Smith surprised by India's fifth-day approach

[hussnainn]

Explains why there is a sachin bashing thread

Graeme Smith expected more of a fight from India on the final morning, and was surprised at how easily the last two wickets came. Perhaps, it had something to do with the fact that after a comprehensive Test win, two of the three questions that came Smith's way were about Sachin Tendulkar. Smith chose to be brutally honest. The stage for that tone was set when Jacques Kallis was asked why he didn't applaud for Tendulkar's century even as every other South African did. Smith's bemused look told a story then. And two questions later, when Smith was asked to rate Tendulkar's century, he let rip. "It gets difficult," Smith said. "The guy has scored 50 Test hundreds, it's hard to rate. He started scoring Test hundreds probably before I can remember. Under pressure, being able to score runs is always a good feather in your cap. [However] I must be honest I was a bit surprised he made life so easy for us this morning. That did surprise me a little bit. But otherwise, yesterday his partnership with MS Dhoni was [good] … I think MS probably needs some credit for that also because if he didn't hang around, Sachin probably wouldn't have got his 50th. That partnership in general was the one time that they really stood up in the game." On the final morning, with India's last two wickets needing 30 runs to avoid an innings defeat, Tendulkar didn't farm the strike. He exposed Sreesanth and, after his dismissal, Jaidev Unadkat to the fiery quicks, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Sreesanth fell when he was given three balls to face from Morkel, and Unadkat when he had to deal with an entire over from Steyn. Smith also took a dig at Harbhajan Singh when rating Paul Harris' performance. "Paul was brilliant you know," Smith said. "If you compare him to Harbhajan, the way he controlled the game for us was brilliant. Paul gets written off every series, whether it is the opposition, or the media, everyone seems to bad-mouth him or write him off. He always seems to find a key way to do something for us, to allow other people to do big things. In our dressing room, too, he plays a big part."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-af...ry/493570.html

[Sherlock]

So he doesn't rate SRT. He should just concentrate on the win, rather than insult a legend.

[Indiafan]

So Smith is playing mind games trying to attack out best batsman on this tour. I hope India really makes a comeback and rip into the South Africans. Things are getting interesting in this series

[Thank God It Is ME]

Indian way of thinking is that Sachin ton is more important then put up a good fight. It did not happen for the first time as u know by urself already.

[Inziquicksingle]

I thought it was VERY strange Sachin didn't hog the strike. I am not a hater by any means but it was almost like he didn't care about the 30 odd runs.

[saffer]

Originally Posted by Indiafan So Smith is playing mind games trying to attack out best batsman on this tour. I hope India really makes a comeback and rip into the South Africans. Things are getting interesting in this series

More like the media is trying to make mountains out of molehills. He wasn't bashing Tendulkar or Bhaji. How they come to that conclusions is absurd, but hardly surprising or unexpected. They have to sell papers at the end of the day.

[saffer]

Originally Posted by Sherlock So he doesn't rate SRT. He should just concentrate on the win, rather than insult a legend.

Believe it or not, but to the 5 billion non Indians on this planet Sachin Tendulkar is not god.

[Vegitto1]

he wanted a not out to his name to boost his average. It is pretty obvious lol.

[Garuda]

First couple of overs, I thought the same that why Sachin is not hogging the strike. But then I realized that if we want to save the test

1. Hogging the strike by Sachin is not going to work as there are more than 90 overs to go. If there were 25 runs to win, then yes, Sachin hogging the strike would have makes sense.

2. Remember Mohali test ? If Laxman would have hogged the strike instead of giving Ishant the strike and collecting runs, we would have lost the test.

There were no way we could have saved the test playing out 90 overs by sachin hogging the strike as still that would have given SA bowlers atleast 90+ balls to bowl at other two tail enders.

The only way was to keep playing normally and try to avoid the inevitable as long as possible. No shame in accepting that Indian team were in a too big hole after 1st innings to come out of it. The bowling also didn't help either as they gave away 600+ runs in 5 sessions.

Two things Indian team need to fix before 2nd test

1. Middle order batting - Pujara in place of Raina.
2. Bowling - Zak should be back. I haven't seen this match live. So can't say whom he should replace out of the three (Sree, Ishant or the new guy).
3. Dravid should increase his strike rate.

