England tour of India,
3rd Test: India v England at Kolkata, Dec 5-9' 2012
DAY 3
Day 2 ends with England still 100 adrift India's total of 316. England have 9 wickets in hand but if India can snaffle a couple of wickets early then anything can happen. A collapse is always lurking around on these Indian pitches. With these thoughts I sleep yesterday, possibly even dreaming of a come-from-behind Indian victory.
What a fool I was!! The morning session came and went, India remained wicketless. The misery piled on for the fans. Cook reached yet another 150, Trott got to his 50, the 100 stand was raised which soon reached 150!!! The fielding was ragged, bowling mediocre and the captain looked like he would better be on a vacation then on the field. Trott got out sweeping. Cook fell as he tried to evade a throw from Kohli, a lucky break for the Indian team. It was a splendid innings from Captain Cook as he entered the record books as the English batsman with most centuries. Its astounding that he already has 23 tons at an age of just 27!!!
Yuvraj came on as KP strode out to the crease but all he did was chuck a few pie's at the batsman which were gobbled with much delight and relished with joy!! Meanwhile Ashwin who had proclaimed before the series that he had a magic delivery to unleash on the English completed his very own 150!! The delivery has magically stayed away and he has only a couple of wickets in his last 250 odd overs!!! Zaheer might have lost the pace and venom in his bowling but he effectively retains the irritating habit of opening his mouth to have a chat with the batsman whenever he bowls a good ball once in every 20 overs. I still remember him sledging Gilchrist and Hayden in the opening over of the 2003 WC and being taken to the cleaners. He is yet to learn his lesson. My all time favorite fast bowler, Curtly Ambrose, never sledged. When the team came back after tea and was in a huddle, MSD probably cracked a joke because I saw everyone having a nice little chuckle. When your team is struggling to effect even one breakthrough, this sort of a thing looks extremely bad.
The day ended with England almost 200 ahead and still have the last 4 wickets in hand. I yesterday talked of a miracle saving India. The miracle men, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, sadly no longer play for the Indian team. The inspirational captain, Sourav Dada Ganguly, has also retired and is now seen in the commentary box. Perhaps the seasons for miracles is long over.
8 comments:
I dont see a way back yet, and even if someone plays a VVS - Jammy type partnership, I dont see England collapsing in a heap to give India victory. Its a draw at best. England have played very well. Even in the lost test match, they played well, but ran out of time in the end. So Mumbai, and now Kolkata have been their redemption of sorts. Even an unlikely Indian win wouldn't take anything away from the performance of England I feel.
I completely agree with you, draw would be the best that India can hope for now. But for that too, a lot of things have to go for them. England have given a supreme account of themselves and those who predicted that England will be run over in India can eat their words.
Totally agree with you...no matter how people speak of the potential of young Indian Brigade...the truth is Pujara is yet to form a wall to speak off as compared to Dravid, Kohli is far more vulnerable compared to the class of Laxman ...And Yuvraj has never been a force to reckon with compared to Sourav...Captaincy..wise there's a lot of hitch between the best captain India ever had Sourav to fragile Dhoni...!!!
And with the Change in coach from Gary to fletcher..this Indian Team is suddenly finding itself touching the lowest limit in it's history of Cricket...
hey DS, it's time to put an updated post about this scenario... or are you waiting for the 4th test? :-)
Regards,
Anunoy Samanta
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http://imakemytrip.blogspot.com
http://just4suzan.blogspot.com
You are going along the right lines, DS. I know people don't prefer long blog posts. But maybe you should write more giving more expression to your creativity and cricketing knowledge along with match details.
@ Anjan
I think that Pujara is quite a talented boy and will be a huge asset going forward. Kohli has the potential, the temperament seems to be a problem though. And though MSD had achieved it all as a captain he is nowhere near as inspiring and getting the best out of his players when compared to Dada!!
@ Anunoy
I could not update yesterday!! Will look to give my views on the 4th test!
@ The Fool
I am trying to add more personal touch as you suggested.
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