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Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan have watched West Indies sink to awful depths in recent years, but now they can help claw the team back towards respectability

Andrew McGlashan in Jamaica06-Feb-2009

	Ramnaresh Sarwan: a newly converted fan of the referral system © Getty Images

Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan have watched West Indies sink to awful depths in recent years, but now they can help claw the team back towards respectability. They have shared many batting partnerships together and if their unbeaten stand of 142 is transformed into something even more substantial, maybe the Caribbean public will start believing again.Sarwan is back in the ranks these days having lost the captaincy in 2007 and giving up the vice-captaincy for “personal reasons” last year. He went through a lean run on the recent tour of New Zealand and has begun this home season with a few mutterings over his form. Those mutterings could have turned louder if he hadn’t been reprieved on 5 when Tony Hill reversed his lbw decision on the basis of advice from the TV umpire, Daryl Harper.”I did say a couple of days ago that I needed a bit of luck on my side and today I was fortunate enough to get that,” he said with a grin. “I’m not a big fan of it [the system], we played with it in New Zealand and it was a bit confusing, but today I’ll take it.”It was 50-50 to be honest, I felt the pain in my knee and that is why I asked Chris about it, how it looked, and he said it was a bit close. I thought I would try [to refer it] because in my mind it was a bit high.”Gayle took over the captaincy from Sarwan during the last tour of England in 2007, after Daren Ganga’s brief inter-regnum. Sarwan was injured during a record innings-and-283-run hammering at Headingley – arguably the lowest of West Indian lows – but since then fortunes have begun to improve.While most people involved with the England team were losing their heads during the Stanford week in Antigua, Gayle was exuding calmness and composure. It was a trait that won his team the jackpot of US$20 million. He admitted after the Stanford final that he’d actually been a bag of nerves with so much money at stake, but the key was he kept all that hidden and on the outside appeared in complete control. England have not yet been beaten in the same way at Sabina Park – they have three days to turn their fortunes around – but Gayle’s performance over the opening two days has set a perfect tone for West Indies.He was quick in the field to spot a slow pitch and introduce his spinners into the attack and then he was even quicker to take the initiative with the bat, driving Andrew Flintoff’s second ball back over his head for a breathtaking six. Two more maximums followed in what was a curious innings of extremes, ranging from mighty blows to studious defence. But it was the fact that he married the two successfully which was the noticeable factor, because control at the crease has not always been Gayle’s forte.The captaincy, though, has brought out a new, mature side to Gayle, which was on show during the Stanford tournament and has brought a sense of stability back to the team. And if he can bring the best out of his team-mates his job will be made that much easier. An in-form Sarwan would be a major step.”Since I came back from injury I’ve had two series, one against Sri Lanka and one against Australia and I thought I did pretty well,” said Sarwan. “Unfortunately, I didn’t keep up the pace and I thought it was a bit of a backward step. I’ve had two weeks to reflect on my game after coming back from New Zealand. I tried to put in a bit of work although I couldn’t do much because of the rain. I just wanted to start the series really well and hopefully carry on the same sort of form I’ve started with here.”Sarwan, though, did sound a cautionary note that will ring true with many West Indies fans. “I think we are in a pretty good position but we have seen before that we have collapsed. It is important that myself and Chris go on and get big scores and also important that whoever follows try to form partnerships. That is going to be the key for the rest of the innings.” A success-starved region watches in anticipation.

