Mid-over blues hit Indians
Wickets in the middle overs are of prime importance and India are missing a trick here, writes Ravi Shastri.
India went down tamely in Kochi and I hope reactions don’t turn to the other extreme now. From the choice of three left-arm fast bowlers in Bangalore, India went for two off-spinners. Australia, after a poor start, again powered to a similar fortune.
What’s the answer? I am sure it has skipper Dhoni and selectors in a bind. That they rested RP Singh showed their desperation. Now, Ramesh Powar would be under their scanner.
If Michael Clarke was classy in Bangalore, Hayden’s brute strength allowed him to overcome his lack of reach on certain deliveries. Harbhajan looked good whenever he bowled an off-stump line but it wasn’t always that he stuck to this option.
I would still go with the spin options we have. Wickets in the middle overs are of prime importance and India are missing a trick here.
Dhoni also needs to do a rethink on chasing option. With the bowling resources they have, putting up runs beforehand could be a better ploy.
Clarke shone in Bangalore and Hayden and Symonds picked up the threads in Kochi. Haddin has taken to these conditions like duck to water.
India’s batting was undone by some smart work in the field. The catches off Sachin and Yuvraj showed the extent to which Australia had planned. Dravid’s catch showcased they weren’t prepared to let go.
There is also an edge between the two teams. India wouldn’t back off and a few ugly scenes are about to happen. The match referee needs to have a quiet word failing which he should penalize to make others fall in line. India have to win a game in the next two or else they will be up against a fast train running away with the loot.
TCM
Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.