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Sourav may just be the man
If he has some luck, the whole game can change and suddenly the bowlers are in panic mode, writes Barry Richard.
Sourav — the Saviour? Perhaps, but the jury is still out regarding his ability to handle the short ball consistently and there’s no doubt that South Africa will not let up when the Tests come around.
There’s no argument about Ganguly’s ability but there has been a question mark about his capability to do the hard yards when the chips are down on quick wickets. His being left-handed is a decided advantage for the Indian middle-order but it is not ability that is lacking, it is a lack of application and mental toughness that has contributed to a so-far disastrous tour.
It is doubtful that one man can change it overnight but there is one niggling thing that must be in the minds of the South African hierarchy. A talented player hyped up, with nothing to lose, will be prepared to attack no matter what. You see it so often — a player, not necessarily afraid of fast bowling, but so hyped up by it that he just attacks from the off.
If he has some luck, the whole game can change and suddenly the bowlers are in panic mode as the ball disappears to all corners.
One knock of that kind can change a game. Perhaps Ganguly is that man, and though it will take a good deal of luck, I wouldn’t discount it. It will certainly be a fascinating sideline to the first Test match and indeed the entire Test series.
The Wanderers wicket has got a good deal flatter from hosting one-day games in great quantities and no longer offers a terrifying prospect for batsmen facing the new ball. However, it still offers enough pace to make Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel a handful, especially with the mental ascendancy that they enjoy right now.
With regard to the Indian batting line-up, Greg Chappell has been pilloried for his rotation policy, but dare I suggest Ganguly at number one? An unlikely prospect, I know, but a fascinating one nonetheless. Sourav at one and Sehwag at two — and Indian really have a go at the South Africans! It’s almost bizarre, but at the moment India have nothing to lose. They have been playing catch-up cricket throughout the tour so why not go out and wrest the first session by playing bold cricket instead?
Trouble is, I’m not sure either Ganguly or Sehwag would volunteer to take up these positions. The players have to WANT to do it, not be asked if it is an option. There is no room for doubt and unfortunately my impression is that there is real doubt in the minds of the senior Indian players. That means everyone is taking the conservative route and the thought is to avoid a debacle, not win the game.
South Africa have no such worries, apart from their top-order batsmen who are not in prime form but have done enough to ensure their places in the side. The toss will probably not be too crucial unless there is moisture about.
The bottom line is that India have to get their minds right and work out tactics to overcome their nemesis. Otherwise, Dada’s comeback may be short-lived.
