Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Well, now... c'mon

Alright now c'mon. I mean 2 overs... that's 12 balls man. That is just too freakin' fast. I don't think anyone in the field even broke a sweat with that one. I mean GEEZ!! What a way to finish...? That was a hell of a performance. I think the man of the match will obviously be Virendra Sehwag an deservedly so. He setup the innings absolutely beautifully and deserves the award.

But I am definitely not going to let go without mentioning the wonderful work of Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar and most of all Irfan Pathan... you're beautiful man. Keep busting your balls like that you'll make Zaheer history in no time. That's the way to go boaaah!!! Keep up the intensity don't let go of it. That intensity and that anger is what brings out the best in all of us. It needs to come out with gushing force. This can be your golden series.

Ofcourse how can I end this without mentioning a word about our exemplary captain Mr. Rahul Dravid. There isn't a more consummate professional I have known in my life (well not many atleast). This guy takes his job seriously (maybe too seriously, even...!!) But, hey it's all good when it ends so well isn't it? Great job with the declaration and the way you handled yourself and the team during the aftermath. I don't think the media vultures have much to crock about now... The big man himself has turned in a wonderful performance the day after that declaration. I don't think there is a better answer to people who will create rumors about your guys... It's all good in a day's work man!!

GREAT WORK all of you and I can't wait to see the second test...!!! :)

JAI HIND!!!

What the f@$!

Well, I know I was talking about being aggressive and all but DAMN!!! They took it to another level. What a performance dammitt!!! This is so f***ing beautiful. I never knew they could crack them up that well. This will be historic indeed. An Indian team winning and that too comfortably in Pakistan. This calls for champagne and pretty much all the alcohol that's available in the subcontinent. Everyone better be prepared for one hell of a party tomorrow night...

This is unbelievable. Though I was not able to see the match I saw the scorecards and it floored me. I'm still recovering... This is unbelievable. India is on the brink of history right now and believe you me they can go on and win the freakin' series the way they are playing right now. This is an amazing high. I mean to defeat Pakistan in just over 4 days is absolutely unbelievable.

However, being the skeptic that I am always I'll still put my champagne on ice until that last wicket has been taken. Hopefully there are no surprises after this. Dravid it doesn't matter what anyone says right now, YOU ARE THE MAN!! You've made that 309 and sachin's 194 count for something and man does it count. They brought the team here and you made sure that their effort doesn't go to a waste. Way to go dawg. Kick some serious ass tomorrow and bring home the gold man. You'll be everyone's darling today....

JAI HIND!!!

Tuesday, March 30, 2004

Something is better than nothing...

Well, if not getting them all out at least the Indians finished off the top order. Although I must admit that Abdur Razzaq is playing very well. He will have to carry this innings on his own shoulders from here onwards. But, if the Indians want to win this game they need to mop up the tail by lunch tomorrow. They must not let the Pakistanis bat too long. Besides by that time probably the follow on target would have been reached. But, even then I would suggest Dravid to still enforce the follow on and see what happens.

However, I have never seen an Indian captain do that before. I expect he will bat for one session expecting his players to put in atleast another 100 runs or so before he will declare let the Pakistanis have a go at it. He must think aggressive and get the game to stage from where he can win. Whatever strategy they use they must play to win now not for a draw. It would be foolish. The onus is still on India.

Monday, March 29, 2004

What a blinder!

Damn! That will sum up the Pakistani reaction in one word after the first 2 days of the 1st test between the old rivals. I don't think Pakistan expected the Indian team to be that professional and complete in their approach to the game on the first two days. All thanks to Sehwag of course, who has had a great innings and will go down in history as the first Indian to ever cross the magical, no no the mythical 300 run mark all by himself. It is a great thing for the country but in my mind it was overdue. VVS or Dravid or even Tendulkar should have achieved this a long time ago. Hopefully, this 309 will atleast spur on others to follow in his footsteps. Any test team needs people who can bat long hours at a stretch and play the anchor role. Though Sehwag was the opener he played the anchor role to perfection.

If Dravid is smart now he should not let this innings go to a waste. Make sure that you extract maximum purchase from the pitch and get the Pakistanis all out by the end of 3rd days play. If that can be achieved that would be a heavenly position to be in so early in the series. The onus will clearly be on Pakistan to prove everyone wrong. Dravid needs to make sure that this does not end in a draw. This was a wonderful first innings. They shouldn't have to bat again this test match. That should be the final goal. Ideally from now on Pakistan's second innings should be coming to a close in about 48 hours or so. All the efforts must be made to stop the game from going to the 5th day. 5th day is a nightmare for any team whether they are winning or losing.

This will turn out to be an interesting series after all... eh? :)