Big picture

The fact that India’s eyes are on the bigger picture becomes clear as the net session is about to get over. Sourav Ganguly, with a ball in hand, is speaking to Rahul Dravid about Murali’s release. Ganguly draws imaginary circles around the ball to explain the revolutions that Murali gives. After a brief discussion, Dravid takes the ball in his hand and the idea exchange continues.

With the theory classes over, they move to coach Kirsten, who is busy giving throw-downs. Kirsten, the self-confessed owner of non-creative wrists, vacates his throw-down spot to Sachin Tendulkar, who takes the ball in hand. He does a mini-Murali from about 11 yards as Dinesh Karthik attempts to the guess the movement of the ball from the release. The diligent student of the game Dravid too can’t miss this master class as he too takes guard to Tendulkar. Maybe, this is what Kirsten had it in mind when he said that there are enough experienced players in the Indian side to work out a way to deal with the unique Lankan bowling attack.

The Sri Lankans, known to keep their cards close to the chest, will not be revealing much about their Test side during the warm-up game. Dilhara Fernando, Chanaka Welagedera, Chamara Silva and Upul Tharanga are the four players in the President’s XI team expected to be in the Lanka Test squad. And since Kirsten has said India will play more or less the same playing XI tomorrow that will take field for the Tests, the hosts are going to benefit more from this game as compared to the visitors.

... contd.