The Hindu : Sport : Conditions will be different from hot and dusty Chennai

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Thursday, Dec 18, 2008
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Conditions will be different from hot and dusty Chennai

S. Dinakar

Dhoni’s men have the momentum in their favour

— Photo: S. Subramanium

hemmed in: Under intense scrutiny after letting India slip away with a win in Chennai, Kevin Pietersen faces a couple of tough selection decisions before the second Test beginning at Mohali on Friday.

Mohali: The nip in the air was unmistakable. The cricket caravan had arrived here in the heart of winter. The conditions for the second and the final Test could be a lot different from the heat and dust of Chennai.

India would still be a huge favourite going into the Test beginning on Friday.

After the win at Chepauk, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have the momentum in their favour.

The surface at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium traditionally favours seam and swing bowlers in the first session. The morning dew on the pitch is a definite factor in winter.

Tame draws

The track here has also slowed down as the match progresses. Tests in the past here have begun with a flurry of wickets and then concluded in tame draws.

The team winning the toss — if it can back itself to survive the first session with minimal damage — would be advised to bat first. The grass on the surface, could well disappear on the morning of the match.

The conditions could be more favourable to a non-sub-continental side in mid-December.

The teams practised under heavy security on Wednesday. The light fades quickly during this part of the year here and the teams have a responsibility to complete their quota of overs in time. The teams decided against the use of artificial lights at the beginning of the series.

Winning habit

Winning and doing so consistently is a habit.

There was a touch of Australia in its glory days during India’s stirring run-chase; a hint of arrogance in adversity, flair, hard-nosed cricket, nerves of steel and ruthlessness at the crunch underlined India’s pursuit.

The bold words from coach Gary Kirsten and vice-captain Virender Sehwag were matched by deeds. England allowed the moment to fly away at Chennai. Rather, India seized it.

Former England seamer Angus Fraser told The Hindu, “This Indian team covers every corner. India has a high-quality batting line, a very good wicket-keeper batsman and captain, two fine spinners and a buzzing bunch of pacemen. Perhaps, the side misses a quality all-rounder but it has a lot of options.”

Fraser speak

Added Fraser, “India has a very good chance to become the No. 1 team in the world. The side has the attributes but it has to be consistent for long periods.”

Fraser looked back at England’s sensational Ashes triumph in 2005. “England played better than Australia in that series. This did not suggest it was better than Australia.”

The Indians will have to retain their levels on intensity.

Much focus will be Rahul Dravid in the period leading up to the Test. Runs are proving to be elusive to this great batsman but Fraser backed Dravid.

“Sachin Tendulkar has gone through similar phases. Andrew Strauss was short of runs some time back. Given the quality of his batsmanship, Dravid should be back among the runs. The Indians should persist with him.”

Kevin Pietersen — bravely defying a broken rib — faces a couple of tough decisions on selection. Owais Shah is likely to replace Ian Bell while the fit-again pace-bowling all-rounder Stuart Broad could come in for a spinner in the eleven.

Another gripping Test is in prospect.

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