Ganguly's comeback

With any other player on the comeback trail, so much attention would seem unwarranted. But this is Saurav Ganguly, a man who inspires and infuriates. I read with great interest how he showed up to practice straight from the airport. How he interacted with the team, how he started practicing. I read with fascination about the 17 year old South African under-19 bowler who bowled at him in the nets. Usually one couldn't be bothered with the fine details of Ganguly's every movement, but these are not usual circumstances.

The story became even more dramatic when he grinded out 83 in his first tour game back. Some observers claimed that he was at his best. Definitely a great start, seeing as the top order failed. The second innings brought it all down to earth, however, where he lasted only a couple of deliveries and scored nothing.

Well, its still interesting to note how everyone is following his every movements. How Greg Chapell greeted him, how the players high-fived him, or did anyone hug him? What did the coach say about him after his 83? Did he change his stance or something?

Such details! But so interesting nevertheless...

He's a shoe-in to play in the first test match after his performance in this game. That's going to be the real test. Sadly Ganguly has not had the immense star power than Tendulkar has enjoyed, and as a result he has been asked to prove a lot more. Tendulkar, in my opinion, has been far from stellar this past year. Yet Tendulkar is on a different plane, and is assessed on a different level. It's unfair, but as an outsider, it seems that Ganguly thrives in situations like these.

The cricketing world is eagerly awaiting the first test match against South Africa. All eyes will be on Saurav. Will he deliver?