Some spunk atlast !

The Sri Lankan batsmen displayed some application but again failed to make it to a big score. In the end, they did show enough gumption to take the play to the final day but would have really liked Jaya and Dishan to be there not out. Cricket is a strange game and after his 7 wickets, Bhajji was able to take just one in the 2^nd inning. Neither he and nor Kumble were in their best bowling form but 500 is a lot of cushion to bowl with and can lead to an almost complacent mood. Attappattu for the umpteenth time, failed to send Dilshan ahead of lackluster Samaraweera and thereby deprived whatever little chance Lanka had. Barring a Mohali like act (when Razzak and Kamran Akmal held up India for a day), this should be over by lunch of 5^th day. It is time for Chappell and Co. to plan for the tougher tour ahead.

Elsewhere, I was amused to read Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI media rep giving details of the meeting between Pawar and Sourav “ They discussed matters to improve Indian Cricket”. Hmmn..this is the sort of remarks that really leads BCCI into trouble. Can anyone believe this – Sourav takes a plane and comes all the way to Delhi to meet Pawar and then discuss about improving Indian cricket. Give me a break ! What is the latest brain wave he would have had that is different from about a week ago, when he met Pawar along with the other players, during the contract discussion. Come on Shukla !! Obviously, much water has flown under the bridge since the 1^st meeting with other players but to discuss about improvements? Hmm..again, I feel that these tongue tied remarks is just not going to get us anywhere.

In other news, word has leaked out that the grand old man of Indian cricket – the redoubtable Raj Singh Dungapur will be the team manager for the Pak tour. Raj Singh is no stranger to the ways of Indian cricket and has been in the thick of many a thing in the past (including the famous appointment of Azhar as captain and finishing off Srikanth’s short but impressive stint at captaincy) and he is brought in perhaps to handle the thorny dressing room atmosphere, where Sourav is likely to be around.