Test 2 Begins

Test 2 begins at Calcutta soon. Am eagerly awaiting the first ball of the test. It would be interesting to know that after as good a performance as Balaji showed in the first Test he might actually be dropped. I wouldnt actually be surprised if that is the case. For one, Harbhajan Singh should definitely figure in the 11. That leaves the three seamers Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Balaji to fight for two spots. Zaheer was the pick of the bowlers on the first day tho the figures dont indicate as much. So he should be in. That leaves pathan and balaji in a tight spot. Lets see what Ganguly decides upon.

Historically Eden Gardens is Pakistans favorite venue. They have won most of their matches (be it one-day or Test) out here. But if Bhajji bowls as well as his records in Eden suggest then Pak have no chance. In fact i think Bhajji is the key to this match. Must have been terribly disappointed to be sitting out on the fifth day of the first test when India were struggling to dislodge Akmal and Razzaq.

Ganguly needs to score a few runs. Also he needs to make a small change in the batting order. He needs to let Laxman down at number 5 and push himself down to number 6. That would suit both Laxman and himself. Laxman definitely is not the greatest when it comes to batting with the tailenders. In fact on the fourth morning, we saw that he scored about 15 runs during the same time Pathan scored 20 and then Balaji scored 30. Thats not the way a top order batsman leads tailenders. I am sure this would not have been the case if Ganguly was at the crease. Also most Indian tailenders have no clue against Kaneria. Ganguly low down the order without any pressure could cream Kaneria all around the ground with his timing. That will help the other tailenders batting with him.