The game is the biggest loser

It is indeed unfortunate that the third Test has been declared `unofficial' by the International Cricket Council (ICC). A decision that makes one sad, for ultimately the game is the biggest loser.

With India fighting back to force a draw in Port Elizabeth, keeping the series alive in the process, an interesting contest was on the cards. However, ICC's decision has taken the gloss away from the match.

All due to one man's folly. Had Mike Denness displayed better judgment during the second Test, things would never have come to a stage where political intervention became inevitable.

Instead, he acted in a biased and reckless manner to trigger the unfortunate sequence of events. In fact, Denness' actions defeated the very purpose of having a Match Referee - to bring about order in the game.

Having said this, it was also puzzling why the Indian team- management did not field Virendra Sehwag in the Test after the removal of Denness for the encounter.

With the official status being removed from this match, the one- Test ban imposed on Sehwag would now come into effect only during first Test against England at Mohali.

In any case, the BCCI had wanted Denness' decisions to be reviewed, and with the ICC declining the request, there was little need for the Indian Board to keep Sehwag away, once it had, with support from the UCBSA, chosen a brave path by dumping the former England captain.

On a good pitch for batting, and against a pretty ordinary pace attack, save Shaun Pollock, the Indians came up short. However, the batting of Deep Dasgupta, who offered solid resistance, this time lower down the order, was heartwarming.

Dasgupta also showed that he was flexible - being shunted up and down the order does not seem to affect him. One hopes the Bengal cricketer keeps up his good work.

It was also nice to see Anil Kumble display character with the bat yet again. A cricketer should strive to make a contribution all the time, and Kumble, otherwise struggling with the ball, is doing just that.

by K.SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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Section  : Sport
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