Pakistan held India to a draw in second Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkatta and thus keeps this series alive, which India leads 1-0, with one more to go at Bangalore.
INDIA POSTED A HUGE TOTAL
Indian batsmen feasted on a weakened Pakistan bowling attack on a fine batting pitch. Wasim Jaffer cracked a fine double century. It is nice to see him convert his fine start into a huge score though against a weakened attack. Sourav Ganguly scored his first Test hundred at his home ground. It must have been a fulfilling moment for him. Laxman continued his fine form with an unbeaten century.
MISHAB & AKMAL CAME GOOD
Pakistan top order failed once again. It was Mishab-ul-Haq again who rescued his team. But this time he found an able partner in Kamran Akmal. Their partnership thwarted India’s chance of a win. It must give their side a huge confidence. These (their partnership) kinds of moments can clearly shift the momentum towards them.
TAME DRAW
Though getting wickets in this pitch was difficult, India failed to utilize few chances. Few dropped catches cost them dearly. Younis Khan’s fine century in fourth innings further ensured that this match ended in a draw. I agree that bowling on these type of pitches is difficult, still I feel Indian bowlers must hone their skills to get wickets on any type of surface.
INJURY CONCERNS
There is some injury concerns for India in pace bowling department. Sreesanth is ruled out for the Australian series (though for first two Tests). RP Singh fitness is also of little concern. So Munaf Patel’s form and fitness is so crucial. He is getting better by each day. Team management must give him enough confidence and have faith in him.
Releasing Yuvraj for the Ranji match was a good decision. The idea is to keep him match-fit, instead of keeping him carrying drinks and making him rusty. Unfortunately he was not able to play in that Ranji match due to food poisoning.
INDIA vs PAKISTAN, II TEST at EDEN GARDENS, 2007
INDIA POSTED A HUGE TOTAL
Indian batsmen feasted on a weakened Pakistan bowling attack on a fine batting pitch. Wasim Jaffer cracked a fine double century. It is nice to see him convert his fine start into a huge score though against a weakened attack. Sourav Ganguly scored his first Test hundred at his home ground. It must have been a fulfilling moment for him. Laxman continued his fine form with an unbeaten century.
MISHAB & AKMAL CAME GOOD
Pakistan top order failed once again. It was Mishab-ul-Haq again who rescued his team. But this time he found an able partner in Kamran Akmal. Their partnership thwarted India’s chance of a win. It must give their side a huge confidence. These (their partnership) kinds of moments can clearly shift the momentum towards them.
TAME DRAW
Though getting wickets in this pitch was difficult, India failed to utilize few chances. Few dropped catches cost them dearly. Younis Khan’s fine century in fourth innings further ensured that this match ended in a draw. I agree that bowling on these type of pitches is difficult, still I feel Indian bowlers must hone their skills to get wickets on any type of surface.
INJURY CONCERNS
There is some injury concerns for India in pace bowling department. Sreesanth is ruled out for the Australian series (though for first two Tests). RP Singh fitness is also of little concern. So Munaf Patel’s form and fitness is so crucial. He is getting better by each day. Team management must give him enough confidence and have faith in him.
Releasing Yuvraj for the Ranji match was a good decision. The idea is to keep him match-fit, instead of keeping him carrying drinks and making him rusty. Unfortunately he was not able to play in that Ranji match due to food poisoning.
INDIA vs PAKISTAN, II TEST at EDEN GARDENS, 2007
No comments:
Post a Comment