Mature Zaheer seals the deal

No Indian cricketer needs or deserves a break as much as Zaheer Khan, and he certainly put himself in line for some time with the feet up after a magnificent spell that clinched the match and series for his side. Having bowled his first three overs for just 11 in a game reduced to a 22-overs-a-side Duckworth-Lewis lottery, Zaheer was thrown the ball again when England took their batting Power Play. A low full toss ended Owais Shah's fabulous 48-ball 72 and when he then returned to pick up the wicket of Samit Patel in another miserly over, the game was up.

Zaheer's pace-bowling compatriots also picked up two wickets apiece, with Ishant Sharma accounting for both Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff. The change of pace that deceived Flintoff has become a feature of Ishant's bowling, almost as dangerous as the delivery that darts back in at pace and threatens to cut the batsman in half.

As for Munaf Patel, he may no longer be as quick as he was when he stunned England on Test debut in Mohali, but his accuracy and intelligence mark him out as the most likely third-seamer candidate for Tests and one-day games alike. Sreesanth, who watched part of the Bangalore game from the stands, must be asking himself how he can get a look in. Two years ago in South Africa, he was the spearhead. Now, with questions over both his fitness and attitude, he must start again from scratch.

His former team-mates were once again imperious, batting with purpose and panache and then bowling with aggression and resolve. There were some highlights in the field too, with Ishant pulling off a splendid catch at full stretch to dismiss Ravi Bopara. Shah and Flintoff gave India a few headaches during a rollicking 82-run partnership, but the pace bowlers always had enough in reserve.

England have improved with every game, but have seldom looked like achieving parity. Virender Sehwag, whose dazzling 57-ball 69 sent India on their way, reckoned afterwards that they had been confident of winning the series as long as they played to 80 percent of their potential. In truth, they haven't had to exert themselves unduly. The top order has found runs easy to come by, the middle order is packed with those who can propel the ball out of the stadium, and the bowling attack is as potent as any going. Add in Dhoni's composure in every situation and it's not hard to see why an Indian whitewash isn't an absurd notion.

"I was not giving much advice," said Dhoni after the game, when asked what he had been telling his bowlers once England came out to tilt at that 198-run windmill. "First I like them to bowl to their own plans and if that does not work I ask them to bowl according to my plans.

"But Zaheer has been of great help throughout the series and has taken the extra initiative to help others. It has worked for us and we should be thankful to him."

Zaheer's place will most probably be taken by Irfan Pathan in the next game, with Virat Kohli and Pragyan Ojha also likely to play under lights in Cuttack. Gary Kirsten, whose unobtrusive coaching methods have Sehwag's approval, has already spoken to his players about the importance of viewing the next three games as another mini-series, and there's unlikely to be any slacking off. "We need to be consistent if we want to be the best team in the world," said Sehwag. So far in this series, they've been all that and more. England simply haven't been at the races, Ascot or Bangalore.

Comments

[Punit]

neilsrini - you make a good point about the over-reliance on batting to date, but despite the inevitable eventual exits of Laxman, Dravid and Tendulkar, I don't think India are poorly served for future batsmen. Tendulkar is a once in a lifetime type of player, as is Dravid in his more unassuming style, but India can still roll out some matchwinning batsmen. The emergence of Gambhir, for one, has been very heartening. On their day, Sehwag and Yuvraj can do a lot of damage. I believe that Laxman has some fuel left in the tank still. As long as the transition is well managed, younger players can learn a lot from these guys before their time at the crease comes to an end.

I don't want to get carried away because things can change quite quickly in sport, but I do hope that we are seeing the emergence of a winning legacy.

[Presh Mulay]

I agree re- golden age of Indian pace bowlers comment. Make domestic wickets a bit more sporty and we will truly see a team dominate globally.

[neilsrini]

For years what we lacked was a real spearhead who was recognized as a class act worldwide. Someone like Imran or Wasim. Someone who the boys could look up to and could form the basis of an attack where skills were passed on from generation to generation.

Finally after all this time MRF is coming good.

We may just have finished witnessing the golden age of Indian batting, but we won nothing because there was nobody to take 20 wickets. We may just be entering the golden age of Indian pace bowling. The chances are the next 5-10 years may well be more fruitful. On current form if we don't quack in a pressure game we should be favorites to win the world cup.

[Punit]

Interesting comments re. Zaheer. I'm glad he's coming good as I always feared for him when he was in and out of the side. He seems to have developed his game (and mentality) to a point where he is strong contender for every selection meeting.

My concern is now aimed at Sreesanth. Will he be able to control the fire in his belly for a more constructive approach to the game, or will he be one to squander his ability for petty arguments? Will Zaheer's example bring about Sreesanth's maturity?

[Som]

You simply can't praise Zaheer enough. He looks at home with the spearhead's tag and is looking like India's bowling captain. I don't think we have a more cerebral bowler. Ishant has got just the right mentor.