AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

        Brian Lara's swansong innings at Chepauk may not rank among his best. But in terms of utility value, the timing could not have been better. An important game for the West Indies was how he had lamented on the match eve.

        A typical Lara effort but so typical of the man, threw it away.

        One could not help but remember the famous words of Sunil Gavaskar. 'Finish the job yourself and not leave it to the next man.' Suddenly there were alarming bells when two quick wickets fell after Lara. Luckily for the visitors, there were no further hiccups before finding the glory.

        Samuels steals march: Mervyn Samuels was more impressive in that big stand with his skipper. A couple of his screaming straight drives would have done a Ted Dexter proud. His exquisite timing, opening up his wrists to find the arc between square and cover, was all class. If batting is a sublime art, Samuels gave a new meaning to it.

        Before Samuels took charge, southpaw Smith gave enough glimpses of his technique in those carpeted off drives. More than the runs the way he took stock of the situation eased the pressure. So much so that the team did not really miss the in-form Chanderpaul.

        Uthappa a big gain: Not many may have heard this Karnataka lad, the name resembling a popular tiffin item. Admittedly, there was not much to be had in the wicket for the still learning bunch of Taylor, Powell and Bravo. Audacity was Uthappa's watchword striking as he pleased and in the intended directions. The teasing spin of Gayle was a bait where the youngster perished. Yuvraj, up the order (back from an injury), may well have done his confidence some good. He and Dinesh (Kaarthick) coming unstuck made the difference.

        Tickets everywhere: In the overcrowded Royal Sunderam stand, tickets were up for grabs. Outside the gate, there was a discounted rate once the contest was on.

        Poor toilet facilities: The paying public had to endure the stink from a make-shift arrangement. Having done so much for the overall improvement including the five-star comfort of dressing rooms for players, the local association were found wanting there.