Hits and misses

Here are some of the statistical highlights (or lowlights if you are a hater) of 2009.

a) The two leading run-scoring batsmen in ODI's in 2009 were MS Dhoni and Ricky Ponting. Their records for the last year are eerily similar. Yet, MSD meets with disdain from many sources for "picking and choosing" where he bats in the order. Sheesh!

b) VVS Laxman batted three times in the second innings of Tests in 2009. His scores - 124, 61, and 51*. Time to put to rest those tags about him not showing up when India needs him. Overall, for the year, in 9 innings he had 1 century and 5 fifties. Yay!

c) With just 26 wickets in 8 Tests, Muttaiah Muralitharan had a down year at a shockingly horrible strike rate of a wicket every 85 balls or so. It didn't help that he bowled almost exclusively on the concrete roads that the pitches in India and Pakistan have become. For all that, he is just 8 wickets away from 800 and the West Indies are coming for a 2 Test series later in 2010. Very few will wager money that he does not get to that number in the first Test itself.

d) Just look a the identity of the wicket-keeper with the highest dismissals per inning ratio in Tests in 2009 (ignoring Manou who played just one match).

As of now, India is scheduled to play even fewer Tests than the 6 it played in 2009. Deplorable.