Ganguly and Dravid: Matchwinning association
Going into the second match of a three-Test series with the score line
reading 0-1 is as difficult a task as can be handed to a captain. Sourav
Ganguly was in that very position against Australia at home, and managed to
come out on top, riding on the backs of the heroics of VVS Laxman and
Harbhajan Singh. In Sri Lanka however, if there were any fireworks, they
came off the flowing blade of Ganguly himself. Till Ganguly found his touch
of old, Rahul Dravid held fort.
It's a partnership that began way back in 1996 at the Mecca of cricket,
Lord's. The pair made their debut in the same match, with Ganguly stroking
his way to a delectable ton while Dravid just missed out, making 95. The
conditions were very different at the hot and humid Asgiriya Stadium in
Kandy. The fighting spirit however, had not waned in the least. Dravid took
on the spinner, Muthiah Muralitharan, from the word go, driving the ball to
the cover-point fence as soon as the spinner came on. Flicking well, the
Karnataka southpaw peppered the midwicket region with firm strokes.
When Sadagoppan Ramesh edged a ball from Dilhara Fernando to the slip
cordon, out strode the Indian captain. It was not an easy time to be at the
crease. With only the inexperienced Mohammed Kaif and Hemang Badani to
follow, it was imperative that Ganguly make no mistakes. Against some
quality fast bowling from Chaminda Vaas and Fernando, Ganguly struggled
initially on a pitch that offered more than a bit for the quick men.
However, realising the responsibility on his shoulders, Ganguly steadfastly
defied the bowlers.
After his initial spell, Ganguly quickly grew in confidence. Coming down
the wicket in characteristic fashion he sent the ball skidding to the ropes
with gay abandon. Slashing drives through the covers meant that Ganguly had
reclaimed his beloved off side. In an association of 26.1 overs Ganguly and
Dravid added an invaluable 91 runs and set up the victory platform. While
Dravid fell on 75 (184 mins, 123 balls, 12 fours), Ganguly went on to take
India to victory. When Kaif flicked a boundary and thereby hit the winning
runs, Ganguly was stranded on 98 (187 mins, 152 balls, 15 fours).
The Ganguly-Dravid partnership won India a Test match and is eminently
qualified to be a 5 Star partnership.
