Host's lack of application was appalling

The gulf in class was clearly evident. And with every passing over it only became apparent that Bangladesh lacked in many parts to make a good Test side. The win even though it came against a weak side would do a world of good to the Indian side's confidence after it found itself at it's lowest ebb after the mauling in the World Cup.

The batsmen found their bearings and it is only good that they had this series before they go on to take tougher opponents in the near future. Dinesh Karthik to me was the biggest discovery. Regular or not he has taken to the task of opening in Test cricket like duck to water. With Wasim Jaffer for company Karthik should establish a fine opening pair.

The top-order will definitely not be short on confidence when they go on take England shortly. There is nothing like runs in the bag that counts. The run rate achieved in the second Test was another huge positive for the side.

With the seamers taking time out regularly with different injuries the mantle of spearheading the attack has fallen on the shoulders of Zaheer Khan. The left armer to his credit looks fit to carry the good job and more importantly has the wickets under his belt for him to look at the ensuing season with optimism. To have returned with a bagful of wickets on a bone dry wicket in oppressive conditions required a big heart and he displayed just that.

R.P. Singh and Anil Kumble as ever played the percentages well and struck to their task. RP was consistent and with his high arm and straight wrist has developed the uncanny knack of making the ball rear off the surface. He should continue in the same vein for his own good.

Ishanth Sharma, was a bit of a let down, I am surprised he did not try the bouncer enough. As to any youngster he could have been overawed by the stage but the youngster with proper guidance should move up the ladder quickly.

Finally the lack of application on part of the hosts was appalling. There was no intent to occupy the crease for a longer duration. The very essence of Test cricket was killed. The second innings is usually where teams try and eradicate the mistakes done in the first but there was no sense of learning on part of the host's.

Barring Mohammed Ashraful, no one else looked like taking the match to the opponents. Ashraful built in the Sehwag mould goes after the bowling from the word go and he did his job to perfection , only if the others had grinded the Indian attack for a longer duration then they would have at least saved some embarrassment.

The match was dead and gone for Bangladesh the moment they asked India to make first use of the track. Dav Whatmore seen as a master tactician was more intent on pleasing the men who count with Indian cricket rather than concentrating with his job on hand.