The 2nd and 3rd days play of the first Indo-Windies Test match were perfect examples of why I love the longer version of the game. On a pitch that is starting to ease up, the game has become a test of skill and patience. In the first innings, the Indians reached the 30's and 40's and got out. In their first innings, the Windies reached 50's and 60's and got out. In the third innings, Wasim Jaffer hung in there and was rewarded with an unbeaten century against his name.
The two batsmen out - Sehwag and Laxman - looked good for the long haul until the ball they got out. Laxman's dismissal was the shocking one. One ball after a vintage inside-out cover drive, Laxman tried a pre-determined slog-sweep over midwicket and lost more than just his wicket. (Steve Waugh made tons of runs with that shot but should have taken it with him into retirement oblivion. In fact, he got out (fittingly caught by Tendulkar off the bowling of Kumble) in his last Test innings trying that very same shot).
The match is interestingly poised with India, in effect, 85 for 2 in the second innings, with 2 full days to go. Too bad I will only be able to follow it fleetingly while at work.
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