IANS

Glasgow, Jul 3: After the World Cup 2007 catastrophe, a feel good factor is beginning to filter back into Indian cricket. The victory over South Africa was creditable and for the players, ought to be confidence boosting.

In a country where millions mistakenly identify a team game, which is what cricket is, with individuals, Sachin Tendulkar’s quite sublime return to form in the series would undoubtedly contribute to the happiness.

The South African bowling attack possessed most of the ingredients to test the best, that, too, in helpful conditions. But the old master passed the examination with flying colours, notwithstanding his slightly flirtatious visit to the crease on Sunday.

Yuvraj Singh had provided every indication during his truncated appearance in the World Cup that he’s back in business with the willow. There have been some doubts about his ability to tackle the moving ball in the first half of a British summer ever since his unproductive dalliance with Yorkshire in county cricket.

But with two finishing jobs in Belfast where the ball wobbled and seamed appreciably, he indicated he was prepared to apply himself to overcome the challenge. His knee injury, though, has rendered him less agile as a fielder.

In referring to India’s success, it would be unfair to overlook Rahul Dravid and Dinesh Karthik.

Dravid, with his showing in the opening match and the impregnable look about him in the final encounter before he was run out stressed that his reliability remains undiminished.

And as for Karthik, the Tamil Nadu batsman is the real find in recent months, with his excellent technique and temperament and capability of conjuring innings according to the team’s requirements.

In bowling, Rudra Pratap Singh has made batsmen hurry and miss. He has the potential to be a more complete bowler if he develops as a mover of the ball.

By comparison, Zaheer Khan looks over-worked, but his occasional swing coupled with clever changes of pace, makes him a customer one cannot underestimate, regardless of the mauling meted out to him by Bangladesh.

Greentop pitches, residual moisture and the heavy air is ideal for Ajit Agarkar’s aerial deviations. He proved this decisively in the decider against South Africa.

It was a pity that Ramesh Powar, who has operated with the loop of a classical spin bowler, had to be sacrificed in the final match because an extra batsman was deemed necessary in the shortened situation.

But Piyush Chawla’s lacklustre display in the last two games, after a facile start, could prompt a re-think. He is, of course, only 18 and a spinner can only learn from being carted around.

But since he is not an unorthodox wrist-spinner like Anil Kumble, is he bowling too fast and flat? A chat with Shane Warne, who is captaining Hampshire, before he returns home will do no harm!

India and Pakistan collide on Tuesday in aid of the British-Asian Trust, one of the charities of Prince Charles, heir to the British throne. The revenue from TV rights and ticket sales will be up for donation.

According to a spokesperson for the organisers, most of the 5,000 seats at ground on the outskirts of this city have been sold.

Glasgow has a substantial population of Pakistani origin, while people of Indian descent are scattered in various urban centres in Scotland as well as in northern England, which is driving distance from this Scottish commercial hub.

The Trust has been established to promote greater “social cohesion” between communities in UK, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The prince is expected to himself award the “Future Friendship Cup” to the winners of Tuesday’s match.

However, how much cricket will be possible is a matter for conjecture. Treacherous conditions underfoot prevented Pakistan from playing a warm-up game against Scotland on Sunday and persistent rain also thwarted practice on Monday.

But the young Pakistani squad, under Shoaib Malik as captain and without Inzamam-ul-Haq, are not wholly unprepared as several of the players are engaged in either county or club cricket in England.

From an Indian standpoint, it’s a match they must win to maintain the momentum they have gained in Northern Ireland.