Few minutes in the article I became informed of Hussain's delayed declaration. And that got me thinking, is it really true? Hussain says he wanted to first make an Indian victory improbable and then start the attack. But in doing so he also forced India to close shop and play on the backfoot. A draw was imminent.
As a captain of the team, there are many things to consider for a player. First the facts, England is one down. If England don't win now they cannot win the series. THey could however tie it in the third test. Hussain prefferd to share the trophy rather than take it home. But that is Hussain, a naturally defensive captain. That's his style. I bet Ganguly would have done the same.
Captains need a natural instinct which makes them go for it. Mike Gatting, Ian Botham, Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Mark Taylor, Steven Waugh, Hansie Cronje, Kapil Dev are some of the players who throw caution to the wind and go for the kill.
Just like Hussain, Arjuna Ranatunga is an example of a "boring" Captain. Ranatunga patented the negative tactics of bowling on the leg side, he almost killed the pleasure of watching a Test Match.
Indians are very unpredictable. Now who can forget the Series with Australia? THe Calcutta Test was probably one of the best tests ever. But one must not forget that it was also because the Aussies had a captain who would never miss a chance to win.
Steven Waugh is a great leader, and part of that is taking risky decisions. Waugh is not afraid to do that. Result may not always be a win, but sure provides entertainment to the crowd.
To say that the English are boring would be wrong, and coming from a man who scored 36 not out in a 60 over match....... just does not add to the credibility.
Yes, Hussain is boring, his tactics are more defensive than attacking. Lets not put players like Botham, Lamb and Gatting in the boring category!
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