One more day of cricket, one more secret. On Thursday, it was VVS Laxman who sent a secret message to Zaheer Khan after scoring his century, it was Virender Sehwag’s turn on Friday. With India desperate for a wicket in the final session, and with Anil Kumble injured, the ball was thrown to Sehwag. Sachin Tendulkar walked up to the bowler and shared a few words and, just like that, India got the breakthrough they were seeking — the ball sneaked past Michael Hussey’s bat to uproot the off-stump. Asked what tip did Sachin had passed on to him, Sehwag was quick to respond: “It’s a secret, will let you know tomorrow.”

Broken stumps

Though reverse swing didn’t work much for India in this Third Test, Ishant Sharma still managed to break a stump. Standing at mid-on, the fast bowler made a direct hit while trying to effect a run-out, breaking the stump in half. The umpires had to call for a replacement even as the third umpire gave his verdict — not out, incidentally. Having bowled 19 luckless overs, he would’ve preferred to have something in the wickets column.

Happy Gambhir

Anil Kumble’s injury might have been a big blow, but Gautam Gambhir wasn’t complaining. S Badrinath, who replaced his skipper in the field, was asked to field at the short-leg position as Gambhir relieved himself of the helmet and shin-pads. The Tamil Nadu batsman spent a torrid time standing at that position as the tiring Amit Mishra and Sehwag sent down some loose stuff. Gambhir, meanwhile, looked happy sliding around and chasing the ball to the ropes.

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