Volume 1 January 01, 2011 Issue 16

Editorial

“Centurion” at the “Centurion”

“Kiwi Leak”

Aditya – The Man for a Crisis

USA Cricketer of the Year 2010 Award

New Prodigy on the Block

USA Cricket Team Announced

EDITORIAL Editor: K.C.S. Rao

It has been brought to our attention by a couple of readers that there

was some factual error in the article on ‘Regional Administration’ by
the Staff Reporter’. We apologize for the same and give below the
correct picture.

Western Region of USACA has been in existence for a long time. However, the new
development has been the creation of North-West and South-West regions in the
place of Western Region. In other words, instead of one Region in the West, USACA
has created two Regions in the West, thus providing more opportunities for players
and administrators. This is good for the promotion of cricket in this region.

Newly created North-West Region of USACA consists of Alaska, Oregon,

Washington, Idaho, Utah and Northern California.

Newly created South-West Region of USACA consists of Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada

and Southern California.

North-West Region has the following Leagues:

USACA Member Leagues

Bay Area Cricket Alliance

California Cricket Academy

California Cricket League

Northern California Cricket Association

North West Cricket League

Sacramento Cricket Association

South-West Region has the following Leagues:

USACA Member Leagues

Greater Los Angeles Cricket Association

Southern California Cricket Association

Arizona Cricket Association

Orange County Cricket Association

San Diego Cricket Association

Since these two regions are newly created no election has been held, as yet, for the
officers of the administration. For those interested in serving cricket, please watch
for announcement for elections of officers for these regions.

Additionally, a reader had brought to our attention that the use of color uniform
and kit for Divisions I and II effective SCCA 2011 cricket season was the act of the
Board of Directors and not that of the newly elected SCCA Executive, as was
reported. In general, any action taken by the Board is the ultimate responsibility of
the President and his Executive. In this case, the members of the Executive are also
Board members representing their club and vote on issues. Board members
proposing and voting is only a process that results in changes affected. It is
customary to see members/public criticize the President and his executive for any
action taken (good /bad) but not the Board Members. In normal circumstances, the
Board’s action is ratified by the President’s approval prior to becoming a law. In
any case, this is subject to interpretation and we therefore want to end it here.

We encourage and appreciate the input.

“CENTURION” AT THE “CENTURION”! Dr. V.V. GIRI

Record King – “Centurion Sachin Tendulkar” scored his fiftieth test century
in the first test against SA at the “Centurion Park” in South Africa. He also
has in his belt 46 ODI hundreds and is just four short of “century of
International centuries”. We all hope and wish he reaches that mile stone
in the fourth coming ODI series against SA and the World Cup in the sub
continent.

India lost the first test miserably as expected. Even the ardent, blind Indian
cricket supporters predicted a humiliating defeat for us in this series because
Image from cricinfo.com of the hostile wickets in SA. Many areas of failures were not surprising. For
example, nobody expected Suresh Raina to bat well or Ishant and Sreesanth to bowl and bundle the SA batsmen
cheaply. Honestly I was banking on Rahul Dravid and Laxman to take the burden on their shoulders and
perform miracles. But it was not to be.

Sachin played an attractive, positive innings in his first outing, but was out to a beauty. In the second essay, he
was extremely cautious and unperturbed. The fiftieth century was a reward to his utmost concentration,
perseverance and focus. The pressure was just too much for him as he failed to achieve this record in the last 4
innings against the Kiwis at home.

Dhoni gave Sachin a good support and made things easy for both by displaying a comfortable, positive and easy
batting.

South African bowlers were far superior to the Indian counterpart. Sreesanth and Ishant were mere pedestrians
and looked like school boys when Kallis, Amla and de Villiers pulverized them. It was a pathetic situation for
the Indian speedsters especially when the wicket was giving some assistance to efforts.

Ishant is going Irfan way. Just like the Pathan, Ishant has made some modifications to his bowling technique
(thanks to the ‘men in charge’ for spoiling his bowling) and now he is looking like a clown. When you look at
his action, his head falls down before (early) his actual delivery. This follow-through must coincide with the
delivery. It can’t be early or late. It should be simultaneous. Ishant must work on this to get back some venom in
his bowling.

Sreesanth was erratic in his line and length. He was seen feeding the batsmen with over pitch deliveries directed
well outside the off stump. It was a sad sight to see the strike bowler bowling with so much width and
indiscipline.

