Colombo Test, Day 1, Tea
Wednesday, August 29, 2001

So often you see an interval or short break changing the complexion of a match. The first fifteen minutes after lunch were going to be especially crucial and in that context it was disappointing to see Shiv Sunder Das throw his wicket away the way he did. He was well set, and rarely looked in trouble against a less than threatening attack. It concerns me that he has six fifties and only one century in Tests. When things are going your way, you have to make the most of them. Converting fifties into big hundreds has been a hallmark of most great openers.

Ramesh's dismissal was not surprising. Lately, he has been looking like he could get out any moment. He seems to have adopted the role of a grafter, but it doesn't suit him at all. He is much better off playing his shots freely.

Ganguly's dismissal will no doubt be a major talking point. He was well down the track and it was a brave decision to give him out. The ball had quite a distance to travel to the stumps and you can never be certain whether it would have gone on to hit them. However, umpire Orchard had the best view and if he was sure that it struck Ganguly in line, then we have no arguments. The Indian captain can't be blamed for considering himself a little unfortunate though.

Mohammad Kaif hasn't made the most of his chances at international level and, at this rate, he won't be getting many more. The one major disappointment for me has been the fact that the new batsmen, who had a great opportunity to make a name for themselves, haven't made the step up.

Sanjay Manjrekar, a regular in the Indian batting line-up of the late '80s and early '90s, was talking to Dileep Premachandran.

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A hint of panic - Lunch

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