Extra batsman proved indispensable for India

India's victory at Lord’s was an enormous fillip for a young team and its beleaguered captain. Of course, all captains are under pressure from the armchair critics and Sourav Ganguly’s counterpart went so far as to shake his fist at the English press whose sobriety and sagacity have, in some quarters, occasionally been called in to question. Nasser Hussain might have been better off shrugging his shoulders and echoing George Washington’s comment that 'it's a pity all the best Generals are writing for the newspapers.'

Still, there is a strange and enduring reluctance to give Ganguly any credit for his team's performances that says little about him and a lot about the agendas pursued by his enemies. Fighting spirit could be detected in India's brilliant win and that always reflects well on the leader. Far from being downcast between innings the Vindaloos [Indians] came out with guns blazing.

Ganguly led the way with some audacious strokes whilst Virender Sehwag confirmed his relish for a contest and his desire to dominate the bowling.

Not even the early loss of Sachin Tendulkar broke the heart of a touring party that has, after all, been on the road for some time. Putting this master in the middle was a good move because it means the responsibility is shared and allows the other batsmen to mature.

For this reason I have been in favour of the move for several years and predict that Tendulkar will score fewer hundreds and India will win more matches. Tendulkar's failure did not matter so much because his teammates saw themselves as potential match-winners and were not relying on him in any way. This is healthy for Indian cricket at large, as is the feeling that this rising generation plays without fear or undue respect for the old precepts.

Nonetheless, the Indians did seem to be in terrible trouble when Rahul Dravid fell as there was not much batting to come and they were a long way from home.

Without wanting to give away too many of the secrets of the press box it can be confirmed that all scribes were busily writing their first editions as a famous victory for the home team. Some colleagues were penning pieces explaining why Indian teams cannot win big matches, a weakness put down to the gentleness of the culture [most of those chaps have not actually visited the country].

Fortunately, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif were not so easily subdued. Yuvraj's qualities had been recognized and England knew the match was not won till he had been taken. Instead, he remained to play shots of calculated aggression essayed with a measured and powerful swing of the bat. It is hard to recall him taking a wild risk or playing a loose stroke. Admittedly it is all a blur in the mind but I cannot remember him looking like getting out till the end. In other words, it was a remarkable and composed innings. A thousand pities that a broken finger prevents him staying for the rest of the summer.

Kaif was a revelation. A long, thin fellow, he had not previously caught the eye in the series though some astute judges had detected signs of ability as exciting as those first buds of spring or those first drops of the monsoon rains. Here he played a splendid innings, gliding the ball around the ancient ground, renewing hope and bringing the crowd to a crescendo with his stylish strokes. Suddenly all those scripts were being torn up and thrown away and sports editors were being told to 'hold the back page'.

Perhaps, it is too early to assess the significance of this victory for India. Still, it is bound to instill confidence. Better to enjoy it and then to start thinking about the bowling on both sides, and especially the generosity of an England pace attack that did not bowl full or straight enough.

Also Hussain's reluctance to try Michael Vaughan was puzzling. Just as well Ganguly did not make a mistake of that magnitude. India's gamble of omitting a third fastish bowler had mixed results as it does leave the captain almost naked when the batsmen get on top in the early overs. If Ganguly believes his spinners can contain as well as anyone in the first 15 overs then let the strategy continue for this is becoming the crucial period. Certainly the two spinners are good bowlers.

India was also helped by Dravid keeping wicket for otherwise Kaif could not have played. As it was, the extra batsman proved indispensable. Of course, he did not keep all that well but there is no point worrying about that. The tactic is correct and now it is a matter of Dravid improving his glove-work. Thanks to his efforts India has a balanced side at last.

India also has a gifted and united team that is improving but whose true merits will not be known till Glenn McGrath or Shaun Pollock run in to bowl or Ricky Ponting and Inzamam ul Haq walk out with intent. But it is encouraging to win a tournament overseas, and winning can become a habit.

Also read:
India going in the right direction
India's youngsters have played with relish
Batting is India's best hope
England look formidable

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