08 April 2008

Look West



No point arguing about it - South Africa have India on their knees and are "aiming to penetrate" so to speak. All those ghost-written Boucher articles may touch a nerve - but most of what he says is true. Steyn and Ntini (like the dudes to the left) have opened a few ol' wounds, and it will take an effort of colossal psychological magnitude to pull this one back.
At times like this, when a team looks bereft of life, inspiration can come from unlikely sources. Apart from the source, there should be an open welcoming mind that will recognize inspiration when it hits it in the face. All good wanting to be Australia, but education can come from the neglected Windies too.

Gayle is shit against Vaas and he knew it. But 1-0 down, he knuckled down, and did not give Vaas his wicket, and made a valuable 45 in the first innings, on what looked like a lively wicket, inspiring debutant and opening partner Chattegoon to do the same along the way.

The man whose attitude is always being questioned- Sarwan made telling contributions in both innings' - proved once again that he is a match winner.

The West Indian Wall, the chrab, gave one of his stabdard performances when it really really mattered.

Traditional strengths to the fore: a pace triumvurate that performed to its history.

Lots of lessons. You should've taken notes, Gary.

8 comments:

TM said...

I hope they play Yuvraj - my gut screams out that he will get runs in a manner that will inspire the rest of this side to do a little better. I hope Kumble /Dhoni are listening :-) - play him and we stand a chance to inspire ourselves to win, else, this series is lost. And this from someone who is not a huge Yuvraj in test cricket fan.

Jrod said...

Fancy comparing Samuel to Ntini.

John said...

Ya, if it is going to be a rank turner anyway will it make a difference if we play two spinners or three? So that makes space for a batsman to replace Tendulkar.

My objection however is that I dont feel Yuvi is absolutely fit after all the knee troubles, and therefore should spend time getting fit and countering spin.

straight point said...

i second john on this...

we have had enough of half fit players...

let kaif show what metal he is made of...

John said...

Ya boss, let's take that hit. No unfit players in the side. Arpy drove me mad.

Anonymous said...

India collapsed even before gary could open his notebook lol... the key issue I suppose they are depleted from excessive cricket played and loaded with injuries. In the time they recover they should use the other bench strength. the problem right now which I perceive is those guys force themselves to play because they are scared that is they sit out, they may never come back in... like in the case of Dravid in the ODIs.

Gaurav Sethi said...

Windies was trying to be Lanka, Sarwan-Cha'pal - Kumar-Mahela. But for that, Lanka had to be Windies. And lose.

Soulberry said...

I'd be gearing up for more of similar kind when the transitions are complete.