Hard pressed to get excited about this day's play. The Indian lower order scored more runs than the top half of the team. The first 5 wickets produced 281 runs. The last five partnerships produced 322. This is the most telling change in the character of the Indian team since Greg took over and augurs very well for the World Cup. Dhoni won another duel with Shoaib, hitting him for three 4's in one over. Shoaib was frustrated enough to bowl a vicious beamer. Irrespective of whether it was intentional or not, the absence of an apology vindicates my comment at the end of yesterday's column. It must be frustrating indeed if you are billed as 'the' star bowler and then huff and puff for only one wicket in two tests! That solitary wicket also came  because the batsmen in question walked erroneously! India were all out for 603, gaining a lead of 15 to which everybody from the lower order contributed. Psychologically, it was important to gain a lead, however small.

A couple of chances were dropped when Pakistan batted, including a sitter by VVS. I do not think it really mattered as the pitch is in rigor mortis.

A tame draw will be played out tomorrow as our thoughts head to Karachi. That Karachi would produce the only result of this series was predicted by yours truly  during the first test itself (Archives - A compliment returned - 16th. Jan.).

I am done blowing my own trumpet. Have fun and be good.