Once the dust settled on the first test in Bangalore, India seemed to have got over some of the demons of the past before moving on to Mohali to take on the world champions. Batting in the fourth innings to save a test match has not been something the Indian contingent has accomplished in some time. They have constantly crumbled under pressure and have folded within a space of 70 overs in the fourth innings. When Sehwag and Dravid fell early, the collapse seemed all but imminent.
Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid have been the two batsmen who have had some amount of success batting in the fourth innings for India. When these to went back to the hut early, getting past the next 70 odd overs seemed a bit of a long shot. But Sachin Tendulkar compiled arguably the most valuable 49 runs in his test career to see India to safety. He along with Laxman and Gambhir stood in defiance as the final day pitch seemed to have far fewer demons in it than anticipated. The grit shown by the Indians could be the key to their success in the coming matches.
Australia seemed anything like a world champion side. The fact that both McGrath and Warne are no longer around surely is denting their win percentage in a huge way. The fact that the Australian bowling attack could get just 4 wickets on final day does not augur well for Ponting’s men. The match was theirs to be won and they just allowed it to drift away into bad light. The spin department seems less than ordinary and while the pitch did not turn square, it had enough rough in it to get 10 wickets on final day. Their ultra-slow batting in first innings and very defensive field placements just tell you that the Australians are more scared of defeat than thinking about victory.
Indian Hits:
Zaheer Khan: Man of the Match- Zak surely seems to be at the peak of his career. His bowling performance will be crucial come Mohali.
Sachin Tendulkar: Sure, he did not get to Lara’s record and did not even get a 50 in this match. But his 3 hour vigil on the last day saw India to safety and that was more important than any of his centuries that ended up in Indian defeat.
Australian Hits:
Michael Hussey: Mr. Cricket looked the most solid batsman in the Australian team and one gets the feeling that he would be the thorn in India’s flesh as the series progresses.
Ricky Ponting: He sure got a century and looked fairly good in the match, but Ponting still does not look himself when plating in India.
Indian Misses:
Spin Twins: Kumble seemed out of the game forever and Harbhajan believes that he deserves a wicket every ball he bowls. If India wants to win this series, these two need to get their act together.
Rahul Dravid: Just seems that Dravid is next in line in the ‘Voluntary Retirement Scheme’ for seniors.
Australian Misses:
Spin… Where: Australia has no spin attack. It is simple as that at this point. White barely is a spinner and Clark is nothing beyond a change bowler. Had India won the toss in Bangalore, the Aussies would have been in huge trouble.
Matthew Hayden: Hayden’s aggressive style of batting at the top of the order is key for Aussie success in Tests and the tempo of the innings.
Turning Point:
Zak-Harbhajan Partnership: Here was the moment that turned the match for India and away from Australia.
The first test might have been a draw but it was a compelling and riveting contest between bat and ball showcased by the two best teams in the world. We are off to Mohali and hopefully we will have an equally enthralling contest and this time with a result.
Catch you again for the Preview of the second Test.
Tags: Anil Kumble, India vs. Australia 2008, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Test Cricket