England's sensational win and another UDRS at Bangalore - the 2.5 M rule

The game of cricket is ever interesting – more so for its unpredictability.  After the great win against England, much was expected from Ireland.  Now India have a target of 208 with Indian spinners leading the way – quite unexpectedly the bowler who turned the fortunes was Yuvraj Singh with a 5 for 31.

He was called a pie-chucker by Pieterson – somebody who looks easy prey and at somepoint of time after the initial twin blow struck by Zaheer, Ireland did seem well settled when Yuvi ambled in.   now a days he does not look greatly fit – bit portly and he rolls on in his run up giving you an impression that he is going to present a dolly full toss or overpitched or dish out a short pitched one. Sometimes he does turn sharply but is slow off the pitch and varies his pace and length.

After the good beginning by Zaheer, Dhoni shuffled his bowlers and even today Munaf was unimpressive bowling only 5 giving 25 and taking a single wicket. Chawla was worser with 56 given off 8, Bhaji did not take any wicket but Yuvi’s figure read :      10-0-31-5.                                                                

At Chepauk, England scored only 171 with Bopara and Trott making half centuries.  Imran Tahir took 4.  SA were expected to stream roll past but lost by 6 runs in a thriller. England bowlers have been giving runs to every team but today it was their bowlers especially Stuard Broad who won them.  Broad took two wickets in the dying stages to leave SA dry when they were so closer to a win.  SA were cruising with an opening stand of 63 and were 124 for 3 at one stage and contrived to lose the game, going with their image of chokers.

Technology may be good but those who use it have to be rigid and expert.  After all the fuss of Ian Bell in the tied match and the interpretation 2.5 M rule – today  43.4 yuvi bowled to AR Cusack who was well down the track and his back foot was outside the crease.  Ball seemingly was heading for the stumps – Umpire Tucker ruled him not out.  Yuvi & Dhoni went in for a referral – the Q in everyone’s mind was how much he was beyond 2.5 meter, as there was no doubt that he was outside the distance.  If it were to interpretation of the rule consistently, the same result should be on – though it is not so crucial to India’s chances.  Hawkeye showed that it would hit the middle at a comfortable height but is its technology reliable after 2.5 M ?

Well today, Tucker reversed his decision and Yuvaraj got a five for.

Regards – S Sampathkumar.