WRITING these lines just before the start of the Test series between Pakistan and Australia, it was only in the fitness of things to use this space as a curtain-raiser for the tussle that has been much awaited in relevant circles, with coach Bob Woolmer citing it as a litmus test to judge the side’s, and, by proxy, his own, progress in international cricket.
However, I have to restrain myself from doing so, as there is still a day to go, and by the time this column appears in print, it will already be half-way on the fourth day of the contest. The manner in which things have happened in the initial part of the tour thus far has provoked many to wonder if the match will actually last that long. Let me assure you, I am not one of them. The English side has lost its tour opener in South Africa, but is expected to do quite well in the encounters that matter. In fact, it is expected to beat South Africa without much of a fuss. Hopefully, Pakistan will also do well in the main round that comprises Test matches, as well as the triangular involving the West Indies. However, to be frank, there are butterflies fluttering in the stomach as Pakistan gears up to face the Australian music.
Having said that, I would like to recall that Pakistan is an enigmatic entity in international cricket, and can do amazing things when you least expect from them. The unfortunate part is that this tag of being ‘enigmatic’ and ‘erratic’ continues to be slapped on the team despite having a coach and his supporting staff whose performance has apparently been to the full satisfaction of the PCB bosses who have repeatedly expressed their opinion on the issue in the national media. Let’s wait and see which way the cookie crumbles in the end. Let’s hope that the coach and his charges will pass with flying colours their self-designated litmus test.
For the moment, let me touch on a couple of things that happened recently in the first Test between India and Bangladesh. The outcome of the contest was never in doubt. All that had to be decided really was the margin of Indian victory. More than the result, tension was related to whether or not Sachin Tendulkar would equal Sunil Gavaskar’s record of Test centuries. Even though he had been off-colour for the last year or so, Tendulkar was good enough for the Bangladesh bowling attack to tear into shreds.
The initial jitters and uncertain foot movement were a clear sign of a man not in his true nick, but after Bangladesh had shot themselves in the foot by dropping him at least twice early on, Tendulkar made them pay heavily for it. Not his best innings for sure, but still good enough for a massive double century. With the issue of the said record now having been settled, I hope to see a much more comfortable Tendulkar making merry at the cost of bowlers around the world who will surely curse their Bangladesh counterparts for allowing Tendulkar to regain his touch.
Also in the frame was Rahul Dravid who surpassed Tendulkar’s record of playing the highest number of successive Tests since his international debut. The record now stands in his name at 85, which is an amazing figure considering the fact that Dravid has also played well over 300 One-Dayers during this time where apart from being one of the side’s main run-getter, he also keeps wickets, which in itself is a full-time job.
To have retained his slot so emphatically, which means maintaining both his form and fitness, is a wonderful achievement that needs to be acknowledged and applauded.
WRITING these lines just before the start of the Test series between Pakistan and Australia, it was only in the fitness of things to use this space as a curtain-raiser for the tussle that has been much awaited in relevant circles, with coach Bob Woolmer citing it as a litmus test to judge the side’s, and, by proxy, his own, progress in international cricket.