Harbajan bowled well, but the wicket was very unhelpful to him. He was bowling to a wrong line of middle and
leg in this slow track instead of outside the off stump.

The new cap, left arm seamer, Unakdat was all at sea. He had no clue to bowl to the SA batting giants. He has
to come through hard way to cope up at this level.
On the whole India had a miserable test but for Tendulkar’s 50th century and will have to really pull their socks
to come back in to the series.

One disheartening comment about Sachin’s innings - the SA captain, in one of his post match interviews
mentioned that Sachin made things easy for the Proteas by not shielding the tail towards the end.

Well, people with neutral mind and game sense would understand it. It would have been much appreciated if
Sachin had protected the tail after Dhoni’s departure, instead of exposing them against very hostile bowling. In
some overs, I noticed Sachin even allowed the tail batsman to face 5 deliveries in an over by taking single of the
first ball.

I thought Sachin didn’t try to avert the innings defeat. He should have batted positively especially towards the
end. Yes, we all understand that fiftieth hundred is very special and also, saving the match was impossible. But,
after achieving the fete, Sachin should have gone for some pride for the team, instead of deciding to remain
unbeaten till the end.

This, he could have done either by attacking the bowlers or by covering the tail batsmen in a better manner.
India was just 25 runs short and the ‘innings defeat’ could have easily been avoided.

ENCOURAGING FEEDBACK FROM READERS……….. …………..THANKS A LOT

“KC Rao, “Rao Sahib,

I am so glad you are taking time and effort to Excellent magazine. Great reading.
produce this excellent issue. Thanks for keeping
us in touch with 'Woodley' home of our cricket. Thanks,
Aditya”
Krish Sharma

Former President, SCCA”

“These are some awesome thoughts but I am “KC,

afraid that these will fall on deaf ears. Many of I love your magazine and the knowledge it
us do not have the interest in promoting cricket exhibits.
but rather promoting ourselves and our clubs. DS
P. David Sentance, CLU, CHFC”
Asif”

“Very good observation Mr. Rao. I wish everyone in the SCCA is so concerned as you are. Your input
is very much appreciated. This process can be first step towards the greater reform.

Best wishes,
Nasim Khan. Director, SCCA”
“KIWI LEAK”! Dr. V.V. GIRI

The New Zealand cricket is at the rock bottom at the moment and I guess now, they must have been lowly
placed in the ICC ranking. Nothing went right for them.

India rode on a clinical show by their bowlers and Parthiv Patel's unbeaten half century as they crushed a
hapless New Zealand by eight wickets in the fifth and final cricket one-dayer to complete a 5-0 series
whitewash.

Vettori won the toss and elected to bat. India started with Praveen Kumar and in the first over itself, he
produced a magic ball to get Guptil caught behind. B. McCullum thought, counter attack was the best form of
defense and took 13 runs in Nehra’s first over. Nehra had the last laugh and he took 2 wickets in his spell.

Munaf bowled beautifully and it was very heartening to see India has a bowler who can bowl wicket to wicket
line without ‘width and wide’. He has been the pick of the bowlers in this series. Gambir brought in the
spinners and soon found that the wicket became a devil for the batsmen. I am sure he wouldn’t have realized
this during the toss. Otherwise, he would have brought the spinners straight away.

Gautam Gambhir lost the toss which proved to be a blessing in disguise as Indian bowlers came up with a
disciplined effort to bundle out New Zealand for 103 in just 27 overs, the lowest total for the Kiwis against
India in ODIs. Off-spinner R Ashim continued to impress with figures of three for 24 while Ashish (2/34),
Yuvraj Singh (2/5) and Yusuf Pathan (2/11) scalped two wickets each to destroy the Kiwis.

Chasing a meagre 104 for a win, India stuttered initially with Gautam Gambhir (0) who was very unfortunate to
be given out and Virat Kohli (2) falling early but Prathiv (56 not out) and Yuvraj Singh (42 not out) kept their
cool to take the home side past the target with 28.5 overs to spare at the M A Chidambaram Stadium.

Kudos to both Parthiv and Yuvraj for playing a very cautious but attacking innings in this difficult pitch. Here I
must admit that the New Zealand captain Vettori helped these two batsmen by messing up the bowling changes.
He started correctly with Off spinner McCullum from one end and himself from the other end. India soon found
themselves in serious trouble by losing two quick wickets for just 10 runs. Even Yuvraj and Parthiv were not
comfortable against the spinners and played some risky shots.

