In the Middle East, Sunday is the first working day of the week – so while cricket fans in the Rest of the World were having a relaxing day at home switching between the two matches, I was in office following both games on the internet. I hate to do that honestly but have no choice:-(
The way the South Africans batted today will cause the Indian bowlers sleepless nights. AB De Villiers played a blinder and wiped away all the attention from the Pakistan debutant Tanvir Ahmed who managed a 5-wicket haul.
While in Nagpur, India finally looked like the No.1 Test Team. Dominating NZ a tad too late in the series.
Skittling them out under 200 and then building a steady lead.
Seeing Gambhir grind it out in the middle and not go ballistic like his partner was enough proof of the stable head that he has in contrast to the hot-headed temper he is known for. He fought it out knowing well he is not in the best form right now and reaffirmed the faith of his captain, his team and his fans.
Sehwag was his usual maddening self. I think he has spoilt us fans. This tweet from @praskon from our twitter account @TheCofC pretty much reflects how spoilt we have become.
Last test we had Sachin and Dravid not-out on Day 2 – only to end in a disappointing 3rd day morning, Here is hoping that The GOD gets his 50th ton and The Wall gets his 31st!
Even thought both were steady and determined throughout, they eased a bit towards the end playing fluent drives off the backfoot. Tell me is there any other delightful sight than watching the Wall punch one through the covers and the GOD hit one straight down the track. Pure bliss!
On a non-cricketing note – India moved to 8th spot in the medals tally at the Asian games – 3 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals were pocketed today! A fine display by our players.
Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupati will reunite after 9 years for the Aus open next year – bring back the chest thumping!
And getting back to cricket – Karnataka and Indian cricket could not have asked for better news than this – Anil Kumble, Srinath and Prasad will switch from the white cap to the administrative caps for KSCA – it has been a clean sweep!
Can you recollect any day in Indian sport which has had so many satisfying news. This Sunday has put a broad smile on my face!
And finally before I take your leave; here is a thought to chew upon – @GraemeSmith49 did get a bit of flak on twitter for declaring when De Villiers was on 278, can’t imagine what wrath Rahul Dravid would have faced if twitter had existed when he had declared in 2004 Pak series when Sachin was on 194*!
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