Cover Points

Cricket guru, arguing that the flat pitch robs something from Sehwag's performance, describes Test cricket at Chepauk:

Chepauk, in past, has been witness to some remarkable test matches, beginning with the third and final test match of the 1933 home series against England. India’s first ever victory in a test match (1952) and the near victory against the WI in 1966/67, Vishy’s superb batting (1974/75), the tied test against Australia (1986), Hirwani’s dream debut against the West Indies (1988), Sachin’s memorable knock against Mark Taylor’s Australia (1998) and the standing ovation to the visiting Pakistan team (1999) bear testimony to it.

Shiv Kumar writes generously about Sehwag, pitch notwithstanding:

Sporting geniuses, who go on to become great, almost always wrap a few layers of illusion around their opponents. Sehwag typically prefers another illusion, that of vulnerability. The dangling backlift fooled the bowlers and the slips fielders- the in-sliders were met with a straight drive that had his arms trace a classical arc. If GR Vishvanath’s uncorking was an artistic suspension, Sehwag’s was no less thrilling, no less magical in execution and no less sweeter on the sound of leather kissing the willow.

 King Cricket looks forward to the county season. And Srikanth and Soulberry welcome back Kaif.