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Sad Pakistan. Happy India

Ten weeks have flown by without my making any written comment on the cricket world. I am not sure of the reason but the break seems to have followed immediately on the desperately sad business of the alleged “spot-fixing” by some Pakistan players leading to the suspension by ICC of the two bowlers Asif and Amir and their Captain, Butt.
Obviously there were strong legal implications, whether the accusations were right or wrong. There were so many versions of what may or may not have occurred that I possibly saw little point to adding to the confusion.
What I admit to is an overwhelming sadness for the youngest of the group, Amir who had dazzled us all with the quality of his left-arm quick bowling – so lively, so accurate and with so much late movement. He could hardly have been the instigator of any such malpractice and I was comforted by reading the ICC regulations concerning penalties which leave plenty of leeway for mitigating circumstances to be taken into account. i.e. the experience of the player, his previous record etc.
I remember being shocked at the severity of punishments handed down to two younger players in the celebrated Hanse Kronje case. So I hope that Amir is treated more kindly if indeed it is ever proven that he acted in breach of the ICC Code of Conduct to which all players are subject.
On a happier note I was lucky enough to watch most of the final day's play in the second Test India v Australia at Bangalore (Bengaluru) when the Indians played with great zest and inspiration. Their Captain Dhoni deserves every credit for imbuing his side with such confidence and making so many good decisions at crucial moments.
The last morning was a case in point when he opted for his quicker bowlers somewhat against the run of play where the spinners had previously held sway. Suddenly reverse swing was the key ingredient ensuring a manageable total to chase. Then it was an inspired move to move his debutant batsman Pujara (out first ball in the first innings) up the order and to allow him free rein to take the attack to the Australians. Even when they lost wickets (Tendulkar was a bit naughty playing fancy one-day shots) they still attacked as though they could see nothing in their way except the prospect of winning.
Proving that there is nothing like success to lift the spirits, India gave another exhilarating performance to win the 2nd One-Day International. Faced with getting 290 to win on a slow pitch, they paced themselves perfectly and but for their star turn Kochi being crippled by cramp for the latter part of his innings, needing a runner and time-outs for treatment, India would have waltzed home. As it was they were slowed to a gentle fox-trot as they still won with something to spare.
Throughout their tribulations in India, the Australians have put on a brave face and done their very best, no question, but there is a lack of quality and variety in their bowling which makes it hard for them to keep control for long enough periods. Bollinger has it in him to make things happen with his bustle and aggression so his current injury will do little to reassure Ponting, coming so close to the start of the Ashes series next month.