Boring Already

The second test match between India and South Africa has started. It only 5 overs so far and already the proceedings are attracting yawns.

There is no X factor in the team that India has picked for this test match. Though Bumrah is a good bowler but I do not think he is a test bowler yet. Though he did take few wickets in the first test, he never looked like he would take a wicket. Its the same story so far in this test match.

Shami has pace as well as swing and can be quite effective. Trouble is that he does not remain effective in all his spells. My biggest issue with Shami is that he does not come across as an athlete at all. He looks quite 'dheela'. He would be effective in one spell and then remain quite loose throughout the day. I am hoping that we have the effective and charged up Shami turning up in this test match.

Some of the other changes in the team are interesting. Ishant Sharma can generate some pace and bounce but for some reason he will be bowling first change. Good to have Parthiv Patel back in the side even if it is because the first choice wicket-keeper is out due to a hamstring niggle and should be back for the next test. And, on such pitches, KL Rahul in place of Dhawan is a good move.

Yet, as I mentioned earlier, there is no X factor. Bhuvi has been dropped for the game because he lacks pace. But he swings the ball more than the other bowlers. And he is a smart, thinking bowler. When Bhuvi is bowling, it always seem that a wicket is just round the corner.

And we do not have someone like Sehwag opening the innings. Someone who can put the opposition on the backfoot from ball one. Vijay is a steady bat and so is Rahul. But they will survive, take some chances here and there and that is how the innings would start and continue till they are at the crease. One loose shot and we may have a wicket down with almost nothing on board.

With such a team, I feel (a) India will always struggle on tours outside the subcontinent and (b) test matches would continue to be a boring affair.

<Yawn> Planning to change the channel and watch 'Sooryavansham' on Set Max!!!