A macro view of India’s performance Down Under and the preceding overseas tour of England leads to one clear cut conclusion, that India’s technical flaws have been exposed to the hilt by both teams. The game on Sunday was a classic example of how India failed to adapt to the conditions with both bat and ball. While Australian pacemen hit the deck hard and were rewarded accordingly, India made a tactical blunder by leaving out both their fast men — Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav. As a result, even though Vinay bowled extremely well to pick up three wickets, the result struggled. Praveen Kumar was economical, but on a wicket that demanded that the ball be hit hard on the deck, he was far from threatening.

To make things worse for M S Dhoni, his spinners, with exception of impressive leggie Rahul Sharma, bowled some absolute thrash, when the need was to keep things tight. Ravichandran Ashwin is having a tough tour, reiterating he has a long way to go despite his short-term success. This tour should be good learning curve for him though. After an impressive outing in the second T20, Ravindra Jadeja returned to his ungainly ways, bowling two no balls and conceding plenty of loose deliveries for the Aussie batsmen to make merry. Although Jadeja has done well since his return to the Indian squad, his bowling effort on Sunday was unacceptable. Both his free hits went to the boundary, and did India’s sagging confidence little good.

Even as India’s bowlers have struggled on this demanding tour, it has been their batting that has been consistently disappointing. And it is clear now that most of the batsmen’s game is suited only for subcontinent conditions – this includes the experienced players. Gautam Gambhir has played a couple of good knocks in the last month, but his inability to let the ball go outside the off stump has become his bane. The poke shot has been Gambhir’s go to stroke in the past, but the lift gained by the bowlers has been his undoing Down Under more often than not. Yes, he has been making a conscious effort to leave the ball alone outside the off. However, old habits die hard, and so has been the case with Gambhir, who keeps getting into a tangle when the ball is pitched in that uncomfortable zone.

Similar has been the story with the others as well. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma briefly shone for India, but their inexperience came to the fore as Kohli perished hitting the ball in the air and Sharma poked at a lifter outside off ala Gambhir. Suresh Raina was worked over once again in expected fashion. A number of deliveries were pitched up to him earlier on, and the moment he got his first short ball, it led to his downfall. Jadeja completed a forgettable game for him by also falling to the short ball. Even the great Sachin Tendulkar was brilliantly deceived by Mitchell Starc. Tendulkar drove at one which seemed to deliberately pitched wide off him, and Ricky Ponting plucked a brilliant catch to put India on the back-foot right away. The fielding effort of the two sides was a study in contrast and represented the wide gulf between India and Australia.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

He will only be in his mid 20’s by the time his five-year ban term comes to an end (unless of course the ban is revoked). However, time waits for no one and by the time he is allowed to come back to the international arena, Pakistan cricket may have moved well ahead. Also, he wouldn’t have played any competitive cricket all these years, and one won’t be sure whether his mental scars would have healed by then. Amid the tainted trio, Amir is likely to be the worst sufferer. This is because he is the youngest of the lot and will lose out on his prime years. Butt and Asif would anyway be close to their retirement years by the time their banned tenure comes to an end. Also, the latter was never serious about the game and had been involved in a number of transgressions earlier as well. So one wonders if he is really bothered about the shame he has brought to the nation.

Returning to Amir, another strong raison d’etre why there are slim chances of him returning to international cricket or succeeding even if he returns is because history has proved that it is a next to impossible task. Take the case of Ajay Jadeja and Nicky Boje. They were banned from the game for their misdemeanors at the height of their cricketing powers. And when they wanted to return, there were no takers. Jadeja tried his hand at domestic cricket for a while, and Boje continues to play T20 cricket, alas their international career hit a point of no return as soon as they were penalized for their involvement with unwanted elements in the game.

Of the punished lot, only Herschelle Gibbs managed to make a successful return to international cricket. In fact he did better in his second stint as a player than the pre-banned era. However, his is more a case of an exception rather than a rule. There is no guarantee that Amir can tread a similar path. It has been learnt that the Pakistan cricket Board is ready to counsel Amir if he desires to return to the big stage. However, one wonders if Amir himself would be mentally tough to go through the grind all over again.

