Criconline

Eventful Test series

The tours Down Under have mostly been disappointing for the touring Indians…largely remembered for the whipping the touring Indians get in the test series (scorelines read as  0-4 and 0-3 in 1992 and 1999). But the Test series during the 2003 series and the just concluded test series were fought competently and instilled some kind of fear in the Aussies.

There were quite a few positives for the Indian team that emerged during this series. This series was considered as the last tour for the ‘Fabulous Four’ and Anil Kumble. They did exactly what was hoped for. Anil Kumble emerged as the highest wicket taker for the Indians. Sachin Tendulkar emerged as the highest run getter in the series (he surprised many, may be even himself). Very Very Special Laxman played his role perfectly as the crisis man for India (he is born to whack the Aussies). Rahul Dravid (who was crucified as the makeshift opener in the first two tests) and Sourav Ganguly had a mixed series, but still can hold their heads high…which means the ‘Fab Four’ still have some more gas in the tank and will continue to be a part of the Indian middle order, probably the best around.     

The young bowling attack outdid itself and played above their potential (more praise worthy considering Zaheer Khan had to return home midway, similar to the way he had in 2003). Last time around Irfan had emerged.. this time Irfan resurrected himself and Ishant was discovered.

Sehwag’s comeback is the story of the tour…difficult to digest that a batsman who was struggling to put bat to ball in first class cricket suddenly found his touch against the Aussies (even more perplexing than his selection for the tour, when he was not in the probables list)

The emergence of Kumble not just as good leader of men, but as a statesman.. probably the best captain after Ganguly.

And to cap it all, one development which others  might feel as a negative but could turn out to be positive is the horrid form of Yuvraj and average series Dhoni had. Both were branded as messiahs of Indian cricket after the 20-20 win and the Pak series and made them out to be much better than they were actually…this series has brought back both of them to ground and made them realize that only spunk and attitude will not take you through in tough arena of  Test cricket .. and off course will make them work on their faulty techniques.