The Hindu : Sport : Brilliant batting feast

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 26, 2005

Sport

Sport

Brilliant batting feast

India and Pakistan have played some wonderful cricket in this series. Fears that the matches might deteriorate into a tedious and bitter stalemate with both sides scared stiff of losing have been exposed as unduly pessimistic. Every match was left drawn when these sides first met after the pain of parting had finally subsided. Hardly a shot was played, barely a risk was taken. Too much was at stake.

Of course it is ridiculous that religions, people and countries attach such importance to a game in which a man armed with a hunk of wood tries to hit a lump of leather. But man has always been beyond reason. A study of Bollywood's latest productions confirms the point.

Not that batsmen can any longer block as they did in the old days when fellows could maintain a grim visage for hours upon end. Even Australia had its grinders, Ken `Slasher' Mackay and Bill Lawry springing most readily to mind. Nowadays batsmen regard defence as a last resort. Bowlers are just as impatient and seem to regard maidens much as celebrated chefs regard mild curries. Innings are not diligently constructed; they are created in a blaze of talent and lady luck.

Accordingly spectators have been treated to a feast of brilliant batting. Magnificent centuries have been scored by numerous players on both sides, each of them with its own attractions. Evidently the thought of losing is no longer as inhibiting. Instead, a spirit of adventure has prevailed whilst the fearless approach shown by the visitors in Mohali indicated that attack is in any case often the best form of defence.

Both captains and coaches deserve credit for the performances of their sides. Magnanimous in defeat when the sides last met, Inzamam has played his part in reminding hotter headed supporters that it is a game, only, and blessed with a code that reaches beyond the winning and the losing. Inzamam's reward came with his titanic and timely contribution in Bangalore as he completed his recovery from the setbacks suffered Down Under.

Woolmer's impact

Bob Woolmer's impact on the side could be seen from the improvements in Pakistan's running between wickets and the bolder style shown against the spinners. Nor were the centurions the only men to dare to leave their crease. Yousuf Youhana's innings was shorter but just as significant as he stepped down the pitch to lift the tweakers over the top. Pakistan's middle-order is starting to look strong and settled.

John Wright and Sourav Ganguly, as contrasting a pair as Bogart and Bacall, have achieved much together and will not lightly be rent asunder. They stand on the brink of beating their nearest neighbours for a second time and have forged the only team capable of troubling the Australians. Nevertheless both may feel that the clock is ticking upon their careers.

Logically Wright ought to outlast his captain because coaches can improve as the years go by whereas an ageing player must sooner or later fall back. India is a land of a thousand rumours so the whispers that the Kiwi coach is on his last legs may be as inaccurate as one of Devon Malcolm's opening spells. Nor, though, can the gossip be disregarded in which case alarm bells ought to be ringing in high places. Odd that India has so many fine cricket writers and commentators but not many selfless administrators.

Wright has worked superbly with his senior batsmen and young bowlers and almost every player has improved since he took office. Not even puzzling selections, such as the faith shown in a teenage wicket-keeper whose game was going to pieces, stopped the side winning. Nor did shenanigans in high places break the morale of the party. Plain as day Wright has been the right man in the right place at the right time.

Not that any coach deserves all the credit. After all they cannot score runs or take wickets. Still, astute coaches can guide a rising player through the minefield of fame, assist an experienced batsmen whose confidence has gone for a walk and help a captain to mould his team. Wright ought to be invited to stay.

Complicated situation

Ganguly's situation is more complicated because he is not merely a captain but also a batsmen expected to score runs and occupying a position that might otherwise be taken by Mohammad Kaif. Selectors must think not only about the present but also about the future. India's batting order is not exactly in the first flush of youth.

Unless Ganguly starts batting convincingly India will be forced to choose between the Australian and English traditions regarding cricket leadership. England places enormous emphasis on the choice of captain and gives him considerable power. His own form is secondary to his performance as skipper. Australia chooses its side and then appoints its captain.

At present Ganguly might not get a game Down Under. Of course that can change in an hour. But, there we go again, always thinking about the next move and forgetting to enjoy the entertaining fare provided by these attractive teams.

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