Sakyasen Mittra
In probably what would be their toughest game in the pool Sunday, defending champions India will take on strong contenders South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Even if the two teams don’t meet March 29 at the same venue, keeping in mind the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams – many experts are calling this as the ‘Dress Rehearsal’ of the final.
In modern ODI cricket events, two phrases have gained huge popularity – ‘Cricket End’ and ‘Business End’. Cricket End is the group games, which really will not bear any consequences on the final standings. The Business End however, is very important, the time during which each and every tie counts, where a slip is not affordable. But in spite of this match being a part of Cricket End, its importance is huge. As a win here will give a huge boost of self-belief to the Indians while for the South Africans it will once more re-establish the ‘Chokers’ tag.
Man for man, South Africa are a much better side. They have umpteen number of match winners – Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, not to forget Vernon Philander. Against such a team India have only two – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. They could have had a third if skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would have been in form. But then the Indian skipper has just got a single 50-plus score in the last 11 ODIs that he has played raising doubts against his ability to get back into form against such a lethal attack.
MCG has been always been a happy hunting ground for India, because it turns and is slow. But then this time around it is a ‘drop in pitch’ (wickets made elsewhere and incorporated to the ground) which always aids bounce. That is one advantage the South African bowlers will definitely get.
That great cricket writer and former Australian opener Jack Fingleton had once said: “International cricket and success is all in the mind, where grit becomes more important than technique.” Fingleton never played in the ODI era, he was a cricketer of the copybook ‘gharana’. But then India will have to show plenty of grit and determination to erase their ignominious history of 0-3 against South Africa in the World Cup.
A lot has been said about India’s bowling in the opener against Pakistan. But then they were never tested in that game. Their real test comes now against a batting line-up that is not only classy, but hard-hitting and innovative. Inconsistency has been the Indian bowlers’ bane and if it strikes them again Sunday, then they will have no place to hide.
But then are South Africa unbeatable? No they are not and to achieve victory against them, India will always have to keep them under pressure – bowl accurately, field brilliantly and bat aggressively. If they slip in any of these three departments, then it is game, set and match to the Proteas.
