One thing is for sure; none of the Indian players are going to have a sleepless night on any of the next few days, as they take on what is arguably the weakest team in Test cricket. After the tough last season and the finals of the last two Tri-Series, the Zimbabweans will be easy to roll over and only typical Indian complacency will see both the Tests go into the fifth day. Not too long ago, New Zealand beat Zimbabwe here in just two days, dismissing them on the second day in both innings. Admittedly India do not have anybody of Bond’s pace, but they still will carry too many guns for the hosts to cope with. India’s selection for the warmup game was baffling. Here was an opportunity to see what Jadhav is about and though scoring runs against the second or is it third string Zimbabwe attack wouldn’t have given any great clues, it would still have meant that there was an option in case anybody has an injury or a flu on the morning of the game. What was achieved by playing Sehwag in the game? He does not depend on form, for he creates his own form and with the unruffled temperament that he has, lack of runs is hardly going to bother him. That he got a century is neither here nor there for he was striking the ball tremendously in the finals against New Zealand and wasn’t out of touch. And even if he had failed, would he have been dropped? Then, why not try the newcomer, especially if he is someone the new coach and tour selectors haven’t seen much of, what with the amount of international cricket being played that leaves them with little time to see domestic cricket?
It’s almost as if there’s a fear that a newcomer might grab his chance and do well and that means that a regular’s place is in jeopardy, so why take a chance and do that? But then, how are we to find out how good the bench-strength is? It’s this short-sightedness that’s costing Indian cricket dear, for even when the regulars are out of form there are no alternatives available, simply because the alternatives haven’t been given a decent opportunity. These two Tests are a great godsend for India’s players to fill their boots. Not that it’s their fault that Zimbabwe is a weak team, for they can only play the opposition that’s put up on the field. India are clearly superior in both departments of the game but can learn a thing or two about athleticism from the hosts in fielding. Without Heath Streak, Zimbabwe’s attack will be even riper for the picking and if he is declared fit, then there will be the new ball to watch out for, but not much after that. The warm-up game has shown that the Indian bowling may have it a little harder than the batsmen, but international cricket is all about making hay while the sun shines and save for the rainy day and though it’s the tail end of the winter here, the sun is shining brightly, so guys go out and make that hay. But do it soon.
