A time to be young
Across the Indian Ocean, an irrepressible Dale Steyn was showing just why youth must be given its fling, even at the expense of legends like Shaun Pollock. And in admittedly more relaxed circumstances, the young bucks from Pakistan and India followed his lead in a dead-rubber match that had too many cameos to ever be boring. Pakistan could take great heart from the displays of an inexperienced pace trio, with Sohail Tanvir, the newest recruit, doing the most damage. There was also a sprightly allround show from Fawad Alam, and a tidy performance behind the stumps from Sarfraz Ahmed.
Indian fans could gloss over the defeat thanks to an accomplished innings from Rohit Sharma, who must surely be pencilled into the one-day XI when the team arrives in Australia. Having showed energy in the field, he arrived at the crease with India in disarray. The assurance with which he then proceeded to stroke a half-century was a revelation, and a reminder to the selectors that such talent cannot rot in a dressing room.
There was a whole-hearted debut from Praveen Kumar, who started off his adventure with a maiden over. Bowling at around Stuart Clark pace, he moved the ball a little and was generally tidy. The batsmen of the world won't be quaking yet, but he's certainly worth exploring as an allround option when Irfan Pathan sits out. It's too early to judge what he can do with the bat, but with the ball, he wasn't anything like as pedestrian as JP Yadav and Joginder Sharma appeared when they made the step up to the big time.
The biggest game for India though was a probing second spell from the man with one name, Sreesanth. Wayward with the new ball, he nearly swung the game India's way at the second time of asking. He bowled with pace and swung the ball, and the leg break that outfoxed Imran Nazir was a wonderful variation. He must be a certainty to start the Delhi Test, and this outing won't have done the confidence any harm. Not that Andre Nel's breakdancing tormentor needs much more of that.
silly me...confusing people. though, i think i got the other akram right. that mhd. akram was a very fine bowler too. and you're right. they should play sohail tanveer in the tests.
Posted by: avinash subramaniam | November 20, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Mohammad Waseem was a batsman who went off to New Zealand, but I do get what you're saying. Mohammad Zahid was a fantastic find and injuries ruined his career. As for Shahid Nazir, I don't think Pakistan ever got the best out of him. Rather than play Sami, Pakistan should be brave and play Tanvir as the third pacer in India.
Posted by: Dileep | November 20, 2007 at 07:16 AM
you're right. it's his very non-akhtarlike temperament that will keep sohail tanvir going. we hope. we've seen too many fine bowlers like mhd. waseem, mhd. akram, shahid nazir and mhd. sami not quite live up to their immense potential. we sincerely hope we see tanvir for a long time to come. he and his unique action are welcome additions to the cricket scene. just let's not start comparing him to wasim akram. that said, he has all the makings to be the next wasim akram. (shoot! guess i just did what i was telling others not to.)
Posted by: avinash subramaniam | November 20, 2007 at 04:35 AM
Tanvir has excellent temperament. It shows in his batting too. Despite his relative lack of pace, I think he might be around a while.
Posted by: Dileep | November 19, 2007 at 04:38 PM
I'll be gutted if VVS doesn't go to Australia. Am hopeful though that tje selectors won't be that foolish.
As for Rohit, not sure they'll blood him in Tests just yet. Maybe against SA next year.
Posted by: Dileep | November 19, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Throughout the series, Sohail Tanvir has looked like death every time he's been hit for a boundary or has bowled an extra...wasn't it great to see him finally let loose and show his inner aggression! His celebration after the Tendulkar dismissal was something to remember. All this reminds me of how Imran used to tell the young Wasim to not give a damn about anything else..."just get me some wickets"!
Posted by: Waqas | November 19, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Superbly written Dileep. What struck me watching him for the first time in T20 was the time he had on hand.Isnt it just amazing that some batsmen seem to bat almost in slow motion. Laxman, Mark Waugh, Inzi... I feel Rohit Sharma is the logical successor to VVS. Wouldnt it be lovely if they both get a chance to bat together in Australia.
Posted by: Rajeev Mohan | November 19, 2007 at 03:35 PM
For now, I think Indian cricket would be better off without Rohit living La Vida Loca!
Posted by: Dileep | November 19, 2007 at 07:59 AM
bang on! damien martyn, indeed, is the guy he comes very close to. and dravid, too, but he does seem more fluent than dravid. we are in complete agreement. but what about ricky martin? :-)
Posted by: avinash subramaniam | November 19, 2007 at 02:47 AM
Damien Martyn, you mean? I don't think he's as brash as the young Ponting was. Looks beautifully organised though and plays some lovely strokes. Reminds me a bit of a young Dravid...lots of time to play his shots, only he has more of them.
Posted by: Dileep | November 18, 2007 at 06:20 PM
doesn't rohit sharma remind you of ricky ponting and ricky martin?
Posted by: Avinash Subramaniam | November 18, 2007 at 06:13 PM