Chika Talk
Kris Srikkanth
Sweet victory for Kumble despite draw
December 13, 2007
The result was on expected lines. Even if Anil Kumble had gone for a sporting declaration, I don't think there was a realistic chance for a positive result. The wicket was so good a six-day Test may not have produced a result.
The widening cracks did not really help the bowlers much and draw was the only logical result. If I was the captain I might have declared a touch early and gambled a bit. The series win was to be the first at home over Pakistan in 27 years; so Kumble cannot be faulted for his declaration. The first series for any captain is very important and to win it against Pakistan must have been doubly sweet for Anil. Why would he let go of such an opportunity?
The series saw a huge amount of runs being scored in Tests two and three. The dead tracks were a bowler's nightmare even though they worked to India's advantage since a win had been registered on the one surface that had something it early.
With a tough series against Australia it was important for the batsmen to be in the right frame of mind and have runs behind their name.
Barring Wasim Jaffer's partner, everything looks in place. Dinesh Karthik too looks like getting his touch back and who knows he may also get amongst the runs Down Under.
Sourav Ganguly's batting was a rare treat. More than the way he moved in and around the crease his confidence was a key factor. There is a calm sense of assurance he brings to the crease nowadays. After having taken much flak last season from all quarters, including yours truly, he has done so well as to silence one and all. His mature approach was India's biggest gain from this series, his handy contribution with the ball being another bonus.
Laxman's injury in the penultimate session may not be as serious as it seemed when it happened. He will go to Australia after all. He will have a pivotal role to play at number six. And given his record against the Aussies it is difficult to think of an Indian batting order without him.
All said and done, the Indian bowling lacks bite. Kumble might have given an outside chance for a win with a well-directed spell but for major parts the attack looked pedestrian.
Pressure has to be created from both ends for sides to win matches. The Indian fielding needs to shore up a bit, especially the catching close to the wicket. History clearly shows that only good fielding sides have prospered in Australia. India certainly need to work on their throwing and catching.
The wickets laid out in Kolkata and Bangalore were not a good advertisement for the game. Cricket gets killed if there is nothing for the bowlers and spectator interest soon dwindles. With Test cricket already facing a threat from the shorter versions it is imperative for the administrators to address this issue quickly.
Republished with permission from The Asian Age
The widening cracks did not really help the bowlers much and draw was the only logical result. If I was the captain I might have declared a touch early and gambled a bit. The series win was to be the first at home over Pakistan in 27 years; so Kumble cannot be faulted for his declaration. The first series for any captain is very important and to win it against Pakistan must have been doubly sweet for Anil. Why would he let go of such an opportunity?
The series saw a huge amount of runs being scored in Tests two and three. The dead tracks were a bowler's nightmare even though they worked to India's advantage since a win had been registered on the one surface that had something it early.
With a tough series against Australia it was important for the batsmen to be in the right frame of mind and have runs behind their name.
Barring Wasim Jaffer's partner, everything looks in place. Dinesh Karthik too looks like getting his touch back and who knows he may also get amongst the runs Down Under.
Sourav Ganguly's batting was a rare treat. More than the way he moved in and around the crease his confidence was a key factor. There is a calm sense of assurance he brings to the crease nowadays. After having taken much flak last season from all quarters, including yours truly, he has done so well as to silence one and all. His mature approach was India's biggest gain from this series, his handy contribution with the ball being another bonus.
Laxman's injury in the penultimate session may not be as serious as it seemed when it happened. He will go to Australia after all. He will have a pivotal role to play at number six. And given his record against the Aussies it is difficult to think of an Indian batting order without him.
All said and done, the Indian bowling lacks bite. Kumble might have given an outside chance for a win with a well-directed spell but for major parts the attack looked pedestrian.
Pressure has to be created from both ends for sides to win matches. The Indian fielding needs to shore up a bit, especially the catching close to the wicket. History clearly shows that only good fielding sides have prospered in Australia. India certainly need to work on their throwing and catching.
The wickets laid out in Kolkata and Bangalore were not a good advertisement for the game. Cricket gets killed if there is nothing for the bowlers and spectator interest soon dwindles. With Test cricket already facing a threat from the shorter versions it is imperative for the administrators to address this issue quickly.
Republished with permission from The Asian Age
