Indians in position to dictate course
Sourav Ganguly won the toss on a belter of a pitch and the Indians made full use of it on the opening day of the second Test at the VCA ground at Nagpur
Woorkheri Raman
26-Nov-2000
Sourav Ganguly won the toss on a belter of a pitch and the Indians
made full use of it on the opening day of the second Test at the VCA
ground at Nagpur. The openers Das and Ramesh provided a good start
with Ramesh dominating the attack. He was in good touch and executed a
few exquisite drives on the off side. Just when he was looking set for
a big score a poor judgement brought about his dismissal. Heath
Streak, the Zimbabwe skipper threw down the stumps at the nonstriker's
end with Ramesh short of his crease. Ramesh has only himself to blame
as it was his call and he would have been kicking himself in the
dressing room watching every Indian batsman make the most of the
friendly conditions.
Shiv Sunder Das, the compact opener from Orissa, got his maiden
century in only his third Test. He was slow to start off which is
understandable when one considers that he was playing for his career.
Once he settled down he cut fiercely against the medium pacers and he
also used his feet well against the spinners to play some classic
drives in front of the wicket. He was unfortunate to be adjudged
caught at slip but he played an innings of character displaying fine
temperament and decisive footwork. He is a player for the future and
he is also the answer for the selectors with regard to the opener's
slot.
Dravid is having a whale of a time in this series as he once again
tormented the Zimbabwe attack. He is one who does not let go of
opportunities and he is cashing in on his good form. He was severe on
anything short and with the visitors lacking discipline in their
bowling it was all there to be had. The ruthless nature in Dravid came
to the fore as he methodically squashed any hopes the Zimbabweans
might have entertained. He was in such control that he was hardly
troubled by any bowler. He is set to score another century and his
presence at the crease will be a nightmare for the visitors. So much
so that Dravid slowed down towards the closing stages which is an
indication of his hunger for runs.
Tendulkar gave the impression that he was more keen on grinding the
attack by playing in a very restrained manner. He was trying to ensure
that he did not get out to the leg spinner as did happen in both the
innings at Delhi. I get the impression that he would come out in the
morning and fire on all cylinders as the new ball was taken late in
the evening. The hardness of the ball will definitely facilitate
driving on the up and one can see Tendulkar play some majestic drives
in the first hour of the second day.
The Indians have included five bowlers in this Test by capping
Sharandeep Singh and bringing in the latest product of the MRF Pace
Foundation, Zaheer Khan. Laxman and Kartik were dropped and I
personally feel sorry for Laxman as he finds himself in no man's land.
His decision to play in the middle order has backfired on him badly
and with Das cementing his place at least temporarily, Laxman is bound
to be left in the lurch.
The hosts are in a commanding position and it is upto them to dictate
the course of the match. They have to get their runs quickly enough to
give time for the bowlers to bowl the opponents out twice. The pitch
being totally in favour of the batsmen, it will be very hard work for
the bowlers. Then of course that is what international cricket is all
about and the bowlers have to be positive in order to bowl India to
victory.