''Sehwag, Kaif: go back to school''

Undated (UNI) Mahendra Singh Dhoni's power-packed batting in his own back-yard came to a nought when just about all his colleagues deserted the newly discovered dominating sensation of Indian cricket.

One after another India's top order folded like the proverbial house of cards. There were'nt any devils in the pitch. If anything a good toss win was literally thrown away through sheer lack of application and commitment.

Virender Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif are in a horrendous rut, much of it is their own creation. No matter what the team management thinks, there is no option but to rest them both. Let them spend a rigorous fortnight at NCA, Bangalore. Create practice matches for them to rediscover their close relationship with their respective bats. For goodness sake, it is not just another piece of wood. The finely crafted English willow is a source of living for the modern professional. It is important Sehwag and Kaif worship their willows.

Just because they get them for free and with loads of endorsements should'nt allow the self-styled super-stars to demean the ''sweet spot'' they have suddenly lost.

While it is commendable that the team management still has faith in Sehwag and Kaif, the latter would do well not to stretch it to a point of no return. Once the amicable understanding snaps that'll be it.

Yuvraj Singh is another reckless Indian batsman whose enemy resides within. In a matter of moments, he can plunge from the sublime to bizzare. If you try to fail but succeed, which have you done?! This question sums up Yuvraj's failure after just about every successful outing. Yuvraj's colossal talent is an insult to the man whenever he returns to pavilion without any particular reason. Does fuzzy logic tickle? I would like to ask Yuvraj. At times Yuvraj appears like a TV reporter reporting power failure!

It was just as well the series is already decided. But imagine the Aussies in place of the Indians. The Pomms had no chance of lifting their noses even for a fresh breath. The killer instinct is still an allusion with the Indians. I am not too sure how they are going to acquire it before 2007 World Cup. So far, Mr Greg Chappell has made an assessment of reaching the semi-finals. Maybe the honesty of Chappell has to be taken in the spirit it is made. Maybe the cricketers can get into a huddle with the determination of proving their coach wrong by not only reaching the finals but grabbing the World Cup. Such a pleasent surprise would not hurt Chappell one bit. The need therefore is to keep the element of surprise on a high.

It would be foolish to think the win at Jamshedpur was only a consolation win. No triumph can be consolation in 45 degrees celsius. Let us give credit where it is due. As has been the tale of low scores, this one was no exception. England were chasing a humble score. But the job became tough on a turning track. But the bigger hurdle for Pomms was the oppressive heat which in it's wake had cramps galore for the tourists. Stand-in captain Andrew Strauss was a major casualty, but he kept his cool in extreme adversity and pushed Indians to the back foot -- most sensible thing to do on a dry turning surface. Kevin Pietersen will yet get out caught and bowled many a time before his career is over. His bottom hand is too prominent and far too eager to work everything towards on side.

Also, his tall frame is often too far away from the ball. But then, you cannot fault much with the winning team. All the worries must remain with M/s Sehwag and Kaif for now even if the series is not at stake.

UNI