Approach the future with a clarity of thought

Six three-figure knocks in a match, two of them being double hundreds. It does not augur well for Test cricket. The contest between the bat and the ball has to be more even.

The Zimbabweans managed a creditable draw in Nagpur, which also meant the Indian bowling was found wanting in essentially flat conditions, with only the odd delivery turning. Despite the attack not being able to finish things off, the Indians should not revert to the four-bowler formula. We should continue playing five bowlers, for this represents our best chance.

There is always the danger that watching the Indian bowlers struggle on such pitches the authorities might go back to preparing stark turners. The need of the hour is to approach the future with a clarity of thought. On a minefield, even three bowlers might do the job, but that would be a most negative step, only hurting India in the long run.

Nor should the pitch be like the one in Nagpur. Let's continue to pick a varied five-man attack and back it on sporting wickets. We might win less games, but our victories will count for more.

Off-spinner Sarandeep Singh was the only gain for the home team in Nagpur. One hopes he is nursed properly by the team- management, and not treated in the manner Harbhajan Singh was. It is essential that a young spinner does not lose too much confidence too early.

Left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi, who made a fine impression in Dhaka, was a huge disappointment this time around. A senior bowler, Joshi could have used the flight better to buy his wickets in unhelpful conditions, but seemed to run out of ideas on the last two days. Sadly, Joshi, for all his talent, has been unable to sustain his performances.

The Indian catching too could have been better. It is essential to latch on to everything, especially when the bowlers are up against it. Here, new coach John Wright has an important job to perform in the coming months.

Finally, hats off to Andy Flower for his double hundred in an adverse situation. He not only preserved his wicket, but was also positive in his approach when the Zimbabweans, following on, lost early wickets.

It really was a mind-boggling display of endurance and concentration if one takes into account the fact that Andy had kept wickets for almost two days in the Indian first innings. He had come close to scoring a double century in Delhi too, and only missed out because the team-management chose to declare. The spirited left-hander was easily Zimbabwe's Man of the Series.

Alistair Campbell too deserves credit for his fighting century. He finally has a Test hundred against his name. The two senior batsmen certainly came good for Zimbabwe under pressure.

K.SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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