Classical Shining

Its time for the swingers and tweakers to get into act and going by recent past, it will be a fabulous act as well.

Two double hundreds in a mammoth first innings score of 613/7(dec); one from a youngster who has started showing his liking to Aussie cuisine and another a well established veteran whose exploits against the Aussies are legendary. This test shows us how well "India shining", the aggressive vibrant young India, moves hand in hand with the polite but classy India epitomised by the fab4.

Gutam's innings was well planned and aggressive at time's, as seen in the way he got from 99 to a century - by hitting a six; he also showed that he can hold his head still and get to double figures. Laxman's innings of 200 not out, was very dominant in effect but that dominance is almost unseen, you suddenly realise looking at the score card what a devastating bat Laxman is, no arrogance here, only the class of a batsman executing his art in peace with himself and sure in his joy.

Laxman's batting belies logic of the conventional but even purists would never term it unorthodox - Laxman just manages to play the most unbelievable strokes to ball's that have never been played in that manner. Brydon has a question that will better explain what I mean - http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/current/story/375998.html

Aussies got to 50 without loss and comfortably so far. Going by common knowledge, Kotla pitch will behave erratically starting sometime tomorrow. What ever might be the pitch, this test every Aussie will be putting a price on his wicket and it will need something special (like they have been so far this series) from the Indian bowlers.This test will most probably end in a Indian win - not that the win will come easy.

A from here on will make Aussies really happy - not that they will acknowledge it though.

Foggy Kotla, Foggier Aussies

Reports of Aussies training hard and seeking advice about leg spin and reverse swing from the Indian past masters of these sublime arts are out in the media. Captain Ponting also claims that Aussies have trained as never before and to perfection and he says his views are backed by those of Steve Waugh. Both Border and Steve Waugh have out out saying that the leggie Krejza must be included in the squad to play in Kotla. Ponting seems to have asked Brett Lee to notch up his speed a bit, and as Brett is already clocking 145KM in nets, a notch up will mean 150KM. But again in Indian conditions without much bounce, just speed will not help the Aussies, they need to swing, both conventional and reverse.

While Bishen Bedi is openly seen coaching Krejza, it seems Manoj Prabhakar has been consulted to help in the reverse swing department. Aussies had special fielding practice aimed at adjusting to the morning and late morning smog that is seen to engulf Kotla, this will especially be critical as the match starts the day after Diwali. All in all it seems Aussies left no stone within reach, uncovered, to tackle the Indians.

This test is not just a series decider for both teams, but much more. If this test ends in a draw then both teams will be disappointed, with much more disappointment in the Indian camp. If India wins, Aussies will be truly disheartened and mostly will end up losing the 4th test. If Aussies win here in Kotla, it will not just be because of Aussies being supreme, but because of mistakes made by Indian players - this Aussie team, let what the preparation be, is just not strong enough to beat India in Kotla. An Aussie win will leave much disappointment in Indian camp; especially it will reflect badly on Kumble.
This test in a way will tell the world if Aussies can remain NO.1 test side for long. If Aussies lose here, with bad performances from Lee, Hayden and Ponting, then they will lose their crown for sure - how long that will remain the only question, given their great big lead in the points table.

While it is understandable that Lee is trying to pick his life back together after a divorce and it is reflecting on his game, the biggest disappointment so far, is from Hayden. Mathew Hayden's game has been built aorund, him dominating the bowlers early into a innings. Over past many years, with strong batting and best bowling to support and justify his recklessness, he has been able to take the fight to the other team. Now with the bowling attack a mere shadow of its past, with Ponting not having answers to Bhajji-Sharma, with Lee down in tatters, with Symmo missing, Hayden's game has been exposed. Hayden's strength always has been his ability to attack without doubt - he tried that in Mohali but became an easy prey. If Hayden needs to be seen as a great fighter and not just a good one, then he has to deliver now, under adversity. Some how I don't see that happening.