[Saurav]

I too was surprised by his approach.but I guess he just saw the inevitable after sun was shining.it wasnt going to make much difference

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by Sherlock So he doesn't rate SRT. He should just concentrate on the win, rather than insult a legend.

Where does it say that he doesn't rate him? And how was he bashing him?

He's simply stating what all of us here have been saying. It was surprising to us too.

[Down2Earth]

sachin obviously played to remain not out, after all it's all about the average for him

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth sachin obviously played to remain not out, after all it's all about the average for him

hmmmm, I guess some other batsmen should develop this desire to stay not out. Their team would get some test wins atleast.

Anyway....

[dilojaanpakistan]

Originally Posted by Sherlock So he doesn't rate SRT. He should just concentrate on the win, rather than insult a legend.

how is he insulting a legend?

All he is doing is asking legitimate questions...doesn't it make more sense for SRT to take more strike and hopefully somehow get rid of the deficit and maybe force SA to bat again but no he expose Shree and Unadkat to face Styen and Morkel....

God wuldn't have made the same mistakes..

[Sherlock]

Originally Posted by saffer Believe it or not, but to the 5 billion non Indians on this planet Sachin Tendulkar is not god.

I'm not Indian, Pakistan Supporter

[Zamee]

Originally Posted by Sherlock So he doesn't rate SRT. He should just concentrate on the win, rather than insult a legend.

and legends dont make mistakes right ?

[sunnykhan]

Smith want to create panic situation in India's camp by giving negative remarks! He wants them under pressure all the time! Good planning on a opposition like India!

[Black Zero]

Originally Posted by Garuda First couple of overs, I thought the same that why Sachin is not hogging the strike. But then I realized that if we want to save the test 1. Hogging the strike by Sachin is not going to work as there are more than 90 overs to go. If there were 25 runs to win, then yes, Sachin hogging the strike would have makes sense. 2. Remember Mohali test ? If Laxman would have hogged the strike instead of giving Ishant the strike and collecting runs, we would have lost the test. There were no way we could have saved the test playing out 90 overs by sachin hogging the strike as still that would have given SA bowlers atleast 90+ balls to bowl at other two tail enders. The only way was to keep playing normally and try to avoid the inevitable as long as possible. No shame in accepting that Indian team were in a too big hole after 1st innings to come out of it. The bowling also didn't help either as they gave away 600+ runs in 5 sessions. Two things Indian team need to fix before 2nd test 1. Middle order batting - Pujara in place of Raina. 2. Bowling - Zak should be back. I haven't seen this match live. So can't say whom he should replace out of the three (Sree, Ishant or the new guy). 3. Dravid should increase his strike rate.

cud have saved inning's defeat.

[Sherlock]

Do you actually think Sachin hogging the strike would of saved the Test? This isn't Pak v Aus Sydney Test.

Maybe he wanted the tailenders and others to realise he can't help every blood time.

The more they cherished their wickets (Raina, Sehwag etc) the more chance they had of saving the Test.

PP users need to get out of this Indian bashing thing they have, it's getting pretty uncivilised.

[Sherlock]

BTW, yes Legends make mistakes, but did SRT, imo NO.

[hussnainn]

^^ Don't you think saving an inning defeat means anything?

[Zamee]

Originally Posted by hussnainn ^^ Don't you think saving an inning defeat means anything?

it will hurt India badly on the points table

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by Anwaar cud have saved inning's defeat.

No surity still but if thats what as a team they have decided, he could have.

Trying to avoid inning defeat means as a team they have already accepted the defeat.

Looks like a team decision to carry on normally as other approach can't give anything better.

[Saurav]

players have thier own way of playing with the tail.Laxman too likes to give tail strike n give them confidence.Steve Waugh used to do it.Sachin is also one of those types IMO.havent seen him farming the strike unless theres a milestone or a win nearby

n there r others who like farm the strike as much as possible.I guess both approaches have thier own merits

[Monsee]

Indian fans, as usual, are being thick because their god of cricket is being criticized...nothing changes!

