CSK beats RR at Jaipur - Tait unleashes loose over

IPL 5 is more entertaining than its earlier versions – with close finishes in many matches.  Teams look evenly matched and there have been many unsung heroes; or famous becoming villains.  For the regular fan, what a match it was – it was not a big scoring match at Jaipur but had a thrilling climax.  Rajasthan Royals were restricted to 126 for 6 in a match which was delayed by rain, somewhere it appeared that Chennai Super Kings lost its way – but 2 overs changed the course and an unlikely result – not exactly the result but the way in which it was achieved and the characters involved in that…………..  For CSK, who had lost the match to MI  as  Hilfenhaus was torn for 6-4-4 when 14 were required off the last 3 – this was to be different !!

In the history of the game, there have been very few genuine quickies like Jeff Thompson, Michael Holding, Shoaib Akhtar (and some others) – this man once bowled an express 161 kmph delivery and has seen many downs than ups in his career.  He exploded to the scene with bang having taken 65 wickets in Sheffield Sheild and became Australia’s 392^nd capped player, wishing to the new Lillee or more of Thomson.  With the disastrous WC campaign, he announced his retirement from the ODI format trying to synergise his energies on the wealth that T20 – to be more precise IPL offered.   For long, this tear away jerky quickie has been bowler known for his short bursts.  He is exceptionally pacey but his unique action has put strains on his body and probably his weak heart had quickened his quitting process.   Nicknamed Sloon, he played in only 3 tests and perhaps would never add one.  

Down under when India toured Australia, he was touted to be one who would run through the Indians much like a knife slicing through butter.  The wicket at Perth, WACA is known to be pacey, offer bounce to the bowlers and trouble to batsmen.  It is another thing that things never went by the script and in Test no. 1862 – Border Gavaskar Trophy 34d Test at  Western Australia Cricket Association Ground , Perth on 16^th to 19^th  Jan 2008 – India won by handsome margin of 72 runs.  Shaun Tait bowled 13 overs conceding 59 runs and in the second essay bowled another 8 conceding 33 runs – more importantly went wicketless on a green top.  Immediately after the Perth test, he walked away from cricket citing physical and emotional exhaustion.   He was in the thick of action again yesterday. 

Dravid’s time was unfortunate in the sense that their innings was interrupted thrice by rain – still it was some tight bowling by CSK that held the reins.  They came back strongly and CSK were 84 for 6 when Ravindra Jedeja went.  Naturally one was inclined to think that it was RR’s way.  After 15 it was 47 off 24 balls – RR the favourite – Pankaj Singh was taken apart for 17 – took the wicket of Jadeja but was hit for 4 & 6 by Morkel.   After 17 CSK required 30 runs off 18 with Albie Morkel and Anirudha Srikkanth at the crease.  The touted Shane Watson came on to bowl thinking to have it easy.  First went over long on for  6; 0-1 off 2^nd and 3^rd; 4^th Anirudha hit him for a six ; 4 off the next ball and a single off the last.  So Watson went for 18 making the equation 12 off 12 – still something to fight !! – or so one thought !!

The first ball of 19^th over, Anirudha got into the line from the off side swung Tait violently over mid-wicket for a six.  Next ball he was bowled – high drama – a no ball – free hit; next Tait ran in faster, Anirudha moved to his leg, Tait tried to follow, bowled it wide – down the legside went for 4 wides – 5 runs and that was CSK win with 11 balls to spare.  Loose over from Tait and one of the poorest ones seen on IPL.    In the end Morkel and Anirudha had hit 18 off 6 balls making it a comfortable win.  

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.