The Hindu : Sport : Lessons to be learnt from the series

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 07, 2004

Sport

Sport

Lessons to be learnt from the series

The Test match getting over in two days might lead to intense debate on the dreadful nature of the wicket. But the home team defending 107 runs is definitely a remarkable effort.

India's desperation for such result is understandable. A defeat in this Test match would have mounted tremendous pressure on each and every player until the next win.

The lessons out of this series could be plenty. Winning is the very essence of Indian cricket as it embraces one too many positives not only for the players but also for the entire following. There is

nothing wrong in having rank turners to suit the home strengths. But while winning in India, one should start working on the strengths that are required to play abroad on bouncy tracks. Indian cricket should not get carried away with the success on the home soil.

The problem is that not much planning and preparation goes in till few days before the team leaves the shores. Losing the rubber in this series is a firm reminder to plan and play to one's strengths in the coming South-African series. The strengths are right from the preparation of the wicket to the composition of the team.

The Australians went about their business with clinical precision throughout the series. Australians

have won the series fair and square. The positives for the Australians are plenty. The resurrection of McGrath, coming out of an injury, the emergence of Michael Clarke as a true all-rounder and the overall consistency are some of it worth mentioning. Only Shane Warne failed to stamp his supremacy over the Indians. There is hardly a negative that could be identified with this team.

The result of the series leaves the Indian team with lot to be desired. The Indian batsmen might take a different stance against the touring South Africans. But the Australian bowlers have left a lasting impression on them. Sachin's return to form is welcome along with Laxman's confidence. The 91-run partnership was truly the tonic that the Indian team required for the consolation win. Sehwag proved that his technique is good enough.

Zaheer seems to be running in well and Irfan proving fit, I reckon both the seamers should figure in the next match. For once I dread to think that just one fast bowler might figure in the future Test matches in India. In all probability the Indian team's success in the next series would be scripted by the spin trio, the old winning formula. But Zaheer and Irfan can make an impact on the game. Overall it's a healthy habit and also brings right balance to go with two seamers and two spinners. Man of the Match Murali Kartik should gain enough confidence from this match. No credit should be taken away from his performance but he must make a reality check in comparison with Michael Clarke, who had a dream spell of six wickets. Living under the shadows of Anil and Harbhajan is always tough. Murali's age is on his side. He might see himself playing for many more years. For that he has to win many more matches for the team on all types of wickets. Even with Anil and Harbhajan around, time and opportunity will arise for Murali to triumph. But Murali can definitely wait.

The job behind the stumps is turning out to be a nemesis to the team with Dinesh Kaarthick a potential yet to be translated. Dinesh will get his chances but I hope the lad realises that his job doesn't end just behind the stumps. A keeper is assumed to be as good as any other top order batsman in the side. Sehwag's opening partner is another issue on hand. Gautham Gambhir will have to make quick strides to cement his place.

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

Sport