Another collapse!

Another collapse. Its 3 out of 3. Worst of all, the guys proved that they were just ordinary in the bowling department as well. Half way through day1, India staring down the barrel at 97-5. Then what is expected of the fielding captain? Simple - Go for the kill! Attack! Attack! Attack! Have close-in fielders, get your best men to bowl, apply pressure every way you can and get them out for 150! Fine, maybe a lower order batsman can get into form or maybe they get a stroke of luck in the field to get them past the 200 mark, maybe 225 the most. But, you dont let them score 398! 398?!?!?!

Then it was our batsmen's turn to steal the show - doing what their best known for doing during the last few months - get reasonable starts and tamely throw their wickets away! Shame...!

One thing i fail to comprehend is how spinners like Harbhajan and Kumble are able to skittle through the Sri Lankan innings. I'm not taking anything away from them, as they're 2 of the world's best spinners. BUT, we got Murali, who's by far the world best spinner of all time, bowling at out batsmen in the nets day-in and day-out. If out batsmen practice for Murali's bowling everyday, why cant they negate the effect caused by the Indian duo?

Getting back to the test match in progress. India scored 398 as a result of SL losing the grip unexpectedly. Initiative killed. Fine, perfectly understood. But all is not lost, isn't it? Set individual targets, targets for each session and try to obtain a first innings lead, at least close the gap as much as possible. We've got fine batsmen, hungry to prove a point or two, so it isn't impossible. Where's the unrelenting intensity we displayed during the glory days? Where's the hunger?!?