The Hindu : Indians have a fighting chance

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 04, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Indians have a fighting chance

By K. SRIKKANTH

The Indians have a fighting chance in the finals of the VB series. India might have gone down to Australia in Perth, but we will have to remember that the finals will be played on surfaces vastly different from the one in the West Australian city.

Perth has always been one of the quickest pitches in the world, and it is never easy for the batsmen to adjust to the bounce. The Indian top and middle order should not allow the collapses against the Aussies and the Zimbabweans to work on their minds.

I still remember when the Indians toured Australia in 1991-92 (I was a part of that side) and we were bowled out for just over a hundred against the West Indies in Perth, but our bowlers responded magnificently to enable India tie the match. We went on to beat Australia at the same venue in the next encounter.

On the slower pitches in the eastern parts of Australia, the Indian batsmen should still find things to their liking. Looking back at the series, almost all the major batsmen have been among the runs at some point and this is a good sign.

The Indians, as they have shown in the competition, are not dependent on any one individual. It is the collective effort that has enabled them to win so many fans Down Under. For most part, they have dished out bright, entertaining cricket. Even though they have been pitted against the World Champion, the Indians have not played under any kind of pressure.

I must compliment Sourav Ganguly for his positive leadership and the youngsters in the side have particularly benefited from this aggressive streak. Irfan Pathan, who has bowled with much fire and passion is an example.

Like Pathan, Balaji too appears to be learning with every game and I am sure both these young men will be raring to have a go in the finals.

The Aussies are bound to miss the injured Michael Bevan, such a key player in big matches, but Brett Lee bowled with greater rhythm and this is a plus for the home side.

While Laxman has been brilliant in the tri-series, Yuvraj Singh did his reputation no harm with a gutsy half-century against the Australian attack in Perth, and Hemang Badani made his runs in a pressure situation in the last league game. The Indian tail put up a spirited display in the game against Australia in Perth.

In case, the finals go down to the wire, the contribution from the tail-enders could prove vital. The side that holds its nerve during the tense situations will triumph.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport

News Update

Stories in this Section

Cricket

India struggles to beat Zimbabwe

Indians have a fighting chance

Simmons in a different role

Waqar, Saqlain may stage comeback against India

Tennis

Rupesh Roy downs Chris Eaton

Govt. initiative to keep ATP event in Chennai

Hockey

Can Japan sustain its resurgence?

India, Holland resume bilateral meetings after 27 years

Tirkey optimistic of good show

Billiards & Snooker

Advani retains junior billiards title

Chess

Anand beats Topalov

Hari takes lead

Golf

Kanika upsets Shruti