So long Simon

It would be an understatement to say that Taufel was a rock. That he could never stand in test matches that Australia played should rank as one of the foremost ironies of present cricketing laws. In a time when umpires were subject to ridicule and accusations of incompetence if not malaise, he brought a new aura to the profession. The men in the dark coat owe Simon Taufel a great deal for restoring faith in that oft forgotten tenet of "the ump is always right". He always maintained that the key to good umpiring was people skills and that was evident in the way he operated. He was fit to the point of giving a few of the players a run for their IPL money and his decision making could put hawk eye and snicko put together to shame. If there was another example that showed respect is not asked for but earned, I would love to learn of it. He was stern when needed and gave the guys in the middle the leeway that was warranted in the middle of a heated battle. There wasn't a breach reported with him in charge and never a voice of dissent. A voice of reason that that was felt more than it was heard. The world of umpiring would be poorer without you but we would be ever so grateful to you for having set the standard. You have been a delight and may your retirement be as wonderful. You step into a new role of guiding budding umpires to higher levels and for once the ICC couldn't have been more right. God Speed Sir.

The Ryder Cup is back across the Atlantic. After trailing 10-4 at one point, Jose Maria Olazabal's side rallied back to stun the Americans in the best ever come backs in the cup's history. That it happened on American soil would be another feather in this feat. With McIlroy lost for time zones and driven in with 10 minutes to play, there was no dearth of drama at Medinah. Matin Kaymer had the honor of delivering the winning point to the jubilant European team which has now laid its hand on the coveted cup in succession winning it 14.5 - 13.5.

A word for Virat Kohli. He won the Junior World Cup for India and was marked for greater things. It takes great talent and a greater mind to fulfill your destiny. He hasn't done it yet but is well on his way. His scoring ways have shown that he should go on to become the best loved and most feared batsman at the same time and that is saying something. Keep it going lad.