Sport

A good feeling, says Karthik

Nottingham: Dinesh Karthik’s 77 at Trent Bridge was his fifth score of over 50 in five Tests since he opened the batting at Cape Town in January.

Of these, two have come against England in England and one against South Africa in South Africa: a creditable record in testing conditions for a specialist opener, let alone a wicketkeeper who has fashioned himself into one to make the side.

But, Karthik is an ambitious 22-year-old, and he rued not making a century.

“A hundred was there for the asking,” said Karthik, “and to get out in the first ball after tea was definitely disappointing. If I had gone on, a hundred was on the cards.”

It pays not to be satisfied too easily — his disappointment at falling short is a good sign; but, he must guard against discontent consuming him.

Was his positive intent designed to throw the bowlers off in helpful conditions? “The new ball was definitely doing a bit.” Karthik said, “probably not as much as the first day, but they had two good swing bowlers as well.

“Sidebottom bowled well to me today, he hit me on the box a couple of times, got me on the hand. But we needed to be positive and it later became like any other pitch,” he said.

How would he assess his transition to opener? “You guys should tell me that,” he said, “but I think I’ve given it my best shot. I’ve worked on areas I was weak at in domestic cricket. Now to be here in England and score a couple of fifties gives me a good feeling.”

Karthik’s partnership with Jaffer has surpassed expectations though it isn’t yet phenomenal, the word Karthik used to describe it.

The pair have now raised century stands in the three series they have opened together.

“Every series we’ve played till now, we’ve got a century stand,” Karthik said.

“Be it South Africa, Bangladesh or England, so that’s phenomenal. We need to give the team a good start so that the middle order can consolidate,” he added.

Karthik had spoken to Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Sachin Tendulkar after the Lord’s Test about his batting. Apart from his desire to improve, it shows, refreshingly, that he still is a fan; he made public the awe he holds Tendulkar in.

“I’m so happy to be part of this team and I’m honoured that a person like Sachin even knows my name. It’s such a fantastic feeling for me.

“For me he’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen, and I’m a hundred per cent sure he’s going to beat the record. There’s no doubt about that. It’s just a matter of time,” Karthik said.

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