News

Stumped!

Plays of the day

Amit Varma and Osman Samiuddin
26-Mar-2005
When Danish Kaneria came on in the 81st over of the day, Virender Sehwag was approaching a double century. Typically, rather than slow down, he seized on the opportunity to continue his dominance over the Karachi leggie. The very first ball was dispatched high over long-off for four. Later, he cut him through third man for four more. Nine runs and dominance re-asserted. Kaneria looked down, smothered by the best players of legspin, but was he out?
In his next over, Sehwag, on 199 continued to attack. He skewed one high over point for two to bring up his double. Yet two balls later Kaneria, belatedly, got his man, Sehwag playing across the line and scooping the ball back to the bowler. He had been hammered, possibly scarred by Sehwag's assault but he wasn't beaten. A couple of overs later a poignant footnote was added.
Sourav Ganguly, once legendarily dismissive of spinners but now woefully out of form, was dropped by Younis Khan at silly mid-off. The very next ball he stepped out, was completely deceived by Kaneria's googly and duly stumped. Kaneria back in the game and Ganguly down ... and out? (OS)
Like making love
Virender Sehwag plays cricket as if he is making love, with lust and abandon. He does not think twice when the moment is there to do what just has to be done, and where some other men would be cautious, he goes right ahead and does it. Slow down approaching the end of the day? Not Veeru. Be cautious approaching a landmark? Remember Multan. Cautious on 147 as his 150 comes up? Ha.
So he plonked his right foot down as Danish Kaneria bowled it where Sehwag wanted him to, and heeeeaved it over long on for six, a puff of dust coming from the pitch, as if it was gasping. The crowd went into raptures, their most basic instincts aroused, and sated, by this amazing batsman, who has now crossed 150 the last six times he has crossed 100. It is good, but for Virender Sehwag, it isn't enough. (AV)
Amit Varma is contributing editor of Cricinfo. He writes the independent blogs, India Uncut and The Middle Stage.
Osman Samiuddin is a freelance cricket writer based in Karachi. He is following the Pakistan team on their tour of India.