Friday, Apr 26, 2002
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Cricket
By Vijay Lokapally
ON A ROLL: Dinesh Mongia (left), V.V.S. Laxman (centre) and Wasim Jaffer during the practice session on the eve of India's match against Busta XI at St. Lucia on Thursday.— Photo: V.V. Krishnan
Given the state of West Indian cricket, the Indians were expected to improve upon their dismal Test record overseas. There were occasions when one thought India looked like losing its grip but it eventually pulled through. The team management was right in describing the triumph as a refreshing statement confirming the fact that the players have finally discovered the benefits of a collective performance. What stood out was the manner in which each player chipped in, said skipper Sourav Ganguly, who has promised not to allow the Indian domination to subside. "We'll only go from strength to strength after this victory", said the Indian captain. As the team flew into this enchanting island, it backed itself strongly to translate its potential into a meaningful exercise on the field. The three-day match against the Busta XI, starting Friday, should provide the seniors a chance to relax as the Indians opted to play all the reserves in this match at the National cricket ground here. Reflecting on the first Test, the Indian camp had a few gains from the victory and the most substantial happened to be V.V.S. Laxman. Despite his awesome batting talent, this Hyderabadi has remained under pressure to perform, what with the likes of Virender Sehwag pushing him hard in the middle-order. But Laxman, with two neat knocks in the first Test, has managed to silence criticism that had come to haunt him in recent times. He was being subjected to needless pressure with even the National selectors joining the act. With scores of 69, 69 not out and 74 in his last three Test innings, Laxman would have effectively silenced the criticism surrounding his attitude. He has looked distinctly confident of assuming the responsibility in the middle order to ease the workload of Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid. For the team management, the latest concerns are in the opening slot where Shiv Sundar Das has not looked convincing. Even Sanjay Bangar has failed to consolidate his position, not making any substantial contribution with the bat or the ball. It is another matter that no effort has been made to boost the confidence of this cricketer. Bangar has looked shaky and could be reverted back to his number seven batting position, which meant there was a chance for Deep Dasgupta to stage an immediate comeback as an opener. It is indeed shocking that Dasgupta continues to be in the reckoning despite his abysmal glove work. There was already talk of the Bengal wicketkeeper returning for the third Test, giving nightmares to the bowlers who have dreaded the sight of this man behind the stumps. In any case, it would be grossly unfair if Ajay Ratra is excluded after just one match. Dasgupta has hardly looked part of the set up, making it a point not to wear the team colours when leaving the ground. The match against Busta XI should provide Wasim Jaffer to stake his claims, provided he gets a decent score. Among the lot available in the country, Jaffer deserves a break, and he certainly deserves to be backed because he has the technique and temperament to succeed as a partner to Das. The team management's experiments will continue with Dinesh Mongia in the fray for the opener's position. The Punjab left-hander may have the right attitude for the job but what of his technique. He finds himself in the same position as Laxman in the past. To Mongia's credit, he has made himself available to bat wherever the team management deems fit. Anil Kumble will be on test in the three-day match. What a pity that this acknowledged match winner is being asked to prove his credentials all over again. Ganguly will sit out the match along with Tendulkar, Dravid, Javagal Srinath, Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan. "I want the three bowlers to rest and be fully charged for the Test", said Ganguly. For the home team, this would mean a platform for some aspirants to make their presence felt. By including four seamers Ronako Morton, Pedro Collins, Darren Powell and Kerry Jeremy, the Caribbean selectors have indicated their intentions to look for a performing bowler. The presence of three slow men leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine, left-arm spinner Ryan Hinds and off-spinner Gareth Breese also reflects on the range of attack the selectors have been planning for this season. The match should provide a chance to Devon Smith, one of the best openers in the Caribbean. Being left-handed is a strong point that Smith can capitalise upon against the Indian bowlers. Wavell Hinds, Darren Ganga and Ridley Jacobs add to the strength of the Busta XI. Blue waters and unspoilt beaches of this dainty island beckoned the Indians who deserved this break from the hectic world of cricket. The win at the Queens Park Oval may have generated wild reactions back home but the team has wisely tempered its celebrations, for there is plenty left in the series yet. Among the most scenic islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a destination for those seeking to relax. Of course, the beauty of the place is breathtaking and worth a visit for those who value nature. People come to St. Lucia for a holiday; we were told upon arrival here. The Indian cricketers can well have one ahead of the third Test at Barbados even as forecast of rain in St. Lucia threatened to spoil their party. The teams : India: S. S. Das, Dinesh Mongia, Wasim Jaffer, V. V. S. Laxman, Ajay Ratra, Harbhajan Singh, Sarandeep Singh, Anil Kumble, Deep Dasgupta, Tinu Yohannan, and Sanjay Bangar. Busta XI (from) : Ridley Jacobs, Devon Smith, Darren Ganga, Wavell Hinds, Ryan Hinds, Tino Best, Kerry Jeremy, Dinanath Ramnarine, Darren Powell, Gareth Breese, Pedro Collins and Runako Morton.
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