If he indeed gets a chance again he would be very lucky. But it is also a fact that the prying eyes of fans, players and administrators all over the world would be on him. Also, it would be tougher for Amir to win back the confidence of the cricket world, for this is second time that the cricket world has been embroiled in the fixing controversy. The sport had only just managed to get over the first shocker when this spot fixing shame was revealed. As such, it would only be fair if fans want such tainted characters to stay away from the game for ever.

Some noble men like Mike Brearley have had the heart to say that Amir should be given another chance considering his raw age and prodigious talent. But here, the PCB’s role will be essentially critical. Even his Amir does not make it back to the path of fame, the PCB must at least ensure that future Amirs don’t fall along this thorny path for the betterment of both their and world cricket as a whole.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

Of course, he was in charge of the team when they won their first Test ever on South African soil, at Durban. However, that had more to do with the individual brilliance of Kumar Sangakkara and Rangana Herath than some shrewd leadership on the part of Dilshan. That said, he did contribute handsomely in one of the ODIs that Lanka won against the Proteas, and his side did manage to finish the series with a respectable 3-2 loss. However, that was far from enough to give Dilshan a longer run at the top. Nine months are enough for a mother to prepare her baby to enter the world, and similarly the same duration should be feasible to figure out whether or not a person is fit to lead his side. In Dilshan’s case, the answer was a resounding no.

For starters, as the old cliche goes, a leader must lead from the front. With Dilshan, it clearly wasn’t the case. He was visibly struggling to cope up with the additional responsibility of marshalling his troops and, as a result, his batting suffered badly. Some captains manage to inspire the side with their charismatic presence even when they themselves are not performing to potential. Mark Taylor is a classic example of such a leader and Sourav Ganguly too, albeit briefly. However, Dilshan clearly does not belong to this rare breed of captains. On the contrary, his struggles only mirrored those of the team’s as Sri Lanka went from one low to another. One doesn’t really know how much of a part the delay in payment of dues demotivated them. However, it certainly wouldn’t have done them any good. Unfortunately for Dilshan, it all combined to compound his misery as the Lankans went on losing one series after the other. And it all culminated with the losses in South Africa, though there were a few positives for the Lankans from it.

Apart from struggling for runs, Dilshan did not do much to impress in his role as captain either. He did not come across as an intelligent tactician nor was he willing to go the unorthodox way when things weren’t going his team’s way. Instead, he looked at loss for ideas, and even the presence of two former skippers Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene did not help much. The result was series losses in Test and one-dayers against England, Australia, Pakistan and, of course, the Proteas. As such, it was only fair that Sri Lanka began looking beyond Dilshan as skipper for the good of the side’s future.

Having said that, it was somewhat surprising that former skipper Jayawardene, who had given up the taxing job in 2009, has been reappointed to the post. The decision was taken possibly because there was no other real option. Vice-captain Angelo Mathews may have been an option, but it is a fact that the all-rounder has cemented his place in the team only recently. He is definitely the captain in waiting for Sri Lanka, the question is when and how. Meanwhile, Dilshan will do well to re-establish his place in the team as a dangerous opening bat, for his performance as a player remains critical to Lanka’s fortunes.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

Many might find Brearley’s opinion on the sensitive matter too compassionate. But, he certainly has a point. Aamir is just 18, an age at which almost all of us are prone to make our most unjustified errors. On the other hand, Butt and Asif are approaching their 30s, and should have acted more responsibly considering they were supposed to be the mature heads. Instead, not only were they party to a terrible crime, they also encouraged a budding talent to walk into the dingy lane. Yes, we all know that Amir was equally at fault, but then it has to be remembered that he would have been under tremendous pressure considering his seniors were part of the act, and the impressionable age that he is at did not help matters. Whether or not Amir should play for Pakistan in the near future remains debatable. However, it is a fact that one cannot get to the root of the problem unless the ones who have trodden down the wrong path are counselled into speaking the truth.

This is where Aamir’s case assumes greater significance. He can either be made an example and banned from cricket forever, or guided on the path of resurrection. For the latter to take shape, Amir will have to admit that he has been involved in a gross misadventure, amounting to cheating a whole nation and his noble profession. Amir pleading guilty to the charges against him during trial was only the first step towards a possible redemption. He has to believe from inside that he can change, and only then can others help. And if he genuinely wants to compensate for his sins, he should join the battle against tacky practices in the gentleman’s game.

