A commanding performance by the Indians
The comprehensive win in the second one-dayer must have done the Indian team a world of good, coming as it did immediately after the shock defeat at Faridabad
Erapalli Prasanna
11-Mar-2002
The comprehensive win in the second one-dayer must have done the
Indian team a world of good, coming as it did immediately after the
shock defeat at Faridabad. Sourav Ganguly's men were in command right
from the moment they elected to bat on a slightly sluggish yet good
batting wicket at Mohali. That said, I must add that the Zimbabweans
showed a lot of courage and determination while unsuccessfully
attempting to run down a massive victory target.
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After the galloping start that the openers had provided, the move to
send VVS Laxman in at No. 3 was definitely a poor one. It was further
compounded by Rahul Dravid being sent in as No. 4. I have but the
highest regard for Dravid the batsman but unfortunately the scoreboard
does dawdle when he is at the crease. It would be appreciated if the
Indian think-tank shuffles the batting order in keeping with the
demands of the situation.
Getting back to the match, it was refreshing to see Laxman and Dravid
scoring runs at a handsome clip for once. Dravid, who is always eager
to assimilate newer nuances of batting, tried to repeat Douglas
Marillier's astoundingly innovative scoop shot over the keeper's head
on at least two occasions, though, not with the same degree of
success. But he must at least be commended for his attempt to cock a
snook at the conventional in the slog overs.
The Indian score of 319 definitely demanded an exceptional effort from
the Zimbabweans who had been docked an over for their slow over-rate.
Despite losing Dion Ebrahim early, Travis Friend and Alistair Campbell
made a game effort.
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The quick dismissal of both Friend and Campbell by Harbhajan Singh,
followed by Andy Flower's departure for a relatively low score snuffed
out any faint hopes that the visitors carried. But the Zimbabweans
proved yet again that they are a spirited bunch of cricketers. They
have been let down by their bowling attack which does not possess the
wherewithal to trouble the Indians. Their batting and fielding,
however, continues to impress.
As for the Indians, this series is a heaven-sent opportunity for every
one of them to get into their best form ahead of the tour of the West
Indies. Ganguly, for his part, did a good job as captain. His field
placements were shrewd, as was the decision to retain Harbhajan Singh
for the end overs. Ajay Ratra also looked good behind the stumps and
if he now can score a few runs too, he would do himself and his side a
big favour. All the Indians need to do is to discover a fifth bowler
who can support Harbhajan and Kumble.
As Sourav Ganguly said at the post-match press-conference, the "first
one-dayer was lost to a freak innings from Marillier". The win in the
second one-dayer has, then, made India the firm favourites in this
series, and unless they encounter the unlikely prospect of a greentop in any of the upcoming matches, they look well-nigh
unstoppable.