Day 2
As India started its second day on a batting paradise, it hoped for many things. First, it desperately needed a solid partnership from Sachin and Laxman. That didn’t come as Laxman fell cheaply. Next Indian fans hoped for some good batting display by Sachin Tendulkar. That nearly happened as Sachin compiled a masterful 64 before he fell to Harris. Even though Sachin was batting on a near dead track, he showed signs of getting back his vintage form.
Day 2 was the day, when every Indian batsman showed promise, but got out before they actually delivered! Sehwag, who was kept in the team as a spinner (not my thought, the Indian management actually said it!) was sent in at number 7 like a tail-ender. But Sehwag is an enigma. He is one of the very few batsmen in the world cricket today who have the guts (or shall we call it audacity?) to go after the bowling even after a series of failures. Sehwag particularly attacked Harris who had got two Indian wickets, including that of the Sachin Tendulkar. He used his feet beautifully against the rookie spinner and hit the only six of the match against him!
And then, like other Indian batsmen, Sehwag fell just when he was looking promising.
Although Sehwag was hitting some breathtaking strokes, he was also living dangerously. In the end, circumstances got the better of him and he gave his wicket away to Harris.
Third wicket for an ordinary spinner!
On the other side, Ganguly was fighting a lone battle with a knock that can be called the best knock of the day. He struggled early on, especially against a barrage of short pitched stuff from the South African quicks. He fought his way back and played some majestic drives on the off side (where else?). He was the last one to go as tail didn’t wag this time as it did on the previous occasions. Kumble and Sri Santh fell quickly and Ganguly had no option but to go for his shots. He hit couple of beautiful boundaries and a gigantic six of Harris which injured a lady from the medical staff. But then, trying to slog a blower of Shaun Pollock’s caliber can be dangerous. Ganguly tried that and found out the hard way as he mistimed one to Amla in mid off.
Indian innings was over a 414; a formidable total!
South Africa gave lots of hopes to India when Smith top edged one in the very first delivery which unfortunately went to six over the third man. Soon after that De Villiers got out to Sri Shanth and India started fancying their chances. But it was not to be. Although Smith started shakily, he played some good strokes later on and led from the front for his team. His partner Amla gave him good company and made a composed 50.
If Indians do not improve their bowling tomorrow, we can all see where this match will be going.
Day 2 was the day, when every Indian batsman showed promise, but got out before they actually delivered! Sehwag, who was kept in the team as a spinner (not my thought, the Indian management actually said it!) was sent in at number 7 like a tail-ender. But Sehwag is an enigma. He is one of the very few batsmen in the world cricket today who have the guts (or shall we call it audacity?) to go after the bowling even after a series of failures. Sehwag particularly attacked Harris who had got two Indian wickets, including that of the Sachin Tendulkar. He used his feet beautifully against the rookie spinner and hit the only six of the match against him!
And then, like other Indian batsmen, Sehwag fell just when he was looking promising.
Although Sehwag was hitting some breathtaking strokes, he was also living dangerously. In the end, circumstances got the better of him and he gave his wicket away to Harris.
Third wicket for an ordinary spinner!
On the other side, Ganguly was fighting a lone battle with a knock that can be called the best knock of the day. He struggled early on, especially against a barrage of short pitched stuff from the South African quicks. He fought his way back and played some majestic drives on the off side (where else?). He was the last one to go as tail didn’t wag this time as it did on the previous occasions. Kumble and Sri Santh fell quickly and Ganguly had no option but to go for his shots. He hit couple of beautiful boundaries and a gigantic six of Harris which injured a lady from the medical staff. But then, trying to slog a blower of Shaun Pollock’s caliber can be dangerous. Ganguly tried that and found out the hard way as he mistimed one to Amla in mid off.
Indian innings was over a 414; a formidable total!
South Africa gave lots of hopes to India when Smith top edged one in the very first delivery which unfortunately went to six over the third man. Soon after that De Villiers got out to Sri Shanth and India started fancying their chances. But it was not to be. Although Smith started shakily, he played some good strokes later on and led from the front for his team. His partner Amla gave him good company and made a composed 50.
If Indians do not improve their bowling tomorrow, we can all see where this match will be going.
posted by Raju @ 8:34 AM
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