The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Ganguly goes past 1000 Test runs in a calendar year

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Thursday, Dec 13, 2007
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Ganguly goes past 1000 Test runs in a calendar year

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Sourav Ganguly has been batting in a sublime manner. The left-hander has also been piling up the runs. Ganguly’s comeback from oblivion has been a stirring one.

During his innings of 91 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, Dada went past the 1000 Test-run mark for the year. He was, however, angry with himself as he returned to the pavilion.

Another nine runs and he would have been the only Indian after batting legend Sunil Gavaskar to notch up a double century and a hundred in the same Test.

Solid

In prolific form, Ganguly has made 534 runs in the three-Test series against Pakistan at a stunning average of 89. Apart from his natural flair, he has appeared solid.

He began 2007 with efforts of 66 and 46 in the Cape Town Test against South Africa. When India toured Bangladesh, he averaged 42.66 with a Test century at Chittagong. India, then, visited England and Ganguly averaged 49.80. His 79 at Nottingham and 57 at the Oval an innings of grace and charm stood out.

Against Pakistan in the first Test in New Delhi, Ganguly’s second innings 48 was a major factor in India winning a low-scoring match. Subsequently, he notched up his first Test century at Eden Gardens, his home ground.

In all likelihood, the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne should be Ganguly’s 100th Test. He could add more runs to his tally for the year.

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