Comments on The Match Referee: India vs South Africa - Match 3 Preview

Pankaj,Thats exactly what I've said, they need to ...

2006-11-26T16:41:00.000+11:00

Pankaj,
Thats exactly what I've said, they need to apply themselves a lot better.

We need to accept that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things are not going to fall into place. Having watched our batting performance again and again, I can confidently say that most of our batsmen did not do all that much wrong. Not to warrant the kind of reaction we are witnessing, anyway.

I have full faith that they will do a lot better if they trust their instincts and their talent.

I still maintain, that sometimes we mistake passion for pure lunacy. The fickle nature of the Indian fans appalls me.

Pankaj, I beg to differ. Australia were bowled out...

2006-11-26T16:07:00.000+11:00

Pankaj, I beg to differ. Australia were bowled out for 94 on that same ground batting second earlier this year and considering they scored over 400 runs in a one day match in that same series, I think it leads us to the conclusion that batting second in those conditions is a very big feat even for the best cricket team in the world. Fair assumption dont you think?

On Dravid opening, I dont think so. The middle order does not have the experiance of Yuvraj at the moment and Dravid gives it a bit of stability. Why play all your cards so early in the game? Sehwag is a rgeat batsman and runs should be just around the corner for him.

The best form of defense in life is attack and unfrotunately Dravid will not be able to offer that. This is just a simple case of heads down and bums up for the Indians. Good luck to them in the next match.

I don't know about the passionate fans' logic abou...

2006-11-26T14:59:00.000+11:00

I don't know about the passionate fans' logic about team's failure back home or anywhere in the world but one thing is sure about this side, "Lack of Application". You are right about the wrong shots each guy played but then what was the reason. Did SA bowlers bowl so well that they induced so many false strokes from Indian batting line up or they bowled with a lot of application to exploit whatever late movement they got from dewy pitch? OK, let me put a different question, had it been aussie team, would they have faltered in a similar fashion? I beg to differ. Aussies know one thing very well, how to apply. Be it different playing conditions or huge pressure of a low total, they never say die. Indian faltered because they were not concentrating. They should have been aware by the second innings that due to dew, Ball may swing and may hurry on them. Partnerships were missing, body language wasn't there. Actually there was nothing which could indicate millions back home that this team is serious enough to play. Nobody minds a loss but our team make it happen in a such a way that it attracts a lot of criticism.

My take on the situation is, Dravid should lead from front and he shouldn't mind coming as opener. He has done it in the past and worked well also in tough batting conditions. He likes to build the innings and gives a lot of comfort to Sachin. Raina also needs time to build the innings so can be promoted. Kaif has batted lower in the order and can be handy. All said and done, I know Team India is also hungry of success and a confidence boost before the WC. They haven't done too bad when they got a worst start. I am confident and love my team. Oh yes, I love the way Aussies play Ashes...sorry a little off-track.