India should have won with ease

Chennai was lucky to get yet another glorious Test match, after the dramatic contest against Pakistan in '99, with the winner not spotted until the very end.

It was a gripping finish in the end. However, the Indians should have won with ease, and need not have messed it up during the chase, which made things very difficult for them indeed. Full marks to the Aussies, who kept fighting till the end and revealed the typical Aussie resolve in adversity. The Indians tend to get bogged down during the chase, and this is where they often encounter problems, as the pressure builds up. India should have won the Test with eight wickets, and they almost let the match slip from their grasp.

Towards the end, Dighe came up with a crucial knock. But Laxman's innings was crucial too. He is in glorious form these days, and seems to have so much time at his disposal. He has also revealed a distinct liking for additional responsibility also and this is why he suits the No 3. slot to the hilt. Importantly, he is a dominant batsman, who likes to call the shots.

However, Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has to work on his stroke selection outside the off-stump. Time and again, he has been a prey to deliveries leaving him from the off-stump.

And of course, the hero for India was Harbhajan Singh. The off- spinner cast his spell on the Aussie batsmen in the series, and what sets him apart is the bounce he is able to extract. It is this combination of turn and bounce that has made him so dangerous.

To top it all, he is operating on an impeccable off- stump line and is having the time of his life. In the coming days, he will have to play a bigger role to play. Harbhajan has shown he is an intelligent bowler too, working away at a batsman's weaknesses, never allowing punishment to bother him.

The Indians, under fire from all quarters, in the beginning of the series, have bounced back in style. This was an important series victory for them. Bouncing back from a defeat in the first Test is never easy in a three-Test series and the Indians deserve all credit for their stirring fightback.

Importantly, they should keep the momentum going.

By K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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