This is joyous news for millions of cricket lovers across the country. India crushed Sri Lanka in the Galle Test by a comprehensive margin of 170 runs. Chasing a victory target of 307, Sri Lanka bowled out for a paltry 136 in the second innings. At one stage, when Sri Lanka was on 130/5, it seemed the match may prolong to switch over the fifth day, came the some devastating bowling due to which the remaining five wickets fell for just 6 runs. Harbhajan Singh took 4 wickets, while Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble took 3 and 2 wickets respectively.
It is satisfying to note that Team India played competitive cricket and posted a formidable challenge before the opposition. Virender Sehwag, who scored 201 not out and 50 in the Galle Test, and who was rightly declared "Man of the Match", set the motion with his blitzkrieg double hundred. He was in great form, dispatching the ball to the boundary with ease and command. He was in perfect rhythm and sweet to watch. Gambhir has emerged a good opening option for India, and played well in all the four innings so far.
Among the bowlers, special praise must go to Harbhajan Singh for his 10-wicket haul. He picked the right spots and let the ball jump. As we were little worried the way the two Sri Lankan spinners – Muralidharan and Mendis – routed Team India in the first Test, the comeback from the India spinners was fascinating to watch. Pacers also did a good job, especially Ishant Sharma in the second innings, while Zaheer also managed to get the initial breakthroughs in both the innings. However, it is nice to see the comeback of Ishant, who has been struggling since the IPL matches.
This win has leveled the three-Test match series 1-1 with one match to go. Now India, high on confidence, is expected to beat Sri Lanka and win the Test series 2-1. The only worry is the forms of three senior batsmen – Sachin, Dravid and Ganguly – who have not contributed as per their prowess and stature. In fact, the defeat in the first Test was due to their collective failure, along with Kumble’s wicketless performance.
Now, as the team has bounced back, the Trio needs to perform accordingly to see India through to a win the last Test match. Dinesh Kartik’s failure is also a matter of concern though Laxman has played well so far, he needs to take hold of his form seriously.
Little bit of hullabaloo over umpiring is a natural reaction, it will take to settle the new ruling. Till then, we hope Team India to repeat Galle Test win.
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