The Hindu : Sport : Return of the prodigal sons

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Saturday, Aug 04, 2007
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Return of the prodigal sons

Zaheer and Ganguly relished the heat of an especially hot battle, writes Peter Roebuck

India has welcomed back two of its prodigal sons. Zaheer Khan and Sourav Ganguly covered themselves with glory in the second match of a compelling series. Of course the victory was a team effort but these players contributed telling wickets and runs.

Zaheer was saluted as man of the match whilst Ganguly guided his team towards a decisive lead with a vital innings. As might have been predicted, both of them relished the heat of an especially hot battle. But, then, the sturdy paceman and the deft stylist are better suited to blazing cannons than debating chambers.

Considering the calibre of their performances in Nottingham, it might be supposed that this mercurial pair had been regulars in the team. Not a bit of it. Neither could be confident of inclusion in the touring party.

Not so long ago they were about as popular as cigarettes at a health camp. For a variety of reasons their services were not required. In Ganguly’s case, it was assumed that the last had been seen of him. Admittedly his dad said he’d keep fighting but fathers are not always the most objective observers.

Purpose achieved

Considering Zaheer’s resourceful work at Trent Bridge and the innings played by his former captain, the decision to drop them may seem mistaken. Another point of view is that the ejections achieved their purpose by forcing both men to confront and correct their weaknesses.

Bad habits can creep into the brain as stealthily as a nocturnal thief entering a house. Had not Zaheer become complacent? Was not Ganguly resting on his laurels?

Zaheer was magnificent in Nottingham. Combining strength and stamina with exceptional virtuosity, he tore England apart in the first innings and then brought plucky resistance to an abrupt end in the second.

Dangerous with the new ball, he operated from both sides of the wicket and moved the ball in both directions. Nor did his pace flag. He took one wicket with a delivery bowled from around the wicket that swung into the batsmen before straightening off the pitch.

Most menacing

Although the estimable Chris Tremlett was not far behind, Zaheer was the most menacing of the fast bowlers on display. He led the attack with unfailing hostility and was the difference between the sides.

Either by quirk or design, the balls used in this series swing more than previous products, a development that encourages attacking cricket with bat and ball. Throughout, the left-armers were a handful. Casting aside wanton ways, Zaheer was the best of them.

Until his unlucky dismissal, Ganguly seemed likely to mark his return to Test cricket with a hundred. Steady at Lord’s, he summoned his full powers in the first innings. Blending silk and steel, determination evident in every moment, he first took the sting out of the bowling and then set about establishing a formidable lead. Along the way he played his customary glides behind point and strokes through the covers but also found time to hook defiantly.

Consummate innings

Ganguly looked fitter and more focussed on his cricket. Clearly he had realised he was not ready to depart, felt he had more runs left in him. He did not so much rage against the extinguishing of his blaze as with squared jaw set about re-igniting the flame. He proved his value to the team with a consummate innings that told of experience and high-mindedness.

Now comes the denouement. Can India take the spoils? It wont be easy. England look ready to rumble. Let’s hope the ball swings and that the cricket remains uncompromising and exciting.

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