cHaK dE INDIA!!!!!

To begin with, I have been compelled to write this blog as I, like many Indians for the day, could not resist the joy and emotion associated with India doing the impossible. All right! Clearing of the air, I am talking about one of the most exciting and ‘exhausting’ cricket matches I have ever seen. A target a huge as 387 is not only (near) impossible to chase in the sub-continent but to this day was considered either overambitious or for that matter illogical to think of, particularly on a wicket as tricky as the one at the Chepauk.

History:

The Chepauk has always been a happy hunting ground for the Indians barring the arch rivals. Although, the last test match between India and South Africa was a dull draw thanks to the batting feast offered by the curator, the Chepauk, in the past few years, has produced results. To add to this, these results have never been a one-sided affair. One will always keep on guessing which way the pendulum swings.

The memorable ones have been those involving the Kangaroos and one against Pakistan in 1999.

Current One:

I would take this opportunity to first thank the English Cricket team for coming as a full strengthened side and showing solidarity in the aftermath of the horrific incidents of Mumbai.

England began well by winning the toss and as is the case in the sub-continent, elected to bat first. A superb century opening stand between Andrew Strauss and Alistiar Cook provided the dream start to England. After many speculations and hiccups, England somehow got past the psychological figure of 300. A target which seemed modest at the beginning of the Indian innings, proved too good for the famed Indian batting line-up which fell three quarters of a century short. England began their second essay cautiously and after some anxious moments of brilliant bowling by the Indian seamers, lost way when they lost three quick wickets when they had a lead of just over a hundred. But then the Englishman for crisis, Paul Collingwood, and the first innings centurion Andrew Strauss got together and ensured that England set a target that till date had never been achieved in the sub-continent.

When all the experts were concluding on two results, the Najafgarh’s Nawab, Virender Sehwag walked in with a different recipe. Although India lost the prestigious wicket of Sehwag, the mammoth target of 387 was reduced below 260 to get with a day’s play left. It was heartening to see the Indian batsmen come with positive intent to the crease and although there were some anxious moments, the little master and the dashing Yuvraj carried India home in what looked to be a comfortable manner.

Turning Point:

Many believe that the innings by Sehwag was the turning point of the match but I thought another factor played an important role.

This was the lack of experience of the English thinktank. I personally believe that England started losing in the post-lunch session of the fourth day when they scored a mere 57 runs with two boundaries in 22.5 overs. Taking nothing away from the Indian pace duo, it was surprising to see that England was not attempting to up the tempo even with a lead in excess of 300. It looked as if England were wary that if they get out quickly, India will get enough time to achieve the target and hence they tried to kill the time.

It is important to observe that apart from Flintoff, there is no player who has consistently performed for England for the past 5-6 years. Moreover, the coach, Peter Moores, has never represented a national side. This was evident in the post-lunch session and I am quite sure that fingers will be raised in the British media.

Conclusion:

Having said this, nothing should be taken away from India and also from England for giving us such a treat to watch and as a die hard Indian fan, I think it is high time India, instead of pushing and shoving for the second spot, should press the top gear (by becoming consistent) and dethrone the Aussies.