The Centurion Loss

India lost in Centurion, and by a big margin – an innings and 25 runs to be precise. But this time around, rather than being critical, I am a bit sympathetic towards them. No, I am not taking into account just the lost toss and the subsequent throw into the demon’s mouth like pitch, but the whole arrangement that had accompanied the Indian tour party.

How many times have we seen India faltering in the First Test on a foreign tour? Probably every time. But whenever they have been able to survive that test, they have done well in the subsequent matches, for example-the famous Lords survival on 2006 England tour, Ganguly-inspired Brisbane display in 2003-04 Australia tour, even the Wanderers win in South Africa in 2006 came after some experience gained during the horrendous one-day series (4-0 defeat for India) that preceded it. So, a bit of practice is a must. Am I saying anything unbeknown? This is something that has been preached to BCCI every time they schedule a tour. The management changes, but not the thinking. Alas! We don’t know why? And they keep on aggravating the situation- not even a single tour match before the Test Series this time around is nothing more than callousness of abominable order.

The first day capitulation still may not be drawn to the lack of practice match, as the pitch was the outcome of a prolonged weather play. It was just the nature of bowling and conditions that did India in. Any other batting line would have struggled too. Indian bowling could have resurrected things for India, but they were not suited for such bouncy pitches. They are trundles on lifeless pitches, and barely effective on bouncy ones. Their best showing comes on swinging ones. So, really can’t be too mystified by their sad performance here.

The biggest dose of condoning of their show though comes from some sort of belief in this team. It has displayed some amazing fight backs this year. Some of India’s best wins against the odds came this year-Against South Africa in Kolkata, Sri Lanka in Colombo, Australia in Mohali and Bangalore. Even the second innings batting, esp. by the openers, was a perfect retribution. So, I am hopeful that they will strike back when the situation suits them, and it will happen sometime sooner than later. I can’t expect them to win the next 2 matches. But I think this is gonna be a drawn series. That would still be a great result. With the current set of bowlers, we are still not ready for series wins in South Africa and Australia. May be the next decade will provide those moments. For the time being, though, hope for the best and relish whatever comes. Tendulkar’s 50th ton is a case in point.