Close, Day 4
Tuesday, November 6, 2001

It was disappointing to see India capsize in four days to a bowling attack which was only average, and on a track which didn't have much juice in it. In fact, before the match started South African coach Graham Ford was worried about the wicket. India lost an early opportunity to make an impression in the series, in conditions which were not favourable to South Africa. It's unlikely that they will get similar conditions in the next two Tests.

The talent in this Indian line-up is not in doubt. In terms of ability, this team looks much more likely to deliver favourable results than the two previous squads which toured South Africa. However, the mental fortitude was lacking, and that is an area the players will have to work on before the second Test.

The team management should refrain from making any changes to the batting line-up, even though some of their moves did not produce the desired results here. Rahul Dravid had two failures in this match, but he should be persisted with in the opener's slot. Dravid has the technique, and it's only a question of him accepting his new role mentally.

VVS Laxman's performance here was not entirely convincing, and his batting in the second Test, and in the tour match before that, will be watched with a lot of interest. Laxman has not succeeded consistently in the No. 3 slot, and the Indian think-tank might have to revert to Dravid in that position, if Laxman fails again at Port Elizabeth. However, it would only be fair to give him another opportunity to prove himself at first wicket down.

The bowling attack should see at least one change. Harbhajan Singh was sorely missed, and one of Ashish Nehra or Zaheer Khan will certainly have to make way for him. Ashish Nehra did not look 100% fit in the few overs he bowled in the second innings. The coach and captain will have to pick bowlers who are free from niggles, and Ajit Agarkar's inclusion is an option.

Anil Kumble lived up to expectations, bowling tidily and picking up a few wickets. He was never likely to be a matchwinner in these conditions - his overseas record pales in comparison to his performances at home, indicating that he needs favourable conditions to bowl sides out.

India need to put this defeat behind them before the next Test - fortunately, there is nine-day gap before the teams meet at Port Elizabeth. Coach John Wright should spend time with the players, not on the field, but in the hotel rooms. SS Das, Dravid and Sourav Ganguly have a few problems which can be sorted out by one-to-ones, not by batting in the nets.

Sanjay Manjrekar, mainstay of the Indian batting in the late '80s and early '90s, was talking to S Rajesh.

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