Joshi's positive approach did the trick

The Indian bowlers responded to strong criticism from all quarters following their below par effort in the first innings, by skittling out Bangladesh in the second, enabling India to win its first Test abroad in seven years.

It must be said though that the pitch afforded more assistance when the home team batted the second time. And too much should not be made out of the `abroad' factor since the conditions in Dhaka were not really different from what prevails at home.

Thus a side that dominated the contest for most part of the first three days, found itself blown away in the fourth, triggering a bizarre end to the Test match.

The meek surrender is sure to dent the confidence of the latest Test-playing nation and it remains to be seen how quickly Bangladesh can recover from the setback.

The inability of the Bangladesh cricketers to handle pressure could be seen as one batsman followed another on the fourth day. Test cricket requires a strong mind, especially when things start to go wrong, and the home team was found wanting in this department. With experience, however, Bangaldesh will have an opportunity to learn and improve.

Without question, Sunil Joshi was the hero of India's victory. It was the Karnataka all-rounder's positive approach, when India was losing its way, that inspired even the accomplished Sourav Ganguly at the other end.

For long, Joshi has been an under-achiever in Indian cricket due to various reasons, and this display should encourage him to carve a permanent place for himself in the team.

Joshi may have missed a century but it still was a wonderful effort, and do not forget his contribution with the ball. India desperately needs bowling all-rounders and Joshi, if this performance is any indication, could well be one of them.

Mention should also be made of Ajit Agarkar for his useful knock and the lower order certainly played its part in this match. Murali Kartik too made runs as the nightwatchman and it goes without saying that good contributions from the non- specialist batsmen in crunch situations boost the morale of the side.

On the whole, the Indians deserve credit for their fightback. It is not often that a side which concedes 400 runs in the first innings, recovers to win the Test inside four days.

K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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