South Africa greats hail triumph in Australia

Nagraj Gollapudi30-Dec-2008
Mike Procter (centre): “After the victory I told Graeme [Smith] ‘you must be very, very proud'” © PA Photos
Mike Procter, I might have been one of the only few to have witnessed both of South Africa’s series victories over Australia. This victory will rank as one of the greatest sporting moments in South African history. The two Test matches South Africa won have been incredible. It just showed the tremendous character of the team because in both the Tests there was no way they could win the game and they ended up winning both matches very comfortably.Chasing 414 [in Perth] was a monumental effort and winning by six wickets was incredible. And then when South Africa were seven down for 180-odd on the second day, there was only going be one result at the MCG. And the team changed that round and won by nine wickets. Absolutely incredible.I know this team will be measured against the 1970s’ side. Back then, we won every game pretty comfortably and there were no major problems. In these two Tests South Africa were almost staring at defeat on the second or third day and they turned that around and won convincingly. After the victory I told Graeme ‘you must be very, very proud’. He is a very tough guy, highly respected and the team would do anything for him. The way the bowlers handled the situation in the second innings in Perth and Melbourne was very special and very disciplined and the batters came to the fore, too. It was just amazing.Ali Bacher, The one moment I, and all South Africans, will always cherish is JP Duminy’s 160-odd. His second Test match, we are into our tail at 180 for 7, playing at the famous MCG in front of a huge crowd, huge pressure, and the youngster plays like he has been around for ten years. His inspirational performance in the midst of some very fine performances by our guys will be remembered for years to come.This is history in the making. How good is the South African team? Certainly after our return to international cricket, the two best teams we had in Test cricket was the one led by the late Hansie Cronje in the late 1990s and this current one. But the records will show this team is better. They started by beating Pakistan in Pakistan, beat England in England, drew with India in India and now Australia in Australia – there can be no question they are the No. 1 in world cricket today.Peter Pollock, When I was in Australia in September I told the media that for the first time after readmission a South African cricket team would arrive believing that they could beat the Aussies. Jacques Kallis said during the Perth Test when South Africa were not in a good position, that they could still win the Test. For a team to be a good cricket team, you need some players who are bit above the rest. We have certain cricketers who are really good cricketers.The potential of young guys like [Dale] Steyn, [AB] de Villiers, Duminy is really big and they are going to be more than just ordinary Test players. That is what makes the difference at the highest level – I am not talking about playing Test matches, I am talking about winning Test matches. We also have to acknowledge the Australian side was pretty poor and they have not done well of late. We have won the rugby World Cup twice and that was huge, but we are country that is going through transition so every time we do something good we really hang on to it. This series victory is one of the better moments of South African sport , no question about it.Barry Richards, Obviously I’m very proud of the victory. It is a great thing to do it in Australia. Our side was scheduled to tour Australia in 1971 and we would have defeated them easily but it is great that Graeme Smith has done it. He has shown a lot of maturity as a skipper and as a player he really has come to the fore. He has led by example and he has kept a cool head all the way through. I hope this victory now encourages a lot of people to take up the game in South Africa. Obviously with Duminy coming through it is a real plus for South Africa.Comparing the side I played and the present South African one is like comparing Ben Hogan to Tiger Woods. You just can’t do that. They are so far apart: the bats are different, the size of the fields were bigger in the old days and the wickets were little bit friendly towards the bowlers in the old days.

Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.

As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.

The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.

Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.

However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.

He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.

Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.

Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.

However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.

Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints’ youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

Games played

33

32

Goals & assists

2

8

Shot on target accuracy

32%

28%

Goal per shot on target

0.2

0.2

Progressive passes

3.1

2.7

Passes into final third

1.9

1.6

Carries into final third

2.4

2

Fouls won

2.4

2.2

He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.

The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls – showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.

Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.

Spurs eyeing "immense" £40m Kudus alternative who'd be their own Rodrygo

Spurs are looking at a £40m alternative to Kudus.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 9, 2025

West Bromwich Albion are struggling for consistency during this gruelling winter period. The side's narrow 1-0 win at home to Norwich City on Boxing Day was just their second in five Championship matches, having also lost twice and drawn once.

Additionally, the only goal of the game came through Brandon Thomas-Asante, who found the net for the eighth time this campaign and is leading the Baggies' goalscoring charts.

West Brom could sign £1m-rated "huge talent" to improve Thomas-Asante's fortunes

West Brom could get the best out of Thomas-Asante this winter by signing this £1m-rated “huge talent”.

ByAdam Scully Dec 20, 2023

The Midlands club have been quite reliant on the former Salford City man's goals this season but with the January transfer window quickly approaching, head coach Carlos Corberan could look to sign one player that West Brom have been previously linked with to bolster his side's attacking department.

West Bromwich Albion transfer news – Ben Brereton Diaz

One player that West Brom have been linked to in recent months is Ben Brereton Diaz, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Baggies are keeping tabs on his situation at Villarreal. The outlet are claiming that both Leicester City and Southampton are also eyeing up the Chile international ahead of the January transfer window.

Brereton Diaz spent the last few seasons at Ewood Park with Blackburn Rovers, scoring 47 goals and registering 16 assists in all competitions for the Lancashire club. However, 38 of these goals came in his final two campaigns with the Riversiders, with journalist Alan Nixon describing him as a "goal machine".

During the summer, the attacker moved to La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer but has struggled for game-time since joining The Yellow Submarine on a £29k-per-week deal.

