Development in any field is closely associated with the growth of technology. Cricket is no exception. Technological advancement is an indispensable part of the game now. Analytics and numbers determine the value of a player and every move is closely monitored to determine his strengths and weaknesses. A small fault can be easily exploited with the assistance of sophisticated software.
In this scenario, when a batsman or a bowler shows rapid progress at the international level, it indicates the humongous amount of work he’s put in to strengthen his technicalities. He works hard at developing his repertoire.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have created history in Test cricket. The former became the fastest to reach 250 Test wickets and the latter scored double century in four consecutive series. These feats are extraordinary to say the least.
Gone are the days when the game was played for fun. The young players entertained the crowd with their talent.
I wonder if those players would have succeeded the same way in today’s world when subjected to scrutiny every single time.
Juggling formats
The modern generation of players are juggling with three formats of the game. They have to constantly change their approach without disturbing the base of the technique. The aspects that matter — shot selections, variations of bowling have to be right. Alas, they hardly have the time to practice the technique.
The variables also change with formats. In Tests, solid technique and patience are of utmost importance. Whereas in a shorter format, patience goes for a toss. It’s the strike and economy rates that matter the most.
Against this background, when a player performs exceedingly well, it is a reflection of his intelligence and hard work.
There is no room for imperfection here. Both Kohli and Ashwin seem to have really worked hard at the nets to ensure the perfection they want to achieve.
If Kohli’s geometrical precision in his batting and fitness are commendable, Ashwin has relentlessly worked on his variations.
He is mesmerising them by using different tactics. He keeps the batsmen guessing which gives him an upper hand.
His manoeuvre reminds one of the duel between Ian Chappell and E.A.S. Prasanna in the 1969 series. Ian Chappell, Ian Redpath and Doug Walters continuously challenged Prasanna and Bedi even on rank bad turners by stepping out to them. This approach benefited them.
Before the advent of technology, the spin bowlers had more difficulties picking up wickets. That was an era when the batsmen played sweep shots after misjudging the line. Even the umpires were reluctant to uphold a leg before wicket appeal.
Things are different now. There is a significant increase in the number of LBW dismissals due to the DRS. In the nine Tests that have been played this season, Ashwin has bagged a total of 61 wickets out of which 15 are LBW. Out of the 48 wickets that Jadeja pocketed so far, 12 are LBW. The percentage of LBW dismissals can be gauged from these figures: which are 28 and 32 respectively.
Unlike some of earlier teams this Australian team has practised at Dubai on slow turners. The players are an attacking lot. The added advantage for them is that most players have played in the IPL and are accustomed to the pitches here.
Though there are four to five left-handers, their attacking style could still be nerve-racking for Indian bowlers.
Employing the sweep
The Australians have also revealed that sweep is their only way to tackle spinners. When Matthew Hayden swept against the left-arm spinners, it is important to note that barring Harbhajan Singh, others were of poor quality. This approach cannot be followed blindly now.
Ravindra Jadeja is a wicket to wicket line bowler who can’t be swept away that easily. He is a smart customer. With his accuracy, the advantage of DRS will be in his favour. The Australians will have to tread carefully and have a better game plan.
When it comes to swing bowling, both the teams have skilful bowlers to perplex the batsmen with their talent. While the visitors are aware of the reverse swing that Indian seamers use effectively with SG Test ball, they too have bowlers of higher speed to bamboozle Indian batsmen with reverse swing. It will be riveting to see what combination both the teams choose.
The series against Australia is a big one. Considering India’s triumph in all formats and the visitor’s aggressive nature, this will certainly be an exciting one. Deep analysis, numbers and software have given a whole new meaning to ‘game plan’.
It is obvious that the visitors will dissect each move and plan a counter-attack of their own. The first Test will set the tone for the entire series and it will be exhilarating to watch if India can continue its winning streak with its formidable team.
