When the fourth Test began, Imran’s desperation to force the issue was palpable. It was a quickish, seaming track to help the home team bowlers, but Pakistan’s batsmen played rashly and conceded a first innings lead for the first time in the series. This seemed to rile Imran even further, and with time running out, he went on an all-out attack. In the second innings, India found themselves on the precipice of a collapse as Imran and Wasim bowled with hostility: when Shastri was fourth dismissed, the score read a measly 38. Among the batsmen dismissed was Manjrekar, who had been like a rock throughout. The attention was now turned on Sidhu and Tendulkar. The partnership was steady, without flourish when Waqar unleashed a cruel snorter that caught the latter on his face. Imran, unwilling to cede even a millimetre, turned his head away as some blood spilled on to the pitch, causing some anxiety in the Indian dressing room. Medical assistance for Tendulkar was prompt, but brief. Sidhu now remembers asking his partner if he wanted to retire hurt and resume later. ``Main khelega,’’ (I’ll play) was the reply. The fielders soon resumed their positions as Tendulkar settled into his stance. The spectators, who had been baying for a wicket (and some more blood), went suddenly quiet as Waqar steamed in for his next delivery. It was pitched up and on the off-stump which Tendulkar leaned into and caressed past cover for a boundary. The audience and Pakistan players seemed spellbound at this show of bravado. The losing psychological battle had been overturned. Sachin Tendulkar’s batting genius had taken wing.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:25:44 +0000
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