Onus on Tendulkar to salvage pride

The Indians then crashed to a 152-run defeat against Australia yesterday and will be playing more for pride against their rivals who are virtually assured of a finals berth.

Their batting and the poor form of skipper Sachin Tendulkar will be the Indians’ main worry. India have been bowled out for less than 200 each time they have batted first, breaking the jinx only in the win against Pakistan in which Sourav Ganguly hit a fine 141, and are yet to chase a target successfully in the series.

Though Rahul Dravid appears to have found his touch, if his 63 off 82 balls against the Australian attack on Wednesday is any indication, Tendulkar’s erratic run with the bat seems to have a debilitating effect down the order, where only all-rounder Robin Singh has displayed some solidity.

The skipper, with knocks of 13, 12, 1, 93 and 41 in the five matches so far, will have to play to his huge potential to inspire a winning performance from his demoralised side.

The good news for India is the recovery of Ajit Agarkar from a hamstring injury he suffered during the January 12 match against Australia at Sydney. The Mumbai medium-pacer is fit and had nets at Adelaide this morning before leaving for Perth, Tendulkar said.

The Indians can take consolation from the fact that Pakistan will be without in-form all-rounder Abdur Razzaq, who has claimed Tendulkar’s wicket thrice in the series.

Razzaq, who has 201 runs and 14 wickets from seven matches so far, has pulled a thigh muscle and Pakistan are expected to play veteran paceman Waqar Younis in his place.

Azhar Mahmood, who suffered cramps in the later stages of Tuesday’s match, will be fit for tomorrow’s game, Pakistani manager Intikhab Alam said.

Skipper Wasim Akram skipped nets today and Alam said he was just taking a break and would be playing tomorrow.

The Pakistanis are happy with the way their batting is shaping up. Ijaz Ahmed has hit three successive fifties and Azhar also was in full form in Adelaide, though Inzamam-ul Haq’s poor form is a cause for worry.