What’s the point? The game is as good as lost. At least the Indians should go out with a bang and with a semblance of a fight. Keeping deep fields, letting easy singles and not putting any pressure whatsoever on the batsmen who are extremely well set doesn’t bode well for Indian cricket. Dhoni’s captaincy and field placements have to be censured. But alas, a captain is only as good as his team. And apart from Zaheer Khan, the other bowlers are only going through the motions and their skipper’s attitude isn’t making matters any better.
From an Aussie fan’s point of view, Ricky Ponting‘s 40th century was a glorious moment. He scrambled for a quick single and dived to make his ground and his reactions following the hundred were classic. He was well short of his ground as Zaheer’s throw missed the stumps by a whisker. It would have been cruel if the Punter had been denied a hundred, in a season where he has made the right moves and showed great intent. His skipper had a nice laugh at his expense, all in good humor. The WAGs of the Aussie cricketers looked on in appreciation as Ricky broke a major jinx. He has been fluent and has played all his trademark strokes like the flowing drives, cuts, flicks and the imperious pulls and hooks.
His dismissal after India took the new ball was a minor consolation for the visitors. The damage has been done: 134 glorious runs, cut short by a simple dismissal at point in the hands of Tendulkar.
Clarke on the other hand has been glorious. The class is unmistakable. Down the wicket in particular, his grace is silken. The footwork is electric, the transfer of weight is quick, the hands are soft. On the whole, delectable technique. ‘Pup’ is growing big this summer. His second hundred in four Tests, and a big one, at that. A career best for sure.
At tea, the run rate is back to 4 with Clarke in a murderous mood. Hussey will be looking to follow in the Punter’s footsteps as well.
This Indian team is going through the motions. The Aussie batters are cooking piping hot Indian curry. The weather gods are the only recourse for mercy and they are not listening either. Murder in daylight indeed.
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