balls) from Shaun Marsh. With most batsmen contributing good, solid double figures and giving the Indian bowlers a hammering of a lifetime, Australia had made a huge pile of runs for India to chase, 350 to be exact.
Chasing 351 to win, I and many like me had given up on the match that India was expected to chase in. I and many like me (being Indians) were still glued to our television sets, just for the sake of curiosity (and because we cannot by a rule watch anything else when an India match is going on), to know by how much will India lose by. Yet, India is capable of miracles both this way and that. They can be all out at the world's smallest score and also chase down huge ones with ease (well, maybe not quite like South Africa. I still remember how the whacked the Aussies in their 400 plus run chase).
Sehwag, as always, came up with a good blistering though short knock of a 30 ball 38. While wickets kept falling on the one end post-Sehwag, there was still one thing standing between Australia and victory.
A man named Sachin Tendulkar. He crossed 17000 ODI runs in this match but everyone was soon to forget this tiny detail. Tiny, for what me and many others like me will remember instead is the face of one man. Ricky Ponting. As each ball sailed over the boundary rope, some yellow shoulders drooped some more. With each sound of leather and willow, certain blue hopes rose some more. He made 175 in 141 balls and fell to the most terrible, un-Sachin-like shot ever. What followed is what we have all seen before. His carefully laid foundation crumpled like a castle of playing cards. There was no one to hold the scepter post-Sachin and India lost by a meager 4 runs.
While Gambhir, Yuvraj and Dhoni fell for just 8, 9 and 6 runs respectively, it was Suresh Raina (59) and Ravindra Jadeja (23) that supported Sachin's brave innings. Praveen Kumar tried his best in the end to salvage what Sachin had left incomplete, but even his efforts fell short.
There is nothing noteworthy to say about the bowling on both sides as a game that saw 600 plus runs beings scored would certainly not have left any bowler clean and un-clobbered. What I will remember in this match, more than a certain Mr. Tendulkar is Mr. Praveen Kumar. The guy laid out his heart for the match and it was very clearly visible from the way he was batting. When he got run out in the end, it was he I had tears for, not India nor Sachin (that came later, much later during the presentation ceremony). Every ball the last wicket Munaf Patel was facing, saw me pale faced (white as a ghost), glued to the set with my heart in my mouth, praying fervently that 'just once God, please let his bat touch the ball and he still be not out, just once'. In trying to keep Munaf away from facing more balls, Praveen lost his wicket. After my one 'first second' reaction of swearing, blaming and cursing a blue streak (in the very same order), I returned back to sanity. I could only imagine the pressure on Pravin for after Sachin it is not easy, never easy.. What went down was a Chennai repeat.
The match left me with tonnes of ifs and buts - Why did Sachin play such a stupid shot? Why did Harbhajan not see us through? etc. etc. Adrenaline gets to everyone and if at all we should remember this match, it is not for the loss but for the fact that a match was made out of it. Wasn't having Ricky Ponting have heart palpitations fun? Then let us not play the blame game (though we are all fickle with our opinions and over-passionate about the game). Let us leave them all alone tonight and every other such night. They can't be feeling any worse, especially Sachin.
What we can do however, is analyze why no one can hold the innings together post a good knock from Sachin. It is like some kind of conspiracy from God, for everyone normally does a fine job of it, just not after a good knock of Sachin. It seems Sachin must bear the cross, of never being there to make India cross the finish line, yet again. I wonder how many more innings will he have to play till someone, anyone, steps up to the challenge.
Sachin, if someone's blaming you for losing your wicket at the crux of the match, don't despair. No one's harsher on you than yourself. Me and many like me still stand by you today, just like every other day, minute, second and breath.
One last thing before I sign off. Here's something for you to ask yourself. When (and of course if) Ponting surpasses Sachin in runs, in any format of the game, there will still be a difference between the two of them. Sachin will be great because he is humble and Ponting will be well, Australian (translated to 'arrogant'). Which great would you prefer, I wonder.
It all started with a 93 (89 balls) from Shane Watson and a 112 (112 balls) from Shaun Marsh. With most batsmen contributing good, solid double figures and giving the Indian bowlers a hammering of a lifetime, Australia had made a huge pile of runs for India to chase, 350 to be exact.
