The Hindu : Ganguly's side has made a bold statement

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Ganguly's side has made a bold statement

HOBART, JAN. 14. India continues to take Australia by surprise. Not everything went according to plan in a routine victory over a sorely stretched Zimbabwean side but Sourav Ganguly's outfit played well enough to indicate that the finals of this competition will be closely contested.

If India can tighten its game then the trophy can be taken. Mostly the problem lies with a pace attack lacking an obvious leader. As much has been apparent since Zaheer's injury. Ganguly must fear that control can be lost in the opening and closing overs of the innings. Otherwise he has the firepower at his disposal to trouble his host.

Patently the Indians have risen to the challenge of playing cricket in Australia. Nothing has shocked them or thrown them off course. Every tour has its complications. In England it is cold weather and a curious fondness for fish and chips. In New Zealand damp pitches and cutting winds torment the visitor. In Pakistan it is security. Australia tests the will of visiting players by subjecting them to a bombardment of barbs and bumpers.

Reputations mean nothing on a continent dominated by millions of gum trees, cane toads and venomous snakes, some of them not yet employed by the newspapers! It is a rugged country harshly treated by nature with its floods and fires. Accordingly the outlook is rigorous and uncomplaining. Australians are wary of European sophistication and subtlety. Men are more inclined to speak their minds. It is not a land for the feint-hearted.

Backyard cricket is played in the same aggressive way with no quarter asked or given and lots of noise accompanying every ball. Most of it is the merest teasing. Australians are shocked when these comments are taken seriously and offended when opponents refuse to shake hands or to leave the clamour upon the field. Australia's main weak point is an obsession with itself often found in a newish country trying to make its mark.

They are not nearly as self-confident as they sound and worry about the world's opinion of them. Sportsman are raised to play hard because otherwise no-one will take any notice of them.

Most touring teams are crushed almost as soon as they arrive and find net bowlers trying to knock off their heads and reporters asking rude questions. India has taken it all in its stride and by doing so has won the admiration and affection of the Australian public. V.V.S. Laxman managed to laugh about antipodean suggestions that he cannot play bumpers.

Ganguly proved his courage and ability in the Brisbane Test. Rahul Dravid's stoicism has commanded as much respect as his technique. Sehwag's daring has turned him into a cult figure. Akash Chopra's determination was praised nearly as much as Anil Kumble's tenacity.

India has played a fearless game. Ganguly's team has looked Australia in the eye and refused to blink. Now the Australians realise that these visitors cannot be pushed around, are not worried about fast bowling and can win matches overseas. Of course India had to prove itself. Previous teams had seemed fragile and sustained by mighty warriors like Sunil, the freedom fighter, and Kapil, the cavalier. Ganguly's team has been another matter, a force containing several magnificent players but also working as a contemporary team entirely capable of taking care of itself.

Ganguly's side has made a statement about the country they have represented with pride and distinction. At the fall of wickets the players have formed into huddles that tell of a unit tightly bound and strong enough to resist the ravages of the world.

Running between wickets has improved as batsmen selflessly help each other. Younger players still respect their elders in the Indian way but also play their part by taking wickets, scoring runs and accepting their responsibilities as members of a team.

Deference has been banished as belonging to another time. India's economy is growing apace and Bangalore is full of intelligent people making calls on behalf of Australian companies. What is there to be apologetic about?

Already India's 2003/4 trip to Australia has surpassed expectations. Further victories may be achieved. Whatever happens, this touring party has changed the way in which India and its cricket team will be regarded. India has taken a step forward and now faces the task of making sure the house does not fall down when a couple of its props are removed.

If Ganguly and company can maintain this progress then India can challenge Australia's position as the stronghold of the game. Of course the Australians will not go down without a fight. It is not allowed. Much more will be decided this month than the outcome of a single one-day competition.

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