To every one’s surprise, Vettori cut the spinners and brought in military medium pacers – Styris and Southee,
which made things easy for both the batsmen. Had the spinners continued for another 6 overs, India would have
been in deep trouble as the wicket helped only spinners.

India rout out New Zealand and wrapped up the series, with a remarkable performance by a young side without
senior players Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. It was
India's second instance of a 5-0 series whitewash against any country, having achieved the feat against England
in 2008-09.

This also turned out to be best ever victory against New Zealand by India in one dayers. India won this match
with 173 balls to spare with eight wickets in hand, its earlier best against the Kiwis was 160 balls to spare with
seven wickets to spare.
New Zealand ended their tour of India on a humiliating note. They had lost the three-match Test series 0-1
before the five ODIs. Today's ODI loss was also their 11 on the trot after beating India by 200 runs at Dambulla
on August 10.

It was truly an embarrassment tour for the Kiwis (‘KIWILEAK’).

ADITYA – THE MAN FOR A CRISIS Republished article of Dr. SHAM SAMAROO

WEEKEND CRICKET THANKS Dr. SHAM SAMAROO FOR ALLOWING US TO REPRODUCE THE
INTERVIEW HE CONDUCTED WITH ADITYA THYAGARAJAN AND PUBLISHED THE SAME IN
WWW.ONDRIVEUPDATE.COM.

ADITYA CHATS WITH DR. SHAM SAMAROO ABOUT HIS PRESENT CRICKETING LIFE AND HIS
FUTURE PLANS.

Dubbed the closer by coach and teammates, USA’s middle order batsman, Aditya Thyagarajan, earned the
reputation as Mr. Dependable after several rescue-acts that saved Team USA the blushes. Originally from
India, Thyagarajan began Part II of his career in 2001 in Southern California playing for the Hollywood cricket
club. It is a measure of the young man’s sense of loyalty, perseverance, and commitment that he has remained
true to the club for almost 10 years. In 2009, Thyagarajan led Hollywood to the SCCA league championship
and in the process captured the prestigious MVP award with an impressive record of 627 runs at an average of
90, including a century; 23 wickets, and 10 catches.

The last time Hollywood

won the coveted crown
was back in 1997 – the
year Thyagarajan earned a
call up to the Indian
national Under-19 squad
alongside such players as
Virender Sehwag,
Harbhajan Singh,
Mohammed Kaif, Amit
Bhandari, Venugopal Rao.
It remains “one of the
greatest experiences of my
life”, he tells me –
referring to Part I of his
cricketing career.

One year earlier, in 1996,

and still a mere 16-year
old, Thyagarajan made his
debut as an allrounder (leg
spinner and batsman) for
Karnataka under the
captaincy of Anil Kumble. Thyagarajan still remembers the kindness of Kumble. “Anil was very warm and
welcoming”, recalls Thyagarajan with more than a hint of gratitude, and profound respect for the legendary
Kumble.

Teammate Rahul Dravid, too, was an eye opening experience. From Dravid he learnt respect for the game. It
never ceased to amaze the young Thyagarajan how Dravid, returning from a test series to a Ranji Trophy game,
would apply himself, with the selfsame discipline and application, as though he were playing a test match, to
score a century (sometimes even a double).

At the camp in Bangalore, he had the privilege of bowling to one Sachin Tendulkar. Sitting at breakfast with
Tendulkar, a wide-eyed Thyagarajan could not help but wonder: Is this the same Tendulkar that has the entire
cricketing world awestruck? “He was so modest…so simple”, recalls Thyagarajan.
It was also at the camp that he first met Harbhajan Singh with whom he immediately developed a lasting
friendship.

When Harbhajan made his debut for India – being the new kid on the block so to speak – he sought his friend
Thyagarajan “to hang out”, and to share his early experiences. Harbhajan too was amazed at just how down to
earth his teammates were, and was particularly impressed with Tendulkar who told him that he had all the
makings of a great career for India.

Such experiences could not but left an indelible print on the mind of the young Thyagarajan. And one
intuitively senses that it was that experience that has nurtured within him an unquenchable thirst for cricket; an
unerring commitment to the virtues of the gentleman’s game; and the mental fortitude to perform in pressure-
cooker situations.

