Tags:
Journalism of Courage
In 13 sessions of play, the first Test swayed from thrills to a tame early end. India dominated in nine of those sessions, but there were four key moments within five days through which India grabbed the initiative slowly, but steadily.
Here is a recap:
Laxman-Dhoni partnership
Day 2: India at 93/5, VVS Laxman under pressure to keep his place in the team, and India under threat of being bowled out well under a modest Pakistan total. A partnership of 115 is then forged with MS Dhoni scoring 57, while Laxman remained unbeaten on 72.
The bowling
Day 3-4: After being bowled out for 276 and belted around by Pakistan openers in the second session, the Indian bowling got into the act. First Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble combined to dismantle the top-order, before Zaheer Khan and Sourav Ganguly wiped out the remaining.
Sachin-Sourav stand
Day 4: India once again in spot of bother after the 2/1 setback and then the Dravid and Jaffer consolidation of 78 runs. The two are dismissed almost together. 84/2 becomes 93/3 before Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly bring India in vicinity of a victory.
Kumble8217;s captaincy
Day 1-5: Except for losing the toss, Kumble8217;s maiden captaincy stint had all ingredients for a smash hit at the box office. He rotated his bowlers well, made clever changes in bowling, and yes, that masterstroke of giving Ganguly the second new ball. Pakistan lost three wickets in four balls, as Ganguly picked two.
