Anil bhai got five? That’s brilliant!” said Sreesanth after seeing the scoresheet on Saturday night. Ishant Sharma, who was slightly better informed about the proceedings on Day One, added: “The fast bowlers got bounce, the spinners got wickets. It might stay this way.” Ishant may have a point.

Not much has changed in Kumble’s daily routine since last year’s Delhi Test, in which he had announced his international retirement. He has been training hard, frequently spotted at the nets in the run-up to this tournament. Shane Warne has spent his time very differently, playing poker, turning his arm over only in matches, and relying purely on his ability to wake up in a flash.

The two, apart from reviving their age-old leg-break rivalry post retirement, have carried forward the conviction triggered by Harbhajan Singh in the first game. And so, despite Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s decision to not play Muttiah Muralitharan in the opener against Mumbai on Saturday, it seems that spinners will play a substantial role over the next 35 days in South Africa.

“It’s nice to get among the wickets. I’m pleased with my performance and that I helped my side win,” Kumble said after the match. Kevin Pietersen, who was Warne’s team mate at Hampshire and is now with Kumble in the Royal Challengers squad, spoke highly of both bowlers. “Warnie is a great competitor. There’s lot to learn from him. And Anil obviously is truly a legend. You don’t get a talent like that by roaming the streets of Cape Town or Bangalore,” he said.

... contd.