For a few runs more...
By K Girish

Well, the first thing that comes to mind after watching the miraculous win by the West Indies against Australia in the third test of the recent series is the grit and determination displayed by the tailenders. The West Indies were at the door step of defeat at 8 down for 254, needing another 54 for a win. With Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, not many would have expected the West Indies to pull it off. For Walsh, scoring runs itself was an achievement (don't forget, he has the record for maximum number of zeroes in Tests). Curtly too, doesn't have a great record with the willow.

It's easy to discount their performances by mentioning Lara's belligerent batting at the other end. He was batting like he had a point or two to prove against the Aussies. But West Indies wouldn't have won, had Lara run out of partners. Credit, at the same time goes to Lara, for he believed in his last two batsmen. Lara kept talking to Ambrose after every ball, egging him on to stay till the end. He and Ambrose had put on most of the 54 runs required, when Ambrose departed. When Walsh walked to the crease, West Indies needed 6 runs to win. Knowing Walsh's reputation with the bat, it was a really difficult situation.

Well, Walsh had his say this day at the batting crease. He hung on to his wicket as though his life depended on it,defending every straight ball and leaving the ones outside the line of the stumps. Finally, when Lara hit the winning four of Gillespie through covers, it was a magical moment. West Indies won an amazing Test with the tailenders playing an important role in this win.

As I write this article, we all have witnessed one more fightback from the tailenders. This time, it was the Aussies. At 236/7 (4th Test), they were not in a good position in the first innings of a Test match. The reason - Ambrose was at his best in his spell on the second morning. Steve "Never lose my wicket" Waugh, his usual self, was batting at one end. In walked Collin Miller, with the situation none too familiar. He decided to have a go at the bowling and well, what a cameo innings it turned out to be. He cut, pulled and hooked Curlty and Walsh for a quick 43 and the tempo of the innings had changed. A change in bowling brought about his downfall, the victor being Jimmy Adams. Finally, when McGrath got out as last wicket, Australia totalled 309, a good score with contributions, should I say only from tailenders.

I'd like to believe that Indians (tailenders) have much better capabilities with their willows. As the experts say, once Mongia is out, the tailenders are in. Most of the times, they are Kumble, Srinath and Prasad. Srinath and Kumble have proved that they can wield their willows to some extent, but Prasad is still to prove it. I remember Prasad mentioning "I won't have to bat today as the other guys will finish it off", before the final innings in the Chennai Test (India lost to Pak by 12 runs). Well, I think this attitude is definitely questionable. Maybe, this is one of the reasons India lost that match that day. Not to take away the commitment and dedication with which these guys play every game for India, but I think it takes a lot more than that to stay for long and more importantly, apply oneselves at the crease.

India could very well with these guys getting some useful practice against some quality bowling. This could be possible, if services of some good bowlers at the first class level are made available. Also, these guys should be batting for quite sometime at the nets and not just for a few minutes, when most of the players are tired and ready to quit for the day. I, for one, am very positive that this will work in India's favour. Atleast Srinath, Kumble and Prasad will have the confidence to stay at the crease.Before I sign off, I hope someone takes this up seriously and tries it with atmost sincerity. It might pay off at out World Cup campaign. Is anybody listening ?

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