Chasing 351 to win, I and many like me had given up on the match that India was expected to chase in. I and many like me (being Indians) were still glued to our television sets, just for the sake of curiosity (and because we cannot by a rule watch anything else when an India match is going on), to know by how much will India lose by. Yet, India is capable of miracles both this way and that. They can be all out at the world's smallest score and also chase down huge ones with ease (well, maybe not quite like South Africa. I still remember how the whacked the Aussies in their 400 plus run chase).
Sehwag, as always, came up with a good blistering though short knock of a 30 ball 38. While wickets kept falling on the one end post-Sehwag, there was still one thing standing between Australia and victory.
A man named Sachin Tendulkar. He crossed 17000 ODI runs in this match but everyone was soon to forget this tiny detail. Tiny, for what me and many others like me will remember instead is the face of one man. Ricky Ponting. As each ball sailed over the boundary rope, some yellow shoulders drooped some more. With each sound of leather and willow, certain blue hopes rose some more. He made 175 in 141 balls and fell to the most terrible, un-Sachin-like shot ever. What followed is what we have all seen before. His carefully laid foundation crumpled like a castle of playing cards. There was no one to hold the scepter post-Sachin and India lost by a meager 4 runs.
While Gambhir, Yuvraj and Dhoni fell for just 8, 9 and 6 runs respectively, it was Suresh Raina (59) and Ravindra Jadeja (23) that supported Sachin's brave innings. Praveen Kumar tried his best in the end to salvage what Sachin had left incomplete, but even his efforts fell short.
There is nothing noteworthy to say about the bowling on both sides as a game that saw 600 plus runs beings scored would certainly not have left any bowler clean and un-clobbered. What I will remember in this match, more than a certain Mr. Tendulkar is Mr. Praveen Kumar. The guy laid out his heart for the match and it was very clearly visible from the way he was batting. When he got run out in the end, it was he I had tears for, not India nor Sachin (that came later, much later during the presentation ceremony). Every ball the last wicket Munaf Patel was facing, saw me pale faced (white as a ghost), glued to the set with my heart in my mouth, praying fervently that 'just once God, please let his bat touch the ball and he still be not out, just once'. In trying to keep Munaf away from facing more balls, Praveen lost his wicket. After my one 'first second' reaction of swearing, blaming and cursing a blue streak (in the very same order), I returned back to sanity. I could only imagine the pressure on Pravin for after Sachin it is not easy, never easy.. What went down was a Chennai repeat.
The match left me with tonnes of ifs and buts - Why did Sachin play such a stupid shot? Why did Harbhajan not see us through? etc. etc. Adrenaline gets to everyone and if at all we should remember this match, it is not for the loss but for the fact that a match was made out of it. Wasn't having Ricky Ponting have heart palpitations fun? Then let us not play the blame game (though we are all fickle with our opinions and over-passionate about the game). Let us leave them all alone tonight and every other such night. They can't be feeling any worse, especially Sachin.
What we can do however, is analyze why no one can hold the innings together post a good knock from Sachin. It is like some kind of conspiracy from God, for everyone normally does a fine job of it, just not after a good knock of Sachin. It seems Sachin must bear the cross, of never being there to make India cross the finish line, yet again. I wonder how many more innings will he have to play till someone, anyone, steps up to the challenge.
Sachin, if someone's blaming you for losing your wicket at the crux of the match, don't despair. No one's harsher on you than yourself. Me and many like me still stand by you today, just like every other day, minute, second and breath.
One last thing before I sign off. Here's something for you to ask yourself. When (and of course if) Ponting surpasses Sachin in runs, in any format of the game, there will still be a difference between the two of them. Sachin will be great because he is humble and Ponting will be well, Australian (translated to 'arrogant'). Which great would you prefer, I wonder.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Rules of Chess for Beginners
The mere utterance of the word Chess evokes a singular response; A game for the genius. Chess, to tell for the umpteenth time, is a board game played between 2 people. Gary Kasparov apparently, carried the germ of chess from birth itself. I guess the situation would not have been any different for Vishwanathan Anand as well. For me, chess is like "No Way, not my cuppa tea people!'. But then, those who want to pursue and dabble into this sport seriously, it is better to take it up at a young age. Oh! and yes, you need to actually be a genius to know how to play chess! The rules of chess for beginners are not different from the pros'. But the rules are simplified for beginners and the nitty gritties are not dug into too deep. To top it all they are believed to be simpler than what they are thought of (are you kidding!). If you are a chess prodigy or a kid with a spark for chess, you might find the following text about chess rules for beginners interesting.