The Chilean has seen just 544 minutes of action for the Spanish outfit since the beginning of the campaign which has been spread across 19 appearances in total and he has failed to bag a single goal or assist in his time at the club. Now, a move back to England looks to be on the cards and West Brom should try to shove themselves to the front of the queue for his signature.

How Ben Brereton Diaz compares to Romelu Lukaku

West Brom have been starved of a consistent goalscorer for some time now. In fact, last season, Thomas Asante finished level with Daryl Dike on seven goals in the Championship as the duo shared the club's top goalscorer award.

This term, Thomas Asante is leading West Brom's charts once more for the club and has already beaten his tally from his debut season. However, Corberan's second-most prolific player has been midfielder John Swift.

West Brom's last prolific goalscorer, in truth, was Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian titan found the net 17 times in 35 appearances on a season-long loan at the Hawthorns during the 2012/13 campaign before eventually returning to Chelsea, having had a great career since. Nonetheless, Brereton Diaz's most potent season in English football was even better than Lukaku's record with West Brom, having converted 22 times from 37 league appearances throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Additionally, that season, the ex-Nottingham Forest attacker massively outperformed Thomas Asante's numbers from this current term.

Goals

0.61

0.38

Expected Goals

0.36

0.59

Assists

0.11

0.08

Expected Assists

0.07

0.04

Shots

2.91

2.30

Shots On Target

1.25

1.04

Goals Per Shot

0.14

0.17

Progressive Passes Received

5.81

4.30

Key Passes

0.67

0.45

Stats via FBref

Corberan could also play the pair together. In his career, Brereton Diaz has been deployed all along the frontline, including from the flanks. In a wide position, he has bagged 27 goals and registered 13 assists in 122 appearances. The Spanish coach can potentially use Brereton Diaz off the left in the absence of Matt Phillips, who is out until near the end of the season, while keeping Thomas Asante up top.

This is a move that could revolutionise West Brom's forward line ahead of what will be a gruelling second half of the campaign and should certainly be considered by the coaching and recruitment staff.

Having been without a reliable presence through the middle over an extended period – stretching back to the days of Lukaku – snapping up the former Rovers man could prove a real statement signing for those at the Hawthorns.

Leeds United have had their fair share of impressive number nines over the years and current head coach Daniel Farke has two superb forward options at his disposal.

Georgino Rutter and Joel Piroe have combined for nine goals and six assists in the Championship so far this season as part of the club's dynamic front two.

The likes of Patrick Bamford and Chris Wood in relatively recent second division campaigns gone by have also been superb goalscorers for the Whites.

One excellent marksman who supporters may not immediately think of when they look back on the club's best strikers at this level is towering centre-forward Matt Smith.

Matt Smith's goal record at Leeds

The 6 foot 5 titan was signed from League One side Oldham ahead of the 2013/14 campaign after a return of six goals in 34 games in the third tier.

Leeds snapped him up and it turned out to be a fantastic piece of business as the giant finisher enjoyed a fantastic season in front of goal at Elland Road.

Smith racked up 12 goals and six assists in 39 Championship appearances as a star for the Whites, to go along with one goal and one assist in four cup matches.

His impressive performances for the Yorkshire-based side led to a £500k move to Fulham, who had just been relegated from the Premier League.

They loaned him straight out to Bristol City and the ex-Leeds man went on to score 13 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Robins before a return of five goals and two assists in 15 games for the Cottagers during the second half of the season.

Matt Smith's goal record this season

After spells with Queens Park Rangers and Millwall at Championship level, Smith secured a transfer to Salford in January 2021 and he has gone on to be consistent scorer for his current club in recent years.

Appearances

102

102

Goals

23

21

Assists

12

Nine

The 34-year-old marksman has plundered an eye-catching 34 goals and five assists in 91 games for the League Two outfit, having dropped down from the second tier.

This season, Smith is enjoying a career-year as his 14-goal haul in just 18 league matches is already the best tally he has ever managed in a single league season at first-team level. His previous high was a return of 13 goals in 41 Championship outings for Millwall during the 2019/20 campaign.

The veteran striker, who Salford journalist Lewis Gray claimed is in "red hot" form, has also registered two assists and chipped in with one goal in two EFL Cup clashes.

This means that Smith has racked up 15 goals and two assists in all competitions this season, whilst no Leeds player has managed more than Crysencio Summerville and Piroe's respective tally of six goals each.

