A tale of 76 extras

The Indians- and, for that matter, the Pakistanis- have a long tradition in hospitality. But for it to manifest in the form of 76 extras (a dubious world record in one innings of a test match, I might add), is a bit much. Wayward bowling combined with some rather poor wicket keeping contributed to this “achievement” by India. Poor Dinesh Kaarthick had such an off day behind the stumps that there is already talk of Parthiv Patel replacing him on the tour of Australia- proving yet again how short-lived public memory is when it comes to cricket. A few short months ago, Kaarthick was the toast of a grateful nation, for having contributed with the bat in the successful tour of England. But now, having failed with the bat in this series and being instrumental in some missed chances and conceding 35 byes and 26 leg byes in Pakistan’s first innings alone, he is learning the truism of the old Roman adage- “they raise you the higher, that the heavier you may fall”.

Personally, I think he deserves another chance- if only for his grit. God knows we need oodles of that trait when negotiating the Australian fast bowlers Down Under.

In spite of all the extras given and the lost opportunity to seal the series 2-0, one does need to congratulate young Ishant Sharma for his showing-his first five wicket haul. in international test cricket. Tragic that it was not in a winning cause. And no matter that it was only “cheap” wickets in the form of tailenders. Think back to recent test matches where India has consistently struggled to get rid of a wagging tail, and you will see what I mean by that.