Coming to Pointing - its a different story, Ponting is a class act. He has to find his rhythm and get to 30 and then his wicket won't fall cheap. But to get to that 30, Ponting will not only have to counter Sharma and Bhajji, but also the demons of doubt that will be plaguing him. Saying that he is the greatest bat around is futile if he can't deliver when it matters; well he has done that in past, but always in the cosy company of equally gifted mates. Now he has a chance at greatness, if Ponting can win this series with his performances, then he has a chance of his name featuring among the best of the game.
About Lee - straight and simple, he will bounce back. He did not get wickets, but neither he was ever dominated. Ponting did a BIG BIG BIG mistake by not believing in Lee and handing over the ball to the likes of Michael Hussey ahead of Lee. Let what he may say after that, Ponting has disrespected and not supported his best bowler in the time of team's and Lee's personal need. I mean what did Lee do wrong? Not be the match winner he is for one I mean, ONE test? Gimme a break, if that has to be the case, let Ponting bat at 5 and let Clarke bat at 3 and Matt Hayden at hmmn.. 7?
Steve Waugh would have never done this to McGrath - not just because McGrath is McGrath but because pace bowlers are a breed apart and the likes of McGrath and Lee are still rare. On Lee's shoulders rest the fate of Aussie bowling for years to come and you manage to affect the self belief of such a guy for a single bad test? Man I thought Ponting would know better. Ponting should know that, recognising his teams personal needs and combining them into the game plan is the pinnacle of professionalism, well if you can't do that, at least don't slight your ace card.
Lee will come back and he will come back strong, but no thanks to Ponting for that.

Team India The Fearless

We have gone and beaten the Aussies in style. India dominated in all area's of the game, including fielding. Aussie were just dominant during a single session and that did not last. The seniors in Aussie side failed to guide the youngsters. Whatever brave front they may put up post match, Indian's have managed to sow more than a seed of doubt in their minds.

In a way, the upcoming Delhi test will be seen as a touchstone for this Australian side's capability. If Australia lose in Feroz Shah Kotla, it will be certain that they have become a side which has finally come down among mortals; it will be known in the cricketing world that they can be dominated! The dominance shown by India was so complete because India played their cricket in a different style, India attacked, India drew the first blood.

Much can be said about MS Dhoni's knock in the first innings - the most significant of which is that it showed that India for once are playing their best cricket ever. Dhoni's innings was built on solid foundation laid down by Sourav & Sachin. Earlier days, the batsman in Dhoni's place would have seen to accumulate runs at a fast pace. Not so with Dhoni - he attacked mercilessly and fearlessly and that proved to Aussies that this team India is all about winning the match. This attack of Dhoni's showed that this team India is not satisfied by tame draw.

Let us take this approach forward, let us attack in Delhi. Let us be fearless. Let us remember that attack is the best form of defence and that Aussies will look to dominate. Maintaining a lead should be second in our mind, the first thought must and will be to extend the lead to 2-0.

One more blow to this Aussie side might be the very last that needs to be delivered to shatter their confidence. Aussies know this and they will come back hard, they will fight tooth and nail. If India continues to be fearless, then we are up for a very interesting contest.

Sachin : Perfection Personified

Have a look at the following link for Akash Chopra's thoughts on Sachin tendulkar. He provides some insight into the man himself. The more one knows about Sachin, the more one realises what perfection means: true greatness with true humility.

Hats Off to Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7676509.stm

Also gather Sachin's own thoughts on becoming the highest run scorer in test cricket below. Pray notice whom he remembers first while dedicating the record to.

Gurur-Brahma Gurur-Vishnu Gurur-Devo Maheshwarah.

Guru-sakshat Para-Brahma tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/374396.html
Perfect.

Sachin's 12000 and Fab 5

Sachin is now the highest run getter in test cricket and has passed a milestone which no one has so far done. He went past 12000 runs in test cricket today at Mohali playing Australia in the 2nd test of 2008 Border-Gavaskar trophy.

To say in his own words "Success is a process... During that journey sometimes there are stones thrown at you, and you convert them into milestones." This comment portrays how much injustice is being meted out to our seniors who have carried the weight out our aspirations with aplomb for so long. Be it Sachin, Sourav, Rahul, Anil or Laxman; our media has mercilessly targeted each set back they suffered in past 5 years and tried to virtually put an end to their careers. Well I understand that media doesn't hold a grudge against these greats; but they have targeted these fabulous five of Indian cricket for want of sensationalism. This in addition to the cricket politics would have been enough to keep any other player from fighting back as the fab-5 are doing. It is no wonder that media are so eager to act as scavengers (that being part of their trade) but the way the things are going about I would say the public is also to be blamed.

