146 for 3 in 29 overs chasing 207 for a win on the 5th day on a treacherous track. It is a reflection of the changing mindset of the new age India. Pujara and Vijay played with abandon. That is a classy knock from Pujara, on his debut. Much to be said of young blood and a uncluttered mind. Not overawed by the match situation, a superb counter offensive innings of 72 from 89 balls, that took the sails out of Australia's plans to win the Test (As I write this, we still have to score another 61 runss. Hope, we dont screw up from this situation). Admitted, this Australian side has one of othe weakest bowling attacks, still it takes gumption to play a knock like that. And spare a thought for the relief man, Murali Vijay. The perpetual reserve held the innings together in the first innings and was involved in a 300 run plus partnership with Sachin, and gave admirable support to Pujara in the second with a well made 37, that laid the foundation.
What is heartening is that we are seeing the nucleus of the future Indian batting line up. With Sehwag inclined to bat lower down the order, we could see Vijay, Gambhir, Poojara, Raina, Sehwag and probably Manish Pandey/Ambatti Rayudu at 6, followed by Dhoni at 7. Only bowling looks bare. Transition time. It is so welcome and gratifying. The change in mindset to go hell belting the leather off the ball, while chasing 207 on a tricky 5th day pitch is what sets this innings as a turning point in India's cricketing history, irrespective of whether we win or not. I do hope, for the sake of the young lad, we do.This is the India that we want in all spheres - chasing goals with a swagger and confidence, unafraid of anyone, supremely confident in its abilities, unmindful of the external factors.
UPDATE
And We Did Win, by 7 Wickets. The old guards Sachin and Dravid guided us through calmly with a nice 61 run partnership. The team think tank gambled by sending Pujara in at 3 and it worked like a charm. All is well that ends well. Australians cribbed about how India got to No.1 by playing Srilanka often. An unfair criticism. Now that they have been beaten fair and square 2-0, and now them slipping to 5th in Test Rankings, they are bound to shut up. This Australian team is weak - both in batting and bowling. Mitchel Johnson, their lead bowler was pathetic. Hauritz, their lead spinner with a big mouth, was no better than a club bowler. Only Hiefenhaus bowled with some heart, but he was way too short of class. And the batting lacks class. Clarke, Hussey and North at 4,5 and 6 looks too thin. Australia is on the way down, while Indian future looks good. If only we could unearth some good bowlers!!!.
And one final word. For all those doubting the popularity of Test Cricket, just have a look at the KSCA Stadium on the 5th day, a working day to boot, of this wonderful Test Match.
UPDATE
And We Did Win, by 7 Wickets. The old guards Sachin and Dravid guided us through calmly with a nice 61 run partnership. The team think tank gambled by sending Pujara in at 3 and it worked like a charm. All is well that ends well. Australians cribbed about how India got to No.1 by playing Srilanka often. An unfair criticism. Now that they have been beaten fair and square 2-0, and now them slipping to 5th in Test Rankings, they are bound to shut up. This Australian team is weak - both in batting and bowling. Mitchel Johnson, their lead bowler was pathetic. Hauritz, their lead spinner with a big mouth, was no better than a club bowler. Only Hiefenhaus bowled with some heart, but he was way too short of class. And the batting lacks class. Clarke, Hussey and North at 4,5 and 6 looks too thin. Australia is on the way down, while Indian future looks good. If only we could unearth some good bowlers!!!.
And one final word. For all those doubting the popularity of Test Cricket, just have a look at the KSCA Stadium on the 5th day, a working day to boot, of this wonderful Test Match.
