The optimum way to describe the encounters between India and Australia would be ‘balanced insanity’. The ballyhoo surrounding this event has truly lived up to the expectations. It seems like we have already hit the zenith even though we are still have half of the voyage to cap off.
The second test of the series got the interest of all cricket minds all over the world. There is more than one reason to mark this test match. One of the major milestones of the test match was Sachin Tendulkar’s emergence as highest run getter in Test cricket History. He now holds the record for highest run getter, highest centuries in both test and ODIs. This record might have taken a test or two more than anticipated but the beauty of the achievement was the timing and it was up against his favorite opponents. He was expected to reach this point in the series against Sri Lanka, but thin form denied him of the milestone. Even after two decades of impeccable cricket, a mere presence of Tendulkar on field turns a billion people, atleast go crazy. I am honored to be in the era of Tendulkar. He has inspired a whole generation, if not more, and always let his bat talk. Nonetheless his high stature, few questions remain unanswered, some dents remain unsettled, and some spots remain under darkness.
Other than Tendulkar’s feat, Ganguly’s patient century in his last Test series worth writing here. Looking at his recent test record, one would realize that patience in approach had brought success for Ganguly. That is why as cricket analysts say, a cricketer performs better in his thirties. In the twilight zone, a player tends to bank more on his strength. He would prefer to adapt than being innovative, in other words one would realize his limits and play within his game.
Of all the things, team effort was the biggest factor in the victory over Australia. Probably after the golden era of Kapil Dev, we are again witnessing some quality bowling from Team India. Bowling had always been an Achilles heal for Team India, and that was the main reason for not securing many victories in spite of world class batsmen in the line up. Zaheer and Ishanth bowled their heart out. The encounter between Ishanth and Ponting would remain as one of the classic battles of the decade. Ishanth is one of the very few bowlers who troubled Ponting in this decade. He looks hopelessly uncomfortable at the delivery where the one that comes into him. Zaheer’s swing bowling was simply amazing. It took him years to come to understand his strengths. Kumble’s unavailability surely sent some tremors at the beginning of the test but the idea of including Amit Mishra in the final eleven had been vindicated undoubtedly, thanks to some wonderful orthodox leg spin bowling. The bowling performance surely had fired the efforts of Sehwag and Gambhir at the top. Being played for Delhi together definitely helped them to get gelled easily and very nicely. M S Dhoni’s credentials needs to be mentioned here. He seems to be carrying head over his shoulders. He is confident, aggressive and quiet at the same time, which is a seldom mix.
One point that has to be mentioned here is unending debate over dominance of Australia. A lot have been written and a lot have been said about coming to end of Australia dominance. I believe it would be preposterous to think that Australia lost the glitter of supremacy. I strongly feel that Australia knows the mantra to success better than anyone else. It is just that Team Australia lost some major players in the last one yearor so; it is just taking time to fill those shoes. Even in that aspect, it’s very easy to find replacements for Australia compare to any other team. We have seen the defeat of Australia every now and then in the last decade, but everytime it rejuvenated as a stronger and as an even better team. With this victory a lot of pressure is on both the teams. India have to continue their aggression filled orthodoxy to prove that the victory was not a flash in the pan and Australia have to regroup and perform better to hoist back their flag of dominance to dismiss the qualms.
Either case, the stage is set for exciting outing with full of gung-ho cricket.
The second test of the series got the interest of all cricket minds all over the world. There is more than one reason to mark this test match. One of the major milestones of the test match was Sachin Tendulkar’s emergence as highest run getter in Test cricket History. He now holds the record for highest run getter, highest centuries in both test and ODIs. This record might have taken a test or two more than anticipated but the beauty of the achievement was the timing and it was up against his favorite opponents. He was expected to reach this point in the series against Sri Lanka, but thin form denied him of the milestone. Even after two decades of impeccable cricket, a mere presence of Tendulkar on field turns a billion people, atleast go crazy. I am honored to be in the era of Tendulkar. He has inspired a whole generation, if not more, and always let his bat talk. Nonetheless his high stature, few questions remain unanswered, some dents remain unsettled, and some spots remain under darkness.
Other than Tendulkar’s feat, Ganguly’s patient century in his last Test series worth writing here. Looking at his recent test record, one would realize that patience in approach had brought success for Ganguly. That is why as cricket analysts say, a cricketer performs better in his thirties. In the twilight zone, a player tends to bank more on his strength. He would prefer to adapt than being innovative, in other words one would realize his limits and play within his game.
Of all the things, team effort was the biggest factor in the victory over Australia. Probably after the golden era of Kapil Dev, we are again witnessing some quality bowling from Team India. Bowling had always been an Achilles heal for Team India, and that was the main reason for not securing many victories in spite of world class batsmen in the line up. Zaheer and Ishanth bowled their heart out. The encounter between Ishanth and Ponting would remain as one of the classic battles of the decade. Ishanth is one of the very few bowlers who troubled Ponting in this decade. He looks hopelessly uncomfortable at the delivery where the one that comes into him. Zaheer’s swing bowling was simply amazing. It took him years to come to understand his strengths. Kumble’s unavailability surely sent some tremors at the beginning of the test but the idea of including Amit Mishra in the final eleven had been vindicated undoubtedly, thanks to some wonderful orthodox leg spin bowling. The bowling performance surely had fired the efforts of Sehwag and Gambhir at the top. Being played for Delhi together definitely helped them to get gelled easily and very nicely. M S Dhoni’s credentials needs to be mentioned here. He seems to be carrying head over his shoulders. He is confident, aggressive and quiet at the same time, which is a seldom mix.
One point that has to be mentioned here is unending debate over dominance of Australia. A lot have been written and a lot have been said about coming to end of Australia dominance. I believe it would be preposterous to think that Australia lost the glitter of supremacy. I strongly feel that Australia knows the mantra to success better than anyone else. It is just that Team Australia lost some major players in the last one yearor so; it is just taking time to fill those shoes. Even in that aspect, it’s very easy to find replacements for Australia compare to any other team. We have seen the defeat of Australia every now and then in the last decade, but everytime it rejuvenated as a stronger and as an even better team. With this victory a lot of pressure is on both the teams. India have to continue their aggression filled orthodoxy to prove that the victory was not a flash in the pan and Australia have to regroup and perform better to hoist back their flag of dominance to dismiss the qualms.
Either case, the stage is set for exciting outing with full of gung-ho cricket.
Couldn’t ask for more!!
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