It has been an eventful Test match so far. While the Indian domination continued like in the one-dayers, Sehwag's historic feat made this match a more memorable one.
Enforcing the follow-on was a bold, and right, decision. India can now hope for victory. But I am also concerned about Zaheer Khan's fitness. His absence can distort the very balance of the Indian attack.
This Test will always be etched in memory for Viru's great achievement. This triple hundred will take his confidence to a new level. A six over mid-wicket to cross the 300 run mark only shows that records and cold statistics can never get the better of Sehwag's cricketing attitude.
Viru's rate of scoring reveals one thing clearly his first and foremost priority is the team's goals, not his personal milestones. To me, Sehwag's innings reiterated that the technique of scoring runs is more important than the technique to defend. From my experience I can say that some of India's greatest cricket technicians have killed the game defending their personal reputations, forgetting the importance of scoring runs to match the team's objectives.
If Sachin, Sourav, Rahul and Laxman are considered icons by the current generation of cricket lovers, then Virender Sehwag is all set to be the same for the next generation.
The timing of the declaration has caused some confusion in the Indian camp. I know some are waiting to grab this opportunity and will make all efforts to blow this issue out of proportion. True, Sachin expressed his disappointment at missing an important milestone. But he is too great a sport to keep anything in his heart and make it an issue. After all, he belongs to the same team that took the decision.
The message is loud and clear the team objective is the priority.
I am puzzled why the Pakistan team management opted for such a placid track. A team that boasts of an embarrassment of riches when it comes to fast bowlers has certainly lost the initiative. To add to the Pakistani bowlers bowling short or too full, their fielders did not do them any favours with their butter fingers.
Sachin played another gem of a knock. Although it appeared that he was playing second fiddle to Sehwag, the maestro was chiefly responsible for Sehwag creating a new record. Sehwag, I thought, definitely required that support in the centre.
Irfan Pathan has become a wonderful student of the game. He is growing by leaps and bounds in every outing. The swing he achieved was far more superior and dangerous than that of his Pakistani counterparts, who were mostly operating at 90 miles per hour.
My concern is whether our bowlers will be able to sustain the energy levels needed to keep up the good work they have done so far. No doubt Sachin is chipping in with a few good overs. His magic delivery to Moin Khan on Tuesday would have made even Shane Warne envious. But on such tracks, it is always good to have a regular fifth bowler to fill in the overs.
Basically the fifth bowler will bowl a few tight spells to give the main bowlers a rest, so that they can then come back with renewed vigour. On such wickets, bowlers are bound to get tired.
Physio Andrew Leipus and trainer Gregory Allen King must be spending sleepless nights. The recovery session for the players will be much longer than usual. A good session in the pool for at least an hour after the game, followed by a good rub on the back, legs, and shoulders is what the recovery session is all about.
There must be a queue outside the physio's room after the hard day's work. But the best bowler of the day gets priority. In my opinion it was Irfan Pathan. Anil showed in this match what experience can deliver. But the way Pathan bowled, you would think he has been playing international cricket for 10 years.
I am amazed by Rahul's captaincy. The way he has led the team is excellent. In Zaheer's absence in the second innings, he used his limited resources perfectly and rang in effective bowling changes to put India on the threshold of an historic victory in Pakistan. His biggest responsibility now is to manage the bowlers in such a way that they don't get tired by overuse.
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