Titanic Clash

Walking across the Wankhede turf, Sachin would doubtless realise that Indias fortunes dep-end heavily on him. If hes quick off the block, half the battle will be won because the others can then tighten the screws. But an early dismissal spells doom. The other day in Mohali, Sachin was on fire, smashing 50 in 12 overs. In such hot form, just imagine what would happen if he bats out an innings.

Even otherwise, there are reasons for optimism. Kumble is difficult to shake off and impossible to slaughter. Azhar has discovered on-field joy, his timing returning as he demonstrated with a near century in the last game. Dravid/Jadeja are in good touch both run well between the wickets and are capable of hefty blows. The advent of Robin Singh is a big bonus. With him, the fielding becomes sharp and bowling options multiply considerably.

 

Still, causing worry is Indias inexplicable inability to play consistently. Right from Toronto performance has been on/off. Would any other team, after scoring a huge 289, lurch uncertainly on the verge of defeat, despite 5 specialist bowlers?

In a way, the India/ South Africa match is a contest between flair and consistency, between unpredictable flamboyance and mechanical efficiency. The visitors have a coach who is inseparable from his computer, and who holds classes analysing videos of opposing players. Who makes each player compulsorily watch videos of his batting after every net! Then there is the trainer who strictly prohibits fat/ butter, and orders that players only drink drinks brought from home. The South Africans are amazingly fit and focussed. You may think Jonty Rhodes not quite on as a test number 5, but is there anyone else as motivated?

The basic truth is that the South Africans, without being phenomenal players, work as a team. One-day cricket is rarely decided by great shots or great balls. More often it is a scrambling stop, a stunning catch, a smart throw, or a horrible mix up which decides the outcome. Fielding and running between wickets are vitally important both rest on fitness and athleticism, areas in which the South Africans are matchless.

With fielders throwing down stumps from weird angles and holding every half chance, de Villiers and Symcox, both exceedingly tight anyway, become formidable. Neither has been punished in the tournament. Donald has on occasion been hit for a few, but has more wickets than anyone else in the competition. The South Africans are ticking over comfortably with Kirsten/Cullinan admirably consistent, Cronje providing class, McMillan the big hits when needed. Each time there is a hint of trouble, someone pulls out something extra from the bag. No wonder captain Cronje appears so smug answering questions at post match award presentation ceremonies.

Till now, the South Africans have had untroubled passage to the finals. Maybe this extraordinary case will pose a problem. What happens if suddenly the heat gets turned on? In the last match, perhaps because of sheer boredom, they fielded like India, Jonty and Crookes dropping sitters. Who knows, they might start bowling and batting like us also.

Cricketers have great faith in averages and a deeper respect for the law of averages. Maybe it is time for the well-oiled South African machine to come unstuck.