India win the first test against Bangladesh.. by no means comprehensively!

When we look at Bangladesh's score of 301 all out today, you can't help but wonder - if Tamim Iqbal or Shakib Al Hasan had applied themselves a little more, could the story have been any different? Would they have been able to save the match, atleast? What with Mushfiqur Rahim's first century?

(India have made the habit of giving a lot of "firsts" to new players. A "first"/"debut" century/5 wicket haul etc. You want to make a debut or get back into form, play against us. We won't bite).

Given the rather mediocre performance of the Indian bowling contingent, barring Ishant Sharma, (who seems to be coming back into some sort of form, what with his natural incoming delivery and all that), I would maybe lean towards Bangladesh saving the match. I think they can only get better from here, with more experience.

India is doing the right thing, winning test matches. As the numero uno Test side in the world, it's imperative that the winning streak continues. So, if you look at it purely from a result perspective, the Indians would be happy - with a big positive being Ishant Sharma.

Looks like Virender Sehwag has learnt quite a bit about what to say during press conferences. His post-match press conference was anything but feisty. He seemed pretty dismissive to comment on the "ordinary team" bit, but after being prodded a little more, he made a statement in a very matter-of-factly manner. Asked whether he felt Bangladesh could now take 20 Indian wickets, Sehwag's answer came pat: "No. They can't. They still didn't get 20 wickets."

Uh yes, at face value, that is right, and nobody can argue with that. Yes, Sehwag can thank his bowlers a lot, for bowling Bangladesh out in the first innings largely, http://www.cricinfo.com/bdeshvind2010/content/current/story/445312.html

and for responding aggressively during the 2nd innings, although a little tardy with accuracy. If it weren't for Tendulkar's century and Ishant/Zaheer's performance in this match, the result could have been VERY different.

MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh look set to take their places in the 2nd Test match beginning on the 24th of Jan. I anticipate Murali Vijay to take VVS Laxman's place. (Laxman's injured and is returning home http://www.cricinfo.com/bdeshvind2010/content/current/story/445312.html )

It will be interesting to see if Sreesanth continues to keep his place in the 2nd Test Match, he's carrying a hamstring injury and his performance in the first test was rather inconsistent.

My player ratings for India through this Test Match:

1) Gambhir - 8/10 --> Match winning 100, 5th consecutive as well, in the 2nd innings.

2) Sehwag - 6/10 --> Decent captaincy, nothing to drive home about, and an OK match as a batsman.

3) Rahul Dravid - 5/10 --> Didn't do much with the bat, but his catching was exemplary.

4) Sachin Tendulkar - 8/10 --> Again, a match winning effort in the 1st innings, goes 5 clear of Ponting. Yay.

5) VVS Laxman - 7/10 --> Important unbeaten knock of 69 in the 2nd innings. Almost solely responsible for taking the total beyond 400.

6) Yuvraj Singh - 2/10 --> Did nothing of note in batting/bowling/fielding. Seems to be the weak link in the test side.

7) Dinesh Karthik - 5/10 --> Tidy with the gloves, not too much of a contribution with the bat. Dhoni should take his place in the 2nd test match.

8) Amit Mishra - 6/10 --> Important wickets and an equally important 50 in the 2nd innings. Could have been a little more tidier with the ball.

9) Zaheer Khan - 6/10 --> Inconsistent, but nevertheless got crucial breakthroughs in the 1st and 2nd innings.

10) Ishant Sharma - 7/10 --> The surprise pack of the match for me. Seems to be getting back into rhythm, with his trademark inswingers.

11) Sreesanth - 3/10 --> Very inconsistent, dogged by a hamstring injury in the 2nd innings. Needs to show a lot more consistency if he wants to keep Ishant out.

That's it from me. Signing off until next time!

Cheers,

V