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| Thursday, 18 December 2003 |
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Aussies brought down to earth by Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle The mighty Australian cricketing prestige was brought down to earth by a gallant set of Indians led admirably by Sourav Ganguly. When the Aussie batting machine plundered the opposing bowling to run up a massive 400 for 5 on the first day of the Second Test at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, it looked as the game was already written in favour of the home team. But then what happened subsequently in the next four days is for Ripley's 'Believe it or not'. The Aussies collapsed on the second day, and the Indians replied strongly with 180 for 4. Rahul Dravid and the Aussie tormentor on their previous tour to India, V.V.S. Laxman put the Aussie bowling to the sword running up big scores, 233 by Dravid and 148 by Laxman who were involved in a big record breaking stand for the fifth wicket. With a slender lead, the Aussie batting machine was poised to career along and give the Indians a formidable score to win. But the way the Aussies threw away their wickets in the second innings, was indeed a slur on their batting that has come to be feared by all opponents. It was the Aussie arrogance that finally brought about the unpalatable defeat. It was apparent the way the Aussie batsmen threw their bat at every ball, that they were too complacent. The bad shots played by the Aussie, does not mean that medium pacer Ajit Agarkar did not deserve his wickets. His six wickets that sent the Aussies, tumbling was a great hearted effort. Then when the Indians chased 230 for victory, it was once again that stylist Dravid who chartered the course, rode the slight turbulence and finally took them past the post. The Aussie approach to the game has always been to attack. But in this test they apparently overdid it, which allowed the opponents ample time to regroup and hit back with a vengeance. Although the Aussies were the losers, they were in the true sense of the word the victors, because they made the game exciting and also made a result possible. How good it would be if all games and teams endeavour to play this attractive style. If the cue is taken from here, then spectators who have been starved of exciting cricket and who have shunned watching it, would certainly come flocking back. This amazing result has once again underlined the fact that cricket is a funny game. With two more Tests to be played the Aussies are sure to hit back strongly. If the Indians guard against complancey and play to their potential, then the series could be theirs. |
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