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Laxman was wristy and unbelievably consistent with his shots against the spinner © AFP
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Ramiz Raja: It was another day scripted specially for India. All of Bengal was glued to [Sourav] Ganguly's bat and every shot he played, Kolkata played it with him. His 100, in fact upstaged everything else, including VVS Laxman's artistry.
The Indian batsmen were relentless and maintained constant pressure on Pakistan by scoring at more than four an over, which is extremely good for Test cricket.
A lot was expected from [Danish] Kaneria on a crusty track but his bowling was bludgeoned by the Laxman-Ganguly partnership. Both, as we all know, are masters against spin. Laxman was wristy and unbelievably consistent with his shots against the spinners. Ganguly was driving [Kaneria] at will, out of the rough, thus flattening Pakistan's only real weapon on this track.
However, Pakistan's effort on the field was a lot better today. The fielders looked engaged and the bowlers bowled with a lot more purpose, but without any real success.
India have all their bases covered. While a big total will allow India to play at an aggressive pace all the time, Pakistan on the other hand, will need to find different exit routes to get out of jail. Runs will have to be scored to ease the pressure and more importantly they will mentally need to handle the pressure well and focus on the job at hand. [Anil] Kumble will have to be played more with the bat and Harbhajan [Singh] more with the pad. So they [Pakistani batsmen] will have to employ different strategies for different Indian bowlers.
The Indian batsmen, by occupying the crease for almost the whole day, have given their bowlers - especially their spinners - a perfect worn-out pitch to bowl on and attack Pakistan.
Surprisingly, the Pakistani fast bowlers did not bowl cutters on this pitch that was showing signs of variation. There were a few slower deliveries and the run-of-the-mill stuff that was well handled by the Indian batsmen. But a few off-cutters from [Mohammad] Sami - which bounced and spun - looked dangerous. But neither Sami nor the other bowlers took a hint and they missed a trick. I'm sure that the Indian pacers, especially Zaheer Khan, will look to bowl differently. They have now seen what clicks and what doesn't on this pitch after seeing Pakistan toil for two days.
It is still too early for me to say if Pakistan can draw this. Pakistan are in a mess. But they must fight and if they have to go down, they have to go down fighting. India look favourites to take Pakistan out of this game and win the series.
Wot a great moment, I was so happy to finally see the Prince of Calcutta himself, getting that long awaited hundred in what could possibly be his last Test match at the fabulous Eden Gardens. Absolutely fantastic!! Also have to mention all the other wonderful batting performances, Dravid's 50, Tendulkars classy 82, Laxman beautifully stroked 112no, Jaffers dominant 202, and I especially liked MS Dhoni's little gem at the end of the innings. Definitely the most entertaining 1st innings of a Test match I have ever seen. India's batting was magnificent!
Posted by cyborg on (December 01 2007, 22:14 PM GMT)on the test series ganguly and laxman played magnificant especially against kaneria beautiful game . on england and srilanka i believe england dont need to be worried with spin only two men dilharo fernando and chaminda vass forget murali .sangakarra ,another wonderful innings england have no chance sorry english fans thankyou
Posted by umairhuda on (December 01 2007, 20:39 PM GMT)Indian batting demolish pakistani attack,, no doubt that Pakistan was no where yesterday and today..Pakistan is still playing with Danish Kaneria and Kamral Akmal,,Even they have Sarfaraz Ahmed and Qaiser Abbas as their alternate. Pakistan is capable to bat for long time as Younis did in the past, Mohd. Yousuf is there and now Misbah with Faisal can bat well and I hope they will do that.. They have to bat with free mind and take the pressure..
Posted by rohit_batra123 on (December 01 2007, 19:55 PM GMT)wonderful job by indian batsmen on a dead track. but it will be a different story down under. india would do well to win this series and go to Australia with match winning confidence. but beating this depleted Pakistani side should not be that hard. the trick should be taking 20 wickets to win the match. Harbhajan MUST give the ball some flight. like he did against the Aussies in his milestone performance.It will be interesting to see if indian bowlers are even capable of bowling "attackingly" like Mr. raja suggests.....
Posted by League on (December 01 2007, 19:15 PM GMT)I think Paki will fight back and will end in a draw, also india doesnot have enough firepower to take 20 wickets in this pitch.