Boxing day test

It was, what can be called as an awful start to the test series for India. The batsmen have again failed to be impressive on a bouncing overseas wicket. The bowler did an impressive job I should say. There was lot of aggression from Ishant (Sharma), (Umesh) Yadav and Zaheer (Khan) on day one of the match. But again, there were lot of easy runs given to the tail-enders on day two. Of-late India has struggled to pick the wickets of tail-enders which we have seen against the W Indies at home and against England. What could have easily been a total of under-300, Australia managed a smart 333 in their first innings.

Sachin bowled by Siddle in the final over of day 2 at MCG

India was sitting comfortably at 167/2 at drinks in the 3rd session of the 2nd day but lost Tendulkar in the last over of the day. However, India were still strong with 214/3 at stumps on day 2. But, it all started again where the middle order did nothing much to capitalize on the start that the top order had given and India were bowled out for 282 with a first innings deficit of 52 runs.

Indian bowlers tried to put India back in the game by picking 4 wickets for just 27 runs. But Ponting and Hussey worked hard to put on an impressive 115 runs partnership for the 5th wicket. With help from the tail-enders, Aussies imposed a target of 292 for India to win. Indian batsmen were no close to the target, and were bowled out for 169 in less than 3 sessions losing the match by an enormous 122 runs margin. After a ridiculous batting display from the Indians at the MCG, they are expected to fight back and give an impressive reply to Aussies at the SCG next week if the series has to stay alive. SCG has been the hunting grounds for Sachin (Tendulkar), averaging 221 in 5 matches and VVS Laxman, averaging 97 from 3 matches.

Trivia:
India lost by 122 runs, the total runs scored by (Ricky) Ponting in the match.
Ishant (Sharma) clocked 152 kmph in one of his impressive spells.

Pradeep K Chandra

India tour of Australia - First look

India tour of Australia is undoubtedly the most expected series in the cricketing world. This is an extremely important series for both Aussies, who are trying to prove that they are still a dominating side and India who have had a dreadful England series soon after being at No 1 spot in test cricket.

Looking at the stats, Indian performance down under has not been very impressive except the 2007/08 test series which they loss the series in spite of a memorable win at the intimidating Waca pitch. The 2007/08 series was notorious for all bad reasons including awful umpiring decisions, off field aggression and ugly racism comments. But, India and Australia have been in good terms after that, thanks to IPL.

In this series India will try to continue that good performance from 2007/08 and probably better that by winning the series. This might be the last Australian tour for the Indian batting giants S Tendulkar, R Dravid, VVS Laxman. They have shown the world what they are capable of and what Indian cricket is capable of. Tendulkar after being part of the historic ODI world cup victory earlier this year would be looking to add another important feather to his cap by winning the test series at Australia. He would continue his search for his 100th ton and there can be no better situation getting to that landmark.

The Australian batting lineup has been very vulnerable in the recent past with a humiliating defeat against the Kiwis at Hobart and ridiculous performance against the South Africans being bowled out for a meager 47. With enormous pressure on the former Australian captain (Ricky) Ponting and (Michael) Hussey, and the inexperienced pace attack, the Aussies would be defense in the Boxing day test match. It is pretty important for the Indians to exploit that defensive strategy and build on the existing pressure on the Aussies.

Players to look for in this series:
S. Tendulkar: Searching for his most awaited 100th ton in international cricket
V.Kohli and R.Sharma: Only one might play. But both look very positive and promising
J.Pattinson: With a very impressive start to his international career, Pattinson will be aiming to continue his good form
R.Ponting: He might not be in best of forms, but players of his class need just one game to get their eye in.

In all, it will be a cracker of a test series.


Pradeep K Chandra