It is good to see that the experience centre-forward has been able to forge a strong career for himself, with respectable spells in the Championship at QPR and Millwall after his time with Bristol City and Fulham, following his exit from Leeds in 2014.

Former legspinner takes over from Rod Marsh, who is standing down after six years in the role

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Oct-20182:03

What’s it like to face an over from Shane Warne?

Shane Warne has been appointed to the MCC World Cricket committee.Warne, who claimed 708 Test wickets to cement his status as one of the game’s all-time greats, will take over from his fellow Australian, the former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, who is standing down after six years in the role.”It is an honour to have been asked to be a member of the MCC World Cricket committee,” said Warne. “It is an extremely exciting time for cricket and I hope that I will have plenty to offer in discussion and debate. I look forward to contributing to the work of the committee.”The committee, which meets twice a year to discuss the important issues in the game, has forged a reputation as an independent voice in world cricket, and has tabled a number of recommendations that have gone on to be implemented by the ICC, including the development of pink balls for floodlit cricket, the mandatory use of DRS in international cricket, and a limit on bat sizes to improve the balance between bat and ball.One of the key outcomes of the committee’s last meeting, which was held at Lord’s in August, was the proposal that a “shot clock” should be introduced to help speed up play.Mike Gatting, Chairman of the MCC World Cricket committee, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Shane on to the committee. Obviously his profile in the world game is as big as they come and with his extensive experience, I am sure he will offer great insights into many different facets of the game.”I’d also like to pay tribute to Rod Marsh, who leaves the committee after six years. He has provided valuable contributions across a variety of areas and we thank him for his efforts.”Warne made his debut against India at Sydney in 1992 and bowed out 15 years later at the same venue, with a 5-0 Ashes series win in 2006-07. He also took 293 wickets in 194 ODIS, making him one of only two bowlers, alongside Muttiah Muralitharan, to have taken over 1,000 international wickets across all formats of the game.Warne spent five seasons in English county cricket with Hampshire, and captained the side between 2004 and 2007. He officially retired from all formats of the game in 2013 following stints in Australia’s Big Bash and the Indian Premier League, but returned to captain the Rest of the World XI against MCC at Lord’s to celebrate the Bicententary of the ground in 2014. He was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in 2009.

Leeds United could be set to sign a new defender in January, and a fresh report has revealed that it would cost the club nothing to bring him to Elland Road.

Where are Leeds in the Championship table?

In the Championship this season, Daniel Farke’s side have won five, drawn four and lost just two of their opening 11 games, meaning that they currently find themselves fifth in the league table. Here is how that first group of matches has played out so far:

Ipswich Town (4-3)

Cardiff City (2-2)

Birmingham City (1-0)

Millwall (3-0)

West Brom (1-1)

Southampton (3-1)

Watford (3-0)

Sheffield Wednesday (0-0)

QPR (1-0)

Hull City (0-0)

Bristol City (2-1)

The Whites have 17 squad members across all age levels away on international duty at this moment in time, including the likes of Liam Cooper with Scotland, Glen Kamara with Finland and the trio of Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James with Wales (Yorkshire Evening Post), and the break from domestic action has allowed chiefs to start assessing their options ahead of the upcoming window.

In West Yorkshire, Philadelphia Union’s left-back Kai Wagner has been highlighted as a potential candidate, but it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a move to the club, having attracted interest from the hierarchy at the start of the year, when a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline.

The German, however, will be out of contract at the end of December, meaning that he will become a free agent on the market (Philadelphia Union contracts), and having established himself as Jim Curtin’s best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.34 (as per WhoScored – Philadelphia Union statistics), the 26-year-old won’t be short of a potential suitor in England.

Kai Wagner transfer update

According to The Athletic (via CaughtOffside), which shared a transfer update on Kai Wagner, Philadelphia's defender “could be heading” to Leeds in January.

The Whites target is “set to leave” his side upon the expiration of his deal at the end of the calendar year, and Elland Road has been touted as a serious potential destination.

How good is Kai Wagner?

According to his former teammate Aurelien Collin, Wagner is a “fighter” for his desire to get stuck in – something he’s shown by winning 39 out of his 60 tackles made so far this season, which is a higher rate than any of his teammates (FBref – Philadelphia Union statistics), but he’s also capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Geislingen native, who is naturally left-footed, has racked up 50 goal involvements (42 assists and eight goals) since the start of his career, so he has a history of making runs down the wing and creating chances for himself and his teammates in the final third (Transfermarkt – Wagner statistics).

