Image via WikipediaIf you are to go by the writings and comments on Cricket blogs - the Asia Cup finals has been reduced to a contest between Ajantha Mendis and the Indian batsmen.
More than the assorted voices on the world wide web, the result of the match will depend on the mindset of the Indian batsmen. Crucially it depends on how they play him. (The prospect of this battle may well fill up the stadium.)
Historically, Indian batsmen have the reputation of playing spinners skillfully. However, if you analyse, Indian batsmen have played the waiting game with spinners. Particularly, in the ODI's they have ensured that ace spinners like Muralitharan are denied wickets during their spell. To achieve it, they have adopted the no -risk style of batting. Essentially, they just play out the overs unmindful of the run-rate.
This strategy has worked for them in the past. However, it may not work this time around. The current Sri Lankan bowling has the veteran Murali, as dangerous as ever and Mendis. Which means a total of 20 overs have to negotiated without alarms. There is another set of 5 overs which Indian batsmen have to negotiate with care,i.e., the initial spell from Vaas. He is a dangerous customer in the initial overs.
This essentially means that the Indian batsmen have just 25 overs to maximise the score, which in normal circumstances is a comforting share of the game.
The danger then comes from how they play Mendis. Will they play him like they play Murali , (cautious and deny him wickets) or will they go hammer and tongs at him, unmindful of losing wickets and hell bent on establishing their dominance?
Going by Dhoni's mindset, the Indian batsmen will play out Mendis and look to the fourth and the fifth bowler for runs.
More than the assorted voices on the world wide web, the result of the match will depend on the mindset of the Indian batsmen. Crucially it depends on how they play him. (The prospect of this battle may well fill up the stadium.)
Historically, Indian batsmen have the reputation of playing spinners skillfully. However, if you analyse, Indian batsmen have played the waiting game with spinners. Particularly, in the ODI's they have ensured that ace spinners like Muralitharan are denied wickets during their spell. To achieve it, they have adopted the no -risk style of batting. Essentially, they just play out the overs unmindful of the run-rate.
This strategy has worked for them in the past. However, it may not work this time around. The current Sri Lankan bowling has the veteran Murali, as dangerous as ever and Mendis. Which means a total of 20 overs have to negotiated without alarms. There is another set of 5 overs which Indian batsmen have to negotiate with care,i.e., the initial spell from Vaas. He is a dangerous customer in the initial overs.
This essentially means that the Indian batsmen have just 25 overs to maximise the score, which in normal circumstances is a comforting share of the game.
The danger then comes from how they play Mendis. Will they play him like they play Murali , (cautious and deny him wickets) or will they go hammer and tongs at him, unmindful of losing wickets and hell bent on establishing their dominance?
Going by Dhoni's mindset, the Indian batsmen will play out Mendis and look to the fourth and the fifth bowler for runs.
6 comments:
It'll be a tough game.
Whoever bowls better will win.
Agree Q. It will be a batathon.
Yep, this will be interesting to watch, which is why I've decided to and am currently watching (innings break now). I expect the "young" Indian batsmen to struggle against Murali and Mendis. Lets see.
,
I like your optimism. :)
Still hoping for Dravid's recall? :)
Mousing in the midst of the match. Looks like there were no takers for the free tickets.
R,
Good. It is a blessing that there weren't many to witness our capitulation.
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