An aggressive approach to the fore

The Australians, following the debacle at Eden Gardens, have come back like a wounded tiger. In fact, their aggressive approach took one's breath away.

Full marks to opener Matthew Hayden, who went after the Indian spinners, and his onslaught shook the bowlers. The Indian spinners were neither willing to buy their wickets, nor did they attempt to bowl a restrictive line, frustrate the batsmen, and force them to commit mistakes.

The Aussies certainly hold the upper hand now. If they manage to go beyond the 500-run mark, the pressure will be on India since the wicket should really help the spinners towards the end of the fourth day. And, yes, Steve was lucky to win a crucial toss.

And with off-spinner Colin Miller joining Shane Warne, there is that much more in the Aussie spin attack this time around. Miller, omitted for the first two Tests, will certainly be eager to prove a point.

Precisely the reason why the second day's becomes so crucial. India has to first hit back with the ball before looking at other things.

True, there was not much for the bowlers in the pitch, the Indian bowlers could have operated to a plan. Instead, they let things drift, with Nilesh Kulkarni being particularly disappointing.

One also felt Harbhajan Singh, fresh from his exploits in the second Test, tried too hard to get wickets. On such pitches, it also becomes important for a bowler to win the battle of the mind, and work at a batsman relentlessly.

Instead, Harbhajan tried far too many things and went for runs. He is young and one is sure, the off-spinner would learn with experience.

Leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule was slightly underbowled one thought, and he could have been given a longer spell, to enable him to gain in confidence.

And why was Tendulkar not brought on earlier? He troubles the batsmen with his variety each time he is given the ball, yet he was introduced so late.

Indeed, the Aussie approach enabled them to carry the day. They never allowed the bowlers to settle and the manner in which Hayden used the sweep stroke to upset the spinners' rhythm was commendable. He played stroke all round the wicket, and was well supported by Langer, Mark and Steve Waugh.

The Aussies were indeed attacking. It's been a long time since we saw so many sixes on the first day of a Test match at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : A childhood dream comes true
Next     : Sri Lankan press rips home team apart