By Denzil Fernandes
London, Aug 8 : The ‘Nawab of Nazafgarh” has landed in England and the English summer seems to be changing. At least that is what every ardent follower of Indian cricket is hoping.
Fondly known as ‘Viru’ to many of his admirers, Virender Sehwag has arrived a wee bit late but with plenty to offer as the Indian team struggles in England in the current test series. Having lost both the tests played so far rather meekly, team captain Dhoni and his boys are looking for someone to resurrect their fortunes. There cannot be a better time and platform for Sehwag to walk in and hammer the opposition and live up to his reputation as the ‘murderer’ of all bowlers.
Sehwag has not played cricket for a long long time after his shoulder injury which made him miss the trip to the West Indies and also the first two tests in England. But there is plenty for the Delhi captain to prove that he is a world class talent as he gets ready to face the battery of bowlers lead by Anderson, Broad and others. Sehwag has seen the best in the past and tackled them with such huge impact that the bowlers get wayward when they bowl against the Delhi batsman.
‘Attack is the best form of defence’ according to Sehwag’s batting principles and he loses no time as he piles up the runs. There is not much defence in his cricket armoury and the scorer has to be alert when the Delhi batsman is at the crease.
More often than not, whenever Sehwag has scored heavily the team has won handsomely. Be it tests or one day matches, Sehwag is an attacking player with a ruthless attitude. When in form, runs flow from his blade like anything.
This is the acid test for Sehwag as he tries to get India back into a semblance of respectability with their show in England. Having lost both the tests so far, India’s stock in front of the world has nosedived. No one believes that India are in the top bracket as the leading test team in the world. From their performances so far in England, many past cricketers have dubbed them as ‘no hopers’ and as bad a team as Bangladesh.
No single player can do much for a cricket team where all the eleven players are supposed to contribute in one way or another. With Sehwag opening and firing on all cylinders, batsmen like Tendulkar, Laxman and Dravid will be finely placed to add to the team’s total. The ‘Wall’ (Dravid) is in prime form and Laxman seems to be getting almost closer to his true form also. He has to convert those half centuries into full centuries and help in the team’s progress. I have to believe that Tendulkar is now overdue for a big score and Edgbaston gives him the best opportunity to do so. This surely is one last trip to England for the seniors in the team (Dravid, Laxman and Tendulkar) which they will be determined to finish with a good show.
The third test is going to be a hard fought affair unlike the first two tests. India will be eager to prove that they are better than what the critics say and will give a hard run for their money. England, after an emphatic display will be in no mood to pass
the advantage to India. Their star spinner, Graham Swann has hinted at a 4-0 drubbing which Dhoni and his boys will surely not like.
Clearly the onus has shifted to Sehwag and Gambhir to give India a great start if there is going to be any boost to the sagging morale. Coming to England with a huge reputation as a top cricket side, India have failed to impress and the cricket loving Englishmen have been disappointed. When they expected a royal battle in the middle, so far it has been a one sided show clearly dominated by the hosts, England. Skipper Strauss has led his side in great style with convincing wins in both the tests. If Indian skipper Dhoni is able to reverse the tide and win the remaining two tests, a nail biting series will be assured.
New coach Duncan Fletcher must be burning the midnight candle to find ways to stop England. Despite his past association with England, Fletcher is bewildered to see such solid performance against his new team. Each and every player has contributed to the success of England both in the bowling and batting department. The same script cannot be written for the Indian side which has been found wanting. The coaching staff has a tough job on hand to mould the Indian side into a winning combination.
With a splendid 2-0 lead England will be closing all gaps in their quest to win the remaining tests. Sehwag has a huge job on hand to help his demoralized team come back into winning ways. His famous batting can do the trick if only he clicks at the crease. Viru can be ‘hero’ for India at Edgbaston with his lethal batting. There is no better time than now to prove that Sehwag is a class act.