While the women exited WC despite brave effort, the men need to pick themselves up for the England series
Ireland will be beaming with pride after winning the two-match series against India 2-0. And rightfully so. They played with heart and looked inspired, as they should be.
India, on the other hand, need to be very, very careful with the attitude that they displayed. They lacked bite and hunger. Seeing an experienced but young bowler getting tonked back over his head for sixes by a non-regular international batter and not batting an eyelid makes me wonder, what really makes young cricketers tick?
India were distinctly uninspired and Ireland rightfully looked to play out of their skins. India needs to be careful with this kind of under-par performance for two games in a row. England will be a very strong side and hopefully India will turn up as they have in the recent past, and turn the tables.
They have the depth of talent and all younger players are proven performers. I also feel like our batters are still getting used to the conditions, more importantly the pitches. The ball sticks a bit in the surface in England and this can play a role in timing, etc. I could distinctly see this slight discomfort.
Another important piece is that you cannot blaze away in England like you do on the road like pitches in the IPL. Even if it is a ‘pata’ wicket in England, generally the ball will do more either in the air or off the pitch. Samson not scoring runs was crucial. In both the games, Sanju could have easily taken them home. Such is the life of an opening batter — you have more bad days than good — but Samson has almost surreal quality, and he is bound to come good.
The selectors and team management will also be watching carefully and be watched carefully as well. If this series does not go well for India, will there be panic and some heads being axed or will they maintain trust?
India Women vs Australia Women
On a terrific day at the home of cricket, Australia proved why they have won so many big games in the past. They showed tremendous guts to knock a brave India out of the World Cup.
Perry and Gardner took the game away when it hung in balance. India continue to battle with their biggest issue and that is the absence of quality at the other end with the new ball. Had there been real quality at the other end, India would have been able to make serious dents after picking up Voll in the first over.
Playing in England is its own education, and maybe the two young medium pacers will improve with experience, but the hunt should be on for some real bite with the ball.
Charani was fantastic but is also a little inexperienced and when the time came to bowl flatter, unfortunately she tried to buy a wicket and this did not work.
Deepti Sharma is bowling beautifully and is an asset, but Radha Yadav worries me. Her action seems to have come apart and some technical work needs to go in to get to her best. India lost a golden opportunity to promote Richa Ghosh ahead of Harmanpreet to try and take the score into the 200s, as that’s what you need to beat Australia.
Instead, we played a conservative hand and Richa Ghosh was left with hardly any time. Big games need big moves sometimes. India will learn, they have an engine room that is strong but perhaps needs a couple of new pistons.
Bye, bye Ben
Ben Stokes has been the architect of England’s Bazball style of play, but more importantly, he has been an iconic figure in the English game. A player’s player, an absolute team man, an attacking captain and, as his sudden decision to say goodbye to international cricket proves, a mercurial man.
Players with character and philosophy are not meant for franchise cricket, they are at their absolute best when playing for country. I have my doubts if Stokes will play for any other side than his county team. Only Durham and England will make Stokes’ heart beat with any intent.
The indications are that he will continue playing for Durham, which is fantastic news for the county as he will guide many a talented youngster. I remember watching his 135 against Australia from a hotel room in Bangalore and simply falling in love with the man’s attitude and selflessness.
International cricket will be poorer without Ben Stokes.
Jatin Paranjape (@jats72) is a former Mumbai and India cricketer and an ex-national selector.
