July 31: After five days of draining cricket, the numbers were dreary. A total of 1,478 runs for the loss of 17 wickets in 430 overs. It took 151 deliveries to purchase a wicket and each wicket was worth 86.94 runs. Crunching these numbers throws up another question. Do present day bowlers lack the discipline to control runs when conditions go completely in favour of the batsmen?
“It can get tough at times. One has to enjoy his bowling to survive in flat conditions. A bowler can’t keep trying too many things and keep it tight and be confident. Usually in the sub-continent, fitness also plays an important part and bowlers should be mentally prepared for long spells,” former India captain Kapil Dev has said.
Wickets were difficult to come by but where the Indian attack suffered was in failing to control the flow of runs. Harbhajan Singh was not at his best. The final session showed signs of an improved show but the senior bowler has to put up a better show if India are to find a route to 20 wickets.
“Wickets in the sub-continent are known to be turning tracks. Spinners get some basic help from the pitch from the second day and the fast bowlers get a bit of reverse swing going. But this (SSC) was a placid track. There was nothing in it for the fast bowlers. I think we still bowled a tight line. That’s a positive for us,” remarked M.S. Dhoni.
The other problem India face at the moment is the lack of reserve strength. The workload is not being shared. Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble had to endure a lot of hard grind during the peak of their powers. Their strength lay in keeping things simple and bowling within themselves.
“It would be better if we have a spectrum of bowlers to choose from. A bunch of seven-eight fast bowlers will be the ideal number to choose from. It’s a question of managing the workload as a team and as individuals.”
The right technique is also important. Abhimanyu Mithun and Ishant Sharma showed a big heart.
The same cannot be said of their line and length. Mithun with experience should improve but a flat track can dent the confidence of a bowler.
“The margin for error is minimal and one has to posses variations to survive in the sub-continent. Bowlers tend to try too many things when things are not going their way. It crucial to be tight,” explained former India leg-spinner L. Sivaramakrishnan.
In three innings, India have managed 15 wickets. It brings to context the theory of using five bowlers, but Dhoni was not to be drawn into a knee-jerk reaction. “It’s just been one game. It is really a difficult thing. We will see the conditions and and decide,” he said.
“We have been very comfortable with the seven-four combination. But if we see that there is real opportunity and we can play another seamer or spinner we will see to that,” explained Dhoni. The rhythm of Virender Sehwag has been an encouraging sign, and with Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina filling in, India could have it better in the final game. To manage and operate within their scope presents the bowlers a better chance.