No one is saying he should have tried to farm the strike 'to save the test...that is/was impossible in such a situation. Having said that, if he had hogged the strike for a few overs, a few things would have come in to contention:
1- The two tail enders would have grown in confidence by playing an odd ball here and there...that would have helped Teenda too by not having to continue trying to hog the strike
2- An innings defeat versus a defeat by 10 or less wickets...well, 100 out of 100 cricket fans prefer the second kind. Only 30 runs to avoid the embarrassment and to make SA bat again and Teenda does not even give it a go, are you kidding me? If it was Inzi/YK etc., I would be asking for some sort of punishment to make the idiot realize, an innings defeat is never welcomed!
3- If India had managed to even get 20-30 runs lead, after over coming the deficit...and taken a wicket or two while SA chased those runs...it would have given India/Indian bowling some momentum and also a few psychological points gained even in such a heavy defeat

But, But, But.ntu..Teenda scored his one billionth century and even remained not out...wow yaar, kiya baat hai, who cares how the team lost tamely in the end?

Note: If the object was to not make SA bat again and avoid the innings defeat...why the heck Indian batsmen tried so hard in the second innings?

[JibranAnsari]

thats pretty right that he could have at least first removed the deficit and then exposed the tailenders. I am a big fan of SRT but this is a complete submission as I must say , should have fought till very end. Thats what australians did when they were number 1 they used to fight till the end , for every run and for every wicket they fought hard.

[JibranAnsari]

Originally Posted by Zamee it will hurt India badly on the points table

innings defeat or not. Doesnt affect the points table.

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by Garuda No surity still but if thats what as a team they have decided, he could have. Trying to avoid inning defeat means as a team they have already accepted the defeat. Looks like a team decision to carry on normally as other approach can't give anything better.

Wow, what logic...so in the end exposing the tail enders and eventually losing the test by an innings was a strategy too...Zabbadast

By not avoiding the innings defeat, means they did not accept the defeat...Einstein/Newton etc. your competition has arrived

[AZ]

Saching got what he wanted the most for himself, an asterisk next to his name.

[Sherlock]

I've seen top batsmen expose the tail to the strike. Nothing new in SRT doing it. I guess it's easier to criticise him.

[Saurav]

hindsight is good tool to have,isnt it.what if the tail had survived,or added some runs,would anyone had said anything?Sachin didnt know they were gonna get out,he obviously had enough confidence in them.such things can help in the long run n improve tailenders' confidence in the long run

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by Saurav players have thier own way of playing with the tail.Laxman too likes to give tail strike n give them confidence.Steve Waugh used to do it.Sachin is also one of those types IMO.havent seen him farming the strike unless theres a milestone or a win nearby n there r others who like farm the strike as much as possible.I guess both approaches have thier own merits

What was he trying here?

120.1
Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 92.3 mph, back of a length delivery on the stumps, defended towards extra cover
120.2
Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 92.1 mph, makes a late decision to go for the glide past slips, it was quick outside off, and rushed past the outside edge, Steyn knows how close it was, replays show there was some sound as it passed the bat, hmm
120.3
Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 89.7 mph, short down the leg side, feathered fine down towards fine leg, SRT refuses the single
120.4
Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 92.3 mph, thuds into the straight bat of Sachin from short of a good length as Steyn continues to crank it up, rolls away square on the leg side
120.5
Steyn to Tendulkar, 1 run, 91.5 mph, Steyn digs it in short, he goes for the pull, the ball goes in the air towards third man off the edge, could have gone anywhere, they take the single
120.6
Steyn to Sreesanth, no run, 90.0 mph, Sree manages to get past the way of another pacy bouncer, and survives

121.1
Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 53.5 mph, gets forward and defends a flighted delivery outside off stump
121.2
Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 51.4 mph, now goes back, and pushes a shortish one down the track
121.3
Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 51.4 mph, defended to forward short leg off the front foot
121.4
Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 51.6 mph, tossed up close to off stump, he leaves it alone
field comes in to prevent the single
121.5
Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 52.8 mph, misses out on one down the leg side, went for the fine pull but could not connect
121.6
Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 53.6 mph, cannot get the single, Harris keeps it tight around off stump, and he can only punch it towards covers

[Sherlock]

If our batsmen can be bloody minded of staying not out, we would have a batsmen that can challenge the rankings and teams from around the world.

