Too many Cooks...a delicacy

Alas, we just have one at the English top order. I am inclined to compare the performance of the Indian team when they visited the old blighty last year. Only one man showed some heart there and he now adorns the commentary box. The English have come here in the midst of loud shouts of redemption and have already showed far more gumption that one expected them to. Andy Flower may be one reason for the difference but for me Alastair has had a bigger role to play. He doesn't have the range or timing of some of his hyped team mates but what he lacks, he more than compensates with the sense he has in the middle of his ears. He doesn't hop around like a cat on hot bricks and neither does he go berserk the first ball he faces. He goes along his work like an iron smith with a few small tinkers and an occasional flourish that in time builds a master piece. He leads by example and there can't be a better way to lead. He has 21 test centuries at 27 and should deservedly score 50 if he keeps fit. May be the BCCI can have him on contract the next time they step outside the sub continent. That should certainly help them salvage some pride from a team that currently seems to have none.

Novak ended the year on a high with a classic demolition of Roger at the O2 arena. His father's ailment didn't stop him from conquering the title that is widely considered the fifth slam. His mental strength is stuff of legend already and with the physical tenacity that he displays, his days at the top of the men's game are far from numbered. Federer's light keeps burning bright and is a testimony to his effortless style of play that he still bumps shoulders with guys 5 or more years younger to him. Waiting for the Aussie Open to set the stage alight again. Would Rafa be back in the mix? Only his knees can tell.

F1 returned to the US on the circuit of the Americas after a hiatus of 5 years. Red Bull claimed the constructor's title as was expected. While Hamilton had the chequered flag, Vettel and Alonso claimed the other podium spots to keep the world championship alive. The title race goes to the wire in Brazil and its not for the faint hearted to bet on the result. Seb has a good lead and should be the favorite to become the youngest triple world champion but stranger things have happened in motor sport. Lets have the track on fire.