Death by a thousand flicks

The second day of the second Test match between India and Australia featured two double centuries - one that was on the cards when the day began and the other that came as a breath of fresh air in these times of structured batting and graceless gestures and sledges.

The morning brought about Gautam Gambhir's first double century. But as his innings progressed it was becoming clear that he was tiring. And when he played on to a Shane Watson delivery it did not really surprise too many people. By then, however, the attention had been diverted away from Gambhir's end by the man Ian Chappell calls Very Very Special.

VVS Laxman has always elicited oohs and aahs when on song and yesterday he showed that he can carry the Indian middle-order for a few more years. At the very least. Reports of his cricketing death are extremely premature. When this series is done I shall expand on my admiration and respect for how and what he does on the field. For now, I shall refrain from adding anything else as I do not want to jinx him in any way.

Two articles on Laxman from folks who write better (and get paid a whole lot more for this) than I do. First up, the CricInfo staff writes a delightful piece on the man. When Laxman bats like he did today...

BD (or DSC) brings to my attention this piece by Harsha Bhogle.

Only four days ago there were suggestions that Laxman be left out of the eleven to accommodate another bowler. The same suggestions were made forty days ago and four hundred days ago. We seek change, and to be honest change isn't always bad, but somewhat we seek to dump as well. True, we need to groom another generation of middle order batsmen for we cannot have too many leaving at one time but try telling that to a player who is scoring runs; who is in the pursuit of the only thing he can do well in life.

This will be one of Laxman's more satisfying moments. He was treated very shabbily during the IPL, was prevented, in a most bizarre episode, from playing for a month in England and had to witness the swords being sharpened for his execution. Don't forget this is a man who gave up a million dollars a year so the Deccan Chargers could get better players and help develop cricket in his state. In England they are going crazy over a million dollars per player. Laxman gave up a million a year for three years! At the end of the first season in the IPL, he was sacked when he had been captain for six games and the job was given to a man who had led in the other eight!! And not a thank you for the extra three million!!

Coming back to the game. The wicket is still a good one to bat on as Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan showed. I expect Australia to begin well on the 3rd day, but as the day progresses and the wicket begins to crumble, batting will become harder and by the time the 4th day rolls around they will be in deep trouble, fighting to save the match.

The key to Aussie survival is Matthew Hayden. Australia must be hoping that his broad shoulders have a few more runs in him or else they can kiss the series goodbye.