ASS' take on WI v India 3rd test, Chanders effect
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 1:08 pm
As we sat for coffee in the club canteen, I wanted to get ASS' (Ace Sports Specialist) views on why the World ODI Champions didn't chase less than 6 runs per over in the last 15 overs of the Dominican Test.
"Good question. It has many answers. I think Chanderpaul and BCCI held the key for the result," ASS replied.
"Chanderpaul and BCCI! How?" I asked in bewilderment.
"Let me explain," said ASS.
"Whenever Chaderpaul is at the crease, one feels eternity takes roots on the field and with time standing still, nobody is sure if it is the first or fourth day of the match. Chanderpaul's very presence brings such effect on players and umpires. That's one reason why umpires made elementary mistakes that they wouldn't even in their sleep.
"It's difficult to get him out these days. Don't get me wrong. Chanderpaul played an innings of character which needed concentration, determination, not to speak of amazing stamina all in good measure to save his side. Even as he comes to crease, he makes a difference to the fielding team. After taking his customary guard when he faces the mid-on fielder, you then realise that's his stance! Many mid-on fielders have run to their captains asking for the ball, thinking Chanderpaul wants to face them!
"True. His stance confuses most bowlers and sometimes even umpires. He is careful in the beginning of his innings. Later, he is even more careful to consolidate his innings. He is most careful while playing pace or spin. His Golden rules served him well in this match. His golden rule Number 1 is: don't score runs unnecessarily.
"Why is it so difficult to get him out?"
"Even Glenn McGrath had no answer. Once when he went waving his finger at him, Chanderpaul stood on his toes and stared back at the pigeon! His Golden Rule Number 2 is: block the ball whole day. Most batsmen do a bit of gardening at the pitch once in a way, Chanderpaul pitches his tent there."
"What has that got to do with India not chasing comparatively an easy target?" I asked.
ASS ignored my intercept.
"Such an innings creates a lethargic effect that hangs on the ground like fog. Except for some ladies moving around with their umbrella and the few spectators present there dozing off, there was hardly any movement on or off the ground save umpires changing positions after each over and an occasional bird trying to fly anywhere to rid the boredom. Naturally, Team India was afflicted too."
My head was reeling at ASS' analysis.
"But still it's hard to understand," I added.
"I am coming to that. You know how Team India plays when their men wear blue outfit; despite Chanderpaul effect, 5 to 6 runs an over wasn't a big ask. However, players who have played World Cup and IPL matches feed on and react to sponsored incentives. Tell me, how do you infuse interest in a game that is hovering between slow death and need for an adrenaline flow for an exciting win. Incentive! This was clearly missing here."
Link
"Good question. It has many answers. I think Chanderpaul and BCCI held the key for the result," ASS replied.
"Chanderpaul and BCCI! How?" I asked in bewilderment.
"Let me explain," said ASS.
"Whenever Chaderpaul is at the crease, one feels eternity takes roots on the field and with time standing still, nobody is sure if it is the first or fourth day of the match. Chanderpaul's very presence brings such effect on players and umpires. That's one reason why umpires made elementary mistakes that they wouldn't even in their sleep.
"It's difficult to get him out these days. Don't get me wrong. Chanderpaul played an innings of character which needed concentration, determination, not to speak of amazing stamina all in good measure to save his side. Even as he comes to crease, he makes a difference to the fielding team. After taking his customary guard when he faces the mid-on fielder, you then realise that's his stance! Many mid-on fielders have run to their captains asking for the ball, thinking Chanderpaul wants to face them!
"True. His stance confuses most bowlers and sometimes even umpires. He is careful in the beginning of his innings. Later, he is even more careful to consolidate his innings. He is most careful while playing pace or spin. His Golden rules served him well in this match. His golden rule Number 1 is: don't score runs unnecessarily.
"Why is it so difficult to get him out?"
"Even Glenn McGrath had no answer. Once when he went waving his finger at him, Chanderpaul stood on his toes and stared back at the pigeon! His Golden Rule Number 2 is: block the ball whole day. Most batsmen do a bit of gardening at the pitch once in a way, Chanderpaul pitches his tent there."
"What has that got to do with India not chasing comparatively an easy target?" I asked.
ASS ignored my intercept.
"Such an innings creates a lethargic effect that hangs on the ground like fog. Except for some ladies moving around with their umbrella and the few spectators present there dozing off, there was hardly any movement on or off the ground save umpires changing positions after each over and an occasional bird trying to fly anywhere to rid the boredom. Naturally, Team India was afflicted too."
My head was reeling at ASS' analysis.
"But still it's hard to understand," I added.
"I am coming to that. You know how Team India plays when their men wear blue outfit; despite Chanderpaul effect, 5 to 6 runs an over wasn't a big ask. However, players who have played World Cup and IPL matches feed on and react to sponsored incentives. Tell me, how do you infuse interest in a game that is hovering between slow death and need for an adrenaline flow for an exciting win. Incentive! This was clearly missing here."
Link