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 For
once, I have proved almost prophetic. The BCCI’s wise men
have decided to strengthen the Indian attack in Australia by
flying left arm spinner Murali Kartik out to Adelaide, where
the second starts on Friday. Thank you selectors for the
left handed compliment!
Nearly a
quarter century ago, my former captain, the late M L
Jaisimha of Hyderabad, walked straight into a Test match in
Australia, after joining the team as a replacement for the
injured leg spinner BS Chandrasekhar and scored 74 and
100-something in the two innings of the Test. I do hope the
tour selectors don’t expect a similar miracle from Kartik.
They would be wrong on two counts. One: the left arm spinner
needs a few outings to get used to Australian wickets. Two:
It would be a slap in the face of Anil Kumble, if they
decide to plump for the newcomer over him, as the spinner to
replace Harbhajan Singh—assuming that’s what John Wright
and Co. have in mind.
I would go
a step further and play two spinners in the eleven, at least
in the Sydney Test, if not straightaway. And if I were the
Indian skipper, I would demand a substantial spin bowling
contribution from Sachin Tendulkar, who, at his best, has a
knack of taking wickets when all others fail.
The
Australians continue their brave talk. Mental
disintegration, they call it. Steve Waugh has gone on record
stating there will be plenty of bouncers directed at the
Indian batsmen. It will be a fitting reply if the big four
in Indian cricket take the battle to the enemy. Yet
complacency is the last thing we want at this stage. Eternal
vigilance should be the watchword but with the full face of
the bat, and aggressive bowling. Last but not least, some
outstanding fielding. After the Brisbane Test, no Indian
team in recent years has looked better prepared.
V
Ramnarayan
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