From the cricket administration’s point of view, they too have a greater responsibility towards steering young talents in the right direction. With the tsunami of money that has flown into the game over the last decade or so, it is but obvious that corrupt practices are on the rise. After all where there is money, crime also follows, almost magnetically. Not surprisingly, rookies like Amir are easy targets for bookies and punters. As explained by Brearley during his enlightening speech, “We need to recognise that the pressure put on the young player by criminal bookies or their agents, or by their corrupt team-mates, can be appalling.” The cricket boards of all nations must warn their respective players of the unwanted elements hovering around the game or, in short, play mentors. And if they still go on and disregard the advice, harsh punishment is the only way out. Amir too admitted that had he been given proper guidance by his cricket board, his plight could have been different today.

What’s happened cannot be changed. But, there a lot of lessons to be learnt from Aamir’s case for both aspiring young guns like him, and the cricketing fraternity in general. If some unfeigned steps are taken by the ones in charge from hereon, the future might be less spotty.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

For the record, Ganguly is no saint himself, and neither is Dravid God. Like all humans, they too have their failings. But, while Dravid has always tried to make the best use of his limitations, Ganguly has revelled through his arrogance. Reports of him not willing to carry out the drinks on his maiden tour to Australia in 1991-92 have flying around for years. Further, it is common knowledge that he pulled out of the Nagpur Test in 2004 (against Australia again!) in protest of the green pitch that was prepared. Did you say guts, Sourav? And not least of all, his affinity towards certain players meant that some deserving ones like left-arm spinner Murali Kartik got treated unfairly.

Yes, Ganguly did a lot of good to Indian cricket. He was the one who led India out of the dark shadows in the post-match-fixing era. He was the one who backed certain talents to the hilt and gave them room to prosper, laying a strong foundation for today’s Team India. He was also the one who made India believe that they can win abroad. But, he was also the one who hung on to his place undeserving for two seasons only by virtue of being the captain. And, he was also the one who agreed to retire if given a farewell series (and again against Australia!). It very easy to criticise others, but will Ganguly admit to the above shortcomings? If no, then he doesn’t have a right to point fingers at Dravid, who may not have been as charismatic a leader as the Prince of Kolkata, but has achieved a lot more as a player.

Apart from Dravid, Ganguly has expectedly also attacked his favourite enemy Greg Chappell once again, calling him ‘mad’. And while it is no secret that the Aussie legend did little good to Indian cricket, Ganguly’s continuous outbursts are unwarranted. As mentioned in the beginning, all this crazy talk is the perfect recipe for a bestseller, which is exactly what Chappell did. In his book, he hit out at Ganguly unabashedly, and the latter can return the compliment by doing the same. But, making headline grabbing statements day in and day out would not serve any purpose. If anything, it would slowly push him into the Vinod Kambli category of ex-cricketers whose mantra is — to stay in the news become the news.

Despite all the bad blood between Ganguly and Chappell, the former shouldn’t forget that, back in 2003, he had sought the advice of the same very man prior to the Brisbane Test. He scored a memorable ton in the opening match of the series, and even acknowledged Chappell’s hand in the same. All this was at a time when no one expected Ganguly to succeed owing to his obvious woes against the rising ball. What then makes him say that Chappell’s guidance would not be of any use to the present Australian side? The much-hyped series is yet to begin, and if India flounder Down Under Ganguly might be forced to eat his own words.

There have been enough controversies in India-Australia Tests in recent times, and it would be great if the latest series can be remembered for its cricket more than anything else. Mr. Sourav Ganguly, you can help as well.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

The Aussie players would have been better off if some of them had been part of the practice games that India are featuring in instead of the Big Bash. It would have at least given them a glance at what some of the new faces in the Indian team had to offer, and this could have possibly made them more battle-ready for the big challenge. It has been proven that India always struggle in major tournaments after the Indian Premier League (IPL), the daddy of the Big Bash League. And that’s not all, a lot of the players have either picked up injuries or aggravated existing ones during the IPL. This has got to do mainly with the longevity of the event, which means that even 20 over games take a toll on the players, and thus even the fatigue factor sets in. These very players then underperform while playing more important games for their country. One cannot conclude that the Australian players will follow a similar path for their domestic calendar is much better structured. Even so, India’s failings owing to the IPL must serve as a warning signal for the Aussies.

