What a game of cricket that was. Batting first, India made a very sizable 315 in their allotted 50 overs. A lot of young players came good, with Virender Sehwag and Vijay Dahiya batted intelligently for quick innovative half centuries. Rahul Dravid was his characteristically dependable self for 80. Sachin Tendulkar was brisk and VVS Laxman in prime form. Even Ajit Agarkar, who has made it a pastime to score ducks against the Australians made 13. A team effort indeed. So who missed out?

CricInfo

The most important man - the Indian captain. After having a pretty average Test series Ganguly was keen to do well in the limited overs games. "I am not worried about my personal form if the team keeps winning," he said when asked pointedly about his lack of form. On further prodding the Bengal southpaw continued, "I know I've done badly in the Tests. But the One-Dayers are a completely different ball game. I'm sure I'll do well in the games to come."

As it turned out that was completely wishful thinking. The Indian captain could have at least saved himself some embarrassment if he had not made those statements in the press. Then again, as a leader of men, he has to back himself. That's all the more reason why his personal form is a matter of great concern. The limited overs are a different ball game, the captain is right on that count. The opposition however, is the same.

Steve Waugh is a commander of men, no one will dispute that. And he seems to have a proper handle on the Indian captain. Ganguly's dismissal today at the Chinnswamy Stadium in Bangalore is a case in point. After sticking around at the wicket, poking and prodding for almost half an hour Ganguly looked completely out of sorts. Even with Jason Gillespie back in Australia the Indian captain was tentative against fast bowling. Glenn McGrath pegging away outside the off tormented Ganguly. Damien Fleming with his mixture of off breaks, swing and seam bowling had the Indian captain guessing. But it was Steve Waugh the clever fox who had the last word.

AFP

After Ganguly has faced 26 balls Steve Waugh decided that there was a weakness developing. Standing at his position inside the circle the Australian captain waved his hands in the air, clapped and gestured in Ganguly's direction. Steve Waugh had a few polite things to say to Ganguly. Ruffled, the Indian captain went for a drive on the up, and holed out to Mark Waugh at short cover, specifically positioned there for that shot.

The trap was set, the bait thrown up and the Indian captain fell hook line and sinker. Bengal is famous for fish alright, but in a somewhat different context.

Speaking to pressman at the end of the game Ganguly had a few things to say. "I haven't scored runs in the recent past. It's time I made some runs." You're damn right on that count Mr Ganguly. It really is time you scored some runs.

© CricInfo