Sunday, July 31, 2005

India vs Sri Lanka

India won thanks to Dravid (so what's new about it!). No sign of trying Venugopal Rao as an all rounder. Can't see the point of having a batsman coming so low down the order if you don't plan to use him as a bowler. Sounds like Raina is a favorite of Chappell and Dravid. Hopefully, he'll deliver consistently. If he does, he can certainly seal his slot for the next World Cup.

In any case at least Dravid is consistent about using Sehwag as a bowler unlike Ganguly who had the habit using Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj and himself very infrequently. For instance, you'll find Sachin bowling 10 overs in one match and not bowl at all for the next 3-4 games. Likewise for the others. Unless they are used regularly as bowlers we can't count on them to play the role of the backup bowlers. Sounds like Dravid has firmed up on Sehwag as one of his backup bowlers.

The next match should be interesting with Ganguly back in the side probably at the expense of Raina, Venu Yuvraj or Kaif. Both Kaif and Yuvraj blew a good opportunity to cement their spot in the team. The WI match is hardly a test. The true test is against SL and particularly Muralitharan.

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