The Hindu : Sport : Good show by India

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 27, 2006

Sport

Sport

Good show by India

With just one Test to go, the hosts might prefer to settle for another draw

The Indians have yet again proved their resilience by surpassing Pakistan's huge total.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni along with Irfan Pathan made it possible after the Indians lost their way after the fall of Dravid and Laxman. Dhoni-Pathan stand was refreshing in the sense that both read the situation well and complimented each other in what turned out to be a clinching partnership.

Dhoni by his own admission took some chances but this game is all about prevailing over the situation and his cavalier approach knocked the wind out of the Pakistani bowlers. Dhoni's aggression reflected the positive mindset of the Indians with Dravid setting the ball rolling with his decision to play five bowlers.

The skipper's decision came under scrutiny but the ploy of playing an additional bowler meant that the batsmen were confident enough and the Indians were looking to win the Test rather than settle for a draw. However, the dead pitch made a mockery of the decision and even on the last day there were no indications of any help whatsoever to the bowlers.

R.P. Singh will remember this game for the rest of his life and full credit to the youngster for bowling his heart out.

Dead pitches

The performances of the batsmen cannot be discredited, but the pitches provided so far in this series robs the sheen of all their deeds. Despite the centuries Dravid has scored, he will be the first to accept that the pitches were not the ideal ones for Test cricket. The bowlers would be looking for some respite and unless the Pakistan team management shows some initiative they will be denied.

To infer that Pakistan is trying to ensure that they don't lose will not be too far off the mark, but to be so defensive and that too at home is inexplicable. The Pakistani management has to be proactive by opting to play on a sporting track if they have to keep the interest alive. As it is the interest has waned and with good reason and it is up to the Pakistani team management to revive the interest.

With just one Test to go, the hosts might prefer to settle for yet another draw given the fact that the Indian batting has wrested the psychological advantage. A dead track in the third Test will not only ensure that the crowds stay away from the ground but a huge number of television sets also will be on the standby mode.

Pressure on Pakistan

The hosts are under pressure now and it will take a lot of courage for them to provide a green top. Though their batsmen are in form, the Indians have a better balance and they have everything to gain. Dravid has made it clear that his side is all set to take on the challenge and it remains to be seen if Inzamam-ul-Haq will dare the Indians.

Unlike in the past, the supporters in both the countries are keen on watching some absorbing cricket and the wining side is heartily appreciated. It will be a test of character for Inzamam and his decisions will have a big impact on the mindset of his team. Of course, his side beat the Englishmen prior to this series but a win against India will elevate him to a different level. In order to do that he has to take a bit of a chance and whether he is prepared to do that will be the big question. He has been a courageous batsman but it remains to be seen if he can muster it as a captain.

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