Sunday, Dec 28, 2003
Sunday, Dec 28, 2003 |
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Cricket
The Indians missed a wonderful opportunity to have Australia on the mat in the third Test. The host now has a chance to put the Indians under pressure when it bats a second time. From 278 for one, the Indians slumped to 366 all out, and the Australian bowling that was made to look ordinary by Virender Sehwag's brilliance on the first day, seemed better than it was on the second. A total, close to or beyond 500, would have proved daunting even for the Aussies, but the Indian batsmen got out to their own mistakes rather than any sensational piece of bowling. Now, with Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting producing hundreds, the Australians are only 49 runs behind India, and with seven wickets remaining, they would be looking at a handsome first innings lead. The Indian bowling lacked the bite that we saw in the second innings of the second Test and it did seem as if Zaheer Khan was not hundred per cent fit. Both Hayden and Ponting, who is unbeaten, were positive in their approach and did not really allow the bowlers to settle down. The pitch in Melbourne, traditionally, has assisted spinners from the latter half of the third day and I believe the Indians should have chosen a second specialist spinner in Murali Kartik. Sachin Tendulkar picked crucial wickets with his spin in the second Test, however, we cannot expect a non-regular bowler to chip in at all times. Kartik would have been of immense value to India in this Test. Coming back to Sehwag's knock, I felt it was breath-taking. Much has been said about his technique and his moments of discomfort against the short pitched bowling from the quicks, but at the end of the day it is runs that matters. I have always been a strong advocate of attacking batsmanship and the Indian team does need a batsman like Sehwag. Though Brett Lee tested him with short, rising deliveries, Sehwag, even though he was struck on the helmet, withstood the spell from the Aussie spearhead and then took the bowling apart. Not many batsmen can make 195 off just 233 balls in Australia. Akash Chopra appeared solid, while Rahul Dravid was dismissed just when he was looking good for another big knock. The rest of the Indian batting was disappointing. Tendulkar got out early once again, however, rather than putting this gifted batsman under a microscope, we should leave him alone. Every great player has gone through a lean phase and I am sure that Tendulkar will find a way out. Though Australia, having got the opening to come back in the match, is in a position of advantage, this Melbourne Test is far from over. The wicket should help the spinners as the match progresses and even a target of 225 could really test the Australians. Let's not forget that India is already 1-0 up in the series, and it is Australia that has to do all the running.
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