Chess Rules for Beginners
The Chess Board: As you must have seen, the board has 8 rows of 8 squares alternating between black and white (that's the standard) or any light and dark colored squares. As per the rules of the chess game, the pieces are positioned in 2 rows in front of each player on opposite sides of the board.
The Players - The Pieces: The pieces are traditionally and according to the rules, called black and white, though they can be of any color. Each player has the following:
8 Pawns
2 Rooks
2 Knights
2 Bishops
1 Queen
1 King
Now the pawns are in the first row and others are in the second row. How are these pieces lined up? here is more on that. For more on chess pieces and their names, read names of chess pieces.
The Chess Board Set Up: Each piece has a designated place on the chess board, though there is some confusion as regards the placement of the King and Queen, the most accepted and preferred way of placing the pieces are as follows:
Rooks are placed on the bottom-left and bottom-right squares on the first row in front of a player.
Knights are placed next to the rooks, in the first row itself.
Towards the center of the back row, the bishops hold fort in 2 squares.
Now there are only 2 squares left in the back row, at the center. That is for the king and Queen.
The black Queen is placed on the corresponding darker square and white one goes on the white or the light colored square. The norm is 'queen on color'. The king is then placed on the remaining square.
Then, right in front of these pieces, the 8 pawns need to be placed.
This is the basic aspect of chess rules for beginners. For more on the setting up of a chess board, check out the rules for setting up a chess board.
The Moves: Each piece irrespective of the limits that they can move to, are just as important for winning the game, be the bold limitless flight of the unstoppable queen, or the single step of the humble pawn, they all play their part individually to win the war. Let's gauge for our self, the moves each piece makes and how they can be put to use to form a strategy that can baffle your opponent:
The Rook: Rook is a free bird. It appears like a small tower and the rule book permits it to move horizontally or vertically in a straight line. It can be moved in this manner for any number of squares.
Bishop: This fella can move in a diagonally straight line, for any number of squares. Can cause potential harm due to this characteristic, mind you!
Queen: A fantastic combination of the rook and bishop, the queen is really 'The Queen' of the chess board. The Queen is of paramount importance, be it chess rules for kids or otherwise. She can move any number of squares either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in of course a straight line. This explains why the queen holds such a supreme importance on the chess board.
King: With regards to the freedom of movement on the board, this piece is not exactly a 'king'. Nevertheless, the king is allowed to move in any direction, straight ahead, as per the rules. The catch however, is that the king cannot move for more than a single square at a time. Still, the king reigns supreme, as once the king is challenged and trapped, the game is over. Remembering this, is very important when it comes to rules of chess for beginners.
Knight: The knight, to be precise, looks like a horse. Now, this is a sort of a wayward creature, though effective. One of the easiest ways to describe a knight' range of moves is that it first moves 2 squares vertically or horizontally. Then, it can turn left or right to go ahead one more square. Now, if you visualize the center of the board, the knight can move to eight different positions. Another very important thing is that the knight is the only piece which is allowed to jump over others. A knight can topple and capture another piece if it lands in that square.
Pawn: These are the most underprivileged pieces in a game of chess. They are the shortest and weakest pieces with regards to moves. These can only move forward and that too 1 square at a time. If it the pawn's first move of the game, the player has the option to move it 2 squares straight ahead. But the interesting thing about pawns is that if they have to capture a piece, they cannot do that for a piece right in front of them. If they move a square diagonally and there is a piece there, only then they can capture that piece.
For more information, you can also refer to chess lessons.
After having explained this, I feel I sort of agree to the fact that these rules of chess for beginners are really not that difficult. Now how to play chess is definitely dependent on your intellect. Winning will come with practice and nothing else and you would also get some special tricks and tips for that from anyone you know has an interest and knowledge of the game.
Finally, then, get a chessboard and get those moves right! Go for it!
Chess Rules for Beginners
The Chess Board: As you must have seen, the board has 8 rows of 8 squares alternating between black and white (that's the standard) or any light and dark colored squares. As per the rules of the chess game, the pieces are positioned in 2 rows in front of each player on opposite sides of the board.
The Players - The Pieces: The pieces are traditionally and according to the rules, called black and white, though they can be of any color. Each player has the following:
8 Pawns
2 Rooks
2 Knights
2 Bishops
1 Queen
1 King
Now the pawns are in the first row and others are in the second row. How are these pieces lined up? here is more on that. For more on chess pieces and their names, read names of chess pieces.
