1st
Innings CALCUTTA, March 19,1998. Shabhash. Perfect.
Superb. All these superlatives and more do not suffice to
adequately praise Indias marvellous performance on the second
day. Everything going totally Indias way, almost every player
playing his part with a high degree of excellence and practically
every move bearing fruit. Great stuff.
What has brought about the transformation of a side ? It is a combination of several factors, however Sachin Tendulkar's marvellous batting has played a key role.
India exceeded all expectations by hitting up 369 on the second day, a tremendous achievement, Tendulkar trouncing the attack with 79 off 86 balls with 12 fours and two sixes.
In marked contrast, Shane Warne, acclaimed by many as the greatest leg-spinner in the game today, failed to get a wicket . The way he has been mastered has made a major difference to the fortunes of the rivals. It is the result of a calculated assault, begun by Mumbais Amit Pagnis and Tendulkar in the tourists opening fixture.