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by Saurav hindsight is good tool to have,isnt it.what if the tail had survived,or added some runs,would anyone had said anything?Sachin didnt know they were gonna get out,he obviously had enough confidence in them.such things can help in the long run n improve tailenders' confidence in the long run

More often than not, time in the middle builds confidence, at which point you can give them strike. I don't recall even Waugh giving strike to the tailenders as soon as they got to the middle - he always shielded them initially to give them time in the middle, then handed the strike to them more often.

[hussnainn]

Originally Posted by Saurav hindsight is good tool to have,isnt it.what if the tail had survived,or added some runs,would anyone had said anything?Sachin didnt know they were gonna get out,he obviously had enough confidence in them.such things can help in the long run n improve tailenders' confidence in the long run

Sure.. what an insight of a man wth 50 tons.. wow

[JibranAnsari]

Originally Posted by Sherlock If our batsmen can be bloody minded of staying not out, we would have a batsmen that can challenge the rankings and teams from around the world.

Originally Posted by Sherlock I'm not Indian, Pakistan Supporter

who we? India or pakistan?

[Saurav]

Originally Posted by Monsee What was he trying here? 120.1 Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 92.3 mph, back of a length delivery on the stumps, defended towards extra cover 120.2 Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 92.1 mph, makes a late decision to go for the glide past slips, it was quick outside off, and rushed past the outside edge, Steyn knows how close it was, replays show there was some sound as it passed the bat, hmm 120.3 Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 89.7 mph, short down the leg side, feathered fine down towards fine leg, SRT refuses the single 120.4 Steyn to Tendulkar, no run, 92.3 mph, thuds into the straight bat of Sachin from short of a good length as Steyn continues to crank it up, rolls away square on the leg side 120.5 Steyn to Tendulkar, 1 run, 91.5 mph, Steyn digs it in short, he goes for the pull, the ball goes in the air towards third man off the edge, could have gone anywhere, they take the single 120.6 Steyn to Sreesanth, no run, 90.0 mph, Sree manages to get past the way of another pacy bouncer, and survives 121.1 Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 53.5 mph, gets forward and defends a flighted delivery outside off stump 121.2 Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 51.4 mph, now goes back, and pushes a shortish one down the track 121.3 Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 51.4 mph, defended to forward short leg off the front foot 121.4 Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 51.6 mph, tossed up close to off stump, he leaves it alone field comes in to prevent the single 121.5 Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 52.8 mph, misses out on one down the leg side, went for the fine pull but could not connect 121.6 Harris to Tendulkar, no run, 53.6 mph, cannot get the single, Harris keeps it tight around off stump, and he can only punch it towards covers

that was yesterday wen the clouds have built up,so there was was possibilty of going off early.then the forecast for today wasnt great.but since sun came out today n sky was clear there wasnt much point

[Sherlock]

Originally Posted by JibranAnsari who we? India or pakistan?

We, meaning Pakistani.

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by Monsee Wow, what logic...so in the end exposing the tail enders and eventually losing the test by an innings was a strategy too...Zabbadast By not avoiding the innings defeat, means they did not accept the defeat...Einstein/Newton etc. your competition has arrived

To you your own logic.

Trying to play anyway other that what he played means he has the result accepted in his mind.

[Wasim_Waqar]

India by evidence of second innings of course have the batting. They need to be patient.

Zaheer is needed urgently to bolster the bowling and Bhajji really needs to come to the party otherwise Durban will be easy for SA. Saying that, if India bowl first, Khan can cause chaos and it's a big chance to level things up.

[hussnainn]

on another note, I am loving this thread

[Down2Earth]

some unbelievable excuses coming in. so basically everyone's saying that it was ok to end the match as it was all over for india? losers mentality that is.

[cricketindiafan]

Originally Posted by Monsee Indian fans, as usual, are being thick because their god of cricket is being criticized...nothing changes! [/B]

Thanks for your concern.

[Friend786]

how the heck you can play normally by exposing the tail-enders to steyn and morkel ? Sachin could have made SA sweat hard by not exposing the tail-enders . If sachin could have survived the opening spells from steyn and morkel , then sachin would have been able to expose the tail-enders to tsotsobe and harris , it would have been easier for tail-enders to survive against harris and tsotsobe , then they could have wiped off the runs they required to avoid an innings defeat , by that time sachin and tail-enders would have gained some confidence .

[Poison]

Legend!

