NEW DELHI: The batting powerplay code is yet to be cracked by World Cup captains, most of whom have burned their fingers already by making the wrong calls. The batting powerplay allows just three fielders outside the 30-yard circle for a chunk of five overs and offers players an opportunity to go for big hits. But the point of contention is what time is best to take it as the wrong call at the wrong time can play into the hands of the fielding side. As England showed against India in the tied match at Bangalore, it can upset a team's rhythm by tempting batsmen to take one risk too many. England was cruising at 280-2 when it opted for the batting powerplay in the 43rd over and ended up losing four wickets for 25 runs in the following five overs to throw the game wide open. The batting powerplay was introduced to jazz up the 50-over game after critics said it had become too predictable, especially in the middle overs. The scope to use it ranges from the 11th to the 46 over which leaves the batting captain with a lot to ponder. Should it be kept aside till the end of the innings? Should it be unleashed when two well-set batsmen are going strong? India's former captain Sunil Gavaskar says it should be taken when a batting pair is going strong. “While there is a school of thought that the batting powerplay can bring the bowling side back in the frame, the fact remains that it is best utilised when two well set batsmen are at the crease,” he wrote in a column. “The crucial aspect is not to try and hit every ball into the crowd and give them some catching experience but to take advantage of the field restrictions and double or treble the rate of scoring from the present in those overs.” Australian captain Ricky Ponting talked of the predicament skippers face over the timing of the powerplays. “It's a tough question when you're chasing runs. It all depends on how your top order starts,” he said. “If you lose early wickets, it's always tough to take the powerplay early.” New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said it will be some time before the concept is mastered. South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis summed up the powerplay dilemma. “When I have the bat in my hand I think it's the greatest rule in the game. When I have the ball in my hand I think it's the worst rule in the game,” he said. Wasim, Waqar feel honored Pakistan pace legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis said Wednesday they were honored to hear that their devastating armory of yorkers had inspired record-breaking Lasith Malinga. The 27-year-old Sri Lankan took a career-best 6-38, including a hat trick – his second in World Cups after he famously took four-in-four against South Africa at Guyana in 2007 – in Tuesday's crushing nine-wicket win over Kenya. Malinga later admitted he learnt the art of bowling yorkers after watching Wasim and Waqar in his childhood. “I take this as a compliment from the most destructive bowler in the world today,” Akram said. “Malinga is intelligent, awkward and that's what makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face.” Akram said Malinga's round arm action adds beauty to his bowling. Waqar, currently Pakistan's coach, praised Malinga as one of the best. “He is one of the best bowlers in this tournament. The Kenyans were not the toughest side, but still he bowled straight every time with the yorkers, it was amazing,” Waqar said. Waqar, remembered also for his toe-crushing yorkers, said it was pleasing to watch a bowler like Malinga. “It reminds you of your own good days. As long as he doesn't do it against us I am happy,” said Waqar of Malinga. Hussey hoping for late call-up Australian batsman Mike Hussey said he was hoping for a late World Cup call-up after recovering from an injury which made him a shock omission from the defending champions' squad. Hussey, who earlier expressed dismay at being left out despite being Australia's highest ranked one-day batsman, said he was fit again after quickly recuperating from a nasty hamstring tear. “I have been trying hard to take my focus away from playing in the World Cup – but I am over my hamstring injury and will be ready if the selectors give me the call,” he wrote on the Fox Sports website Tuesday. Hussey's hopes have been raised after a left ankle injury ruled out bowler Doug Bollinger, leaving a free berth in Australia's squad. But selectors have said they will not name a replacement until the tournament's later stages. “I'd love the chance to play in the World Cup, but I think the selectors have made the right call to wait and see how we go over the next game or two before sending someone over to replace Doug Bollinger,” Hussey wrote.
