Friday, January 05, 2007
Third Innings Syndrome
The decider at Cape Town is poised ideally. Both first innings are over with India claiming a modest but probably crucial lead of forty one runs. The test at the end of the first day belonged to India. Though India was not in an unassailable position, it was expected to at least draw the test if no unexpected batting collapse and bowling failure did happen. At the end of the second day, India could not sustain the first day’s good work and could not take itself to a winning position. India, having lost its last five wickets for a meager few dozens allowed itself to be restricted to 413 and then let its rivals run away with a sound second wicket partnership.
It was at that point that the hosts had their best chance of tightening their grip on the match. But the partnership was followed by the dismissal of both Smith and Amla. Then a recovery by Kallis and Prince again raised the hopes of a South African surge. But then Tendulkar struck, by getting rid of Kallis who was immediately followed by Prince. At that moment, it became clear that South Africa which by its slow run rate contributed its share to a draw, handed over the upper-hand to India. But Boucher and Pollock kept the fight going and only their dismissals enabled India to manage a small lead.
But in spite of the failure of the hosts to manage a comfortable position by the end of the third day, the dicey situation means, in an ironical way, that the most possible result is a South African win. Yes, with two days’ play remaining ie 180 overs remaining, the team batting third will find it difficult to set a pace to its second innings and it will be almost impossible to decide when to declare. Its score should be big enough to prevent a defeat and it should have sufficient time-overs- to bowl out the opposition. That could always prove to be dicey. In an attempt to get into such a perfect position, a collapse is always possible and its correction could mean giving up the attempt to win. Sometimes even trying to save the match could prove to be very difficult from that point. The team batting last can decide if it has to go for a win or pull the shutters down. Only a wily pitch could make their job difficult.
Moreover India’s chances of wrapping up the test and the series may run into a roadblock in the form of injuries to its key bowlers, Sreesanth and Munaf Patel. If they find it difficult to run in hard and bowl with their natural rhythm, running through the South African second innings in less than 100 overs may almost be impossible. But all said and done this could be the best opportunity India may have to go past an insurmountable frontier. A win against South Africa in an away series might be the biggest confidence-booster to India in their campaign for the World Cup, even with the difference in format taken into account.