[Down2Earth]

friend786, there was no point to wipe off the deficit as that would have been an acceptance of loss so it was better to expose the tail, lose quickly and Tendulkar remains not out

[Friend786]

Originally Posted by Friend786 how the heck you can play normally by exposing the tail-enders to steyn and morkel ? Sachin could have made SA sweat hard by not exposing the tail-enders . If sachin could have survived the opening spells from steyn and morkel , then sachin would have been able to expose the tail-enders to tsotsobe and harris , it would have been easier for tail-enders to survive against harris and tsotsobe , then they could have wiped off the runs they required to avoid an innings defeat , by that time sachin and tail-enders would have gained some confidence .

or atleast , he could have thrown his bat around to get some runs , but he wanted to go not out !

[ManHOOS]

sachin play personally like our yousaf bhai hahahaa :younis

[Amir]

lol, I knew Indians would not find fault in what Sachin did.

First of all, Laxman did protect them early on, later in the innings did he trust them with the strike. Furthermore, its about luck too and Sharma was out but not given. Point being? Had it not worked people would then be blaming Laxman for exposing the tail! You can't compare the situations.

As for people saying "do you think he could have saved the match?" Probably not, no. But at least make a game of it or try. I am not one of those people who believe he is selfish or plays for recors....but yesterday looked anything but that.

[billllal]

Tendulkar was only bothered about his century. Once he got that,,, he was least bothered then about anythng else.

[Zaz]

Like many people hve stated any other player wouldve taken it upon himself to make the innings last as long as possible, frustrate the sth africans, avoid innings defeat and maybe pick up a couple of sth african wkts - end the game with a few positives

Kher sachin got his 50th 100 as long as sachin does well eh?

[161]

Why was Smith surprised ?

I'm sure even most Indians will admit that Teenda plays for his personal records.

[hussnainn]

Originally Posted by kashif77 Why was Smith surprised ? I'm sure even most Indians will admit that Teenda plays for his personal records.

Seriously doubt that

[Impala_KaifTamasha]

Good on Smith, telling it how it is.

Sachin didnt hog the strike because he wanted to remain Not Out and improve his average by 0.0012

[161]

It was a pretty sad sight when he exposed this kid Unadkat to Morkels bouncers.

If I was Indian I'd ask him to take that flag of his helmet.

[Stewie]

Its all about his own batting average and record, lads.

[Sameer K]

Originally Posted by kashif77 It was a pretty sad sight when he exposed this kid Unadkat to Morkels bouncers. If I was Indian I'd ask him to take that flag of his helmet.

Well thank god we don't have Indians like you....

Shielding the tail is one approach. People have different approaches to playing with the tail. When you keep them off strike they also feel insecure like "even my own team mate thinks i won't last long". Eventually that will lead to his departure. There is no way the tail would have lasted the full day.

^ just one reason why somebody might not shield the tail....

[161]

They wouldn't have lasted the whole day but at least he could have prevented the HUMILIATION of an innings defeat ?

Also did you see the way he gloated and celebrated after he got the century .. never seen anyone act like that when his team was in such a bad position.

[Stewie]

yeah but he is Tund.. he is allowed to celebrate even if his team is getting the whooping of a lifetime.

[chui_kadoo]

Teenda played smart by not getting out. He has overtaken Kallis now in terms of overall batting average. I think its 56.88 and Kallis is 56.83. So Congrats to Teenda.

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by Sameer K Well thank god we don't have Indians like you.... Shielding the tail is one approach. People have different approaches to playing with the tail. When you keep them off strike they also feel insecure like "even my own team mate thinks i won't last long". Eventually that will lead to his departure. There is no way the tail would have lasted the full day. ^ just one reason why somebody might not shield the tail....

And does that logic (as faulty as it is) changes when the last tail ender happens to be on debut?

I swear I have never seen such retarded logic...even by Sachin fan standards as being displayed here to defend Teenda

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo Teenda played smart by not getting out. He has overtaken Kallis now in terms of overall batting average. I think its 56.88 and Kallis is 56.83. So Congrats to Teenda.

BUT of course thats not why Tunds did it.. and thats not why Kallis and Smith did not really say it out loud..

He did it because he knew there was no point in shielding JD Unadkat (which by the way sounds like such a cool cat) Sobers and Sree Clive Lloyd Santh, because they can handle their own and take apart Steyn and Morkel on any given day..


