AHMEDABAD, 9 October 2003 — The first day of a new Test series usually points the direction in which the series is likely to go and if that holds true then New Zealand will thank its stars that there are only two Test matches and that its not a five-Test series. The start itself was ominous with Sehwag relishing the width and length around the off stump and he flourished even as Fleming tried various field placements but without much success. If Sehwag was prepared to write a batting book in his own special language his partner from Delhi, Akash Chopra making his debut stuck to the tried and tested pages of orthodoxy. If Sehwag made one gasp with his audacity Chopra bought the breathing back to normal with his sound unhurried movement. What was immediately noticeable was how Chopra knew where his off stump was and so didn’t poke at deliveries away from that stump. The hallmark of a good opening batsman is how he judges the ball around the off stump and Chopra was impressive there. He also showed perfectly still head when dealing with the short-pitched stuff effortlessly, simply moving his head away or swaying under the ball. Of course its early days to pass any definite judgment as there are sterner tests ahead but he looks the part and needs nurturing.
Dravid has been the “Rock” for years now for Indian cricket and his value is only understood after a Test is played. The way he builds his innings up brick by brick interspersed with some trademark strokes makes for a nice relaxed dressing room. While he is at the crease those in the dressing room don’t have to chew their nails and those stroke players batting at the other end also know that they can take their chances and play their shots for if things go wrong Dravid will ensure that they are made right. He has expanded his range of shots without losing out on his solidity and is all the more a better batsman for it and his hunger for runs is insatiable. He seems to thrive in the company of VVS Laxman who made batting look simple. Though the ball did not come onto the bat Laxman wasn’t short of finding the answers to the questions that the Kiwi bowlers asked. Frankly apart from Vettori and occasionally Oram the questions were so simple there was no need to hesitate and Laxman did not either. He quickly got into his stride and it was his timing that ensured India had a good quick scoring last session. Both Dravid and Laxman are still there and the night is not going to be easy for the visitors. The heat and humidity already looks to have taken a bit off them and its going to take a big effort to stop the Indian from posting a winning total. The fielding was spirited and as always gave an edge to the bowlers. They will have to take all their catches for on these kind of pitches batsmen thrive more than the bowlers.