I spoke with Thyagarajan about his career; and USA Cricket. This is what he had to say:

How significant was it to win the inaugural Americas T/20 Championship in Bermuda?
Very significant, Canada is our archrivals. Leading up to the game there was some banter between the two
teams. Canada see us as a lower division team – division 1 versus division 4. Physically and mentally their
players are a notch better. But they have had the benefit of playing in a higher division for a longer time.

You got 150 odd in the opening game. Tell me about that
knock.
[A week earlier] in Florida against Jamaica, I thought I was
batting really well but then I threw my wicket away on a loose
shot. This time I vowed to make amends. When I came to the
crease… I think it was something like 90 for 4. [Orlando] Baker
and I always bat well together. This time I told him to hold one
end…that I wanted to go after them. I was feeling it…everything
was coming off the middle of the bat.

You have featured in several crucial partnerships in the last

few years. What are the ones that stand out?
The game against Jersey a few months ago in Nepal; when I
came to the crease we were 50 for 5. It was a very crucial game
for us …to keep our qualification hopes alive. When Marshall
and I met at the crease, it seemed like a repeat of 2008. It was
Jersey that denied us back then when Marshall and I almost
pulled it off. That game was still on my mind…and we both said,
‘let’s don’t do it again’.
There is too the partnership with Orlando Baker against Canada in 2008 when we won the Americas Cup. At
one stage we were 60 for 6, and memories of 2006 [when USA were bowled out by Canada for 100] started
coming back. But we put on 139…I was unbeaten on 84.

I also enjoy batting with Sushil [Nadkarni], and in that must-

win game against Nepal [earlier this year] we shared a match-
winning partnership. After the lost to Singapore in the
previous game, just beating Nepal would not have been
enough to qualify. We also needed to win with a big net run
rate. When I joined Sushil at the crease we needed 48 to win,
but we had to get there in about 38 balls. [At left -
Thyagarajan and Nadkarni celebrate the victory over Nepal]

Is the team ready for Italy?

Coming from Bermuda, I would have to say yes. In Nepal our
Achilles heel was fielding but in Bermuda we finished great.
Overall, everything is working for the team at the moment.
And with the return of Usman Shuja and Kevin Darlington, I
think we are ready.

Very often USA has been guilty of losing wickets in a heap. Your thoughts…
We have a good mix of attacking and defensive batsmen and sometimes it does not always work out the way we
plan. Coach Lambert stressed that we must work on our game at the club level. But there is no question our
batting and bowling is division I level. But, yes, that is something we have to be mindful of.

How do you see the Pearls Cup series in terms of USA Cricket?
The Pearls Cup was the best thing to happen to USA Cricket. First, it put us on the cricket map internationally.
We proved that we can successfully host international games. I think that Don Lockerbie and everyone are
doing a tremendous job.

For the US team it was a great opportunity to mingle with the teams [New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Jamaica]; to
watch their approach …how they prepare for a game mentally and physically.

I think that the Jamaica experience meant a lot to our final preparations for Bermuda… same as in 2008 when
we went to Guyana to participate in the WICB regional championship prior to winning the Americas Cup.

This past week the WICB announced a regional T20 competition and said that one international team
will be invited. Do you think it should be USA?
Sure. I mean we are the Americas T20 division I Champs [having just defeated Canada]. Imran Khan [USA
manager] calls us the Pakistan of the associate member countries – because we beat the best of teams.

Looking beyond Italy where do you see USA Cricket in the next year… three years?
I think we can make it back to division I by the summer of 2011. In August we go to the division 4 qualifiers;
then in January its division 3. I believe division 2 is sometime in the summer of 2011, and I think we can get
there. But we need to play well, and also a bit of luck.

Three years from now, 2013, I see us in the qualifiers for World Cup 2015.
How do you feel about your personal game?
I feel very confident with my game at present. Steve Massiah and Clayton Lambert always gave me support and
encouragement since I entered the US team. At no time, I ever felt like I did not belong.

Final thoughts?
I want to thank my wife Renuka for her continued support when I am away from home, my parents for
encouraging me to play cricket and last but not the least my employers Yardi Systems who have never stopped
me from playing in international tournaments while representing the country.
Dr. Samaroo, I also want to thank you for your coverage of our games. We really enjoy reading your articles,
and look forward to more of the same in the future.

* Since the interview, WICB has announced that it has chosen Canada to join the regional T20 competition.