The timing of the Big Bash once again raises the oft-asked question as to whether the T20 version is good or bad for the game. And while the debate will continue for a while for both the sides have their validations, the responsibility rests with the cricket boards of the Test playing countries to ensure that there is a proper balance between all the formats. This clearly isn’t the case as of now. Why else would South Africa and Australia feature in only a two-Test series when three should have been the minimum? The tied series between the two old rivals left both the teams and the fans with a feeling that there was some unfinished business as one two Tests weren’t enough to judge which team was the better one.

India have got four Tests to prove their mettle against the Aussies Down Under mainly because of their powerful status in world cricket. And while money does define who gets how much in today’s times, such biased schedules will hurt the game in the long run. It is really sad to learn that India and Australia have faced each other on numerous occasions since the historic 2001 series in India, but Sri Lanka are touring South Africa for the first time since 2002. This deadly mix of vaguely planned T20 events and an unstructured Future Tours Programme (FTP) should be considered as one of the reasons why the five day game hasn’t been drawing crowds in recent years — something for the ICC to ponder upon.

The India-Australia Tests should draw in the crowds for this rivalry is now legendary. If that is not the case, it would mean the situation is actually worse than what all of us believe it to be. Whatever be the state of affairs, the boards and the ICC need to look into the matter seriously – for if the players begin to choose T20 over Tests, the game will be the biggest loser eventually. And, if India starts featuring in event subsequent series, the fans too would begin to get bored of watching the same players in action time and again. The India-West Indies series had ample proof of the same. Hopefully fans view the India-Australia series as a fresh beginning.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

The biggest hindrance in India’s progress could be their weak, inexperienced bowling attack. Only Zaheer Khan possesses the proven match-winning ability. India will be banking heavily on the left-arm seamer to deliver. However, even he hasn’t played competitive international cricket since limping out of the England series at the very start of the tour. Thus, it will be too harsh to expect him to get into rhythm straightaway. And while he has played a few domestic games back in India, how fit he is for the Aussie challenge, both physically and mentally, will be apparent only when the Boxing Day Test begins.

Among the others in the bowling department, one doesn’t quite know what to expect. Umesh Yadav made a mark with his pace and accuracy against the West Indians. He is now the next big hope for India in the pace bowling department along with the ‘already in the injured list’ Varun Aaron. It doesn’t speak much for the way India groom their fast bowlers when one considers that after the last tour of Australia, in 2007-08, the mantle was handed over to Ishant Sharma. But, the lanky medium pacer has done precious little to inspire confidence since. That he is still part of the current tour has to do more with India’s lack of options than anything else — Sreesanth seems to have gone completely off the boil, while Irfan Pathan’s lack of pace would have been too risky an option. Sharma would do well to prove otherwise with some inspiring spells reminiscent of the ones on the previous tour. Yadav’s ability also will be tested to a greater extent as compared to the series against the Windies. It will be intriguing to watch Yadav progress as he seems someone genuinely talented, and India needs a fast bowler, literally speaking.

There is little on offer to believe that the back up bowlers can come up with the goods. Abhimanyu Mithun and R. Vinay Kumar both are hard triers, but can they be expected to run through the Aussie batting line up? Unless a side is able to pick up 20 wickets, there is now way they can win a Test and this is where India is likely to struggle even against an underperforming Australian outfit. Wondering why no mention of India’s newest spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha, who spun out West Indies and ended with splendid figures? Well, it would be disappointing if the duo is not among the wickets. But, don’t expect them to do an encore, for Australia in Australia will be a totally different kettle of fish. Even Anil Kumble took years to become a potent force abroad. And, Ashwin and Ojha are just starting out. With conditions that won’t be overly responsive to spin, how the two respond remains to be seen.

In the end, it will all come down to how India’s famed batting line up shapes. Barring Rahul Dravid, none of them had a great time in England. Having said that, it would be baffling if they don’t come up with a more assured performance. Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag all have tasted success Down Under before so they should be confident of making an impression again. This will be of utmost significance, more so if the bowling doesn’t stand up to the challenge. Strong batting displays may not be enough for India to triumph Down Under, but it can at least be pivotal in preventing the former number one side from an England-like embarrassment.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

While it’s understandable that there are issues with the already fixed schedules and television rights, etc, the ICC seems to have taken the easy way out. Did they witness the crowd (or the absence of it) at Eden Gardens before arriving at the decision? Clearly, they could have been much smarter and worked around some other alternative if they were dead serious about saving Test cricket. Yes, it is dying, because when the spectators don’t make it to the grounds in India, it is the most visible signal that something is terribly wrong. And when things are this bad now, when T20 cricket has not even established itself completely, image the scenario in 2017, when T20s might become an everyday affair. With its decision, the ICC has effectively ignored the problems Test cricket is facing and that definitely cannot be in the best interest of the sport.

