Juniors put their hands up

Stephen Fleming has probably realised that merely getting Sehwag, Ganguly and Dravid out will not do. In his latest newspaper column, Shane Bond does acknowledge the threat posed by Dhoni and Irfan but, typically, plays it down.

With Kaif somewhat settled at number 3, Sunday’s game was another opportunity for Greg Chappell to take a look at the lower order where batsmen from 6 to 9 have been trying to implement the coach’s vision of ‘multi-utility’ cricketers.

And they’re doing it with a reassuring approach. For once, the loss of five quick and early wickets didn’t spread panic in the ranks. Those left on the deck kept their heads and their wickets. ‘‘Defeat never crossed my mind,’’ Yuvraj said after the match.

And he and Dhoni paced their innings as the match progressed, playing the big shots only when necessary. Yuvraj reached his first fifty runs in 70 balls before accelerating to reach his hundred off 105 balls. Similarly, Dhoni took an unusual 54 balls to reach his half century but then, with he target looming close upped the rate to end with 67 off 63.

Also, the job isn’t about playing anchor while expecting someone else to score the runs. Pathan and Yadav — numbers 8 and 9 — have also shown a fondness for going after the bowling.

There’s one more aspect of this development that should please Chappell: The very Australian trend of a junior — Kaif, Yuvraj, Dhoni, Pathan — always putting up his hand to be counted when the chips are down. They are, Chappell believes, the ones who will take charge of the team in the future. They are getting practice at doing just that right now.