1st ODI - India Vs Sri Lanka - 25 Oct 2005

Prematch Thoughts

Most Dravid fans, while being happy about his elevation as the skipper, would be looking at the new series with some concern.

For starters we have a bowling attack that is now spearheaded by Ajit Agakar on his comeback, Irfan Pathan has played just two ODIs in India and will be looking for his first wicket on our flatbeds, permanent fixture Harbhajan hasnt won any game with the bowling for several years now. Would India opt for experience and use Murali Karthik? How well would the newcomers R P Singh and Sreesanth perform? Questions galore!

On the batting front, we have Tendulkar on his much awaited return. Yuvrajs record against Sri Lanka in particular and in general while batting up the order wouldnt gladden his most loyal fans. A lot will depend on the trio of Dravid, Sehwag and Dhoni. After his impressive game against Murali in Sri Lanka, Venugopala Rao should win the spot ahead of Raina.

India do not even seem to have a proper candidate for the super-sub spot. With Yadav a certainty now, it will be interesting to see who gets the supersub role.

Probable side?

1.Sehwag
2.Tendulkar
3.Dravid
4.Yuvraj
5.Venugopala Rao
6.Dhoni
7.J P Yadav
8.Agarkar
9.Irfan Pathan
10.Harbhajan Singh
11.Sree Santh


Thoughts As Game Progressed

And notwithstanding another failure from Sehwag, India off to a rollicking start, thanks to Sachin on his comeback!

We couldn't have expected/hoped for a better start!!!

350 for 6 off 50 overs!! Have India batted SL out of the game?

Big ask for the Lankans. How will they fare? Reportedly, a belter of a batting wicket, and an inexperienced Indian bowling attack.

Interestingly, Vaas didnt get to bowl his full quota of 10 overs. Supersub Karthik will come into play, and provide another alternative to Dravid.


Post Game Thoughts

A 152 run victory for India. Most unexpected!

1. + Biggest plus is Tendulkar's return and form.
2. + Bowlers - spinners - did their job. Bhajji finally with a three wicket haul after 17 games; Supersub Karthik matching with another three.
3. + Batting was sustained throughout.
4. - Sehwag's poor run will be a concern.
5. - New ball attack - will they persist with this combination? 13.4 overs for 93 runs, and three wickets - two of the tailenders at the end. Averaging almost 7 an over.


Got To Watch The Replay Of The Telecasts - Some More Thoughts

1. Wicket keeping. The stumpings that Dhoni missed should be a cause for concern. He did get one good stumping, but the two he missed were chances club keepers would have managed with ease.

2. Captain cool!! An excited Murali Karthik on getting Jeyawardene starting mouthing something at the outgoing batsman and Dravid wraps his arms around Karthik pulling him away.

3. Seeing the two spinners in action makes one wonder if the team balance would change to include two spinners.

4. New ball attack - looked very pedestrian. Would we be able to defend say 250 or 275 with this attack? Not very sure!