Tail Wagging

The tail enders are Indian baits. They have frustrated us over the years.  Malinga and Herath did in the Galle Test, Kamran Akamal and Spinach Razzaq did in Mohali along side Jason Gillespie in Chennai and Sydney.  For a sweet change of fortunes its been Indian tail that has been frustrating Sri Lankans, much to their own medicine in this series. And who are culprits? Mishraji here, Mithun, Ojha and Ishant in the other innings.

Thanks to the glaring partnerships yesterday India managed to sneak ahead by 11 runs and then the best “offspinner in the country” who is also “greatest flat track bully” which would be cherished by Robert / Gill / The abusive commenter (Achettup, you did this) spinned out Dilshan and Paragraph to ensure India have a realistic chance to win provided they get out boring duo of Mahelangakara asap.

A lot would depend on Mishraji who now has a supportive pitch and that would go a long way to decide on his future. If he is among wickets, he would be in contention else he would be eked out.  Ditto for IPL Ojha. He gotta remember that he is playing for India and not Deccan Chargers. Though sight of VVS Laxman could still remind him of Deccan Chargers……

South Africa are in a coach and board mess. India are in fitness worries.

The 2nd best batsman of the team is injured and the 3rd best  batsman is back in the team after 10 stiches.

Karthik is out but to balance the state equations other one is in. Dabri. He stands a real chance to replace Dravid / Yuvraj in XI....Bet he wont score more than 50 runs combined in the test or even less.

So one easy wicket for Saffers at least.

Mithun gets a look in and thats a reward for hard work and a spectacular debut. He has had an awesome first class debut and though Test debut seems unlikely, he should be good enough to put the likes of Ishant and Sreesanth on toes.

Wriddhiman Saha is other surprise selection and he should debut should Dhoni get unfit again (will he be unfit for IPL?). And a good riddance of DKNY, Dancing baby, DK, Chennai Duck. At least he was looked through.