Battle won ... war still open

Bob Woolmer was spot on when he said that India's 195 run victory margin in the second test against Pakistan at Kolkata doesn't indicate how little actually separated the two sides. The visitors competed on a far more even keel than at Mohali and right up until the final day had a fair crack at winning. Eventually the difference between the home side and the visitors was the fact that the Indians were able to find the men to rise to the occasion. Two masterpieces from Rahul Dravid's magical bat and a relentless bowling display from Anil Kumble were the obvious standouts for India, but the importance of the supporting contributions from Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Kaarthik cannot be ignored. Kaarthik in particular was a revelation with the bat, and on a difficult track acquitted himself well with the gloves. Pakistan, on the other hand, didn't really have anyone to rally around their big performers. Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana cracked awesome centuries in the first innings, but the rest of the batsmen didn't have much to write home about. In the second innings, with Younis, Yousuf and skipper Inzy back in the hut cheaply, the captitulation of the rest seemed inevitable. The bowling was competitive without ever being dangerous, except when Sami was firing it in early in the second innings. Danish Kaneria was played with considerably more ease by the Indians in this test match, while Khalil and Razzaq weren't ever much of a bother. So, all said and done, a well-deserved victory for the Indians and a much needed confidence booster after the win-that-wasn't encounter at Mohali. The Pakistanis are on the mat, but traditionally that's when they're at their most dangerous. With everything to play for in the final test in Bangalore, one would expect to see them come roaring back and take the battle to the Indian camp. The series is far from over - stay tuned!