The Legend, The Criminal, The Maestro, The Prodigy, The Very Very Special

It's been a long time since I have had plenty of time to put in a post - so here goes. Let me start off today not with the rivetting India Pakistan battle at the Eden Gardens but with (the one who will be a legend of the game) Adam Gilchrist. As if his back-to-the wall run-a-ball century in the first Test at Christchurch was not oppressive enough on the hapless Kiwis, he has at the time of writing (or blogging) scored a magnificent 96 not out off just 84 balls with 13 fours and 4 sixes !!! This will be his 15th Test hundred. Keep going Gilly !!!

Coming back now to The Battle Of The Eden, the past 2 days have been dominated by the Steve Bucknor incident. If it was up to me, I would kill this guy - I think I have had enough with him - I tried to not take him seriously, pass him off as a joke and in general ignore the excuse for a human being that he is - but I have run out of my patience now. Criminals such as him must be dealt with the harshest penalty. The Tabloid (?) Of India has come up with a brilliant idea of providing its readers with a platform to write hate-mail to Bucknor. Click here - you might just find mine in the list somewhere. If there are any other such opporunities to contribute like signature campaigns etc. please let me know.

Of course, on the bright side The Eden has also played host to a most magnificent performance by the Maestro - scoring a 100 in both innings of this all-important Test match. The second innings 100 was perhaps not as fluent and clean as the first; but more important in the context given that India were in some strife at 156/4 with VVS retired hurt. One shot in particular stands out - the flick of Danesh Kaneria to mid-wicket when he was bowling round the wicket. It was a good length ball, pitched in the rough and turned the orthodox leg-break way. With plenty of poise and time to play it Rahul rocked back onto the backfoot, played it against the spin quite to perfection. I dont remember who the commentators were (not that it matters) they had the sense to mention that this was indeed an exhibition of batsmanship of the highest quality against leg-spin by a master performer and we were indeed priveliged to bear witness.And although, he was too tired to hit out fluently he ensured he saw the team into a commanding position before he departed. It would be tragic if this grand effort is not rewarded with a victory and I pray that India pull if off tomorrow with an inspired performance.

Of course, how can one write about the day's play yesterday and not mention the magnificent contribution of the youngster Dinesh Karthik ?? I was a bit doubtful about him before based on reports read but yesterday was the first time I saw him bat and he seems a fine fine player with good technique, attitude and a fair array of strokes. I see a big future for him. Selectors (esp. Kiran More who according to reports is eager to get Parthiv back as soon as possible) note the selfless manner in which he played - he could have easily gone into first gear to get to what would have been an extremely well-deserved 100. Also, in the same breath, note another brave and selfless performance by the favourite whipping boy - VVS Laxman. he could have easily asked to be given rest after his pretty serious injury but not only did he go out there knowing fully well that a failure would put him in grave danger but also played the selfless knock that was needed in that situation. I never expected to see a second ultra-exquisite shot on the same day (after Dravid's aforementioned boundary) but VVS did with a massive inside out six off Kaneria (again bowling in the rough). That was the shot Tendulkar almost pateneted against Warne 7 years ago and it was indeed fitting and a great gesture that SRT stood up to applaud that particular hit from VVS. I know the Kaifs and Yuvrajs are out there eager - but they will have to wait for just a bit longer. You cannot dismiss Very Very Special Laxman just like that.

Also worth special mention are Karthik's reverse sweep and 3 super sixes by Irfan Pathan, a few lusty blows by Kumble, a good aggressive bodyline spell by Sami and one of the most horrible short innings by Ganguly.

When I paid 25$ as my contrribution for the India-Pak series package this evening, for a second I wondered if it would be worth it - not because I was worried about the quality of cricket but because I wasn't sure if I would find inspiration to stay up at night all the time to watch these matches. That one shot by Dravid ensured that the money was well-spent. The 6 by Laxman ensured that even if I didnt see another ball in the whole series, it was worth it.

Some things are priceless (or Very Very Special). For everything else there is Mastercard, isn't there ??