INDIA WINS KANPUR TEST

India won the second Test match by an innings and 144 runs against Srilanka to lead the 3-match series 1-0. Incidentally this was India’s 100^th Test victory.

Scorecard: India vs Srilanka, 2^nd Test, 2009, Kanpur

Toss Factor & Poor Display by Lankans

Sadly, this Test match happened to be decided by the toss. Win the toss, bat first, score 500 odd runs and bowl out the opposition twice. This was the routine followed in this match. Having said that, it was a poor all-round display by Srilankans. Lankan bowlers did not make Indian batsmen toil for runs. M&M (Murali & Mendis) magic was missing in this series so far. They even do not look like producing a decent performance. Moreover, they are playing with only one genuine pace bowler. A specialist pace bowler should have played instead of Angelo Matthews. They did drop Sehwag in the very first over and it cost them very dearly. They did not bat well either. The pressure of 600 runs got to them and they succumbed to the pressure.

Run Feast by Indian Batsmen

Sehwag and Gambhir produced a double-century partnership at a brisk pace that is very good for even one-dayers. Sehwag scored more than run a ball century. Meanwhile Gambhir scored centuries in four consecutive Test matches, which equaled the Indian record, by scoring 167 runs in the first innings. Then Rahul Dravid followed up with his 28^th century and in the process crossed Allan Border to become 4^th highest run-getter in Test Cricket history. Laxman and Yuvraj also chipped in with half-centuries each.

Sreesanth Show

First of all selection of Sreesanth in the Test squad surprised me. Then his performance of 5-wicket haul really surprised me. Everyone knew that he has a great potential. He can swing the ball either way, though his stock delivery is the one which moves away from right-handers. I hope he concentrates only on his cricket and not on any other antics. His first-class bowling average of 32.16 suggests that he is not consistent despite his potential. I hope he improves on that aspect as well. Meanwhile, Ojha made an impressive debut. But I must say that Amit Mishra was hard done and should be given another chance. As long as Ojha is performing and India winning nobody will complain.

INDIA WINS THE TEST SERIES IN NEWZEALAND AFTER 41 LONG YEARS

India wins a Test series in NewZealand after 41 years. India wins this 3-match Test series 1-0 after the final Test match ending in a draw due to rain and bad light.

SCORECARD: India vs NewZealand, 3^rd Test, Wellington, 2009

Lower order strikes for India

India was struggling for 200 odd runs with the loss of 6 wickets in the first innings after the dismissal of Rahul Dravid. But Dhoni and Harbhajan took their chances and made runs at a faster pace. Literally all the tail-enders joined the run feast and made sizeable contributions.

Zaheer routes Kiwis

Zaheer Khan came up with a brilliant spell to dismiss Kiwis to a paltry total. He was ably supported by Bhajji. India had a huge first innings lead of 182 runs. Kiwis were on back foot immediately after their cheap dismissal.

Gambhir notches up another second-innings century

Gambhir continued his rich vein of batting form. In the last Test match he played one of the best match-saving knock. In this Test match he played a knock which had put his team into a very comfortable lead. Rahul, Laxman, Yuvraj and Dhoni also notched up good scores in the second innings.

Rain plays spoilsport

Bad light and rain helped Kiwis escape with a draw. In Kiwi second innings, Ross Taylor came up with a fine century and put obstacles to India’s victory. There was huge criticism on Dhoni for the late declaration. On hindsight, the late declaration had cost India’s victory in this Test match. But that decision may not be entirely of Dhoni’s, the seniors like Sachin, Rahul, Laxman and Sehwag would have been consulted. I feel Indian think thank had not completely anticipated this kind of extreme weather disruptions.

Rahul Dravid - India’s Finest Slip Fielder

During the Kiwis second innings, Rahul Dravid took a nice sharp catch from the blade of McIntosh off Zaheer Khan’s bowling to break Mark Waugh’s record for most Test catches.

INDIA FORCES KIWIS TO A STALEMATE AT NAPIER

India’s resolute batting in their second innings secured them a draw against Kiwis in the second Test match at Napier. India now leads the 3 match series 1-0.

SCORECARD: India vs NewZealand, II Test, Napier, 2009

Dropped Catches
“Catches win Matches” is the famous Cricket proverb. Both the team failed to latch on important chances. Indian team dropped few catches, which allowed Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder to build a huge total for the Kiwis. Kiwis missed an easy run out chance against Rahul Dravid early on the fourth day morning and then dropped a sitter from the blade of Gambhir just after the last day lunch session. Things would have been completely different had any of the teams succeeded in grasping those chances.

NewZealand Lacks Penetration
Kiwis clearly lack penetration in their bowling. They need the “Bond” power. ICL offer to release Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey is too late for Kiwis to utilize them in this series. Anyway that offer is great for NewZealand Cricket in immediate future.

Gambhir Played his Best Knock
Gambhir palyed his best knock of his career in the second innings. Though it is not by any means a fluent knock, it is best in terms of application, concentration, bailing out his team from a difficult situation and in displaying another facet of his game.

Good Knocks by Sachin and Laxman
Sachin played fluently in both the innings. Laxman played well in both the innings. Their knocks in both the innings contributed to India’s cause. It is nice to see all the three veterans coming good. These guys definitely deserve a series win in NewZealand.

“The Wall” is Back
The real God of Indian Cricket is back. I would not say he is back to his vintage best (match-winning), but to his typical best (match-saving). I am happy with his performance in this Test match. But as a fan I want more, a match-winning century in the next Test match.