Saturday, January 19, 2008

New kid on the block

Ishant Sharma has stunned everyone with the growth and maturity he has displayed in the last two tests. He has been bowling exceptionally well. I do not know about others but at least I was not expecting such a performance from the Delhi lad.


When Ishant arrived on the international scene (Test match against Bangladesh in 2007), he gave the impression that he is not quite ready for the grind. That was expected as the guy was just 18 years old!!! Honestly, I was disappointed at his inclusion in the team for the Australian tour. I thought someone like Agarkar would have been a better bet. But I am glad that he proved me wrong. The deliveries he produced to dismiss Ricky Ponting in both the innings of the Perth test were outstanding. Infact the entire spell he bowled in the second innings (in which he eventually gor Ponting out) had the touch of brilliance. He troubled Ponting all through the spell.

The conversation between him and Kumble was classic. Pretty similar to Raj Singh Dungarpur and Md. Azharuddin conversation ("Miyaan captaani karogey?").

After he had bowled 7 overs on a trot, Kumble thought of giving Ishant a break. Sehwag suggested that Ishant should bowl another over as Ponting was on strike. Kumble asked Ishant "Ek daalega?". Ishant replied "Haan daalunga". And he got punter out the very next ball!!!

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