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Old January 5, 2004, 01:38 PM
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Beamer Beamer is offline
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The decision is right and not foolish at all. You should always try to win and the percentages of India losing are very low. Chasing 443 on the fifth day on a dying bouncy pitch is a mammoth task. India had to declare and go for win. Worse possible outcome for India is a draw barring a disaster. India have the upperhand and he must capitalize on it. Not forcing the follow-on was a good tactical move too.

As for Dravid, he was struck on the ear on 91 and had to leave the ground, hence the declaration before the century. Plus, you always want your opponent to bat beofre the end of playing session. Its not unusual to claim a wkt or two during the dying sessions of the day...
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