We are 1-0 down. But as usual, too much fuss around our loss. I mean we did play with a 2nd string batting line-up and they did reasonably well (Africans bowled beautifully). The bowling has problems and has always had them:
1. The pace bowlers rely on seam and swing , not pace. We won our last series in England. When we went to Australia, we won at Perth (on the fastest track) and lost at Melbourne (on a slow pitch). We won in Jo'burg when Sreesanth took a 5-for. My theory is that our pacers do very well on helpful tracks and our hi-quality batters do a decent job & hence, better results. On tracks like Nagpur, our pacers cant break through due to lack of speed and the spinners...
2. .......well, they suck ! Maybe Mishra can get better with experience but I dont know. I am a fan of Bhajji for his chutzpah, not his skills. Hes a great one day or T20 bowler, but his flat, fast deliveries are no good on most pitches. Am not even bothering checking his test figures, but I am sure they are not flattering outside India. He has rarely bowled us to a win (barring the odd game in NZ & WI) and off late, accuracy is a big issue with him. And no flight or guile from a spinner is sad to see. Methinks Ramesh Powar would still today be a much much better choice. Alas..
Otherwise, its great to see nice, aggressive test cricket. Winning-losing is part of any game, but hope for a better battle at the Eden !
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