Bouncing Back

India did extremely well in winning the second test and bounced back in to the test series, in grand style yesterday after surrendering first test by a huge margin. Their win was convincing and clinical. The credit should go to the whole team and camp.....but specifically Sehwag, Ishant and Bhajji stand out. The difference between both teams on Day 4 was the self confidence exhibited by India, riding on the devastating double century of Sehwag and the decisive spells from Ishant and Bhajji. Also the other Indian Batsmen played their part; specifically Gambhir, who proved that he is potentially going to cement that one opening slot in Indian team for many years to come. The old quartet of RSVG (Rahul, Sachin, VVS and Ganguly) too played a part.

The problem with Srilanka was that they were a bit too overconfident after the thrashing victory in the first test. They felt the spin duo M&M (Murali and Mendis) would be 'Double Trouble' to India like in the first test. But Sehwag had other plans or may be that SL did not have a plan B for him. Its unfortunate that a Bowler of Mendis's calibre ended up on the loosing side, in spite of a 10 wicket haul. Its also unusual that a bowler like Bhajji who got a 10 wicket haul from the winning side was not even considered for Man of the match award. Such was the Brilliance and authority of Sehwag......

I think the momentum is with India and I will not be surprised if they go on and win the third test and series.

On this part of the world, it was sad news for English cricket. They lost the series against South Africa( first time sine 1965). More over they lost the best captain seen in English Cricket for a long long time, when Michael Vaughan stepped down. He said it was the hardest (as he loved doing the job) and the most easiest decision. He thought it was the right thing to do.... I feel Vaughan was an excellent captain and a person who did his job with integrity. He won 26 out of 51 test as a captain for England. The high point was when he won the Ashes in 2005. The beginning of his end started when he lost the series to India last year (the first time India has won a series since 1986). It will be difficult for ECB to find a suitable successor for Vaughan. After all a captain is only as good as his team and this team was no where near the team that won the Ashes. Good luck to Vaughan as this decision may prolong his career as a batsman in the team and he bows out with his integrity and dignity intact.

I must congratulate Graeme Smith on winning the series for South Africa almost single handed. He led from the front with his will power and is a great example for youngsters to follow around the world.