‘High-quality’ Saleem limits damage despite extreme heat and unhelpful pitch
A Masterclass in Grit and Precision
In the sweltering conditions of New Chandigarh, Afghanistan fast bowler Mohammad Saleem emerged as the shining light during a challenging outing against India. While the overall team performance left much to be desired, Saleem’s individual effort of 6 for 140 in India’s first innings was a testament to his endurance and technical proficiency. Despite the oppressive heat and a surface that offered minimal assistance to the seamers, Saleem remained a constant threat throughout his spells.
Consistent Bowling Under Pressure
Bowling consistently around the 140kph mark, Saleem demonstrated the kind of discipline rarely seen in such grueling conditions. His ability to hit the seam with regularity allowed him to extract whatever little purchase the pitch had to offer. This consistency was pivotal in restricting India’s scoring rate at crucial junctures. His victims included notable batters such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, B Sai Sudharsan, and Shubman Gill, the latter being dismissed caught behind with the second new ball.
As the innings progressed, his dominance continued. He cleaned up Dhruv Jurel with a delivery that clipped the top of off stump, before adding Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj to his tally. By the time India declared at 564 for 8, Saleem had etched his name into the record books for his unwavering focus.
High Praise from Peers and Coaches
Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus was quick to laud the effort, stating that taking six wickets against a high-quality batting lineup in such extreme heat is a massive achievement. Pybus emphasized that Saleem’s philosophy of holding a length kept him in the game throughout his overs. This sentiment was mirrored by India’s Washington Sundar, who described Saleem’s performance as genuine high-quality bowling. Sundar noted that the skill and attitude required to hit the seam consistently over long spells—often lasting five or six overs—showcased the toughness of Saleem’s character.
The Cost of Missed Opportunities
While Saleem’s bowling provided a glimmer of hope, Afghanistan’s inability to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS) proved catastrophic. The team appeared hesitant during critical moments, specifically regarding an lbw appeal against Shubman Gill and a caught-behind appeal against Rishabh Pant in the 89th over. Subsequent replays confirmed that both decisions would have been overturned had the review been utilized. This hesitation was not an isolated incident, as a similar failure to review a caught-behind decision against KL Rahul on Saturday allowed the batter to transition from 16 to a century.
Reflecting on Tactical Shortcomings
Coach Richard Pybus addressed the team’s tactical lapses, admitting that the side looked exceptionally rusty in their decision-making. Pybus explained the complexity of the DRS process, noting that the captain must rely on input from the wicketkeeper, the point fielder, and the bowler in a very short window of time. The lack of conviction in those split-second moments, according to Pybus, ultimately cost the team significantly in the long run.
Looking Ahead
At the close of day two, Afghanistan found themselves in a precarious position, reeling at 113 for 5 and trailing India by 451 runs. While the batting lineup faces an uphill battle to save the Test, the grit shown by Saleem serves as a reminder of the quality within the bowling attack. Moving forward, the team will need to combine such individual heroics with improved strategic awareness and tactical composure to compete at the highest level of international cricket.