Finally, Wagner shares the same agent, Feel Soccer GMBH, as Ilia Gruev, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could give the 49ers a small advantage should they indeed decide to make yet another attempt for their long-term target in January.

Everton may be eyeing up new signings ahead of the January transfer window, and they are keen on bringing in a former Premier League player, according to a fresh transfer update.

Will Everton make new signings in January?

The Blues knew how important the summer transfer window was for them, as they looked to kick on from another disappointing season in 2022/23. They narrowly escaped relegation to the Championship, and while their final-day win over Bournemouth was celebrated hugely, there was a feeling of relief more than anything.

Overall, Everton did some positive business during the summer, bolstering their squad and addressing the attacking area of the pitch, having been profligate in front of goal for too long. Beto is arguably the most exciting signing, arriving in a big-money deal from Udinese, but Youssef Chermiti is a young talent who could be a shrewd acquisition. Meanwhile, both Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma will hope to make an impact on loan from Leeds United and Villarreal respectively.

That being said, there is the opportunity for the Toffees to make further signings once the January window opens, allowing Sean Dyche to have even more options at his disposal between then and the end of the season. The current evidence suggests that they will need all the help possible, and a new update claims that an ex-Premier League player is being eyed up.

Which former Premier League player do Everton want?

According to a report from Spain [via Caught Offside], Everton are interested in former Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, who is currently plying his trade at Sevilla. The 28-year-old joined the La Liga side from Real Sociedad last year, but could exit fairly swiftly.

With playing time hard to come by at his current club, Dyche's side could offer him a way out in the near future as he looks to click his career back into gear, having been such a highly-rated young player during his United days. Granted, Januzaj's struggles in recent years mean that Everton fans may not be overly enamoured with this update, but he is clearly a footballer oozing natural ability, having once been described as representing United's "future" by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson.

Still only 28 years of age, the Belgian should be in and around the peak years of his career, and while it seems clear that he will never reach his previous potential at this point, he could be worth taking a punt on for Everton. This is still a 15-cap Belgium international and someone who has made a combined 209 appearances in the Premier League and La Liga, registering 42 goal contributions (20 goals and 22 assists) in those competitions – demonstrating genuine pedigree at the top level.

A loan move to Everton in January could make the most sense, making it less of a risk if he doesn't impress at Goodison Park, and Sevilla may happily sanction such a deal if they don't see him as an important player moving forward. If he shone for the Blues, a possible permanent switch could then be discussed at the end of the season.

In the last innings of the Bangalore Test, a 22-year-old walked out instead of Rahul Dravid – and made sure he gave those watching plenty to talk about

Nagraj Gollapudi21-Oct-2010For one poignant moment Cheteshwar Pujara was a fan again. Looking over the shoulders of his team-mates at the post-match presentation following his audacious innings on the final day of the second Test against Australia in Bangalore, Pujara did not want to miss out on anything Sachin Tendulkar was saying. When Tendulkar finally mentioned his name, Pujara’s face lit up.It was not that he was feeling empty without an acknowledgement from his senior team-mates. His 72 runs in the final innings had shut Australia out of the contest. He had no doubt he belonged among the elite. He just wanted to hear his name, savour the moment, soak in the happiness.A week later he still is pinching himself in delight. “I am still recovering a little bit,” he says. “It is a great feeling, no doubt.” But he is not getting carried away. “There are many things to achieve in life. It is a very good start but it is in the past now, and as a cricketer I would like to be in the present.”Only Pujara and his father-mentor-coach-comforter Arvind know how hard it was for him to claim the honour of being India’s 266th Test cricketer. Rajkot is no backward town, but in terms of cricketing infrastructure it is the outback. Pujara trained on concrete wickets, with sparse kit, against average bowling, and grew hungry as time ticked by.At 22, he has not waited all that long to earn a Test berth. It just seems that way, though, since he seems to have been scoring big in domestic cricket forever. In the last four first-class seasons Pujara has averaged at least 50: in 2006-07 he logged 595 runs at 59.50 (two centuries and three fifties); in 2007-08, 807 at 73.36 (three centuries and three fifties); 2008-09, 906 runs at 82.36 (four centuries); and last season he had 554 at 79.14 (one hundred and four fifties).His desperation possibly had something to do with the fact that contemporaries like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli seemed to be gaining mileage in the media based on brilliance they had shown in the shorter versions. Pujara did not panic and try and transform his game, though. He suppressed his impatience and kept his focus clear. And when in Bangalore he was told he was in, an hour before the toss, he knew he was ready. He walked in as if he belonged.On the eve of the Test Gary Kirsten told him to be prepared and that he might get a chance. VVS Laxman was to have a fitness test for back spasms on the morning of the match. Pujara went to bed thinking Laxman would probably make it.During the morning warm-up, Laxman walked up to Pujara to tell him he wasn’t feeling okay and that he might not play. “He also said sorry to keep me hanging in the balance,” Pujara says. “Because I was making my debut he understood that if I was playing and got the news 45 minutes or an hour before the match, it was not good. But he couldn’t do anything about it and I told him that.”When he walked in to bat on the third day, he couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Tendulkar was already in the zone, inching towards his double-century.”Sachin told me, ‘You will feel some pressure initially because it is your debut match. You will feel some nerves and stiffness in the body. But just enjoy it, don’t put pressure on yourself. It will go away after 10-15 minutes.’

