India Lock Horns With Sri Lanka BP XI
Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir stood tall amidst the ruins, as India were bowled out for 291, on the second day of their practice match against Board President’s XI.
The hosts batted on from their overnight 432/5 to declare their innings closed at 514/9.
Then came the inexplicable collapse. Well, not so inexplicable, if you consider that some Indian players have not had much match practice since the IPL ended. From an optimistic angle, players like Sehwag, Dravid, Sachin and Laxman may be said to have taken care of the law of averages ahead of the more serious test battles ahead.
Yuvraj had a point to prove. Selected for the test series, though, ironically, not considered for the Asia Cup, he had to announce to his deaf critics that he was test worthy. After Yuvi’s ear shattering century, the critics must presumably have woken up. Let’s hope Yuvraj can break ear drums again in the Galle test match starting on July 18.
Another man with a point to prove was Ajantha Mendis, the Indian team’s nemesis of 2008. His 6/67 that caused the Indian collapse should have broken some ear drums among the Sri Lankan selectors.
The Indian innings lasted less than 65 overs. With India 223 runs short, Samaraweera has the option of enforcing a follow on. Dhoni will be praying that he does, so that his main batsmen can get some much needed time in the middle, always assuming that the unthinkable doesn’t happen, if and when India bat again…
Category: Cricket
About the Author (Author Profile)
Jinxatious is the Chief Editor of SportingAttitude.com
An avid writer, on an eclectic range of subjects, he brings to bear editorial experience garnered with a national newspaper in South-East Asia. He also has sportscasting experience, as a cricket commentator, and his passion for sport extends beyond Cricket, to Football, Tennis, and Olympic Sports.
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