ADITYA - USA CRICKETER OF THE YEAR 2010 Staff Reporter

In Addition to getting the Best Batsman of the year award, Aditya Thyagarajan also received the USA Cricketer
of the Year 2010 Award.

Weekend Cricket readers and the staff congratulate Aditya Thyagarajan and wish him good luck for 2011.
NEW PRODIGY ON THE BLOCK PRAKASH KRISHNAGIRI

Image from cricinfo.com

Mumbai, the business capital of India, has also been the Cricket Capital of India. Mumbai has produced great
cricketing talent and showcased some of the best batsmanship to the world.

Only 13 years of age, Armaan Jaffer, the nephew of former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer hit a mammoth
individual score of 498 creating history in Indian School cricket. The record which once stood in the name of
his uncle Wasim Jaffer when he scored 403 in his school days.

Armaan playing for Bandra School, Rizvi Springfield against Raja Shivaji of Dadar hit 77 fours in his 490 balls
innings in this Under-14 Giles Sheild match. He was out, caught, two short of a well-deserved 500.

In 2009, Sarfraz Khan scored 439 in Under-16 Inter-School Tournament and created a new record only to be
broken by Armaan who has shown great hunger for runs.

Typical of young Indian Cricketers, Armaan’s idol is Sachin Tendulkar. Talking to the press after his epic
innings, Armaan said he was never under any pressure to break Sarfraz’s record or for that matter his Uncle
Wasim’s record. Despite being unbeaten on 295 at the start of the day, Armaan was determined to start afresh
and bat as long as possible.

The concentration and patience he has shown at this young age to pile up 498 runs is beyond one’s imagination.
If he continues at this rate, he would soon be a household name in Cricket around the world. Weekend Cricket
administration and readers wish him every success in his future.
USA CRICKET TEAM ANNOUNCED Staff Reporter

USA CRICKET ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES

THE TEAM FOR ICC WORLD CRICKET LEAGUE,
DIVISION 3 TOURNAMENT AT HONGKONG
USA Announces Senior Men’s Squad for ICC WCL Division 3 – Hong Kong

The USA Cricket Association today announced the squad to represent the USA at the International Cricket
Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division 3 tournament scheduled for January 22-29, 2011 in Hong Kong.

Team USA will depart for Hong Kong from New York on Saturday, January 15 returning on Sunday, January
30, 2011.

The full squad of Team USA as announced is –

Orlando Baker

Ryan Corns

Lennox Cush

Kevin Darlington

Durale Forrest

Muhammad Asad Ghous

Ritesh Kadu

Asif Mehmood Khan

Rashard Marshall

Steve Massiah (Captain)

Sushil Nadkarni (Vice Captain)

Aditya Thyagarajan

Khawaja Usman Shuja

Carl Wright

Imran Khan (Manager)

Clayton Lambert (Coach)

Howard Johnson (Asst. Coach)

Akthar Masood Syed (Physio)

Weekend Cricket administration and readers congratulate the USACA team and wish them every success in the
tournament.

Cricketers from South West region of USACA are delighted at the selection of Aditya Thyagarajan and Ritesh
Kadu (both from Hollywood Cricket Club) for the National Team and wish them every success in the
forthcoming tournament.
Team USA’s itinerary is as follows:

Saturday, January 15 - Depart New York for Hong Kong

Sunday, January 16 - Arrive Hong Kong
Monday, January 17 - Warm-up Match or Practice
Tuesday, January 18 - Warm-up Match or Practice
Wednesday, January 19 - Warm-up Match or Practice
Thursday, January 20 - ICC Official Arrival Date - Warm-up Match or Practice
Friday, January 21 - Practice – Opening Functions/Managers & Captains Meetings
Saturday, January 22 - Match Day 1 vs. Hong Kong
Sunday, January 23 - Match Day 2 vs. Denmark
Monday, January 24 - Rest Day
Tuesday, January 25 - Match Day 3 vs. Papau New Guinea (PNG)
Wednesday, January 26 - Match Day 4 vs. Oman
Thursday, January 27 - Rest Day
Friday, January 28 - Match Day 5 vs. Italy
Saturday, January 29 - Match Day 6 – Finals and Play-off Matches
Sunday, January 30 - Depart Hong Kong for New York

For additional particulars, please contact: John L. Aaron at johnlaaron2000@aol.com