Going Nowhere

The India Bangladesh game at Chittagong yesterday epitomised the boredom that ODI cricket brings these days. But for some good swing bowling early in the day by Bangladesh, there was very little to interest the mind. Admittedly, Dravid and Kaif played well but there was such a set pattern to the game that it will be impossible to distinguish from thousands of other similar ones soon.

For India, there were hardly any gains. If Sriram and Dhoni were to be tested why were they sent so low down the order ? Moreover, isn't there sufficient evidence already that Sriram does not have it in him to make it at this level ? Why did Tendulkar and Ganguly open if the idea was to give youngsters a chance ? Could they not resist the temptation to add to their tally of runs and centuries ? What they did achieve, perhaps with poetic justice, was nothing but more damage to their coveted figures and reputations.

The men who came out on top were Kaif and of course Dravid. Yuvraj Singh's catch was the saving grace of the match. It was superb. I remember a couple of other similar catches taken by him earlier and hence is difficult to label it as his greatest but it was right up there with the best.

Bangladesh were in the game for a reasonable amount of time: first, whe India were tottering at 45/3 until the Dravid Kaif partnership got going. Even then at 205/7 with 3 overs to go Bangladesh stood a chance but Pathan and Agarkar took it away with some lusty blows. When batting Bangladesh looked good at 100/3 and 140 odd for 4 but then threw away their wickets to Sriram of all people !!!!

Joginder Sharma impressed by hitting his first ball for a 4 and bowled a tight spell; however I do not think he will get a permanent spot in this side. He is too much of a "bits and pieces" player for that. His first spell was extremeley economical but was exposed at the death when Mashud took to him.

Bangladesh are improving but not quite there yet - I hope they put up a better show at Dhaka and then go on to beat Zimbabwe later. India are going nowhere.