Amazing Sehwag sets up improbable chase

Playing tough, patient, flair-free, textbook Test cricket over four days, England had slowly but surely, tightened their grip on the match, leaving India to chase an impossible 387 in 120 overs on a deteriorating pitch.

History indicated a win was impossible. The odds were long to even contemplate a draw. But, apparently nobody told Sehwag. He batted with purpose, didn’t allow any bowler to settle, repeatedly cut and slog swept with amazing ease on his way to becoming the highest run-getter in Tests in 2008.

His simple, yet atrocious batting has left India to chase a difficult but not impossible 256 on the last day. His blistering innings of 83 off 68 balls has single-handedly raised the hopes for an improbable win!

Bad light and absurd rules

After India’s dominance in the first two games, the third ODI between India and England showed some semblance of a contest before bad light ended the game handing India another win under the D/L method. Earlier a foggy morning had already delayed the match by 45 minutes reducing the match to 49 overs per side.

Though India would have probably won the match anyway, it is ridiculous that bad light ended the match when floodlights were available at the ground. And, even though the match started 45 minutes late, the players had a full regulation break for lunch (even after the England captain requested for a shorter break). Apparently, both are due to some insipid ICC regulations, despite some recent changes to the rules after that absurd match in England. Given the circumstances, and the rules, the officials could have at least shown some foresight and reduced the match to a 45 over game. A 45 minute delay resulting in a 2 over reduction when everyone knew light would come in to play is downright stupid!

Instead of trying to layout specific rules which are half-baked anyway, ICC should just outline some generic guidelines and allow the officials use their judgment to determine the best course of action to get a complete game as much as reasonably possible.