Well done NZ. Written off before this series even started, it took immense guts - not to mention a fair bit of skill, to end the first test as the happier of the two sides. Ryder yet again showed the potential he has whilst KW even at this early stage looks the part. India had Harbhajan to thank for what otherwise was a pretty shoddy performance. I have immense respect for bowlers who put in the effort to improve their batting. It's not something you generally associate with Indian teams - so take a bow Harbhajan. However, there is no escaping the fact that India desperately need a spinner challenging Harbhajan on the bowling front. Admittedly the wicket was pathetic (what else do you expect in Motera?) but that does not change the fact that our spin bowling is going through some tough times. Ojha remains a good backup spinner but is unlikely to run through sides.
India have some decisions to make going into the 2nd test. How long can they keep Pujara out? Too early to judge - yes - but with South Africa coming soon and Raina still looking suspect at this level, maybe the time has come for him to be given a go. Gambhir is another man who is desperately in need of a big score. NZ's attack is ordinary to say the least and he needs to make the next test count.
All in all it was yet another instance of a poor wicket hurting test cricket. The last time a test was played at Motera, SL made over 700 and the match ended in a tame draw. Wonder what happened to the ICC's plan of punishing test grounds that consistently prepare pitches that are not suited for test match cricket? It is also about time that the BCCI hold tests in centres that enjoy their test cricket. Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai & Chennai should get the bulk of the games with maybe Kanpur thrown in from time to time. Why play matches in cities that are not interested in tests?
Hyderabad has not hosted a test match in a long time. Hopefully, the curator there will prepare a pitch that encourages better cricket. India's top order will also do well to play a little more positively. It's true that they were up against a disciplined bowling line-up on a slow, slow pitch. Nevertheless, it was strange to see the shell that they got themselves into. A top team needs to show more initiative. Sehwag's genius at the top should enable the batsmen following to play a little more freely.
2 comments:
Good to see you writing again, da. Yeah the Indian bowling was insipid at times but give them a pitch with something in it (read: Nagpur) and things get better. Hope Zak is fully fit for South Africa. Assuming we play three seamers there, do you think Ojha or Bhajji should start in the XI? :D
Dai sick f$$$, where are u ? cant reach u at all !
and u took me off this blog ??
wanted to do this write-up on wc teams
Post a Comment