Game day - Champions Trophy - India vs. England

Indians won! their first game of the tournament, frankly I was surprised by Indian fielding and bowling performances. [Mr. Barry Richards did you watch it Sir?] In fact even Viru was making few diving efforts to save runs, such incidents denote that there was some real effort put to improve the fielding department. Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel bowled a clinical line, a consistent line with right length was the secret of success. They never tried fancy experiments, same goes to the spinners too. Power was able to fox the English players more than Harbajan. Harbajan took a very good catch in the deep, while Dravid and Sachin had a “ball” standing in slips. They never missed anything that passed by them, like a hungry frog they leaped on to catches + few insects that flew by them. Indians gave only 5 extras, this is a clear indication for discipline in the bowling department. While the entire bowling office and the fielding was shining with colors, Ajith “Ayopavam” Agarkar was pathetic as usual. I was worried that he would give away the game, But for first time in history, Dravid ‘s thought process was in sync with many arm chair [including yours sincerely!] cricket experts., Ajith Agarkar was never shown the ball again. I feel it is high time to brew someone like Sreesanth to take over from Agarkar.

England performance was very close to the word “poor”. Basic problem they faced was, none read the pitch correctly, Indians due to their home town advantage came close in guessing the nature of the wicket. The ball began to turn with uneven bounce at regular intervals. Top order English batsmen other than Kevin Peterson, none had the technique to face the Desi Ankle Music [opposite to chin music]. English captain ensured Omelets for next day breakfast.

Indian batting started off like the big bang theory, Viru was restored to the opening slot with Sachin. Both the openers blasted off well, Sachin and Viru played some juicy shots, however Viru donated this wicket , he chased a “wide goose” and was caught well in the slips, if Viru had stayed for next 30 minutes, the match would have been over well before supper time. In spite of this wide goose chase batting, I feel Viru has to open with Sachin. , this pair should not be tinkered,. Also India needs a proper #3 player. Irfan should be used sparingly at number 3. #3 is reserved to a “full time” batsmen, someone like Yuvraj or Suresh Raina should come up the order. For England Harmison was not in his usual place., he did not get it right. He bowled very badly till the supper break.

The (dis?)organizers had planned on a fire work display after the game, however someone who had too much coffee, triggered off the fireworks during the game. There was fireworks going on in the background after India lost Pathan. Dravid walked with blasting sound effects. The fireworks seemed to have distracted the newly arrived batsmen Dravid., he was out caught in the slips . Organizers need to ensure such things don’t happen in future. Soon India lost Sachin to a ball that kept low.
Raina walked and contributed on behalf of the Indian contingent for the Omelet breakfast. Soon Dhoni and Yuvraj got the game back on track for an Indian victory, Dhoni wanted to finish the game off quickly hence he tried to show off a little but was out caught, a stupid move by the youngster. Yuvraj and Harbajan then won the game for India. Rameeze Raja announced Munaf Patel as man of the match.

Finally, Sachin scored 35, but more that he reached a lot of mile stones during this game. Today we have people celebrating for 25th day of a movie, I think Sachin achievements should be at least appreciated should not be covered for the words like playing for the team etc. Do you know Sachin has scored more than 6000 runs in day and night games alone., 6000 is carrier score for many players. Well, who cares if you celebrate or not, but I will - I now call upon my good friend Balaji to do the needful and say ……………………..