One down, three to go
Paramjit Bawa - 26 April 2002
The Indians have finally crossed one Rubicon by putting it past
the West Indies at Port of Spain in the second Test. The proof of
this pudding, however, will be in the winning of the series, and
let us not forget there are still three Tests to go. It would
also be realistic to expect an attempt at a fight-back from the
hosts.
There were definitely some good individual performances from the
Indians. VVS Laxman, Ashish Nehra (who really should have been
considered for the Man of the Match award for those two crucial
wickets), even Sourav Ganguly for his captaincy (do I hear
guffaws, Messers Bedi and Dungarpur?). But every time India have
won a Test or one-day international in recent memory, it has
invariably been due to a collective effort.
Here also, the win was the result of an overwhelming team effort,
despite the best efforts of a section of the press and some
experts to create an issue over the dropping of Anil Kumble. Why
this needs to be debated at all is beyond me. Most followers of
Indian cricket must know Kumble's performances abroad. If it is
any consolation, Harbhajan Singh seems to be less terrifying
overseas as well. His struggles with the Kookaburra ball are
evident, and if he used that same ball in India, he may not be
half the bowler at home either. The difference is that Harbhajan
still has age on his side, while Kumble is not so fortunate.
But whom have we beaten? What a West Indian team this is! Just
recall the aura of Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge,
Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Joel Garner and earlier
greats. Remember the unique Richards arrogance? How he never wore
a helmet to rub salt into the wounds of devastated opposing
quickies? The Lloyd and Greenidge onslaughts? Gavaskar's bat
flying after trying to play a ball from Marshall? Just the sight
of "Godzilla" Garner thundering down to bowl must have left many
a batsman with permanent psychological damage.
The Indians should still be congratulated for the effort, and it
is not unreasonable for us to be thrilled. Even though they
should have been able to brownwash (rain permitting) these
opponents, we will still give them a real pat on the back if they
can just pull off the series. Then they must start to beat
stronger teams in away series - England and Sri Lanka will do for
now, let alone Australia and South Africa. That is when we will
know you have arrived, boys. A victory over this West Indian team
(on current form) is probably not even as much an achievement as
a win over Zimbabwe.
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