Tunds is just such a legend!

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Stewie BUT of course thats not why Tunds did it.. and thats not why Kallis and Smith did not really say it out loud.. He did it because he knew there was no point in shielding JD Unadkat (which by the way sounds like such a cool cat) Sobers and Sree Clive Lloyd Santh, because they can handle their own and take apart Steyn and Morkel on any given day.. Tunds is just such a legend!

I guess thats Teenda for u. He wants to be No1 in every possible batting stat. Very smart guy

[Stewie]

Tunds wants to be the best batsman in teh world holding all the records more than records Ponting, Kallis and Bradman can have.

But I admire Kallis. He has been a complete package and done a lot more for his team than Tunds.

But they both have never won a world cup and Ponting has like three of them.. Plus Ponting led as captain world number 1 t eam for a long time..

And I dont think he ever let 10 and Jack face the worlds best bowlers on their own.

[chui_kadoo]

Im pretty sure that Teenda is eyeing up that Mohammed Yousuf record and hes gona give it his all in achieving it

[Wised up]

"The stage for that tone was set when Jacques Kallis was asked why he didn't applaud for Tendulkar's century even as every other South African did."
Totally "w-t-f !!?? moment.

"when Smith was asked to rate Tendulkar's century"
Another w-t-f moment?

It was neither a match winning nor match saving knock! If anything talk about Kallis, Amla and devilliers centuries, which took the game away from Indians.

And yes he should not have exposed the tailenders to Morkel and Steyn.

[Sameer K]

Well too many bones to pick. He didn't protect the tail. He celebrated his 50th century. He can't bat in the 4th innings. Oh wait, he made a 100 in the 4th, but the team lost.

Please make a list of what he should do and send it to him.

1. Make a 100 every innings
2. Make sure India wins every match, even if you have to bowl and not allow the opposition to make 640
3. Never celebrate a century unless the team is already in a winning position, even if its ur 50th
4. Play without a helmet and pads so that people can finally compare you with bradman.
5. Refuse to play on covered pitches
6. Don't be satisfied with cricket greats lauding your talent, fight for the approval of PP experts like the ones above
7. Always get out, remaining not out on 100 means you are playing for records, getting out for 10 means you are a team player.
8. Retire, too old, give young guns like jadeja a chance.

You guys are a joke!!

[Zaidi_Zaidi]

Originally Posted by Garuda First couple of overs, I thought the same that why Sachin is not hogging the strike. But then I realized that if we want to save the test 1. Hogging the strike by Sachin is not going to work as there are more than 90 overs to go. If there were 25 runs to win, then yes, Sachin hogging the strike would have makes sense.

If 25 runs were required for Sachin to get his 50th test match hundred, i am sure he would have taken the strike as much as possible.
I cant believe Tendulkar didnt want to save India an innings defeat. What was the point of him making a hundred if he was going to give up on the team when 2 wickets are still left...pathetic really.

[imrank_88]

tendulkar is a legend no doubt...but to give up on your country like that so blatantly is not very legendary. who cares if you thought you could not win, its the fact that he did not even try was disappointing. he is playing for his country here and i just found it to be very odd coming from a legend like tendulkar to not even try. had he even made south africa try to earn the victory who knows what would have happend, least of all it would have just angered the south africans that they had to be out there for longer then they would have expected.

[Stewie]

you are sure you are going down, then you have to go down fighting like a lion.. dont hide behind your tailies. thats cowardly.. what a rat!

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by Zaidi_Zaidi If 25 runs were required for Sachin to get his 50th test match hundred, i am sure he would have taken the strike as much as possible. I cant believe Tendulkar didnt want to save India an innings defeat. What was the point of him making a hundred if he was going to give up on the team when 2 wickets are still left...pathetic really.

Yes, he should have taken the strike if 25 runs were needed for century.

Which batsman don't like a century to his name.

But here everyone is thinking as if the match can be saved by keeping the tailenders away. In that approch the tailender would still have to play around 90 balls.

Come on. Be realistic. its not half a session to stumps. It was whole 3 sessions and you can't adopt to that strategy. Either your tail enders play for themselves and you save the match or you loose. No other way or saving the test match.

