India - Pakistan: Test One

From day 1 of the first test match, i wanted to blog about the test match, but something or the other came in my way.
A test match billed as more than just cricket or as an initiative for peace process between the two old estranged friends, or as called by the media as "Cricket: It cannot get bigger than this", has for sure drawn more eyeballs.

Day 1:

With Ganguly deciding to bowl after winning the toss on a pitch which would favour pace bowlers proved to be right for him. Opening bowlers, pathan and zaheer were suitably rewarded for bowling an impeccable off-stump probing line. Then the first change bowler, black 'bradman' Balaji was too good for Pakistan batsmen. He ended the day with a five wicket haul. His form against pakistan is incredible, continuing from where he has left in pakistan. Pakistan was wounded up for 312 runs.

Highlight: Gritty innings from Asif Kamal

Final word: Ganguly's decision, backed by excellent performance from balaji gave India a good start.

Update

Day 2:

With the expectaion of watching Sewhag in action, i was glued to TV since 9:30am. But, rain gods did not show any mercy towards millions of fans. Thankfuly, it was drizling and not heavy showers with chances of match starting sometime during the day. Butit was a long wait.....

Finally, the authorities decided to start the match at 2:30pm and have an extended session. The drizling gave way to storm in the form of Veeru, to the delight of fans. He belted around the bowlers all around the park..( i cannot help myself but use this most used cricket parlance or cliche!!!). The effect Sehwag agression seemed to have some effect on his opening partner, Gambir. He did want to be left out in the run gathering race. He raced to 41 in just 50 balls taking the opening partnership to 113, before he got out to Kaneria. With Rahul 'Rock' Dravid coming at number three, gave no respite to pakistan bowlers. India ended the day with 184 for 1 in just 40 odd overs.

Highlight: Pakistan catching making life easy for Indian's and miserable for Pakistan.

Final word: Veeru's innings exposed pakistan bowling attack.

Update
Day 3:

With Veeru saying that he wants to play throughout the day and get big runs, Indian innings got a to a flyer with 117 runs in the first session wiping the deficit and in the process lost dravid's wicket. Sachin joined the party and added misery to the oppenents. First time in the test, pakinstan bowling attack in the form of Danish Kaneria showed some grit and exerted some pressure on the batsmen making it difficult to score runs. In an attempt to force his way through to make runs, Indian batsmen started taking chances. One mis-hit from Veeru cost his wicket, bring an end to a fabulous innings of 173. Ganguly-Sachin duo measured approach led to drought of runs in the second and third session of the day. Sachin required 121 runs to score 10,000 test runs, but was dimissed on 94 ( Eden gardens probably is lucky to witness the spectacle!!!)

Highlight: Sachin's bat-pad catch decision being turned down; Kaneria's relentless bowling.
Final word: Starting the day with great acceleration, Indian's ended the day crawling.

Update
Day 4:

Time for quick runs, put up a sizable lead on the score board and get quick wickets. Indian team partially fulfilled this objective. With 204 run lead, Indian innings came to an end. Balaji replaced Zaheer and given the onus of sharing the new ball with Irfan. He justified the move by picking up wicket in his first over followed by another in his very next over. Irfan followed up with another dismissal. Score board showing 10 for 3 created flutters in pakinstan camp, when youhana was joined by the giant captain. The pair took the attack to the indian camp scoring flurry of boundaries, rapidly increasing the scoring rate. The rock solid partnership, looked all set to spoil india's dream, but for the efforts of old war horse Kumble. Plauged with the problem of not having big partnership, pakistan finishes the day with a lead of 55 runs with 4 wickets in hand.

Highlight: Danish Kaneria's marathon bowling; first pakistan leg spinner to get 6 wickets.
Final word: India senses victory

Update
Day 5

Victory signs looming large for India, Pakistan were under tremendous pressure to bat India out of victory. Overnight batsmen, Akmal and Razzaq shouldered the responsibility and a valiant innings from the duo snatched victory from India. They put on a brave fight and batted nearly two-and half session. For India to win the match, they were required to score at an astronomical run rate. Match ended in a Draw.
Highlight: Akmal and Razzaq Innings
Final word: Pakistan renewed its Spirits!!!

Looking forward to the next test match at Eden Gardens.......