The Chess Board Set Up: Each piece has a designated place on the chess board, though there is some confusion as regards the placement of the King and Queen, the most accepted and preferred way of placing the pieces are as follows:
Rooks are placed on the bottom-left and bottom-right squares on the first row in front of a player.
Knights are placed next to the rooks, in the first row itself.
Towards the center of the back row, the bishops hold fort in 2 squares.
Now there are only 2 squares left in the back row, at the center. That is for the king and Queen.
The black Queen is placed on the corresponding darker square and white one goes on the white or the light colored square. The norm is 'queen on color'. The king is then placed on the remaining square.
Then, right in front of these pieces, the 8 pawns need to be placed.
This is the basic aspect of chess rules for beginners. For more on the setting up of a chess board, check out the rules for setting up a chess board.
The Moves: Each piece irrespective of the limits that they can move to, are just as important for winning the game, be the bold limitless flight of the unstoppable queen, or the single step of the humble pawn, they all play their part individually to win the war. Let's gauge for our self, the moves each piece makes and how they can be put to use to form a strategy that can baffle your opponent:
The Rook: Rook is a free bird. It appears like a small tower and the rule book permits it to move horizontally or vertically in a straight line. It can be moved in this manner for any number of squares.
Bishop: This fella can move in a diagonally straight line, for any number of squares. Can cause potential harm due to this characteristic, mind you!
Queen: A fantastic combination of the rook and bishop, the queen is really 'The Queen' of the chess board. The Queen is of paramount importance, be it chess rules for kids or otherwise. She can move any number of squares either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in of course a straight line. This explains why the queen holds such a supreme importance on the chess board.
King: With regards to the freedom of movement on the board, this piece is not exactly a 'king'. Nevertheless, the king is allowed to move in any direction, straight ahead, as per the rules. The catch however, is that the king cannot move for more than a single square at a time. Still, the king reigns supreme, as once the king is challenged and trapped, the game is over. Remembering this, is very important when it comes to rules of chess for beginners.
Knight: The knight, to be precise, looks like a horse. Now, this is a sort of a wayward creature, though effective. One of the easiest ways to describe a knight' range of moves is that it first moves 2 squares vertically or horizontally. Then, it can turn left or right to go ahead one more square. Now, if you visualize the center of the board, the knight can move to eight different positions. Another very important thing is that the knight is the only piece which is allowed to jump over others. A knight can topple and capture another piece if it lands in that square.
Pawn: These are the most underprivileged pieces in a game of chess. They are the shortest and weakest pieces with regards to moves. These can only move forward and that too 1 square at a time. If it the pawn's first move of the game, the player has the option to move it 2 squares straight ahead. But the interesting thing about pawns is that if they have to capture a piece, they cannot do that for a piece right in front of them. If they move a square diagonally and there is a piece there, only then they can capture that piece.
For more information, you can also refer to chess lessons.
After having explained this, I feel I sort of agree to the fact that these rules of chess for beginners are really not that difficult. Now how to play chess is definitely dependent on your intellect. Winning will come with practice and nothing else and you would also get some special tricks and tips for that from anyone you know has an interest and knowledge of the game.
Finally, then, get a chessboard and get those moves right! Go for it!
Chris Jericho struggles to keep a hold on the fighting Irishman, Finlay, in the main event of "WWE Superstars."
With Survivor Series drawing near, “WWE Superstars” on WGN America featured four separate matches pitting Superstars from all three brands in hard-hitting battles for survival.
Don’t know where to catch “WWE Superstars”? Find WGN America in your area. Can't see “WWE Superstars” on WGN America in your area? Stay with WWE.com for full results, photos and video clips of all the action.
Unified Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho def. Finlay (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Despite being the man that loves to fight, Finlay met his match this week in the form of the always cocky Chris Jericho. The Irishman didn’t back down from the tag team champion, but he just couldn’t get his hands on his slippery opponent. In the end, The Belfast Brawler was brought down hard with the Codebreaker and pinned by the abrasive SmackDown Superstar.
Paul Burchill def. Tyler Reks (PHOTOS | WATCH)
In unsurprisingly brutal fashion, Burchill won a quick and vicious battle against the West coast warrior on “WWE Superstars.” Once again, Reks displayed his impressive athleticism and in-ring prowess, but it was the vile Englishman who had the upper hand when it mattered. Burchill saw his opening and put the nail in the coffin finishing Reks off as the referee counted 1-2-3.
