Two days have gone. Allright, really one day and a bunch of overs have gone and this battle seems to be lot less interesting that what it was touted to be. But maybe it’s too early to judge.
As for India, the intensity wasn’t there. After all the “we need more intensity” statement making by Zaheer Khan, he ended up being the more erratic bowler with the second new ball.Umpire Mark Benson wasn’t helping either. Is it just me or did he seem too harsh (to the point of getting his revenge from the Sydney Test fiasco) with the no-balling of Zaheer? I thought that c&b decision early on Day 2 no-balled by Benson wasn’t right. Kumble wasn’t amused either. Technically, if the foot lands on or before the line, that is what counts, not that it skid later. Remember that dismissal of Jaffer in the Sydney Test. Allright, I’ll move on ahead from here – back to the match. I only watched the highlights, so I won’t comment on the Sri Lankan batting or the teams’ use of the review system. While that is case, it was interesting that the young members of this squad – Gambhir and Kathik – dropped more catches than fielding howlers by the India seniors. But I’m pretty sure, if things go badly, the BCCI and Dhoni will have their way with branding the seniors. (Ok, couldn’t resist that taking at dig at MSD).
On the umpire review system, while it a step ahead, I’m afraid it will induce a new parameter to deal with, espcially with the three unsuccessful appeals. When to use/save these referrals will add a new needless dimension. What if you’ve used all the appeals, you are nine down on Day 5 of a Test match and a tail ender is given out off a delivery he didn’t nick? Isn’t that just as bad as not having the system at all. If you’re wonder if I’m going the Ian Chappel way with this, no, I’m not. If you ask me, why cap the number unsuccesful appeals. Also, why stop with only the decision of whether the batsmen is out or not. Any decision that seems wrong should be referred. Umpires are human and that is respected, but when help is available to enable the right team win, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be used.
Meanwhile a thing that has been bothering me for a while. Why isn’t there a better rating system for umpires? If a batsmen/bowler isn’t worth a spot in a squad, he is forced out of the door. When this is the case, why should the umpire survive after giving several howlers. Yes there is shortage of umpires, but that is perhaps for a reason too, which need addressing. There seems to be no way to tell the incompetent from the good ones, which is unfair to the good umpires. Perhaps incompetence and fear of that fact that might get hightlighted even more is why Benson feels the way he does about the review system.
As for the rest of this match, I see it inching towards a draw, unless India tumble to the spinners.
VM\'s Random Ramblings 
Regarding the lack of energy and discipline, I would say, when it comes to bowling oure most talented ones are most erratic. Your analysis on the number of challenges seems very valid, as one bad decision on the final day will sour the mouth even more. It would have been better to give two challenges a day, ten in total.
Whatever be the perception in the Indian Cricket Board, a player should not be judged by his age but by his talent.
Overall I found the post very readable and I agreed with you on almost all points raised
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msd is already missed out there VM! 🙂
it was to his biggest credit that he went thru almost eternal oz tour without being noticed…anyway…
i still feel india should have gone with five bowlers…if you cant scarifies one batsmen on bata wickets like this to strengthen your bowling which need more support in these conditions than when will you…on green top?
@Abisht, welcome to this side of blogsphere and thank you for your kind words.
@CricketNews, thanks man! Will be sure to check it out.
@SP, yeah, the heat on Karthik was bound to turn upside after the dropped catches. But it took Dhoni a while to get to where he has got (with his wicketkeeping skils). Yep, I too agree on the 5 bowlers theory. Let’s see what happens now.
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
Thank you, Alex.