Review of International Cricket - July 2006 - Rahul Dravid

July 2006 commenced on a rousing note for Indian cricket-lovers. Rahul Dravid became only the second Indian captain after Ajit Wadekar to lead India to a Test series win in the Caribbean. India beat the West Indies in a low-scoring affair played on a dicey Kingston pitch. The historic triumph came as a consolation after India’s shocking 1-4 loss in the one-day series that preceded the Tests. However, the fact that India fared so poorly in a region that will stage the World Cup next year should be a cause for concern for Dravid, Chappell and the selectors.

Pakistan, another side that believes it can prevent the Australians from completing a hattrick of World Cup wins, got off to a shaky start in its four-Test series against England. The team has been plagued by injury concerns, with most of the prominent players struggling to regain full fitness. A splendid double hundred by Mohammed Yousuf gave them a shot in the arm and a draw in the first Test.

The on-field action notwithstanding, the undisputed highlight of July 2006 was a seminal happening off the field. Injuries to South African captain Graeme Smith and vice-captain Jacques Kallis forced them to opt out of the tour of Sri Lanka. The South African Selection Committee then handed over the reins to Ashwell Prince. He becomes the first ‘black’ man to captain South Africa. The deplorable Apartheid era, which ended in 1991, seems to belong to another universe.