Proud of moi BOYS!

It was an incredible match, more incredible than the incredible match I was at. It would have been even more incredible if India had won at the Sydney Cricket Ground, yet the match was nothing short of a non stop entertainment package. For the first time in the commonwealth series, I was truly watching the game I loved.

Compared to the meagre total of 160 at the MCG, where like most of the other games in this tri series, was either dominated by good bowling, or rain, this match was truly a showcase of great one day cricket. In fact, I was seeing one day cricket in its highest class for the first time in the series. The outstanding toal of 318 set the scene and pressure for the Indians, who will always be destined to chase, with Dhoni never winning the tosses. But I'm happy because there's more thrill, finger biting, edge of the seat action.

The match had its brilliant mix of upsets and highlights for both teams. Gilly's and Sachin's quick wickets were dissappointing. Sehwag's and Yuvraj's lack of form was contrasted by Ponting and Symonds immense return with some big runs. While the Australian's hit some hefty sixers, India's efforts were never given up. Dhoni's superb catch to send Gilly of to the change roooms marked the start. Whilst some quick catches near the end, brought some light relief. What was expected to be a total of 350+ was quickly contained by the Indian Demi God to a more achievable 318.

The Indian innings started quite depressingly, with Sachin's quick wicket, which was followed by the collapse of the top order. Only Ghambir could find his bat against the ball and stood out to bat the Aussie bowlers. At 3/51 India was in trouble, but Dhoni, the lifesaver, created a steady partnership with Ghambir to turn the game around. Followed by Pathan and Ghambhir's partnership, India was not only showing hope, but a huge chance of winning. The crowd was ecstatic, as Ghambhir hit the triple figures. Only to be dismissed by some swift action from the amazing wicket keeper, Gilly. More than angry, I was only sad to see Ghambir walk off. By being just centremetres from the crease, Gambir's spell had been broken by Gilly. For him, I am sad, because if India had won, Ghambhir would have been the backbone of the victory. Yet Ghabhir's wicket brought about the interesting partnership of Uthappu and Pathan. The hopes rose again, as they stedily ploughed their way through. Even as Harbhajan entered, hopes were renewed with his belting of fours. But the ball count was ever decreasing and pressure saw the fall of india. The final balls were in the hands of two magnificent young bowlers. It was an amusing sight as Ishanth Sharma and Sreesanth batted the second last over.

The entertainment was not just in the batting by both teams, which included a flurry of fours and sixers. But it was in the non stop energy and spirit generated by both teams. India never gave up and up till 8th wicket it had a solid batting side, as well as some class bowlers. It was impressive to see the Indian side in such good condition. With a massive total, their play not only made it such a thriller, but it was the best entertainment provided of all games in the series played so far. If this is what magic teams can produce, I can't wait to see India and Australia battle it out in the finals! (If 299 is a score India can achieve without its top order, what doubt is there, that it can't beat Sri Lanka)

I can't finish without the comedy. Gilly's slide too early, to prevent a four was hilarious, as was Harbhajan's 2 run out wickets on the 2 last balls of the 2nd innings. Harbhajan's swallowing of dirt as he slided into the crease was just as hysterical.

I'd love to see more of such good cricket, as the runs and bowls start ticking. Just don't let the pressure get to you moi boys!

Annoyed

In two days, three times, people reminded me that I was in Australia, not in India. Its so irritatingly annoying. It was their lucky time, or my bad luck, I could not come up with a nice enough comeback.

Why is it, that no-one is patient these days. Just because Indian's have developed a very interesting reputation for punctuality, doesnt mean you have to remind me that I'm in australia. Australia probably has its fair share of tardy people as well. Why cant you go tell them, that "hey your in Australia!"

Their entire comment sounds stupid and more ever arrogant. Because the same people, who said these pathetic comments, were ultra sweet, about how well the job was done, and how quickly and efficiently it was completed. But no, they wont care to mention the pluses of being Indian, i.e the hard work we do. It was because of that very hard work, we were delayed at arriving at your residence on time. But that's too much of an expectation. People, will think of themselves and only themselves. There time is precious, but no-one else is of importance.

My bro tried to see sense with me. He said, come on, we were an hour late, we were at fault too. But I told him, how many times have we arrived early? or for that matter on time? People never see the positives, its always the negatives.

And I think beneath all this, it wasn't because they said we were late that annoyed me, it was more the fact the way said it. Just because we are in Australia, doesn't mean we aren't Indian anymore. You don't have to make your self superior, by claiming, we should have got australians to do the job instead. If the Australian government had thought that, you, yourself wouldn't have been here in the first place.

India has won, but lessons to learn

India has won! Finally quenched the thirst of millions of supporters!

It has indeed been an ironical win. India achieves vistory after the whims and dims of the sydney test. Yet to those who believe in cycles, this has indeed been a very big cycle. History has repeated itself to break, once more, the 17consequtive test wins of Australia. It was India in Adelaide, in 2003, achieving the incredible, and they've done it again.

Yet India has lessons to learn. The underlying message in Pontings after match comments say it all. Australia won't be a sore loser, they'll take it as a lesson. But did India do that after Sydney?

Moreover, India needs to learn the confidence of the australian players. Even the lower order batters play with confidence. At 9 wickets, India would be a sorry sight. But the Australian played with smiles. They had fun, masti, enjoying the game. This is what cricket is about! Even after the final wicket was taken, the Australian batter had the courage to stick around in the euphoria and make sure he displayed his sportsmanship.

Another lesson, is the amount of skill the Indian team lacks. A lower order player such as RP Singh should have had the training to back and bat enough to keep his wicket. Come on, he plays for a national team.
Comparing Australia's 8th order to India's, there's so much difference. India is hopeless at 8th wicket. Australia is buzzing at 8th.

Moreover we need to embrace our younger players. Without Harbhajan on the seen, look at the miracles that the young bowlers bring about. The same can be done with batters. Give the chance to those who have the potential. After yonks of critcism of including Sehwag, look at the miracles he produces. Not to mention man of the match, Pathan.

When India moves away from the politics, and plays for enjoyment, for the love of the game, appreciates those who have skill and places emphasis for all players to learn all aspects of the game; Australia won't only lose once in 17matches, and India won't only win a test once in a leap year.

Let us await the play in Adelaide with eagerness. Times awaits to see whether it will be a growth or deterioation of Test cricket.