“When I went in I did not feel anything. But as soon as I reached the crease I saw my name followed by the word ‘debutant’. Everyone started screaming. Then I felt, ‘Oh, this is the moment I have always wanted to be in'”

“When I went in I did not feel anything. But as soon as I reached the crease I saw my name, followed by the word ‘debutant’. Everyone started screaming. Then I felt, ‘Oh, this is the moment I have always wanted to be in.’ It was different from a Ranji game.”Having watched Tendulkar and M Vijay dominate the Australian bowling for many hours on an easy pitch, Pujara was looking forward to batting himself. He lasted only three balls, though, and was defeated by a fast, angled, ankle-height Mitchell Johnson delivery from round the stumps. Tendulkar and other team-mates consoled Pujara later, pointing out it was not his fault.”I was really disappointed and it was really difficult to sleep,” he says. “The wicket seemed very batting-friendly. So I thought things would be easy for me, especially as the bowlers were tired. And I was feeling well when I entered. The second ball I hit a four but somehow I got out.”He did not let the disappointment affect his fielding on the fourth day, impressing with his agility at silly point and short leg, giving India’s spinners confidence and putting pressure on the Australians.Pujara’s hour of reckoning would arrive on the fifth morning, when he was told during the warm-ups that he would have to bat at one-down. “I said, ‘It is perfect,'” he says. He agreed with the team management’s strategy behind the move, which was that they did not want an inexperienced player down the order with India chasing in the fourth innings. “Raina and myself are good players but we are still inexperienced in Test cricket.”The confidence MS Dhoni showed in him despite it being only his second international innings was important to him. “The opportunity I got of batting at No. 3 was one of the best moments. It was a bit difficult – a challenging task,” Pujara says. “As a debutant you want to score some runs in the first innings, to prove you are capable enough to play at the international level. And when you get out for a low score your confidence does go down. I told myself that I did not do anything wrong, so let me be positive. I have done enough hard work and I’m capable enough to play at international level. And when I got to play at three, that was my best chance.”On the fourth evening he read a spiritual book in Gujarati. One sentence made an impression: “If you have worked enough and if you trust God, then why do you worry about the result?” The book is one Pujara has had since he was 12 or 13. It was introduced to the family by his mother, Reena. “She did not force us to read it, she just left it there. One day I picked it up and started to read it. I get life-changing thoughts reading such stuff, as I believe in God,” he says.The second time he went in to bat, that sentence came to mind. “I said I wouldn’t worry about the result. I have worked hard enough. I will try and be in the present. I will just bat,” he says.”The Bangalore innings is in the past now, and as a cricketer I would like to be in the present”•AFPWhen Virender Sehwag got out on the fifth morning the crowd went mute for a minute, then sighed, seeing Pujara and not Rahul Dravid, the local hero, walk in. Did Pujara sense the disappointment of the fans? He begs to differ.”I sensed they wanted me to score runs. They wanted India to win,” he says. But he admits the first ball was difficult. The first-innings dismissal was playing on his mind. “I was a bit more nervous.”He took a risky single and was lucky Ricky Ponting missed hitting the stumps at the end to which Vijay was rushing. The next over, Pujara hit Johnson for a boundary, but the momentum only swung his way when Nathan Hauritz came on to bowl his first over of the day. Pujara charged him second ball to hit an off-drive that went straight, past the right of mid-off, to the boundary – his favourite shot from the innings. Eleven came off that over. “I thought then that I could dominate the bowlers,” he says.The fields set for Hauritz were easy for Pujara to manipulate. He had watched the offspinner closely in the first innings. “I had seen him bowl to the same fields during the first innings from round the wicket to Sachin and Vijay. I don’t want to say if it was the right field or wrong field, but I knew what field he was going to bowl to me,” he says. By lunch Pujara was on 26, including four boundaries.Pujara made his Test debut on October 9 – the day, in 2005, that his mother passed away, succumbing to cancer. “She was one of the most inspiring persons in my life and the one whom I loved the most,” he says. “So I did not want to do anything sad. Wherever she is now, she would be happy.”For Pujara to play for India has not been a dream for him alone. It has been a family dream, one achieved through collective efforts. If there is one person happier than Pujara, it is his father.”He is a modest person,” Pujara says. “People are not aware of how much he has done for me. His contribution to me is tremendous. The satisfaction is, I have met his dream.”

