Optimism takes a backseat as Indians take on the cruising Aussies

By Vijay Lokapally

KOLKATA, MARCH 10. The kid looked the other way as the Indians passed him one by one. He seemed to have lost interest in this team which gives the impression it can win only if the opposition plays badly. His face lit up only when Shane Warne emerged from the dressing room. He grabbed the Aussie's hand, shook it hard and mumbled ``all the best.''

This little act summed up the mood of the home fans, who are just not prepared to back the Indian team in the second Test against Australia at the majestic Eden Gardens here. It is a daunting test of character and the Indians know they can not afford another defeat here. It would be a shattering blow to a team which is in the process of rebuilding.

These are hard times for Indian cricket. Injuries to key players have left the bowling camp demoralised while the batsmen, not inspiring confidence at all, have been worried over the possibility of taking the field without the services of Rahul Dravid, who did not attend the `nets' for the second day running.

Later it was learnt that Dravid had agreed to play given the team's situation in the series. However it all depends on the state of the batsman's health on the morrow.

How long can India keep banking on one man in a team sport? How long really? It is time Sachin Tendulkar is allowed to bat with lesser responsibilities. For the sake of the little master and the team too.

Even though the batsmen failed at Mumbai, the bowlers came in for a flak for the debacle. Admittedly the absence of Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble has taken the sting out of the Indian attack. But skipper Sourav Ganguly faced the reality sportingly ``Anil and Srinath's absence is a big setback but then it also provides opportunity to the youngsters. How long can we depend on Srinath and Anil. We have to accept the truth and get on with the game.''

Ganguly tried to present a brave front but he could not hide the disappointment as coach John Wright tried to explain the absence of Dravid from the `nets' the last two days. ``Rahul has been having a fever and nothing has improved since last night. It is an ongoing assessment and we will have to keep our fingers crossed.''

Badani may get a break

Dravid on the sicklist has opened the avenue for Hemang Badani, a gifted strokeplayer with the right attitude. It would be the right time to blood this youngster from Tamil Nadu even as the team management would pray for Dravid's recovery.

Wright noted ``batting was India's strength'' and expected the team to put on runs on the board to push the Australians back. ``I thought the bowlers did a great job at Mumbai and it was just a matter of one more wicket. It didn't happen. Let us not talk of what ought to have been done. Looking back is not my style'' said the genial Wright as he surveyed the ammunition at his disposal.

Ganguly was quick to dismiss any suggestions of the team being under pressure or wanting to effect desperate measures. ``Give us a break. We have two more Tests to prove ourselves and we in the team are all as much concerned as anyone else about the state of Indian cricket. We are not under any pressure at all. We are going to make the most of what is available with us'' said Ganguly as he emphasised that at no point had he left any instructions to the curator. ``They have prepared the pitch and we are going to play on it'' he said as a matter of fact.

The Indians have drafted in experienced seamer Venkatesh Prasad and left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju. The Karnataka seamer claims to be at the peak of his fitness level and has promised to follow the Glenn McGrath policy of just sticking to a decent line and length. It is the right time for Prasad to assume the responsibility of providing the breakthroughs in the absence of Srinath.

The lively Raju, who is on his fourth comeback and the seniormost member on this side, stressed ``I am under no pressure really. I am happy with my rhythm and have been enjoying my bowling this season. I know I have a role to play. I just want to bowl my normal self and not try anything. I'll be happy to play a part in a victory.''

There was a minor scare regarding V.V.S. Laxman being bothered by back pain but the affable Hyderabadi laughed it off with a ``I am perfectly fit and ready'' remark.

Aussies have no problems

The Australians were most relaxed, not one member showing any urgency to have a look at the pitch, which remained a subject of discussion. ``Too much is made these days of pitches'' remarked skipper Steve Waugh. A view shared by Ganguly, who ruled out playing five bowlers. Wright, though, agreed to five bowlers being an ideal combination.

The pitch has been described as placid, sporting, good... The seamers talk of movement in the early part of the day and the Australians are expected to capitalise on it by including Michael Kasprowicz in place of an unfit Damien Fleming. ``Colin (Miller) has a good chance here'' disclosed Steve Waugh, who also singled out Michael Slater as a vital cog, describing him as a ``big Test match player.''

Even as the trainer Jock Campbell indulged in some badminton with McGrath and Miller as partners, the rest enjoyed their rugby. It is not that the Australians have been complacent. ``I'm happy that everyone is focussed. We have an edge and we expect this to be a hard Test. We have come here with a lot of confidence'' Steve Waugh commented. He has little problems in any area and the good form of Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting in the last three-day match at Delhi has only gladdened the Aussies.

``We have a good chance'' claimed Steve Waugh. His Indian counterpart retorted ``we will be a different side here.'' One hopes the Indians regain the faith of their fans. The fans, presently, are clearly disillusioned. Even a draw would be a distinction for the home team though the players are looking at a victory. Not a bad thought at all!

lThe teams (from):

India: Sourav Ganguly (Captain), S. Ramesh, Shiv Sunder Das, Rahul Dravid, Hemang Badani, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, Nayan Mongia, Zaheer Khan, Venkatesh Prasad, Venkatapathy Raju, Harbhajan Singh, Sarandeep Singh and Ashish Nehra.

Australia: Steve Waugh, Michael Slater, Mathew Hayden, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Damien Fleming, Colin Miller, Damien Martyn and Brad Haddin.

Umpires: Messrs Peter Willey and S.K. Bansal; Third umpire: Mr. Samir Bandekar; Reserve umpire: Mr. L.P. Verma; Match Referee: Mr. Cammie Smith.

Hours of play: 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 am, 12.15 p.m. to 2.15 p.m and 2.30 p.m. onwards.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Manan Chandra triumphs
Next     : Selection inconsistency to the fore