Even international cricketers like Graeme Smith and Kumar Sangakkara have openly expressed their disappointment, and understandably so. For any complete cricketer, Test cricket remains the ultimate challenge. Yes, this has been said time and again, but it possibly has to be nailed into the ICC’s heads so that they start dealing with the issue earnestly. It was admirable on the part of both Smith and Sangakkara, two respected men in world cricket, to come out and voice their disapproval in the open. One can only hope that the authorities in the governing body consider their views, and do a rethink on the whole issue. This is the need of the hour. After all, cricketers are the ones who actually ‘run’ the game, and when they themselves are dissatisfied with the decisions taken by the think-tank that govern cricket, it means things are becoming jeopardous.

What makes ICC’s decision even more disappointing is the clear fact that the declining state of Test cricket was in front of then. That was the whole idea behind starting a Test championship, as explained by the ICC itself. But, instead of working towards a solution, they have taken two steps backward, and concluded that things can remain as they are for the next five years, which definitely is not going to be the case. As of today, the younger generation doesn’t have any time to sit back and ‘enjoy’ Test cricket. They are more interested in on the go stuff (read T20 cricket). And five years later, with even more enhanced technology advancements they would be even less interested in what is called ‘Test’ cricket. Is the ICC expecting that, without any modifications, the five-day game will cater to the gen-next just because they previous generation was so enchanted with it? Times have changed, and it’s time the ICC changes its thinking too.

The modern generation has to be provided perks to be influenced over anything. A World Test Championship in 2013 with the top four Test teams in battle was a step in the right direction. For sure, it wouldn’t have miraculously changed the fortunes of the five-day version. But, at least the people involved in the game would have got an idea as to where Test cricket is heading, and adaptions that could be made to improve the chances of the survival of the game’s oldest interpretation. A lot needs to be done to save Test cricket from becoming a part of history in literal terms. And, the earlier this revamp starts the better. Five years is too long a time. As Graeme Smith aptly put it, “You can skip a generation in five years”. Is ICC listening?

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

What can one write about the phenomenon that hasn’t been written before? Even the average cricket fan can churn out thesis after thesis on the Little Master. It is least surprising then that there is so much hullabaloo over the 100th international century that has eluded Tendulkar for quite a while now. In the meantime, he also completed 15,000 Test runs recently, another highly celebrated achievement. And one can guarantee there are many more to follow. The list is already quite long – most matches, most runs, most centuries, highest ODI score, and so on…

But the question that needs to be answered is whether there is any element of surprise in what Tendulkar has gone on to achieve. After all, he was always destined to be the best player in the world. And for someone who has played almost non-stop cricket for 22 years, it is but obvious that most records would fall in his kitty considering his consistency, may be except scaling the 400 run-mark attained by fellow great Brian Charles Lara. This is no attempt to demean the great man’s marvellous achievements, but just an effort to put things into perspective. It is a given that Tendulkar will end up as a highest run getter in both Tests and one-dayers, and it will take something extraordinary to go past his achievements.

Instead of pressurising Tendulkar over the 100th international 100, which in itself is a media creation, fans and followers must enjoy whatever little the Mumbai bomber has left in his tank to offer. He is 38 now, and can’t go on for much longer. Also, he is at that stage of his career now where every step he takes could be leading into some landmark or the other. Thus, it is only fair that he be left alone and not burdened with one expectation after the other. If the feats have to come by on the way, they will. And even if he doesn’t achieve them, it will not make him a lesser player. His record speaks for itself and he does not have to prove anything to anybody, 100th ton or no ton.

If anything, the bigger challenge for Tendulkar will be to try and help India overcome the Australian challenge Down Under. True, the Aussies may be on the downslide at present, but they remain a formidable opponent nonetheless, especially at home. And given India’s pathetic record in Kangaroo land as well as their recent submission in England, Tendulkar and the other senior players have a lot to play for when they take on Australia following the ongoing series against the West Indians. If Tendulkar can help India beat the Aussies, it would mean much more to him and the entire team as well as its well-wishers — it should ideally. And, if the elusive hundred comes in that cause (if he doesn’t achieve it against the Windies), it will serve as the perfect icing on the cake.

