Devotion Apart - An Objective look at the AA Legend
I was watching a Tv show on the Indo-Sri Lanka series where one of the panelists mentioned the long gap (almost two years) between AA's last match winning performance (in Australia Jan 2003) and the other day at Pune. He was suggesting that this should not ensudre his place for another two years while opposition sides make merry at his expense.
On a closer look it appeared to be close to being true. Between that day at melbourne in January 2004 and Pune, AA played 22 matches (non-minnows as i have decided to use from now onwards unless situation warrants otherwise), bowled 100 overs (and a few balls), taking 15 wickets at 40.7 runs each , conceding 610 runs
This brings us to the biggest complaint everyone has with The big eared God (after Lord Vinayak) - his Economy rate. An alarming 6.08 per over or a Dhoni like 101 plus per 100 deliveries. Even if we add the last game, the figures dont change all that greatly. The economy rate still beats most batsmen and challenges Dhoni at 99.1.
This is alarming because it means that Agarkar has been the equivalent of a batsman with an average of 40 and a strike rate about a run a ball for the opposition. With a wicket every 40 deliveries this means if India had five Agarkars bowling the opposition would average between 297 and 303 runs per 50 overs losing 7.5 to 9.5 wickets on an average (depending upon whether or not we include the Pune match).
Alarming indeed.
AA had his worse period after a fantastic start. Then he continued to improve (his critics may not agree) but today he is at his most profligate and a very expensive bowler indeed. See for yourself.
M'S.........Runs/Wkt......Runs/100 balls....Balls/Wkt
First 30........24.4............88.3....................27.7
Next 20........54.4............92.3....................59.0
Next 20........30.5............85.5....................35.6
Next 20........26.5............86.7....................30.6
Next 20........26.5............88.6....................29.9
Last 16........30.6............97.9....................31.3
Overall.........29.5............89.2........33.1
He isnt young and he isnt getting runs except when the moon decided to aqcuire a bluish tint. I think AA may not be the best horse to back for team India unless he brings something more out of his batting arsenal. But is there anything there ??