One doesn’t have to be a cricket enthusiast to hail something ‘great with a difference’ happening on the field, just as one appreciates an outstanding movie that has a first half that’s dull and unspectacular and a second half that makes one sit up for it’s spunk, audacity, class & brilliance. The shining stars aren’t the lead players (batters) but have risen to the occasion & how !
Another analogy for the incredible batting show by Ash & Jaddu on Day 1 of the 1st Test against BanglaDesh was sheer fluency and beautiful cohesion in their partnership, akin to ‘jugal bandi’ between two virtuoso masters like Ustad Zakir Husain and Pandit Hari Prasad, one complementing the other. All were enthralled as the two regaled us with ‘cricket’ at possibly it’s best.
It would be inopportune to compare two iconic innings from two different eras but yesterday’s master class from Ash and Jaddu in their unbeaten and record-breaking 7th wicket partnership of 195 runs is reminiscent of the epic Laxman & Dravid 2001 show in Eden Gardens, Kolkata against the Aussies. While experts were reminded of Laxman’s style by Ashwin’s timing & wristy stroke-play(recording a 6th hundred), Jaddu showed Dravid-like resilience !
Also apart from saving India the blushes after tottering at 144 for 6, lessons in batting strategy, attitude and playing in perfect tandem came from these two veteran all rounders, never in awe of the situation & counter-attacking Bangla bowlers and dominating them. Teamwork & maturity was the key. And remember the two are not done yet and Jaddu deserves his century !
Working on Living 