Neunundneunzig wieder
This is the third time I've seen Tendulkar get out for 99 this year, and this time, it was pretty clear that excessive diffidence got the better of him. The problem with having one run to get the hundred is that you try and get excessively cute about getting the single. So you look for little dabs and cuts and nudges, instead of playing the very strokes that got you so far. And so it went, and indeed, as I watched Tendulkar try that off a couple of a balls preceding his dismissal, it occurred to me that he could very well nick it to the keeper. And he did. Mores the pity, for it was a very good knock, and I quite enjoyed seeing some of the strokeplay of old. Anyway, theres a pair of Delhi lads (Sehwag and Gambhir) at the crease, and pay attention to them, I must.
posted by Samir Chopra at 5:53 AM
2 Comments:
That's a funny method anyway. Many commentators, who also have been players, keep talking about that single to 100. Often batsmen end up manufacturing a single out of a two, three, or four-ball. Mistake always...if it's a single ball, play for the single...if it's any of the others, play accordingly. That said, it was a blinder of a catch by Akmal.
Can't wait to see Veeru get a decent innings under his belt. That should help his feet move better and sharpen his reflexes too. After that...like they say, anything can happen. Even the sky will not be a limit to a Sehwagged (def. the square six on the off boundary in cricket) ball.
Yup, play naturally - like I said, play the shots that got you to 99!
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