It's tempting to think that the Indians had come out with a plan up their sleeves. Perhaps a few snarls accompanied by bouncers, such as the ones that normally greet Ganguly at the crease. Or some astute fielding that would put pressure on the batsmen.

Neither happened, and one has to wonder about Ganguly's decision to set a field that did little but mark positions. Boundaries sped through despite numerous slips and a gully, and it was surprising to see no third man for Richardson.

Zaheer Khan is clearly struggling to regain the devastating form and swing he had before injury. Nehra is improving - he had the left-handers in a quandary by some beauties - but he's not making the batsmen feel threatened by his off stump line. It's too straight, too smooth.

As I write this Zaheer has just taken Fleming's wicket by a superb delivery that swung in and knocked the bails off. Immediately there is a noticeable change in his stride - more lithe and athletic like the Khan we know.

Nothing like taking a wicket when the team needs it most.

It's early to predict who will end on a high at the end of play today, but another quick wicket and the Indians will no doubt perk up and think Lady Luck has not deserted them entirely.

And Our Lady is definitely favoring us. Bangar takes a wicket with De Silva's help. Ball would have missed leg stump but who's complaining?

Let's be consistent if we're going to have such mistakes.