Shamik Chakrabarty, Galle
As chirping from behind the stumps goes, that was legendary. It was Covid-era cricket, and India and England were playing behind closed doors at Chepauk. Circa 2021, it was the second Test of the four-match series.
With Ravindra Jadeja unavailable, Axar Patel was making his debut and was caught by early nerves. He was bowling a tad shorter when Rishabh Pant came up with this gem from behind the stumps (courtesy of the stump mic): “Thoda sa aage, Mikha Singh bhage, payara Axar jaage.” It’s nigh on impossible to capture the nuances of that ‘shayari’ in English, and this diary isn’t even making an attempt.
What we all can agree upon is that when Pant cackles, life becomes beautiful, especially when the game meanders along.
The first session on Day 3 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka here in Galle was eventful. Manav Suthar was turning the ball and, on the field, Shubman Gill was at his acrobatic best. Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella offered an excellent rearguard after lunch and, as the tourists were searching for wickets, Sarfaraz Khan, who came onto the field between overs, told Ravindra Jadeja (once again courtesy of the stump mic): “Abhi lamba game hai Jaddu bhai, milbaat ke khaayenge.” Pant was at hand and didn’t let the opportunity go by. “Aur sab talvar chalayenge,” was his instant retort.
Dickwella and Dinusha were milking the spinners during that phase, and they were using the sweep shot well. KL Rahul, the vice-captain, thought aloud about a bowling change and bringing on a pacer to see if the ball reversed a bit. A breeze was coming from the direction of the sea, and Rahul was caught on the stump mic saying: “Bohot der ho gaya, wicket nahi aa raha hai. DSP Siraj ko bowling pe lana padega.” Pant’s response? “Han, DSP sahab aayega toh sabko arrest kar lega. Jaldi ajao Siraj bhai.”
Moral of the story — the team is in good spirits.
Keshara Nuwantha was a tad unlucky. He drove a Ravindra Jadeja delivery on the up, and Yashasvi Jaiswal leapt at silly point, trying to take evasive action. The ball hit Jaiswal’s thigh and popped up in the air. Gill took the catch at cover. It was Jadeja’s 350th Test wicket, in his 90th game. He returned with 3/57. Between him and Manav Suthar, seven scalps were accounted for in Sri Lanka’s first innings. At the post-day press conference, the young spinner waxed lyrical about the great all-rounder. “It’s a great opportunity to bowl in tandem with him (Jadeja) and learn,” said Suthar.
Rod Tucker, an on-field umpire in this Test, was indisposed and couldn’t take the field on the third day. Ahsan Raza, the TV umpire, replaced him and partnered Sharfuddoula Saikat in the middle. India and Sri Lanka, the two participating teams, were joined by umpires from Pakistan and Bangladesh. It made the day’s play a ‘South Asian’ affair, tongue firmly ensconced in cheek.
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