It has all the elements of a delicious contest. South Africa's as-yet raw pace pairing of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel are up against the world's best opening partnership in Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. The talented combine of AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince and Hashim Amla, representing the united colours of South Africa, are warily waiting to battle India's tweakers in what Proteas spinner Paul Harris dubbed, “the Mecca for spinners.”
Add two warhorses, Zaheer Khan and Mark Boucher; and two legends — Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis. Finally, throw in two fascinating, powerful young leaders in Graeme Smith and MS Dhoni, swaggering into battle like gladiators of old.
Even though “Dravid will be missed”, as Dhoni put it, and VVS Laxman is iffy, there are enough ingredients in here to stir up a sporting Molotov cocktail. So why then, is it all so low-key? Less than 24 hours before the fight for No. 1 begins, there are no mind-games, no calls to arms, no macho predictions of glory. It's all very civilised. Even, dare one say it, somewhat friendly and subdued.
Perhaps it's because we're all a bit jaded by the breathless pace of international cricket and this just happens to be one of those down times. Perhaps it's because of the disappointing lack of local interest in what could be a dramatic, top-level contest — after all, in all serious theatre, atmosphere is a must.
Source : http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-quest-for-glory-begins-in-Orange-City/H1-Article1-505751.aspx
Add two warhorses, Zaheer Khan and Mark Boucher; and two legends — Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis. Finally, throw in two fascinating, powerful young leaders in Graeme Smith and MS Dhoni, swaggering into battle like gladiators of old.
Even though “Dravid will be missed”, as Dhoni put it, and VVS Laxman is iffy, there are enough ingredients in here to stir up a sporting Molotov cocktail. So why then, is it all so low-key? Less than 24 hours before the fight for No. 1 begins, there are no mind-games, no calls to arms, no macho predictions of glory. It's all very civilised. Even, dare one say it, somewhat friendly and subdued.
Perhaps it's because we're all a bit jaded by the breathless pace of international cricket and this just happens to be one of those down times. Perhaps it's because of the disappointing lack of local interest in what could be a dramatic, top-level contest — after all, in all serious theatre, atmosphere is a must.
Source : http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-quest-for-glory-begins-in-Orange-City/H1-Article1-505751.aspx
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