THE LITMUS TEST

It was in 7^th standard when I was first introduced to litmus paper. I still have no idea when and why that paper turned pink or blue or whatever. But it helped me realize two things; one that I had no career in science and the other was the true sense of the phrase the Litmus Test. The Indian Cricket team has certainly passed its Litmus test yesterday at Melbourne Cricket Ground, which actually could have passed as any Indian venue. Out of the eighty six thousand gathered, at least eighty five must have been Indians. But that’s a given in any country at any Cricket ground. Mark Nicholas got the exact sense of the atmosphere when he called MCG a Colosseum. The grandeur in the atmosphere definitely deserved a befitting performance.

The Pakistan game helped India in many ways. The top order has cracked the code, it seems. Give the first 20 overs to the bowlers and take the rest. Virat Kohli for all his angry man’s image has never looked so calm. His innings was again the foundation even though his score was not that big. He set the tone with his 46 and guided India’s approach against the lively South African bowling in the early parts of the innings.

Ajinkya Rahane has scored a test match century on a green pitch at Lords and another on a bouncy pitch at MCG and has established himself as a good test batsman. He came at a crucial juncture in this match when South Africa tried to get the initiative back. He started striking the ball cleanly and his rate of scoring never allowed South Africa to get its nose ahead. His innings was the most decisive in terms of keeping the momentum with India. Another mini collapse at the end raises an alarm but by that time yesterday, Indian batting had already put up a challenging score, all thanks to one man.

Shikhar Dhawan looked lost in the test matches and the triangular series that preceded the World Cup. He showed a bit of spark in the practice matches. However, the innings against Pakistan has brought back his swagger. He is looking much more in the zone now. Shikhar Dhawan definitely does not possess the greatest of techniques but more often than not in One Day Cricket, confidence makes up for lack of technique. He has certainly found his confidence, his form and some valuable runs for India. As it turned out, his innings was the real difference between both the sides.

About six to seven months ago, when Indian bowlers were getting smashed all over the place on flat Indian pitches, a troubling question emerged - can India have any chance in the World Cup with such an average attack? It is very early to say that the question does not hold its ground today but surely, it has started to fade out. The length and the speed at which Indian pacers bowled yesterday were unbelievable, in fact at many occasions shocking. In a match that featured Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell, Umesh Yadav bowled the second fastest ball of the match at 147 Km/h. When was the last time Indian bowlers outperformed Dale Steyn & Co. in bowling fast? Not in the last decade and there is quite a good chance that it won’t happen again for another decade. After seeing South African spinners do a good job, Indian spinners were naturally expected to do well. Jadeja, after a long time found his immaculate line and length. Ashwin has continued his rediscovery. However, with four spinners on offer on the field, two legends stole the show with some brilliant camaraderie and superb one-liners in the commentary box. Anil Kumble and Shane Warne were the two best spinners yesterday for sure.  

This now brings me to the best part of India’s performance. Indian fielding was at an altogether different level yesterday. They matched South Africa if not bettered them and that requires some taking. There was a school boy enthusiasm to India’s presence on the field and its captain cool just let them be. India has not seen its fast bowlers dive and stop the ball so many times in one match. The two throws from the outfield that resulted in two crucial run outs would have made Brett Lee very proud.

“When it’s your day, it’s your day.” That was Michael Hussey’s summary of the match. On many counts, it holds true but perhaps the source of team India’s near perfect performance was its game against Pakistan which has calmed nerves. And here’s the best part.  With Bangladesh sharing points with Australia, and England being England, there is quite a good chance that India might be playing its quarter final against Bangladesh. India is now just one good game away from a place in the World Cup Semi Finals. Then on, who knows……