The Hindu : Sport : Keen contest on the cards

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Keen contest on the cards

Nandita Sridhar

Steyn could trouble the Indian batsmen

— Photo: K. Pichumani

THE PRIZE: Anil Kumble and Graeme Smith with the Future Cup, which was unveiled on Tuesday.

Chennai: The disquiet over Test cricket’s place in the modern game makes this a series of particular significance. With the IPL just three weeks away, both teams owe it to Test cricket to produce an uplifting series. In the context of Indian cricket, the result and the nature of the contest cannot be overstated. The first match of the three-Test series, which begins at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, should provide assurance.

India has played 28 Tests at Chepauk, lost six and won 11. There have been 10 draws and one tie. The side has lost just one Test at this venue in the last 22 years. Most importantly, the venue has often turned cricket into an engaging drama, with the 2001 Australia series decider being the highpoint. It is here that India will begin tightening its hold as the World’s No. 2 Test team.

Pathan may be rested

Captain Anil Kumble revealed that the side would go in with two spinners, and most likely, two pace bowlers, which means that Irfan Pathan is likely to be rested. Pathan’s malleable utility as an all-rounder often makes it easy to drop him for the specialists. But, in all fairness, S. Sreesanth and R.P. Singh leave India with little choice by offering the best opening combination for the first Test.

The “typical Chennai wicket,” as Kumble described it, will aid turn from the third day, giving India’s part-timers a shot at double duty. Kumble dismissed questions raised on the perceived levels of moisture in the wicket. “With the amount of heat we’ve had, it will not be a factor,” he said. “The pitch looks to have good bounce and carry”, he added.

Swing factor

The South African bowling looks loaded, if not potent. Dale Steyn has been repeatedly mentioned to a fault, but with reason. The excitement over his pace has detracted from his mastery of swing. No batsman is yet to find a convincing answer to swing and Steyn backs it up with variety.

In the unfavourable conditions in Bangladesh, the ball was made to multi-task in pursuit of wickets. The yorkers, in particular, were lethal. South Africa will look to bowl him in short spells to spread his use through the course of the day. The visitor will play just one spinner.

The Indian batsmen will benefit from South Africa economising on a bowler who can repeatedly and consistently probe; someone in the mould of Shaun Pollock. Makhaya Ntini, if in form, can fulfil that requirement with a relentless line that changes course in a steady manner. The kind of stroke-players most Indians are, they’d rather go down in a blaze of glory than be worn down by the force of discipline.

Levels of humidity have touched new highs in the city. The unseasonal rains have relented since Monday, but the cloud cover continues to be a cause of worry. However, a total wash-out is unlikely.

A familiar look to the Indian side makes it the favourite for the clash but it’s for the good of the game that it doesn’t appear one-sided.

History beckons

On an individual note, Sachin Tendulkar is 171 behind Brian Lara, who has 11,953 Test runs. At a venue where he’s managed 736 runs in 11 innings at an average of 92 with four centuries, Tendulkar could make history.

The teams (from):

India: Anil Kumble (captain), Virender Sehwag, Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, V.V.S. Laxman, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, R.P Singh, S. Sreesanth, Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla and Yuvraj Singh.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, A.B. de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, J.P. Duminy and Monde Zondeki.

Umpires: Asad Rauf and Tony Hill; Third umpire: A. Saheba.

Hours of play: 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.; 12.10 p.m. to 2.10 p.m.; 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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