Phew… A huge sigh of relief!!! Not only for the Indian team, but for the fans too as the visitors registered their first victory of the series in the Australian soil. It may not have come against the best Australian side, it may not have come in the most testing format, but a WIN is always WIN.
So, how do we read this victory? The one that will change the fate of Indians in the ODI games ahead? Or a one off match when Aussies lost the gambit?
Before we read further, as a fan I wish to share my observations of the T20 match.
After an awful loss in the Test series and a painful defeat in the first T20, India went back to basics. The bowler’s maintained good line and length, backed by good fielding, finally the batsman kept a low profile of their array of stroke making, brought the first THUNDER... DOWN UNDER. It is just not India doing the right things, but the typical Aussie attitude to crucify the opposition bombed back. Aussie attitude may be right but the execution was wrong, considering this Aussie unit is too young to demonstrate the outlook.
Now, a characteristic Indian fan must have excited after the smallest success anticipating the turnaround in the Bollywood style. Though, I’m a emblematic Indian fan, I still have some reservations. Obviously I’m tired of the upsets and politics demonstrated by the captain, team and the management.
So India takes on the main stream Australian side this Sunday for the first ODI match of the Tri Series. Except for Dhoni, Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambir, Zaheer Khan, Yadav, Ashwin, Kohli the remaining half of the squad is new to the conditions needing little time for acclimatization. Again the players named above must be morally conquered by the Kangaroos in the Test Series. So I would not want to keep my hopes high only to end up cursing India for yet another poor show. The second match will be played in Perth wicket would still be an even play field even for a new team like Sri Lanka. But India definitely has the upper hand. India may beat Sri Lanka in this game, but in the recent pasts Sri Lanka demonstrated commendable bouncebackability. I wish you all followed the Test Series when Sri Lanka won the second Test at Durban when everyone wrote off the side. Similarly after losing the first ODI pathetically by getting all out inside 50 runs, Lankans came back strongly to win the last two ODIs. So I would not discount the lions too soon from the race. But on paper, India should qualify for the finals ahead of Sri Lanka. Again Indians on paper can do stunts that defy Rajnikanths.
Having made the case for India in the Tri Series, I wish to discuss another subject of importance.
The politics between Dhoni and Pathan!!!
I don’t know what is the real issue between the two but any means the country is not benefitted. In Australia the fight between Katich and Clarke is open to public debate. Clarke with his powers ensured the ouster of Katich, thus Katich could now concentrate freely on his domestic cricket without worry of his international career, while Clarke don’t have the pain of having Katich in the side with the obligation to play him. If Dhoni or Pathan rather keeping the action subtle should open up the issue for public awareness. The least a fan like me would not be the squeaky wheel. Anyways, IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA
Bottom line: If your expectations are low, there is a good chance you will enjoy this series. The contests between India and Sri Lanka should be enthralling. Again, not sure if either of the two are good to challenge the Aussie rule.
Dinesh
Cricket Lover
PS: I'm totally enjoying the series between England and Pakistan. I love it when the English batsman totally dance to the tune of Ajmal and Rehman. Pakistan may have been all out for 99 in the first Innings, I still believe they will win this final test match to rout the series 3-0.
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