India has found another gem

By securing a draw against the odds, India has kept the series alive and confirmed that its fighting spirit remains intact. It is no small matter to save a match after falling a long way behind and losing a couple of early wickets with a long tail to follow. India could easily have lost heart in the face of the onslaught and well have blamed defeat upon the various misfortunes that befell the team during the match. Instead the tourists mustered all their strength to bat right through that fascinating final day.

Really it was a titanic effort, though the great liner did sink whilst India remains afloat. Now the Indians can hold their heads high as they prepare to play England again in its northern stronghold.

India's top batsmen all responded to the need of the hour with resolute innings. Sourav Ganguly deserves credit for his effort because he always draws the fiercest fire, but still managed to keep his wicket intact till the bowlers were too tired to launch one last assault with the second new ball.

Gangles is one of those fellows timid on the surface and tough underneath. He looks fragile and youthful and the fast bowlers think they can scare him. But captains cannot show any sign of weakness and Sourav stood his ground for many hours as the Englishmen hurled their spears at him. It was a courageous contribution from a leader whose manners upset critics so much that he is often denied his just desserts. Apart from anything else, Ganguly has lasted a long time and seems to be inspiring his younger players. He is captaining a side with thin bowling resources and in the middle of a long trip far from home. It is not an easy task.

Rahul Dravid also did well with a wonderfully defiant and patient knock. He is a lovely player to watch and a fierce competitor as well. In the interests of the team he has taken the gloves in 50-over cricket and in Nottingham he put his head down to show colleagues that safety could be reached though it was far away and a mighty effort was required. He batted skilfully and stylishly and with immense determination.

Rahul has many times confirmed that he is not a lightweight and that a good brain and artistic sensibilities can be turned to advantage by those with firm intentions. He batted magnificently against Australia in Kolkata a year or so ago, and this innings was every bit as good.

Sachin Tendulkar also rose to the occasion and might have scored a double ton but for a careless moment against a part-time spinner. Before the match local journalists had suggested that England had his number and that further failures were inevitable. These were dangerous words, for it is not wise to awaken a sleeping tiger. Tendulkar counter-attacked fearlessly after India had lost those early wickets, thereby showing his comrades that runs were important and it was no use simply trying to imitate a crab, digging in till the tide came in to sweep it out to sea.

Tendulkar's game seemed to be in order and his fall was a lapse suggesting that concentration remains a slight problem. Still, he served his team superbly and is only human. The pressures on him would have broken a lesser man long ago.

Happily, India's tail also wagged. Ajit Agarkar might not terrify anyone with his bowling, but he bats with his heart. Harbhajan Singh's runs in the first innings were vital as they took India to a reasonable total and indicated that the tailenders had realised their responsibilities. Parthiv Patel impressed and delighted friend and foe alike with his stout effort on the last afternoon. He was composed and thoughtful as he helped his elders through those testing hours.

Patel is full of promise and India has found another gem. Perhaps he is the answer to a position that has been a weak point for some time. Certainly he must play again.

Thanks to these valiant deeds India drew the match. It is worth remembering Winston Churchill's words after the withdrawal from Dunkirk and all the praise that followed. "We cannot afford many victories of this sort," the great warrior intoned.

India was outplayed; the bowling was not up to its task. Zaheer Khan was harshly treated by the umpires primed to protect the wicket. The fuss about his follow-through was ridiculous and unsettling. No one talks about Glenn McGrath making footmarks for Shane Warne. Ashish Nehra must rediscover his inswinger. Agarkar is not much of a threat. Harbhajan Singh needs guidance and relief and must add to his skills.

India must hope that its reserve openers take their chance in the friendlies and that its bowling improves or a draw will be as far as this fight-back goes.

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Batting is India's best hope
England look formidable

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