The chasm between the top-sides and the also-rans is getting mightier by the minute. Sri Lanka proved beyond doubt they are a side not to be taken lightly. No doubt the match revolved around the trailblazing blade of Sanath Jayasuriya and later his crafty bowling skills. But the others chipped in as well and the Lankans performing as a team augurs well for a side that has always been seen as a proverbial under achiever away from home.
The knock from Sanath was an eye-opener. The daggers came out right after the 2003 World Cup and when he visited India a few seasons back he was written off as a spent shell. The way he has picked himself in the last two years and amassed runs is reflective of his combative nature and extraordinary self belief.
Sachin Tendulkar who has been under the scanner after the world Cup debacle, can pick a few important points from Jayasuriya. Naturally attacking batsmen should never resort to defensive cricket, I tried it a few times and came only second best, not for a moment am I comparing myself with Sachin but the crux of the matter is stroke makers should play their natural game and Sachin if he has to leave the game with his head held high must continue to attack. Adam Gilchrist another annihilator of attacks does not hold himself back in the twilight of his career so why should Sachin?
Jayasuriya's owes his success to his eye sight. A good eye is the lead up to picking the length early and bat speed and hand-eye co-ordination is only a by product. Great attacking batsmen, be it past or present, have possessed a great eye and Sanath has that in abundance and he is a glowing example on how one can go mug faced when writing of a legend.
The match as such was only a good mismatch, though my prediction came right, it once again exposed the limitations in the Caribbean ranks. Sri Lanka proved a far superior side man to man and had the answers to represent every situation. They played the percentage game better and as I had said earlier every player in the side understands his role correctly and that is the secret of their success.
The West Indian approach left a lot to be desired. Chasing a target in excess of 300 requires a bold approach and the hosts did not make an attempt go after the attack and take the fight to the opposition. It was another game that was robbed of its competitive flavor and the writing was clear after Brian Lara left in the eleventh over.
The knock from Sanath was an eye-opener. The daggers came out right after the 2003 World Cup and when he visited India a few seasons back he was written off as a spent shell. The way he has picked himself in the last two years and amassed runs is reflective of his combative nature and extraordinary self belief.
Sachin Tendulkar who has been under the scanner after the world Cup debacle, can pick a few important points from Jayasuriya. Naturally attacking batsmen should never resort to defensive cricket, I tried it a few times and came only second best, not for a moment am I comparing myself with Sachin but the crux of the matter is stroke makers should play their natural game and Sachin if he has to leave the game with his head held high must continue to attack. Adam Gilchrist another annihilator of attacks does not hold himself back in the twilight of his career so why should Sachin?
Jayasuriya's owes his success to his eye sight. A good eye is the lead up to picking the length early and bat speed and hand-eye co-ordination is only a by product. Great attacking batsmen, be it past or present, have possessed a great eye and Sanath has that in abundance and he is a glowing example on how one can go mug faced when writing of a legend.
The match as such was only a good mismatch, though my prediction came right, it once again exposed the limitations in the Caribbean ranks. Sri Lanka proved a far superior side man to man and had the answers to represent every situation. They played the percentage game better and as I had said earlier every player in the side understands his role correctly and that is the secret of their success.
The West Indian approach left a lot to be desired. Chasing a target in excess of 300 requires a bold approach and the hosts did not make an attempt go after the attack and take the fight to the opposition. It was another game that was robbed of its competitive flavor and the writing was clear after Brian Lara left in the eleventh over.
The tournament goes on promising a good game of cricket but hardly delivering it. Followers of the game can hope for another miracle today. Bangladesh can take a lot out of their win in the warm up game against the Kiwis and go full throttle. The Kiwis for their part have peaked well and prove to be more than a handful for the other Asian hope.
1 comment:
Comparison between two greats of the modern game even at the twilight of their respective careers just goes to show the the obsession for soundbytes,words etc. by the media/public...As you very rightly said retirement is a personal decision & not one where others can decide for oneself...However irrespective of the same ,it is imperative to note that seldom sub continental players with a few notable exceptions choose to exit the game with their heads held high,at a time when their place in the side is not questioned by others...People like Imran Khan were exceptions...In the recent past I can think of Javagal Srinath who exited the game with his head held very high...Even the great Kapil Dev suffered the wrath of certain sections who felt that he was in the team to break the then world record...Sanath was fighting,running hardest for singles & twos & doing everything what a young cricketer would do without looking out of place on the batting track nor & most importantly on the FIELD...Are Ganguly, Tendulkar,Laxman listening....
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