Sreesanth is in full swing, onus now on the Sachins
For much of this season, Indians have only featured in negative headlines here, the fallout of young Anni Dewani’s murder. On Tuesday, at least, the newspapers should have some positive things to say — about Team India.
Sure, South Africa’s last wicket-pair, Jacques Kallis and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, was allowed to put on 52, but India did well to dismiss South Africa for 362.
Then, at stumps on a sunny Day II, Monday, India reached 142 for two. Gautam Gambhir will resume on a chancy 65, while Sachin Tendulkar is going to take fresh guard on 49.
The wicket has something in it to keep the bowlers interested, but batsmen of Sachin’s class ought to really build on the start. Moreover, traditionally, the third day is best for batting.
If Kallis completed his 39th hundred (seventh at Newlands), having resumed on 81, Sreesanth registered his third haul of five or more wickets.
Kallis, who took a blow on the right chest early in his innings, won’t take the field, though. He’s been diagnosed with a “contusion” and a muscle strain in the region.
South Africa’s premier batsman will bat in the second innings, but is set to miss the first two ODIs, later this month.
Recovery is expected to take a fortnight and, with the World Cup getting nearer by the day, South Africa won’t take a chance with Mr Indispensable.
Getting back to the final Test, Sreesanth produced another gem, which cut back big, to get rid of overnighter Ashwell Prince. He got Mark Boucher on the next delivery, but instead of a hattrick, the third was a no-ball.
A delivery to forget after two which were memorable.
The second new ball did the trick, as wickets fell in a heap. Mahendra Singh Dhoni claimed it as soon as it was due (South Africa then on 252 for four) and Sreesanth turned in a blistering spell.
However, Sreesanth chose to be modest.
“My plan was just to be patient and bowl in the right areas... I’m fortunate to have got seam movement from the time I started bowling fast. Earlier, as you know, I’d been a leg-spinner,” he pointed out.
Sreesanth explained that he was following the Sachin School, where it was important to “enjoy” the game instead of burdening oneself with pressure.
About the Prince dismissal, Sreesanth said: “I was bowling in the channel (with help from the wind)... It’s one of the best deliveries I’ve bowled to a left-hander.”
The one which got Kallis in the second innings at Kingsmead was ferocious; this was, well, almost a work of art.
Looking ahead, Sreesanth commented: “There’s help for the bowlers, but the wicket has slowed down a bit... It’s fingers crossed as anything can happen in cricket.”
Kallis, familiar with every blade of grass here (Newlands is beautiful even without the chalets), spoke about the importance of “knowing” where the off-stump stood.
“It’s very important for the top-order batters to know that... Under the circumstances, we did well to get 360-plus... This is a great ground... As a kid, I remember missing a few days of school to watch matches here...”
Kallis added: “I’d like to think we’re still in charge of the Test...”
That’s definitely debatable, as the Gambhir-Sachin partnership, already worth 114, has given India hope to actually push towards a first-ever series win.
It must, of course, be noted that vice-captain Virender Sehwag got out without a big score once more. More is expected of him than a lone fifty in five innings.
After him, Rahul Dravid got run out on the very ball that Gambhir was dropped on, off Tsotsobe.
Dravid left cursing himself. He had every reason to, for the call had been his and one didn’t notice any desperation.
