The Comebacks by the Dead
The stunning Herath, the lady luck blessed Chandimal, and the blessed weather Gods, highlighted what was an unbelievable Test match at Galle. The only thing that didn't show up was India's one promise.
They weren't buried. That was all that was left to be done. At 95 for 5, Sri Lanka were facing an innings defeat at the hands of India. What followed was a living reminder of India's stubborn refusal to accept the Decision Review System. Three umpiring decisions that should have gone India's way, went Sri Lanka's way. Dinesh Chandimal, it seemed had, lady luck sitting on his lap surviving on 5 and 10 to incorrect but not necessarily poor umpiring decisions. Chandimal would go on to win the match, the man of the match award and the record of having scored his first century against an opposition other than Bangladesh. So, it was a huge comeback not just in the match but also in his Test career.(Herath Scrpits 63-Run Win)
Before the Test, most experts, folk familiar with the city of Galle, and weather forecasts suggested that rain would play the most crucial role in the Test. As it turned out the Sun made a comeback to remember. Four days of constant and beaming sun rays, not one rain interruption, only subtle threats from determined yet defeated clouds - that was the most significant and surprising revival of the game.(Kohli Slams Team)
Rangana Herath's surname in Hindi it self means 'Stunned'. He stunned India. His comeback too stunned India. Sri Lanka's previous Test series was played against Pakistan. Rangana Herath took only 2 wickets in the first two Tests of the series. For the third he was dropped. Then came the India series. In the first innings of the Galle Test, Herath bowled 33 overs, the most of any other Sri Lanka bowler. He didn't get a single wicket.(Mathews Speechless)
Come the 2nd innings, cometh the man. Herath strikes on the 9th ball he bowls, goes on to take 7 of the 10 Indian wickets and ensures India is bowled out for an embarrassing and of course 'stunning' 112.
Amongst all of these miraculous comebacks from the dead comes India's promise that remained unborn. India spoke extensively, consistently, and passionately about how it would be aggressive. In Galle, India lost their last 9 wickets for 78 runs and the Captain termed it the fault of 'tentative play'.
Speaking to NDTV, Sunil Gavaskar said 'India needs to stop talking about playing aggressively and just play now.'
Cricket indeed is a funny game. Isn't it?
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