On a leisurely Sunday afternoon at the park, it might make for good cricket to see Zaheer Khan step out and have a whack at the ball. But in a crunch situation in the deciding Test match of an overseas series, it's the last thing you want to see. Batting with VVS Laxman at the other end, with 30-odd runs to go to save the follow on, Zaheer Khan threw it away. First, he slogged madly against Pedro Collins, trying to clear long on, falling just short of mid on. Laxman, at the other end, gestured to him to calm down. Zaheer flashed that charming smile which makes him such a catch for endorsements, and, three balls later, slogged again. The ball went the distance in the air, but didn't quite match that in length, and landed in an empty part of the infield.

Laxman then went and spoke to him again, this time much more firmly. Zaheer nodded, the next over, from Cameron Cuffy, began. And when Zaheer got the strike, he promptly stepped back and hoicked at a ball outside off, bat well away from his body, head in the air. The ball ballooned up for a simple catch at cover, and India had lost its eighth wicket, at a time when Laxman needed the support most.

It was madness. Common sense dictates that when a tail-ender is batting with an established batsman at the other end – especially in such a crunch situation – he should keep his wicket intact as long as he can. Even if he did not have that sense himself, he was told repeatedly by Laxman to play calmly, and he should have listened. He treated the act of playing for his country with cavalier disdain; and he must be punished for that. If he takes his cap too lightly, it must be taken away from him, temporarily, till the message sinks in. He should be sent home immediately, and made to miss the one-day series.

One Test ago, Anil Kumble brought honour to his team by wearing his heart on his sleeve. Today, Zaheer Khan disgraced the crest on his helmet.

Amit Varma is assistant editor of Wisden.com in India.

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