Adelaide Test: Only Rain can Save India
By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network
Jan 28: The Australians have delayed their celebrations by a day. One thought that the Indians would be dismissed on day four of the Test itself which would give some more shopping time and sightseeing for the visitors. But things did not work out as planned and Aussie skipper Michael Clarke will have to wait patiently on day five of the test to stamp and seal his team’s demolition of the Indian team. Clarke has to hurry up and knock the remaining wickets at the earliest since ‘Mr Rain’ is expected to turn out for the beleaguered Indians and assist them as a ‘farewell’ gift.
When play ended on day four of the Test, India were still trailing behind with only 4 wickets left and needing another 334 for victory. India are down in the dumps at 6 for 166 while chasing a victory target of 500 runs.
Earlier, Australia lost wickets regularly but scored quickly too while Clarke (37), and Hussey (15) perished with overnight batsman Ponting staying undefeated till the declaration with a well made 60 off 96 balls.
In reply, India did open briskly with Sehwag blasting runs at will while his Delhi mate Gambhir was caught behind by Haddin when he had just scored 3 for a shocking start. Stand in skipper Sehwag threw caution to the wind and hammered a quickfire 62 runs in 53 balls with the help of 12 boundaries before he fell. One drop batsman Dravid gave hopes of a rare fightback as he waltzed towards 25 but gave a catch to Hussey off the bowling of Ryan Harris.
The usual script of the earlier Tests was being re written and one expected Tendulkar who was walking in for the last time to bat in a Test match in Australia to stop the rot. However, Australia had other ideas and with skipper Clarke employing spin and packing the close in positions with fielders meant that the pressure was building for the Indians. There was more disaster as Tendulkar was caught by Cowan off Lyon’s spin and then Laxman too succumbed to the magic of Lyon and went off for the last time in his career playing in Australia. With the score at 162 for 5 the writing was on the wall and one felt that the Indians would fold up quickly against the spin of Lyon.
There is nothing but defeat staring at India on day five. The last recognized batsman Virhat Kohli who came in joined his seniors in the pavilion after running into no man’s land for a non existent run for a prompt run out dismissal. While he should have been biding his time and wait for a fresh start on day five, Kohli seemed to know the verdict and promptly lost his wicket. The first innings hero who scored a hard worked century turned to out be a villain when he could have delayed the proceedings at least. The young man has to control his energy and enthusiasm which seems to spill out sometimes into the wrong areas. He is India’s future along with others like Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, Pujara, Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane and it is time that he took care of his outbursts which will do more harm than good. He has already been fined once on the tour and has also verbally clashed with the opposition. Without doubt, Kohli may one day lead India in the future. But at Adelaide in the second innings Kohli failed in his responsibility of staying at the wicket. Even when he scored his century in the first innings he forgot to take the second run in the excitement of his celebrating his maiden century.
For the cricket lovers, there is hardly anything left as play resumes on day five. The remaining wickets will be gone in a jiffy and the Indians will have an early lunch for sure. Some of the tourists may be ready with their bags packed and may catch an early flight back home. With the series gone in any case, it has been a wretched performance from each and every member of the side barring a couple.
The final Adelaide Test should have been earmarked to introduce the highly talented Rohit Sharma in place of Laxman and promising spinner Pragyan Ojha while one of the pace bowlers could have been dropped. But the selectors had other ideas and the results clearly showed in their sad decision. Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon who bowled well proved that the pitch assisted spin at least from day four.
It is a pity that what was expected to be a nail biting series turned to be one sided without exception. The much acclaimed Indian batting had no answer to the pace battery of the young bowlers from Down Under. Except for Kohli not a single batsman managed a century in the entire series which clearly shows the pathetic state of our batsmen. Tendulkar’s century of centuries now seems to be dithering away !
Skipper Clarke had splendid backing from his players and the entire team performed as one winning side. The win will give a huge boost to the hosts as they continue their re building of the side. Their benchstrength also is unbelievable with so many talented players waiting to be picked. On the contrary, India will now find itself in a limbo with imminent retirement of India’s old horses who are likely to call it a day. If they don’t say quits, they will be probably be shown the door by the selectors. There is no shortage of talent in India. But the new boys have to quickly gel into the side and become a winning unit.
The need of the hour is to face pace on pitches outside India. That has been the bane of India’s downfall. Inability to tackle the rising ball and to give a good opening start with a big score. Unless these areas are taken care of Indian cricket will find it hard to come out of their losing streak. The future does not look good and the bigwigs at the cricket Board have to ensure that they flex their muscles for the betterment of Indian cricket. This is the time for action and not for some insane statements read from the same old pages by officials who do not know what they are reading !
This is the time to change the future of Indian cricket!