Jack Swagger def. Primo (PHOTOS | WATCH)
For the second Thursday in a row, Jack Swagger put Primo down in impressive fashion with his brutal gutwrench powerbomb. Tonight’s victory wasn’t an easy one for the “The All-American American,” though. In the opening moments of the match, the explosive Primo used his speed and agility to gain firm control of the action. Yet, one false move turned the tables back in Swagger’s favor and it ended up being a “gutwrenching” loss for the Puerto Rican Superstar.
Santino Marella def. Chavo Guerrero (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Days after Chavo and Santino paid their “tributes” to Ozzy Osbourne on Raw, the two performers faced off with Santino catching the self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior” off-guard with a roll-up for the win. For the most part, the two Superstars were evenly matched throughout the bout, but in the end, it looked like Chavo had gained enough momentum to lead him to victory. But when a cocky Guerrero went for the cover, the Italian Superstar reversed the attempt into a pin of his own and picked up the victory.
Don’t know where to catch “WWE Superstars”? Find WGN America in your area. Can't see “WWE Superstars” on WGN America in your area? Stay with WWE.com for full results, photos and video clips of all the action.
Unified Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho def. Finlay (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Despite being the man that loves to fight, Finlay met his match this week in the form of the always cocky Chris Jericho. The Irishman didn’t back down from the tag team champion, but he just couldn’t get his hands on his slippery opponent. In the end, The Belfast Brawler was brought down hard with the Codebreaker and pinned by the abrasive SmackDown Superstar.
Paul Burchill def. Tyler Reks (PHOTOS | WATCH)
In unsurprisingly brutal fashion, Burchill won a quick and vicious battle against the West coast warrior on “WWE Superstars.” Once again, Reks displayed his impressive athleticism and in-ring prowess, but it was the vile Englishman who had the upper hand when it mattered. Burchill saw his opening and put the nail in the coffin finishing Reks off as the referee counted 1-2-3.
Jack Swagger def. Primo (PHOTOS | WATCH)
For the second Thursday in a row, Jack Swagger put Primo down in impressive fashion with his brutal gutwrench powerbomb. Tonight’s victory wasn’t an easy one for the “The All-American American,” though. In the opening moments of the match, the explosive Primo used his speed and agility to gain firm control of the action. Yet, one false move turned the tables back in Swagger’s favor and it ended up being a “gutwrenching” loss for the Puerto Rican Superstar.
Santino Marella def. Chavo Guerrero (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Days after Chavo and Santino paid their “tributes” to Ozzy Osbourne on Raw, the two performers faced off with Santino catching the self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior” off-guard with a roll-up for the win. For the most part, the two Superstars were evenly matched throughout the bout, but in the end, it looked like Chavo had gained enough momentum to lead him to victory. But when a cocky Guerrero went for the cover, the Italian Superstar reversed the attempt into a pin of his own and picked up the victory.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
THE TOP SPIN: Lawrence Booth's pre-tour report on England's Ashes-winning personnel ahead of South Africa test
Andrew Strauss
Could this tour turn into his perfect storm? Strauss averages 55 in 17 Tests as captain, and scored 656 runs at nearly 73 when England last toured South Africa six years ago.
There’s no way their bowlers will feed his cuts and pulls as they did in 2004-05, but Strauss is a less predictable batsmen these days. Heck, we might even see a straight-drive or two. He has admitted this series will be even tougher than the Ashes, but – with Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison no longer there – this is indisputably a team of Strauss acolytes now. The message to the captain is simple: as you were.
Alastair Cook
One hurdle has already been overcome: Joe Denly is not in the Test squad to breathe down Cook’s neck. But doubts remain. Against the probing seamers of Australia and New Zealand Cook averages 28 in 29 innings, testimony to a small but fatal flaw outside off-stump. Against everyone else, he averages 46. Yes, he batted well against South Africa in England last year, but that was on slower surfaces: Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel on a Wanderers greentop could be a different proposition.
And yet England have invested heavily in his success: Cook is set to captain them in Bangladesh next year.
