Sachin's Last Hurrah
A few days back, Sachin Tendulkar described Australia as the toughest team he had played against, and the India-Australia series to be the showpiece event in the cricket calendar, surpassing the India-Pakistan series also. And Why not? It is indeed true from a cricketing as well as from a fan's point of view. If we consider the results since Australia took over the mantle of world's No.1 cricket team in the mid 90's from the West Indies, it says 10-8 in favor of Australia. Clearly, India is Australia's toughest opponent, even in their own backyard, as since 2003 India is the only team to beat them in Australia, and they've done it twice. The Aussies have ruled the roost against other teams, both home and away; the only exception being a close Ashes defeat in 2005. The last series down under saw some of the finest quality of cricket being played between the two sides. All the matches were hard-fought and in the end, the Aussies might have considered themselves lucky to have come away with the series win, as it could so easily have been a drawn one. After the acrimonious Sydney test match, the Aussies led 2-0; and one could have been forgiven to think India's morale would hit rock bottom and they would be swept aside in the next two matches. Instead, what we saw was grit, determination and gumption from a side that not long ago was considered to be also-rans and would fall by the wayside even at the slightest hint of attack. This new side has always hit back whenever they are down and out. Who can forget Ishant Sharma's spell in Perth, where Ponting couldn’t put bat on ball, and finally succumbed to the relentless attack? At Perth, the Aussies thought they could win the series by preparing a green pitch, but their plans came unstuck. Only for this reason they prepared a flat pitch at the Adelaide Oval to ensure a draw and an overall series win. It is to India's credit they utilised the conditions in Perth better than the home side, and forced the Aussies into such negative tactics, which is not usually associated with them. The Aussies we know over the years play to win, not to make sure they don’t lose.
It is therefore a great opportunity for India to get a positive result in the forthcoming series. For the first time in many years, India will start favorites to win a series against Australia. I say this because a plethora of stars have retired. The retirements of Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer,
Gillespie and the absence of Symonds will surely leave a vacuum in their ranks. Ponting is their main batsman and he hasn’t done well in India. They only have Brett Lee who could pose a threat to the Indian batsmen. Harbhajan will be licking his lips in anticipation, and as always, he reserves his best for the Aussies. Kumble, on the other hand is in the twilight of his career and this may well be his last series against Australia. Expect him to buy some wickets.
Ishant should be fresh as he has been well-rested after the Sri Lanka test series. He is a fine young fast bowler and the BCCI should wrap him in cotton wool. He should only play in tests and important one-dayers. If they over-utilise him, he may lose his pace and become another Irfan Pathan. As Ganguly is out of India's scheme of things, it is also the right time to bring in Rohit Sharma to the test team. His one-day form may have been less than sparkling, but tests should be his kettle of fish. He has the right technique and temperament. He should be tried out since Yuvraj has been inconsistent in tests.
Finally, a special mention for Sachin. He has carried the weight of an entire nation’s expectations for the better part of two decades. To third generation Indians like us, he is god. His exemplary strokeplay and an expansive range of shots is the stuff of legend. The shot I like which he plays is the flick to square leg off a good length ball outside the off stump. When he plays that shot, it makes a mockery of the bowler, and the signs become ominous for the fielding side. He is a rare talent. Do not read too much into his failures in Lanka. Once he sees off Brett Lee, the others will be cannon fodder for him. Once he gets those first 15-20 runs, a big score can be expected from him. Of course to our opponents, India is not anymore a side which resembles – Get Sachin, and the rest will follow – but still Sachin will play a pivotal role not only in batting, but also in bowling and strategy planning.
It is therefore a great opportunity for India to get a positive result in the forthcoming series. For the first time in many years, India will start favorites to win a series against Australia. I say this because a plethora of stars have retired. The retirements of Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer,
Gillespie and the absence of Symonds will surely leave a vacuum in their ranks. Ponting is their main batsman and he hasn’t done well in India. They only have Brett Lee who could pose a threat to the Indian batsmen. Harbhajan will be licking his lips in anticipation, and as always, he reserves his best for the Aussies. Kumble, on the other hand is in the twilight of his career and this may well be his last series against Australia. Expect him to buy some wickets.
Ishant should be fresh as he has been well-rested after the Sri Lanka test series. He is a fine young fast bowler and the BCCI should wrap him in cotton wool. He should only play in tests and important one-dayers. If they over-utilise him, he may lose his pace and become another Irfan Pathan. As Ganguly is out of India's scheme of things, it is also the right time to bring in Rohit Sharma to the test team. His one-day form may have been less than sparkling, but tests should be his kettle of fish. He has the right technique and temperament. He should be tried out since Yuvraj has been inconsistent in tests.
Finally, a special mention for Sachin. He has carried the weight of an entire nation’s expectations for the better part of two decades. To third generation Indians like us, he is god. His exemplary strokeplay and an expansive range of shots is the stuff of legend. The shot I like which he plays is the flick to square leg off a good length ball outside the off stump. When he plays that shot, it makes a mockery of the bowler, and the signs become ominous for the fielding side. He is a rare talent. Do not read too much into his failures in Lanka. Once he sees off Brett Lee, the others will be cannon fodder for him. Once he gets those first 15-20 runs, a big score can be expected from him. Of course to our opponents, India is not anymore a side which resembles – Get Sachin, and the rest will follow – but still Sachin will play a pivotal role not only in batting, but also in bowling and strategy planning.
Comments