REVIEW OF FIRST TEST AT KOTLA

India won the first Test at Kotla beating Pakistan by 6 wickets and takes the lead in the 3 match series 1-0.

PAKISTAN’S LACKLUSTER BATTING
Actually Pakistan’s lackluster batting in both the innings cost them this match. The big two, Younis and Yousuf, have failed twice. Mishab-ul-Haq is the only saving grace. But he finds ways to self-destruct in every match. Just scoring under pressure is not important, you need to finish the job like the famous Haq (Inzy). Both their openers did well in the second innings, especially Salman Butt. They have to show more application in the next outing.

INDIAN BATTING
Indian batsmen chased the moderate target very well in the fourth innings. They had partnership at crucial junctures in both their innings: Jaffer-Dravid’s partnerships in both the innings, Laxman-Dhoni’s partnership in first innings, and Sachin-Sourav partnership in second innings. All of them were crucial to India’s success. Jaffer need to convert his starts into big ones. Otherwise he is good.

There was lot of media attention over non-inclusion of Yuvraj. As always the place of poor Laxman was under scrutiny. Laxman has better Test record than Ganguly and also played more match-winning innings. Laxman should have higher priority than Ganguly and also a batting slot higher than him. He should bat at No.5. Unfortunately for Yuvi, Ganguly is scoring runs and also fills the role of third seamer. Don’t worry Yuvi! You will get chance! It is around the corner. To fit Yuvi into the team never do the foolish thing of sacrificing one of the openers.

BOWLING
Indian bowlers did well to restrict Pakistani batsmen below 250 in both the innings. But some of the wickets are not earned; indeed they were gifts by Pakistani batsmen. Indian bowlers need to wrap up the tail-enders quickly. Kumble bowled well and deservedly got the man of the match award.

Sohaib Akhtar gave a spirited performance in second innings. Unfortunately he had no support at the other end. Mohammed Asif was sorely missed. Kaneria was not effective against strong Indian batsmen in second innings. Sohail Tanvir bowled well in the first innings.

I am not sure whether Sohaib Malik’s place is secured in Test XI. Pakistan selectors should have convinced Younis Khan. Anyway Indian players will not complain.

INDIA vs PAKISTAN, I TEST at KOTLA in 2007