He adopted the positive way.


And to me personally, a win is a win and a defeat is a defeat. If by 10 runs or by an innings.

[gangstathe13th]

This is not the first time that he didn't farm the strike, guys. That's how he plays. It may seem selfish to some including me.

[the SHA]

He can do what he wants, he is Tendulkar the 50 Tons Legend!

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by Garuda Yes, he should have taken the strike if 25 runs were needed for century. Which batsman don't like a century to his name. But here everyone is thinking as if the match can be saved by keeping the tailenders away. In that approch the tailender would still have to play around 90 balls. Come on. Be realistic. its not half a session to stumps. It was whole 3 sessions and you can't adopt to that strategy. Either your tail enders play for themselves and you save the match or you loose. No other way or saving the test match. He adopted the positive way. And to me personally, a win is a win and a defeat is a defeat. If by 10 runs or by an innings.

That is retrded-ness of the nth degree

May many 'Innings Defeats' come India's way (since a defeat is a defeat, no matter what)

[Zaidi_Zaidi]

Originally Posted by Garuda Yes, he should have taken the strike if 25 runs were needed for century. But here everyone is thinking as if the match can be saved by keeping the tailenders away. In that approch the tailender would still have to play around 90 balls. Come on. Be realistic. its not half a session to stumps. It was whole 3 sessions and you can't adopt to that strategy. Either your tail enders play for themselves and you save the match or you loose. No other way or saving the test match. He adopted the positive way. And to me personally, a win is a win and a defeat is a defeat. If by 10 runs or by an innings.

I don't think anyone was expecting tendulkar to save the match. The match was over once Dhoni got out. But Tendulkar's only motive while batting was to make sure he stays not out rather than saving an innings defeat or trying to stay on the crease for as long as possible.

The guy who is batting on 100+ should always make sure he takes as much strike as possible even if he is batting with the top order. Not calling Tendulkar selfish but he did get this one wrong!

[W63L35]

Originally Posted by Monsee That is retrded-ness of the nth degree May many 'Innings Defeats' come India's way (since a defeat is a defeat, no matter what)

Since a defeat is a defeat... that's why Sachin himself cried like a baby after 17 runs defeat in Chennai in 1997.... and even today he said that was the his toughest 100.

Honestly, that was his best innings because he fought till the end... and so did the Pakistani team. That's why Chennai crowd gave standing ovation to both him... and Pakistan team after the loss.

I bet, we don't have anybody from Chennai on this forum!

[Monsee]

^^^A defeat is a defeat...what a talent and what a saying

[ChennaiFan]

Originally Posted by W63L35 Since a defeat is a defeat... that's why Sachin himself cried like a baby after 17 runs defeat in Chennai in 1997.... and even today he said that was the his toughest 100. Honestly, that was his best innings because he fought till the end... and so did the Pakistani team. That's why Chennai crowd gave standing ovation to both him... and Pakistan team after the loss. I bet, we don't have anybody from Chennai on this forum!

I am from Chennai. I was at the stadium on that day.

I can't believe people support the act of exposing a debutant tail-ender. Tendulkar should have protected the last 2 wickets as far as he could. Losing by an innings is immaterial, but fight it out till the end.

What Smith said is right. I am a big fan of Sachin, but I will not foolishly think everything he does should be right. Let us just give him the benefit of doubt -Perhaps he made a mistake, or he was not well etc. But please don't think he was correct in exposing the tail-enders.

[Saj]

You never know what can happen in test cricket and you never know what could have happened with the weather.

It was almost as if Tendulkar was happy with a not out, irrespective of how many his team lost by.

Surprising tactics to make the tailenders face so many of todays deliveries.

[W63L35]

Originally Posted by ChennaiFan I am from Chennai. I was at the stadium on that day. I can't believe people support the act of exposing a debutant tail-ender. Tendulkar should have protected the last 2 wickets as far as he could. Losing by an innings is immaterial, but fight it out till the end. What Smith said is right. I am a big fan of Sachin, but I will not foolishly think everything he does should be right. Let us just give him the benefit of doubt -Perhaps he made a mistake, or he was not well etc. But please don't think he was correct in exposing the tail-enders.

OMG .. you are from Chennai....

Standing ovation for you.... for this honest post.