Whoever talked of Sehwag’s days of lost glory and Bhajji’s monkey-gate and slap-gate more than their cricket, run for cover. They boys are back and back with a bang. India’s victory on Sri Lanka in the second test match held at Galle with 170 runs has not only stunned the hosts but also hushed the critics. It’s not just about the magnitude of the victory but about the steely resilience and the strength of character displayed especially by the bowlers.

Virender Sehwag’s suave 201* and 50 earnestly earned him the Man of the Match award. Gautam Gambhir’s knocks of 56 and 74 were sadly the only other noticeable performance from the batting order. The middle order faltered, the tail-enders faltered and thanks to the openers, India posted a respectable yet achievable target of 307 for Sri Lanka.

 

The hosts, riding high on their success of the first test and Ajantha Mendis’ 10-wicket haul underestimated the Indian bowling attack and paid the price. The wickets fell early and regularly and it was the 76-run partnership between Thilan Samaraweera and Tilakratne Dilshan that shortened the Sri Lankan defeat margin. Ishant Sharma claimed the valuable wickets of Jayawardene, Warnapura and Dilshan to bundle out the host team.

This isn’t Bhajji’s first ten-wicket innings haul but this certainly is the one which has reaffirmed his position as the mainline spinner. Scalping last 5 wickets for mere 6 runs is not what you call a fluke. This can safely be called his only innings where he has been economical and made “the” difference to the match’s outcome, simultaneously. After being out of the team and being known more for his on-field antics, his critics have been silenced, at least till his next caper comes to show. Skipper Anil Kumble is pretty composed after the resounding win. He is all praises for Sehwag and Bhajji & Co. but has maintained silence over the non-performing middle order.

The Indians are now revved up to go for the third and deciding test with an arguably unbeatable batting order and a promising bowling attack. Winning the first test series in 15 years in SL should be the thought numero uno on their minds. The victory streak has to be kept afire. Let’s not apply Gandhian principle of benevolence here now that we have had a tooth for a tooth.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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