We Indian's often idolise fame and hero worship the famous. That is not a ideal thing to do. But here we are hacking away at any semblance of peace the fab-5 are entitled to enjoy in the evening of their careers. They do realize that they will have to call it a day in a year or three and none better than they realize that they need to be responsible. The fab-5 did not raise to fame and then succumb to it; in fact they have handled fame with much humility than is possible by many of our ex-cricketer's or even many of the youngsters around. It is quite evident that the fab-5 are playing test cricket as well as any other youngster "might" have played and in fact they are playing it better.

For a seasoned campaigner, a occasional set back is normal. We are just over reacting to set backs of these greatest of the greats of Indian cricket as we haven't seen many set back from them before. What Anil said is perfectly true: the fab-5 should retire on their own terms and not on others. The reason is not just that they have earned it but that they still are the best India has on offer. Sometimes putting faith in a persons sense of responsibility and believing their judgement is not just respecting them but also the correct thing to do.

If we can't trust that these icons of Indian cricket won't be responsible enough to with draw when they should, then who or what can you believe in Indian cricket?

Now is the Time

As the Bengalooru curtain raiser ended, two things were proved to be correct - Aussies are no more the world beaters they were & India are not yet the world beaters they hope to be. As this scale is maintained we will witness more and more thrilling contests (hopefully). Ultimately a status quo can not be maintained indefinitely; one side or the other has to stake their claim for supremacy. It will be mighty interesting to see who that will be.

In the same vein of thought, it can be said that the current selection committee of BCCI has on it a job of immense proportions; one of a magnitude of which was never thrust up on it before. Hopefully Kris Srikanth and his men will prove up to the task. No, I am not merely referring to the retirement plans for Fab-4 and the Lone Raider (Anil Kumble). The task before the new selection committee is much more complex and multi faceted. BCCI is now for some years has been rolling in money that is also nothing new, albeit the scale has increased significantly. The major task is to take advantage of a vacuum that is about to form at the top of the international cricketing community - "Who fills Aussie shoes?" is the BIG question. India have a very realistic chance of being that country. And if India does manage to achieve even half of that - to become a formidable and feared foe in test arena, then this proud cricketing nation whose claim to fame was mostly borne by few shoulders can rejoice in its "team" supremacy.

May the seniors in their retirement plans and the juniors in their commitment-hard work and the selection committee in their acts of balance and the BCCI in its quest for coffers and the public in their continuing support, come together and strive to achieve that extra 100 yards (or half) to reach the pinnacle; let no IPL blind us into self congratulations. Amen!

Tail thunders! - Retain Fab-4!

While half the top order of India did not put up a fight, the tail is showing some spirit. Most annoying was how Tendulkar, Laxman and Dhoni got out. Tendulkar and Laxman just followed the script Aussies wrote for them; wonder even if the "director" Ponting would have hoped for such a "Oscar worthy" performance! In fact the person who is being forced to play his last series was the best Indian batsman today; in spite of a nosebleed Ganguly played within himself and ultimately got out LBW to a faulty decision for 47. His innings almost had no bad shots. So again the question - does Sourav deserve this treatment? India's bravest and most successful captain by far, a fighter to the core. Sourav's fall can never be India's gain.

Dravid also is getting back to his old self. If a single tour is a fate decider for the seniors then will rest of the fab-4 receive same treatment as Ganguly if they fail the whole series. Naah .. that's not gonna happen, they all did bad in SriLanka .. but its just Dada who has to leave - others can congratulate their luck or PR skills.

I am not advocating that any of the fab-4 should leave. I believe they are all great cricketers who have a year or two in them. I am just sore an sorry for the treatment meted out for Ganguly. Why not have a rotation policy and keep benching one of the fab-4 for a test and let a junior take his place? Guys these people are called fab-4 for a reason - they had quality, they had the grit and they were consistent. I firmly believe that none of the Indian youngsters-in-wait have all this right now, as that fab-4 did when they took their place in Indian test side. Apart from that the fab-4 can and will still perform for at least a year or two if given opportunity. Does the selectors even know the meaning of the phrase "to phase out"?