The missed chance

When I first read Xavier Marshall's comments suggesting the West Indies would win the third test, my first reaction was surprise, yes. But not because it seemed like an audacious statement given the match situation (the West Indies did still need more than 250 runs to win, and they were effectively six down). Instead, my reaction was surprise that the player making the statement was one whose role in what might transpire on the fifth day was going to be minimal. You see, Marshall had already fallen for 85 on the fourth day, after appearing to have the pushed the Australian bowling attack ever so slightly on the backfoot. Under the circumstances, Marshall, by letting himself be dismissed toward the end of the fourth day's play, had actually made an unlikely West Indies win a bit more unlikely. His prediction of a West Indian win took on a slightly peculiar tone, that of the player hoping his having let down the side wouldn't come back to haunt him. Imagine someone on the fielding side, guilty of having dropped a potentially crucial late catch. Imagine him talking up his side's chances as they press on to take the remaining wickets. You catch my drift? (As Gayle was to remind Marshall the next day, "We needed a big ton"). Marshall was excessively optimistic as it turned out. No one got a big ton indeed. Chanders couldn't produce another miracle as his average crashed to a mere 150-odd. And the Australians, despite being pressured at several stress points, shrugged it all off. Despite fielders with potholes for hands, despite a brand-new spinner. The folks that plan to beat them still need to take all the opportunities that come their way, not just some.