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WAGS, doctors and nurses protest the display of emotion by men in blue (Satire)

That the Indian team was given a replica instead of the Real trophy was good enough reason to cobble together a band of experts for an hour-long discussion on the Times Of India news channel—at prime time.

It didn’t matter that the replica was a genuine one, albeit usually unveiled for promotional purposes.

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Indian cricket: Same old story of batting collapse against Black Caps

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The second innings collapse of the famed Indian batting line-up in the first Test against a weak New Zealand side supports my theory that Indians are notoriously poor starters. The first Test against the Australians in the recent home series too could have easily gone the other way but a fantabulous fight-back by a bravura Laxman snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

India finished at 82-6 at the end of the fourth day at Motera. Chris Martin’s five wicket haul was the highlight of the day. Sehwag was run out.

With Harbhajan and Laxman —the last of the recognised batsmen at the crease — it will be only be about survival on the final day.

India piled up 487 in its first innings essay powered by Sehwag’s bellicose 173 and Dravid’s sedate 104. New Zealand replied strongly with 459 ; debutant Kane Williamson registered his maiden century and talented Jesse Ryder hit a ton as well.

Can India save the match? Will Laxman ride to the rescue once more?

The fifth day will be engrossing.

Full marks to the Black Caps. Few gave them a semblance of a chance following their 4-0 whitewash at the hands of the Bangladeshis.

Pride and over-confidence lulled the No.1 team into a false sense of security. The New Zealanders’ ego had been hurt. No way would they roll over, not even for an Indian side boasting a rampant Sehwag and a resurgent Tendulkar.

Wins have to be earned!

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India’s Davis Cup hopes dented by unkind draw, Serbia loom large

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India’s chances of progressing further in the Davis Cup World Group were dealt a severe blow by an unkind draw.

India have to contend with top seeds Serbia in the first round to be played in the first week of March, next year.

The Serbs have Djokovic, Tipsarevic , Troicki and Ninad Zemonjic in their ranks.

The Indians can count on Paes and Bhupathi to win their doubles rubber but the other two points will have to come from Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman.

Somdev is capable of springing a surprise but the dice are heavily loaded in the Serbians’ favour.