Day 8 - So near yet so far

The first day of the test. This was going to be the test of India's mettle.

And start off well we did. Half way through the day we had the best test team on the ropes at 130 odd for 6. And then Symonds and Hogg took charge and took them close to 400 for 7.

Now it's not that they got stuck in that bothers me. It's some of the other issues that seem to be surrounding the Indian team that are bothering me. They don't behave like a team... Leave alone a tight, well-oiled unit that a top professional side should be. A few instances...

1) Yuvraj clearly has a problem with the rest of the guys. He didn't join in most wicket celebrations. He looked disinterested and aloof through the day. Was rolling the ball in from the boundary only half way to the bowler.

2) Practise before play was a mess. People milling about. Missing catches. Laughing and joking in small groups. The Australians were at the other end of the field in all their intensity.

3) Fitness is a major issue. I'll say no more on that.

4) Younger players like Ishant need to learn to deal with disappointment. When his appeal was turned down (wrongfully so), he was like a petulant child kicking the ground and complaining (everything short of refusing to bowl). Just get back to your mark and get him out again you mutt!

All in all, it's a combination of super divas in the team, lack of fitness or even an attitude to get there and just basic pride in playing as a team for your country missing.

I don't know if we'll win this test, but we're certainly nowhere close to being a great team. A lot of this may be more apparent when you see the team at the ground rather than on the tele.

One bright spark is Sachin. Even after all these years at this level, the man revers the game and hasn't gotten too big for it. He focuses on the fundamentals and gets them right. If we had 11 players with his attitude (not necessarily his talent), this team would be achieving great things.

Oh well.

We also did head out for drinks at Double Bay with AC and a bunch of others... That was fun. More alco! Which brings me to the t'shirt Lal is wearing right now... "The liver is evil. It must be punished"!!!