Indian cricket has undergone many chan-ges over the years, but I never thought I would actually see at one go three Indian quick bowlers bowling at speeds of over 135 kmph. What a heartening sight it was for someone like me, who almost always played in a side that had at least three spinners even as the opposition fielded three or even four fast bowlers.
India’s victory on the final day was a foregone conclusion, but the manner in which it was set up by our quick bowlers the previous day was a delight. Zaheer Khan has obviously rediscovered himself, and what was especially pleasing was the leadership role he took on, allowing the younger bowlers to bowl around him.
As far as leadership goes, no praise can be enough for Rahul Dravid. In the past, Indian captains have somehow tended to overbowl their fast bowlers – just ask Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad about it – but Dravid was just about perfect in the way he handled his bowlers. He used them in short spells and kept them fresh.
Erratic Sreesanth
Dravid’s man management skills and that of bowling coach Prasad will have to be used on Sreesanth. No doubt, the young man needs to be talked to. I would hate to see him waste his God-given talent. He lacks only that last bit of focus, that extra bit of concentration which can make all the difference between a good career and a poor one. His ability to move the ball at top speed is a special one, and he shouldn’t throw it all away for a few minutes of fame on the small screen.
Being well-versed with the functioning of the match referee, I fully agree with the fine imposed on him. That this was his second offence in recent times puts him in the danger zone. The beamer he sent down to Pietersen may have been unintentional -- here, I must say that I do know many bowlers who haven’t bowled a single such ball in their entire career -- but the bouncer he bowled from nearly two feet in front of the popping crease was in very poor taste. Just imagine what would happen if all bowlers started doing it. Sreesanth must be made to understand that while India will find another fast bowler, he will not find another India to play for.
India’s third seamer, RP Singh, continues to impress me. His unassuming run-up and fluent action belies the speed at which he actually bowls, and I see him getting quicker in time to come. What a ball he sent down to snare Pietersen!
In any case, the second Test is now history. This Indian team has had its noses in front in recent series too, only to fumble thereafter, so it is imperative that they retain focus for the final Test at the Oval. Have a couple of days off and then get back to preparation in earnest would be my advise to the team.
New tactics
Part of that preparation must involve guarding against the kind of batting that was on show for a brief period on the final day. The English team seemed to be on to something when they started to dig the ball in and changed the field around to include a leg gully. Their bowlers will be inclined to take a clue from what happened, and the Indians will have to expect and overcome these new tactics. Perhaps playing the ball closer to the body rather than pushing at it will help.
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