Sachin fanatics may hate me for saying this, but wouldn’t poetic justice be done if the Mumbai Bomber ends his career with 99 tons to his credit? After all, the legend himself, Sir. Donald George Bradman, fell short of a perfect average of 100, falling for a duck in his last Test knock. And we all know by now that Bradman compared Sachin to himself. Imagine two greats of the game stuck on 99s of different kinds. It would only reiterate that, like the Don, even Sachin is a mortal. And there is some uncanny romance associated with 99 as opposed to a complete 100. People will always remember the fact that Martin Crowe’s highest Test score was 299 and Mohammad Azharuddin’s was 199. And, who can forget Shane Warne, whose attacking instinct left with a Test best score of 99? These are regretful yet fascinating figures at the same time.

Of course, we would all like Sachin to break many more records in the times to come, and create some new ones. But, even if he doesn’t, nothing much will change. The numbers may become slightly less flattering, but the persona will remain unblemished.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.

Current skipper Michael Clarke has a tough act to follow as skipper of the side, having taken over from highly successful captains like Steve Waugh and Ponting. But, with no discredit to the former skippers, Clarke has the most unenviable job at hand. When Waugh and Ponting took on the role, they had a well-settled team at their disposal. In Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, the side possessed arguably the best opening pair of their time. Further, Ponting, Damien Martyn, Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist formed a dreaded middle order. And when they were done with their destructive act, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne walked in and ran over the opponents. This happened for nearly a decade and a half as the Aussies steamrolled to victories, with losses in India (2001) and the 2005 Ashes being the only aberrations. Such was the domination of the Australian side from the 90s to mid 2000, worthy talents like Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasporwicz and Stuart MacGill often found themselves on the sidelines for no perceptible fault of theirs.

It was always expected that Australia would struggle once their big guns called it a day. How vital the likes of McGrath and Warne were to Aussies’ fortunes is now being experienced. Furthermore, the retirement of Hayden, Langer, Martyn and Gilchrist in quick succession meant that half the Australian side had made their way out of the game in a matter of a year or so. Ever since, Australia have been in a rebuilding phase. But, as anticipated, replacements for the above-mentioned players haven’t been half as good. After all, players like Gilchrist, Warne, McGrath and Hayden come once in a generation. Of course, the younger players need to be given enough opportunities to settle in, but after a point time will start running out for them too.

Australia, in its current state, find themselves in a strikingly similar situation to the 80s, when the simultaneous retirement of Dennis Lillee, Rodney Marsh and Greg Chappell left a mammoth vacuum in the team. They struggled miserably after that with then skipper Kim Hughes even having a mental breakdown owing to the constant pressure exerted on the side. The sight of Hughes crying in front of the media while announcing his resignation as captain is fresh in the minds of cricket enthusiasts even today. This is where Allan Border stepped in, and therein turned Australia’s fortunes. Of course, the results weren’t immediate. But, the shrewd Border focussed on a set of individuals who were willing to put in the hard yards and built a team that he believed in. And over time, the outcome was there for the whole world to see. While Border himself led from the front with some gritty performances, he encouraged the likes of David Boon, Geoff Marsh, Steve Waugh and Craig McDermott to rise above the ordinary. Some like Waugh were not exceptional talents, but under the guidance of Border managed to make the most of his ability. The 1987 World Cup win, and that too in the Indian subcontinent was deserving reward for all the slog work put in by Border and co. From there, they only went from strength to strength. The captaincy changed hands from Border to Taylor to Waugh to Ponting, but the ruthless attitude instilled by Border remained.

How Aussies would love to have a Border today. Clarke has the best example in front of him as he looks to reinvigorate the team. Whether he follows in Border’s footsteps or ends up as the modern-age Hughes, remains to be seen.

By: The Pinch Hitter

Ever since The Pinch Hitter was introduced to cricket at the age of nine, he fell in love with the gentleman’s game. While his desire to take up the sport professionally remained unfulfilled, he substituted the bat with the pen. And since 2003, he has been commenting on the sport for various magazines, websites, enjoying every moment of it. With ‘Over the top’ he hopes to continue enlightening and enlivening ‘cricket companions’ the write way.