LANKANS WINS THE TEST SERIES

Srilanka defeated India by 8 wickets in the third and final Test match at Colombo Saravanamuttu Stadium to win the series 2-1.

SCORECARD: India vs Srilanka, III Test, Colombo (Saravanamuttu), 2008.

Out-of-form Fab4

The fab4 failed miserably in this Test series. Their failure heavily affected India’s fortunes in the series. Had any one of them scored a century in the first innings of the deciding third Test, the result would have been in India’s favor. Dravid’s effort in the second innings is too late. The opening pair of Sehwag and Gambhir is the leading scorers for India in this Test series. Gambhir should learn to take responsibility when he is on song. To become great one should contribute and show more resolve when team needs the most.

Ineffective Spinners

Kumble was ineffective for last few series. Even Harbhajan was effective only for the last match. Pacer Ishant Sharma’s injury at wrong time did affect India, but that cannot be said as excuse for India’s poor bowling performances. Batting collapse in the first innings and failure of bowlers to rise to the occasion cost India the match and series.

Brilliant Sangakkara

Sangakkara is having great last few years. He is making most of his good form. He came good when his side needed him the most in the first innings of deciding match. His knock in the first innings is also one of the big factors responsible for the eventual series result. Is he the greatest ever Srilankan batsman ahead of Aravinda De Silva? It is an interesting debate. Congrats to Mendis for winning Man-of-the series award in his very first Test series and also for breaking the record for most number of wickets in debut series!

Time to phase-out

It is time to start phasing-out the senior players. I think Kirsten already had discussions with the senior players in that regard. Before thinking about phasing out the seniors let us throw a question. Whether the bench strength is really pushing for a place in the playing XI? If yes, who are the players? Badrinath is the one who is really ready. No more injustice to Badrinath. Let The Almighty give Vengsarkar & co some common sense. Rohit Sharma certainly has a place reserved in the lineup. But as of now he is atleast a season short of hard domestic grind. The weak link and oldest among the fab4 is Ganguly. Badri should come in the place of Ganguly. Meanwhile Ganguly should be allowed to have graceful exit. I also think it is time for Anil Kumble to bid adieu.