India flounder in sight of final glory

Doubtless the players are ready for the comforts of home but they must rouse themselves or else the tour will end on a bad note. If the Indians start feeling sorry for themselves they might as well catch the next flight home.

Already Saurav Ganguly’s side has survived many setbacks Down Under, enduring maulings in practise matches and on the first day in Brisbane before producing one of the most stunning and entertaining performances seen in Australia in a quarter of a century.

Though the victory confirms that the fighting spirit remains intact, India almost lost its way over the last few days and need to regroup quickly. At these times it is crucial for the leaders of the party to instill confidence.

Clearly the team is capable of meeting challenges. Rather than complain about recent events the tourists must think only about the next match. Recent controversies are mere trifles blown out of proportion by newspapers hungry for sensation. Rahul Dravid did seem to put something on the ball at the Gabba. He has batted nobly and competed magnificently throughout this tour in a contribution that far overshadows these trivialities. Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Atherton also found themselves called to account and their reputations were not affected. In legal terms it is like getting a speeding ticket. Dravid commands enormous respect in Australia and the boos heard in Sydney were merely the reaction of drunks stirred by inflammatory headlines. India has every right, though, to take umbrage at suggestions that it routinely interferes with the ball. Numerous cameras have been trained on the players throughout the campaign and only one transgression has been detected. Dravid himself has been in the spotlight for years and nothing has been fond against him.

Ganguly and his players are neither better or worse than opposing teams and only fools pretend otherwise. Indeed Dravid’s carelessness indicates that he is an amateur in these subtleties. On the other hand, India has no cause for complaint about the fine imposed for a dawdling performance in the field at the SCG. India’s opening bowlers had performed abysmally and the Australians were ahead of the proverbial clock when rain arrived. Accordingly, Ganguly did his utmost to avoid bowling 25 overs and then to slow the game down.

Unsurprisingly, he was obliged to suffer the consequences. Captains are responsible for the conduct of their teams. Provided these principles are applied consistently, these decisions will help the game. Dilatory over-rates mean that matches finish late, an inconvenience to the public upon whose goodwill the game depends.

Not that it is simply a question of punishing captains. Preventative measures are also needed. Umpires must ask captains to keep the game moving along and messages can be sent out advising the fielding side that steam has been seen emerging from the ears of the match referee. Rather than allowing these controversies to cloud their thinking, the Indians must remember that they stand on the verge of an extraordinary achievement.

Ganguly must concentrate on correcting the faults revealed in the last few matches. India’s captain could start with himself because he has looked shaky against anything aimed at his upper body. Perhaps the Australians have not noticed. Perhaps Lord Lucan is living on the moon.

In Adelaide on Saturday India were saved by another partnership between Dravid and VVS Laxman after early wickets had fallen. Both players have been outstanding in every way. They have sustained their team whilst others rest or undergo repairs. Dravid’s stature had been recognised by the Australians, a tough crowd to please. Laxman has been immense and his reputation rises with each substantial innings. Having lost a few years in the backwaters of domestic cricket, he is not content with minor contributions.

India has a wonderful bunch of senior players and some bright youngsters relishing the opportunity to play for their country. Between them these elders and juniors must survive the current turbulence so that the side reaches the finals ready for one last enormous effort.

Whatever happens India has played wonderful cricket. But top teams are not content with praises — trophies alone satisfy them. India must continue to improve so that they are ready for the Australians when the bell rings for the last round.

(Cricket News)