Virender Sehwag has taken the art of opening to new levels and Strauss briefly managed a passing impression of him

Andrew McGlashan in Durban27-Dec-2009If the Durban weather plays ball over the next three days – and sadly that is anything but certain – this match has the makings of an extremely compelling contest. Each time one side has seemingly grabbed the advantage, the other has evened the scales, never better illustrated than by the cameo nature of the batting so far in this game.Batsmen have threatened to dominate, but then have been cut off either by a good ball or poor judgment, and that has made for engrossing viewing. It started with the dual efforts of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, who thwarted a hostile new ball in tough conditions before succumbing meekly after tea; it continued with AB de Villiers’ punchy counter-attack and Mark Boucher’s bustle on the second morning, then Dale Steyn’s tail-end hitting which lifted South Africa to 343.England continued in the same vain with Andrew Strauss looking in prime form. He so often does these days, but he failed to build on an aggressive 49-ball half-century – the fastest of his career – when he was dramatically bowled by Morne Morkel to be left with one stump standing. Although Strauss’s innings ended too early for England’s liking, it was a vital response from the captain after the frustrations of South Africa’s last-wicket stand of 58 between Steyn and Makhaya NtiniStrauss and Steyn are separated in batting talent by almost the full length of the order; a tailender and an opener, one whose runs are a bonus against one who is expected to lead the scoring. But they both played equally valuable roles for their sides. Without Steyn, South Africa would have been dismissed for under 300 and without Strauss’s counter-attack the home side would have had the chance to build on that lower-order boost.There is nothing better for a team than to be boosted by a tailender who bats above his means, not least because of the frustration it brings to the fielding unit. It’s far better for an innings to end with a bang rather than a whimper. Then, at the other end of the spectrum, there is the impetus that a positive opening batsman can bring when the opposition have hoped to make inroads with the new ball. Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden were masters of it, Virender Sehwag has taken the art to new levels and Strauss briefly managed a passing impression of them all.”I came out of the shower, and he was already on 30, and I don’t take that long in the shower,” said Graeme Swann. “It’s great to see him go out there and play shots from the word go. He’s very disappointed to have only made 50-odd and lose his wicket after tea, to a very good ball.””We didn’t sit down and say ‘let’s go all guns blazing’ to get back on top,” he added. “But it was important that we did that, because it’s wrestled straight back the initiative that South Africa have taken from us.”Strauss has developed into one of the premier opening batsmen in the world and is finishing 2009 in the same positive form he has shown throughout the year. His innings included three fours in four balls off the struggling Ntini, and was Marcus Trescothick-like in its impact. That was a role he tried to perform in Australia in 2006-07, when Trescothick pulled out of the tour, but he mislaid his disciplines in his quest for aggression, and that played a part in his career-threatening dip in form. The latest version of Strauss can play in variety of guises, however. He also took the pressure off Alastair Cook, who was able to concentrate on survival in his battle for form.It looked for all the world as though Strauss would be the batsman who would build on his start, but Morkel has caused him problems throughout the tour – having him caught behind in the second innings at Centurion from round the wicket – and ended his stay via a thin inside-edge. In 16 balls Strauss faced against Ntini he scored 24 runs, but the 21 deliveries from Morkel produced just 11 and four of those came from an outside edge through gully which shows the difficulties he posed.It also means that the wait for a substantial innings in this match goes on, but the bowlers have managed to hold sway. This contest is crying out for a hundred. It could prove to be a matchwinner.