The Hindu : Sport : A draw despite a sporting declaration

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Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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A draw despite a sporting declaration

Vijay Lokapally

— Photo: AFP

CASTLED: Sachin Tendulkar's stumps are disturbed by a Mohammad Rafique delivery.

CHITTAGONG: Mashrafe bin Mortaza, 23, would remember this non-descript Test.

The strapping young man, who is the hottest role model in his country, added a priceless gem to his collection of cricket memories. His five wickets and a blistering knock of 79 were the exceptional features of the match and being adjudged `Man of the Match' in a Test that also featured Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly is a feat that he would cherish for ever.

Veteran Mohammad Rafique would remember this Test too. By snapping up Tendulkar and Ganguly, the left-arm spinner took home some memorable gifts from this forgettable contest.

India tried livening up things with a declaration that set Bangladesh a target of 250 in 43 overs but the home team politely turned down the offer and ended at 104 for two with 15 overs more to go.

Cricket was insipid all through the final day of the first Test that saw rain play havoc, resulting in a draw that the home team would draw motivation from. In avoiding the follow-on, Bangladesh had demonstrated exemplary discipline and on Tuesday morning it defied the Indian batsmen once again in their design to score briskly.

Good job

The ground staff continued to win marks for its diligence on the field, creating some chance of a play. Mortaza's day was made when India skipper Dravid called him "a terrific player." It was a most honest appraisal by a man known to readily acknowledge class. "I think he is a terrific player. A very good trier, he is very valuable to his team. He can develop into a genuine all-rounder," said Dravid, on a player who also came in for lavish praise from his own coach, Dav Whatmore. "He is a very talented boy and is just beginning to understand his potential," Dav said.

Dravid summed up the day's play aptly. "We tried to make it a bit interesting, have a crack at them, but the pitch was pretty good. To make a match of it, we needed Anil (Kumble) to be a big factor but it was a blow to lose him. I thought RP (Singh) and VRV (Singh) bowled well in the given conditions. Credit to Bangladesh batsmen too. They played sensibly."

The India skipper finally spoke his mind on the subject of scheduling of tours by the Board.

"The timing could have been better. But then, the schedule is over-cramped and honestly it can be very tough on the players, frustrating too. We have to get the scheduling right and play a certain number of Tests and one-dayers. (There is a) need to plan the tours well and keep the players fit in order to provide the quality. Or else we would end up bringing young players and it is not always easy to find the replacements."

RP Singh and VRV Singh were picked for special mention by Dravid.

"They bowled well on a flat pitch and looked very impressive. Bowling experience in a Test would help them improve. I thought Dinesh (Karthik) had a good match and it was nice to see Sachin and Sourav get hundreds."

When told that his Bangladesh counterpart claimed to have gained some psychological advantage from the match, Dravid snapped, "we were without our lead bowler (Kumble) and I can't remember a session when we were under any pressure. In any case, I am not here to win psychological battles." Whatmore and Dravid did not want to make an issue of the drainage system that robbed the Test of valuable time. "Any modern stadium must have a proper drainage system," said Dravid and Whatmore agreed. "It could have been better,'' said the Bangladesh coach.

True, the contest was dead for most part of the day but not for Rafique.

Since, Tendulkar and Ganguly are known to put great value to their wicket it was laudable to have snared them with his guile. Tendulkar played on and Ganguly misread the flight. Effectively the batsmen did not read the bowler.

India made a futile attempt at making a match of it by declaring and giving its bowlers a minimum of 43 overs to try and pull off a win.

It was a thought that remained a dream as Javed Omer (52 off 86 balls with eight fours and six) halted the Indians in their path with an innings that should do a world of good to his ambitions. This was not a day of intense cricket but there was universal relief when the match was ultimately called off.

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