Indians lacked fitness to battle humidity

Despite the humid conditions, India did well to score 204 though, at half-way mark, it appeared that they would finish with a total of 240-odd. It calls for fitness to run those twos and threes in such hot conditions, more so when the outfield is slow and the ground is bigger than the normal. Under such conditions too, one loses a lot of fluid and body salt in the bargain, not to mention the stiffness that creeps into thebody.

The Lankans are used to such conditions and have trained themselves accordingly. In comparison, the Indians lacked the necessary fitness. It made one wonder what kind of regimen the Lankans adopted in the last couple of months. When batting in such humidity, the arms get tired and, as a result, one’s timing goes haywire. This often brings about the downfall of a batsman. To make matters worse, with matches these days being organised back-to-back, it can be killing and a high level of fitness becomes the order of the day.

The dismissals of Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid, especially after they were set, was more due to humidity rather than the Lankan bowling. Jadeja rose to the occasion and played a sedate innings, not missing on an opportunity to pick up runs.

He handled Murali’s 10 overs competently. He was well supported by Khurasia, but the lower order batsmen failed to capitalise, and were done in by some senseless batting and running between wickets. Lankan youngster Perrera was impressive. Hehas a nice run up to the wicket which culminates in a fine action. He can generate a fair amount of pace too. Though a bit wayward for One-day cricket, he can be more than handy in Tests. With experience, he’s bound to go places. The Lankan spinners also did their job very well, using the slowness of the wicket to their advantage.