Kneesy does it: Captain Andrew Strauss hits the deck during during England's Champions Trophy defeat to Australia at Centurion
Ian Bell
He hasn’t even arrived yet but – with thanks to Andy Caddick – the sledging has already begun. 'Twas ever thus, but now Bell has his chance to show that the 199 he made against South Africa at Lord’s in 2008 really was a turning-point rather than the cul-de-sac it seemed to become.
More...
England’s selection policy could yet get in his way: if Strauss insists on five bowlers, one of Bell or Collingwood will surely miss out. If not, Bell simply must build on his 72 at The Brit Oval – a knock under-rated in much the same way as Strauss’s first-innings 129 was four years ago. Otherwise, the critics will have a field day. Caddick may enjoy himself too.
Kevin Pietersen
First he has to get on the park. The last two one-day internationals before the Tests may be the earliest opportunity. Then, he has to strike the right balance between entertaining the crowd and scoring big hundreds.
Graeme Smith gleefully points out that the 2008 series tilted South Africa’s way when Pietersen was caught at long-on at Edgbaston trying to hit Paul Harris for six to reach his hundred. But beneath the schadenfreude lurks truth. This is a bloke who can do pretty well as he pleases. He, and he alone, will be his own worst enemy this winter.
Jonathan Trott
And you thought that debut was tough. If he succeeds in the country of his birth, the rest of his career could feel like one long anti-climax.
Pietersen will invariably deflect some of the bile, but there will be more to deal with in the coming weeks than bouncers and outswingers.
A Sportsmail chat with Trott four days ago confirmed a rock-solid temperament. Now he just needs to allay fears he’s not an lbw candidate early on.
Paul Collingwood
No doubt we’ll be told at various stages of the tour that Collingwood is playing for his career. When isn’t he? But the return of Pietersen – leader of the orchestra to Colly’s percussionist – could spark him into life after he fell away during the Ashes. The worry is South Africa’s bouncy tracks could expose his minimal back-lift and bottom-handed shovels, but he is nothing if not resourceful, and there is always the memory of that 135 against the same bunch last year. Always assuming the selectors find room.
Middle order: South African-born Trott (left) and Durham-born Colly (right)
Matt Prior
In Flintoff’s absence, Prior becomes the all-rounder with the power to balance or unbalance the side. At No 6, he allows the luxury of a five-man attack but is also the gateway to a long tail. At No 7, he is part of a powerful lower order that may have to score more heavily because the four-man attack has leaked more runs. There is no easy solution – unless Prior counter-attacks early in the series and turns his Ashes cameos into something more substantial. But, please, don’t drop AB de Villiers on nought.
Stuart Broad
The beginning of the rest of his career? Possibly, although his Ashes-winning five-for at The Brit Oval has raised the bar to an unfair degree. The talent is there, but he needs direction too. Those close to him say Broad is not the enforcer England crave: his bouncers go for too many runs. He himself nominates Glenn McGrath – the human-form-made-metronome – as his role model. But will the management listen? As for his batting, No 8 seems perfect, especially in the land of Shaun Pollock, who averaged nearly 31 in that slot.
The top spinner? Graeme Swann celebrates taking the wicket of Marcus North
Graeme Swann
If conventional finger-spin is dead, long live Graeme Swann. He more than punched his weight in the Ashes, averaging 35 with the bat (with a game-changing strike-rate of 83), and taking 12 wickets in England’s wins at Lord’s and The Brit Oval. Now he may have to follow Paul Harris’s lead and show patience: spinners in South Africa occasionally do little more than give the quicks a breather. Two hopes: that he works on his technique against the bouncer; and, after over-sleeping twice in South Africa a decade ago, that he buys a second alarm clock after having one pinched in the Caribbean earlier this year.
Jimmy Anderson
South Africa are wary of him, and rightly so: his opening burst during the Champions Trophy against Sri Lanka kick-started England’s partial one-day revival. Yes, he needs the ball to swing, as it should do at times in the weeks ahead. But there is a Plan B these days that no longer makes a mockery of the theory Anderson is now the undisputed attack leader. Not convinced he’s grown up as a cricketer? Then look at the improvement in his batting – one of the reasons England now hold the Ashes.
Graham Onions
The Champions Trophy highlighted the good and the bad. Onions currently resembles a Sajid Mahmood-plus: he takes wickets but gives away too many easy runs, usually when he’s embodying England’s maddening tendency to overdo the bouncer.
But Strauss seems to know how to use him: witness his first two balls on the second morning of the Edgbaston Test last summer.Read more:
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