Scribble #2: Playing it Safe

The Indian Captain recently drew a lot of criticism for his decision not to enforce a follow on in last test match against England, but

1. History shows that whenever India has gone 1 up in a test series in recent times, it has lost the immediate test after that. This includes a test series against Zimbabwe.
2. People said that the Indian Captain lacked the killer instinct and did not take the necessary risk to humiliate the hosts. But then according to me, it was wise to play safe to ensure a historic test win than an unnecessary show of aggression.
3. Indian bowlers and fielders equally had toiled for a little over 110 overs to get England all out in the first innings. It made no sense in enforcing follow on and getting tired for another 80 overs or so.
4. Batting in fourth innings, on last day, was always going to be tough. Why take chances?!!
5. The same critics would have bayed for his blood if Rahul Dravid had enforced follow on, with England setting a target of 80-90 odd runs and then India failing to reach the target in fourth innings of the test match.
6. Keeping the bigger picture in mind, if Rahul Dravid became selfish, I don’t mind that. A 1-0 win is always sweeter than a 1-1 draw and a lost opportunity to create history.

Well done, Rahul!!!