AMRIT MATHUR

Irrespective of the track at Ranchi, the Test promises to be a high-voltage cracking contest. In Pune, India defeated itself by producing a horrendous pitch but after the temporary stumble, Bangalore was gharwaapsi of sorts, back to winning ways.

Victory was achieved amid a spectacular brain fade, angry statements and allegations of crossing the line. The raging controversy subsided when the cricket boards directed the feuding captains to shake hands in a Gandhigiri gesture to protect the important (and elusive) spirit of the game.

Despite this noble intent, don’t be surprised if the ‘all is well’ policy is no-balled and another head-on collision happens in Ranchi.

The Aussies play their cricket hard and Virat has announced, ominously, that he does not believe in looking back. Virat’s Indian cricket team represents a self-confident young India which is not shy of getting into a scrap, so sledging, screaming and snarling at opponents is par for the course.

Sunil Gavaskar (a staunch supporter of give-as-good-asyou-get policy) once said that the scene after taking a wicket in his playing days was so uneventful it looked like a drinks break.

The bowler was acknowledged with a polite clap, and players just waited for action to resume. Now, the fall of any wicket, even that of a tailender, sparks wild jubilation and loud