Seriously Cricket

Final Frontier? It's More Like Final Cake-Walk

Disgusting is the only word that comes close to describing the batting farce (at least I cannot call it effort) by India in this series. So okay, team has a bad day -- but professional teams know how to come back. Here, in home conditions, the whole approach is flawed -- or non-existent. But then again, what professionals? I think our stars (as they are rightly called -- they are better suited for the Bollywood masala movies, except that even there you need more professionalism
-- unless of course you have Jitendra as your father).

I mean, how many times are we going to see this tamasha? I know, the question is better directed at oneself -- but when one is disgusted, introspection is a bit difficult. Man to man, this Indian team was too good for the Aussies -- on paper. Trouble is, the game isn't played on paper. It's not even played on the ground, as much as it's played in the mind. So After a complete annihilation by Kumble, the Aussies went back to their dressing rooms and came out with a plan to tackle Kumble -- playing him predominantly on the backfoot. Plus, never did they let Indian bowlers tighten the noose around them -- by taking singles and twos. Contrast this with the pathetic non-show yesterday: the Sachins and Dravids were playing the game exactly how Aussies would want them to play. As if there was a penalty if they pushed the ball into the gap for a single. And that after the common knowledge that Aussies are best when they are on top -- the key is to make them defensive -- something they aren't good at. Something Sehwag did well in the last test, and Laxman time and again before that. Obviously learning the lessons is not part of our idea of game.

In its place we have politics, stupid loyalties, and an infinite casual attitude. Something that won't change unless we hit another rock bottom. For that, I hope we'll lose badly this time. For, Australia truly deserves the BG trophy -- its a better team by faaaar. In fact the rains in Chennai spoiled their chances of a complete washout -- 229 on a crumbling wicket is far more than these jokers are capable of getting -- they can't even get 200 to avoid a follow on on a 2nd days firm wicket. Buck up Aussies -- and finish it off in style now. You overestimated us, frankly. If this is your final frontier, there is something seriously wrong!

posted by asuph @ Wednesday, October 27, 2004