India are in the driver’s seat and midway through the final Test a rare opportunity of a series win has all but been grasped. We are looking at history in the making. I can’t think of any other touring team having been so dominating right from the beginning of a Test match. With ample time to go in the Test, the Indians can press for victory all the way. The best part is that with such a big first big innings behind them, the field can be kept in at all times with four or more fielders around the bat in catching positions.

The Test thus far has seen its share of batting heroes as far as India is concerned but no praise can be too high for Anil Kumble. Having been part of the selection process when the likes of Kumble, Srinath and Rahul made their first class debuts in the Ranji Trophy, I am tempted to take some credit but anyone who knows Kumble will straightaway tell what a self-made man he is.

Commitment
Anil’s strength is his strong commitment to whatever he does. He has always been more about substance than style. I have always believed that talent is one thing but using it on the big stage quite another. It’s about tenacity, it’s about guts, it’s about using your opportunities and it’s about always knowing that you belong there and making sure everyone else knows it too. Anil has been all that and more and his maiden hundred speaks about all those qualities.

Perfect example
The other thing with Anil is he has always fancied his batting and backing oneself has never been bad. And by notching up a hundred at this late stage of his career, he has set the perfect example for his younger mates.
The specialist batsmen too can take something from that innings.

In the last two Test matches which were played on seamer-freindly pitches, Anil did grab nine wickets but this match gives him a chance to create a world record of scoring a 100 and taking 10 wickets in the game.

As regards the other batsmen, credit must again to the openers, young Kaarthick in particular, for the platform they laid for the middle order. But the man who pleased me most was the one who ended with the least.

For sure, Sourav Ganguly has lent class and depth to this line-up.

Tendulkar is another class act. He may not have been in great nick but he still had the numbers on the board at the end of it. He was tested with all kinds of deliveries and withstood every one of them.

 His was a crucial knock and one that yet again allowed the others to bat around and pile on the runs. Tendulkar is perhaps the world’s most experienced batsman and he brought all that experience into play.

Bowlers’ role
Now it is upto the bowlers for whom it will be a test of attitude. The bowlers will have to take the right attitude in every time they take the field as the wicket is still playing flat.

They will have to be patient in the knowledge that the pressure is on the English batsmen. Anil has already got into the act with the ball too. Afterall, he contributed big in setting it up with the bat and he is not one to waste a good thing.

Hawkeye Communications-Chivach Sports