Steve's inspired leadership made all the difference

Steve's inspired leadership made all the difference
Bishan Singh Bedi

The Wankhede wicket was wearing and tearing as it should on the third day. But the Australian aggression was well met by the patience of the duo of Dravid and Tendulkar. It was an excellent contest worthy of Test cricket at its best. And a near full house at Wankhede was a splendid compliment to the best variety of international cricket.

Budget 2001: Full Coverage

There was just one ugly spot when Michael Slater got a bit carried away and put up a poor show of cricket spirit. Ian Chappell tells us Slater is ‘‘short on fuse.’’ But that still does not absolve boorish behaviour. One hopes Match Referee Cammie Smith would not be found wanting in playing his role to perfection. Cricket code of conduct has been challenged by a player. Now justice has to be seen to be delivered. Over to you Cammie!

A freak dismissal of Tendulkar gave us another glimpse of the total Aussie commitment. Just when the Australian captain was feeling the absence of Colin Miller in his ranks, he thought of his twin brother to bail him out. And Mark Waugh succeeded in getting the vital breakthrough. There was nothing uncanny in a long hop which Tendulkar pulled with all his might only to find the brave Justin Langer take yet another body blow. Only this time, the ball remained in the air via Langer for Ricky Ponting to make a sensational catch. A magnificent exhibition of how to stay in the game all the while. They say God is always with the strongest of armies. A little stroke of luck and the flood gates of 16th Test win in a row were gloriously opened for the visitors.

Surely, Indian batting cannot revolve around Tendulkar all the time. The Indian captain was anything but inspiration for his team a marked difference between the two leaders. If Ajit Agarkar is persisted with as an all-rounder, then I am not ashamed at all to tell my dear readers that I played all my cricket as a mainline batsman, even if it was long before lap-tops took over from neck-tops! But quite seriously, there is plenty to learn from this Australian side. Owning up individual responsibility, pulling your weight in the side, discipline in every department of the game are just a few thoughts which come to mind.

Mark Waugh’s timely and fruitful spell may yet block the way of Colin Miller teaming up with Warne. But let’s be honest Indians have more problems with team composition than the almost invincible Aussies. I say ‘almost’ with a fair amount of regret because the Indian team is looking and behaving ever so despondent.