By his own standards, the on-going England tour has been a relatively quiet one for Anil Kumble. Nine wickets from two Tests do not properly illustrate his role or the impact that he has made, perhaps owing to the overwhelming effect Zaheer Khan has had on the series. But with the crucial final Test beginning at the Oval on Thursday, the focus will once again be on the veteran leg-spinner.

The Oval has traditionally been a batsman’s ally, but on the fourth and fifth days, there is the possibility of the pitch wearing. It’s precisely that reason which could make Kumble a key figure.

Acknowledged master
The Bangalorean is an acknowledged master in exploiting a wearing pitch, and his performance will have a huge say in determining India’s fortunes. It is not just the ability to exploit such a track which makes him an essential ingredient. The experience he has acquired through 117 Tests will come in handy for skipper Rahul Dravid in a crunch situation.

Kumble is a willing soldier who can reel out over after over under any conditions, and that in-the-trenches resolve will be an asset in important games such as the one at the Oval. Kumble had displayed that character in the second Test in Nottingham when he took six wickets, conceding 136 runs.

He ran through the lower-order, one area India can still improve in, in both innings to ensure there would be no late resistance from England. But his effort did not receive its due because two other brilliant performers — Michael Vaughan and Zaheer — took centrestage.

Kumble will not be complaining. For, throughout his career, he has preferred to stand some distance away from the spotlight. However, the magnitude of the occasion might make him opt to turn the spotlight upon himself as India target their first series win in England in 21 years.

It is no great secret that whenever India have done well abroad, Kumble has played a significant role, silencing those who have termed him a moderate performer overseas. The turnaround started with India’s Australian tour in 2003-04.

After missing the Brisbane Test, the veteran winkled out an impressive 24 wickets from three Tests. Six of them came in Adelaide, where India recorded a glorious victory. He went on to capture 12 wickets in the last Test in Sydney, nearly winning the game and series for India.

That was just the beginning of a string of incredible performances abroad. Kumble took six for 71 on an absolute shirtfront in Multan, guiding India to their first Test win in Pakistan. It came as no big surprise when Kumble rolled out another masterly show as India won a series in the West Indies after 35 years.

He grabbed 23 wickets from four Tests to lead the Indian charge, his match haul of seven for 110 in Jamaica a decisive effort. The only low points for him during this period came against Pakistan in Mohali and South Africa in Cape Town.

Despite trying gamely, Kumble faltered in meeting the Pakistan challenge in Mohali as Kamran Akmal and Abdul Razzaq batted out nearly a whole day. In Cape Town, he could not generate zip on a fifth-day pitch as South Africa completed a series-clinching victory.

Rare chance
Now, as a chance to score a rare overseas series win beckons India, Kumble will be raring to have another go at England’s batsmen.

Kumble has never been short of motivation in any situation. If he needs more, he can look back to a Test played some 36 years ago at the same venue.

Another leg-spinner from Bangalore, BS Chandrasekhar, ripped the heart out of England’s batting with a six-wicket haul, helping India register their maiden series win in Old Blighty. Perhaps, it is Kumble’s turn now.