Poor thinking hampered India initially

India have at last begun to play some good cricket in the World Cup, but it is a little too late. More's the pity, because they add so mu...

India have at last begun to play some good cricket in the World Cup, but it is a little too late. More8217;s the pity, because they add so much to the tournament. Last Tuesday8217;s match against Pakistan proved that the Indian bowlers are a much-improved lot. Pakistan, on the other hand, are sliding further downhill and will need to review things to arrest further decline.

India do not believe in themselves enough, and their early losses were as much due to a lack of confidence and commitment as to the skill of the teams that beat them. It was only when they had their backs to the wall and nothing to lose that they began to play winning cricket, which they have always been capable of.

One hopes lessons have been learnt and mistakes will not be repeated the next time round. Wides, no-balls and just plain lack of thought hampered them in the early games. Nothing illustrated it more than their first match against South Africa, where India, on 130-1 after 30 overs, managed only 259. South Africa, in yesterday8217;s gameagainst New Zealand, were in a similar position and managed to post a formidable 287.

If India had got 287 in that first game, they would have won and given a different complexion to the Super Sixes and even breezed into the semi-finals. Pakistan8217;s precarious position after three losses is hard to understand, given the fact that they have the most varied attack in the competition. Shoaib Akhtar is caught up in the hype about being the fastest bowler, and has lost his way. McGrath is the bowler of the moment and Shoaib would do well to take a leaf out of his book if he wants to be known a great bowler rather than just a fast one. McGrath and Donald have avoided the pace race and concentrated on maximising the advantage that their experience gives them.

McGrath has tempered his speed as has Donald, and both have made sure that they remain aggressive without going over the top and losing concentration. Against South Africa, Shoaib learnt a harsh lesson when he lost his cool in the final overs and gave awaydecisive runs to Klusener. You can8217;t blame Shoaib alone, but he will need more control to be successful when the pressure is really on.

Saqlain, too, has been disappointing. According to me, he is the best offie in the world, but batsmen here are playing him as a leg-break bowler. This is because the white ball is not spinning into the right-hander as it must if he is to prove successful. Saqlain has gained a reputation for his variety, but he must not forget his art, which is to spin the ball in, he should concentrate more on this. That is part of Pakistan8217;s problem. They lack the flexibility of the better sides and have a sameness about their play, which, if it does not work, leaves them perplexed. It will need meaningful contributions from senior players, both in tactics and performance, to get Pakistan to the semis. Once they reach there, motivation will not be a problem.

Australia are the side of the moment and are playing good cricket. Their only concern at present is the physical from of ShaneWarne, who has not been able to produce the zip of old. Their batting and fielding is equal to the best, with Ponting only a shade behind Rhodes in the field.

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However, the bowling is still not firing. McGrath is the only bowler who has performed till now. Reiffel and Warne, two stalwarts, have not delivered as yet. Australia remain one of the favourites and their clash with South Africa on Sunday will be a contest of matching skills. Who knows, it could prove a prelude to the finals!