India A Wins 1st Test Match (Unofficial)

In the just concluded four-day unofficial test match at the Ferozeshah Kotla, India A defeated South Africa A by an innings and 242 runs. Pragyan Ojha stands out.

Sunday was scheduled between my son and I for a visit to Kotla to enjoy the final day's play of this match. It wasn't to be as India A wrapped up the four-day match in three days with an innings victory over the visiting South African A side. I did hope we could have a less stressful look at international players than is now possible when senior teams are playing. Never mind...it leaves me with the opportunity to watch the New Zealand - India tie in the T20!

Scorecard

After the batsmen I was tracking disappointed, I was curious about Pragyan Ojha and Amit Misra, the two spinners who could play for the senior team.

Amit Mishra's time may have unfortuately gone. Not that he is old - just 25 years of age - but Piyush Chawla has stepped nimbly into the small vaccum of opportunity created by Anil Kumble's inevitable progress towards retirement while he took just that little time longer to take the next step. He was the leading contender to replace Anil Kumble when that moment arrived, but while he was having steady seasons, Piyush Chawla emerged and had brilliant seasons. With that determined teenager crouching to protect his space, the fidgety bird of opportunity may have flown. Nevertheless, he had a good outing against a South African A side that comprised of mostly international players including the likes of Boeta Dippennar, Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla, Lengeveldt and Justin Ontong.

But I was most keen on watching Pragyan Ojha live. I have been talking of him on the 606 boards for almost a year now after seeing him on Neo Sports some time ago. This orthodox SLO and SLB has been rising through the age-groups on the back of impressive performances. He even figured among those called up for assessment before the Caribbean World Cup team selections. I have no doubt he will be playing for India soon.

Sunil Joshi was there, Nilesh Kulkarni too was also there briefly; Murali Kaarthik the brightest spark among them all almost played regularly for India, but not one SLO could settle in for long after Venkatapathi "Muscles" Raju ended his playing days for India.

In this match Pragyan and Amit Misra, both had a good outing, with Pragyan claiming eight important scalps contributing to his continuing progress.