The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : India keeps series hopes alive

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Tuesday, Sep 04, 2007
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Sport - Cricket

India keeps series hopes alive

S. Dinakar

Mahendra Singh Dhoni equals world record

Leeds: Under fading light on a day of clouds, rain and interruptions, the Indians lighted a candle of hope here on Sunday.

India’s 38-run victory, after the Duckworth and Lewis method was employed, at Headingley means Rahul Dravid’s men will travel to The Oval with the belief that they could draw level in the sixth NatWest ODI and then take the series to the decider at Lord’s.

As for now, England, which was 242 for eight in 39 overs, chasing a revised target of 311 in 45 overs, when the players came off the field for the last time, still leads the series 3-2.

Growing in stature

Paul Collingwood was on 91 not out when the contest concluded. The captain courageous is growing in stature. The host pursued a stiff 325 for a victory and then the target was revised after a rain break soon after England had lost its fourth wicket before the 17th over.

For India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was inspirational behind the stumps, equalling the record for the maximum dismissals — six — in an ODI innings by a ’keeper. He was swift, sharp and safe on Sunday.

England, perhaps had the worst of the conditions. The umpires kept the play on for a few overs under a drizzle and then there was a sharp spell of rain. Covers were brought on, but the pitch, by then, might have absorbed some water.

There was definite seam movement for Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar with the new ball in the afternoon. Agarkar provided the initial breakthrough, having Alastair Cook well taken by Dhoni.

Then, Mathew Prior (46, 45b, 4x4) and Ian Bell (44, 38b, 8x4) cut loose, adding 90 in just 10.4 overs.

Man of the Match Ganguly, in his 300th ODI, followed his 59, with a crafty spell of medium pace. He was supported by an inspired Dhoni behind the stumps.

Dhoni whipped off the bails in a flash when Prior stepped out to Ganguly and found the delivery moving away. When Zaheer seamed one across the out-of-touch heavyweight, Kevin Pietersen, Dhoni dived sideways to snaffle the snick. Bell tried to guide Ganguly and Dhoni, standing up, pouched a difficult catch.

Disappointing catching

Save Dhoni’s heroics and the Indian catching disappointed — Tendulkar and Ganguly dropped early catches in the slips and then Agarkar put down a sitter in the deep — but there was a marginal improvement in ground fielding.

Ramesh Powar once again impressed. It’s the dip in flight, some call it loop, that makes him such a compelling off-spinner. He can hold the ball in the air as Ravi Bopara, who scooped the ball back, discovered the hard way. Bopara batted bravely after dislocating his thumb when England fielded.

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