1. Australia 07-08 (Test series).
I do not recollect many horizontal bat shots from Australians, except perhaps Hayden- till Perth (3rd Test). The pace bowlers kept a good length mixed with fuller variations in angle. Add to that a compulsive 'natural' game tendency from the Aussies- it sure created problems for themsleves, even with front line Indian pace bowlers getting injured as the series progressed. It is unfortunate that India had lost the first two tests, essentially because of batting problems. But Australia 07-08 was a clear example of bowlers collectively sticking to a theme rather than each bowler trying to knock down wickets based on their personal impromptu skills.
2. India vs Australia '08 (Home Tests).
The first Test in Bangalore, was a flat track and Kumble had a deep point right from the onset, much to the bemusement of Ian Chappell- who described it as welcoming the Aussies with easy singles. But Kumble had plans to keep the run rate in check by preventing boundaries and giving perhaps a single or two, but retaining control on the nature in which the game is played. This was a pitch when 3+ runs an over was the 'natural' thing. And of course, he would have had plans to slip in enough straighter balls which may get you out trying to explore the gaps sqaure of the wicket.
The plans did not quite work, as Ponting made his first Test century in India. But Ponting had played a measured innings- cutting-off (natural) horizontal bat shots. However Kumble claimed that 430 as a bat-first score was not good enough. You can argue that by attacking, you could have knocked them over for a lower score, but before we criticize a plan, execution also must be considered. Kumble himself had not bowled too well in that match and had problems in Sri Lanka as well. And considering the below par execution, 430 it must be said that was not good enough and India drew the match. Not addressing run-rate issues and only going for wickets could have been double edged and worse.
3. Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2009
It is quite amazing that a positional approach works in a short format such as T20, which is more like blitz chess (tactical by nature, demanding quick threats and exchanges). But Kumble has the ability to analyze clinically- he said on commentary, that every two dot balls the batsman will try to fabricate something in T20. He sure got Gilchrist out for a duck in the finals, by pinning him for the two balls he faced with fuller deliveries, and then anticipating his charge, foxed him in flight.
But more importantly, in semis/finals, Bangalore had bowled angled into the batters (allowing singles to the leg side) and then some straighter- threatening the stumps. A strategy which worked as pitches were a bit slower and held up a bit- bizzare for South Africa. The batters let him down in the finals of IPL 2009, as is well known.
4. Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2010
In India, bouncing can be a tactical ploy- a surprise weapon- but Kumble has made it the strategic device this summer of IPL 2010. Bangalore dried up the runs for Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals), with short stuff from Steyn and Kallis, without slips, all inside fielders on the ring. Dots or singles or risk it and get out. Moreover, Kallis also bounced Pathan for two balls, bowling round the wicket, just to change the angle.
It is a strategic theme of short bowling with variations which are also positional, rather than knock-out tactical! ..from the mind of Karpov Kumble.
Last year, major Indian batters except Tendulkar and Dravid (Raina was good after Hayden took bowlers apart), had struggled in South Africa, on account of the bounce. This year Anil Kumble is repeating it, just that the bounce comes from the pace of Steyn and Kallis rather than the pitch. Today, Mumbai Indians faced the same plan and the (junior) middle order found it hard to get on the front foot. More importantly, Kumble is using all his wit to have a plan for each batsman, and also get his bowlers to slip in enough variations in swing and angles (also usually planned), as did Vinay and Praveen Kumar today.
It's not easy to bounce around in India, as there will be times when batsmen get stuck into it, if the ball rises only waist high. But Captain Kumble will have plans for that as well (hopefully you do not want to see top edges land safely in the semis/final).
Saumil
Mumbai
21 March 2010
Unfortunately, international cricket tournaments are not as sensible as chess tournaments. After a league of all 8 teams play each other, twice- home and away, they will decide it based on semis/finals as one match rounds. In theory, such an exhaustive league should pick out the best team without the need for a knockout round. But if you need sensationalism of a 'final', just pick the top two teams and have a best of 5 finals. Else, the brilliance of the league phase, where you are really tested to win consistently, can all be lost and forgotten- as AB de Villiers and Dilshan are now seen as let-downs this year.
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