Sachin Tendulkar
The memories of India dangling the first test match were still fresh. It was a refined performance by the champion Indian side. And, now Indian team has displayed tremendous character and courage by humiliating Aussies! The Master Blaster continued his dream run of 2010 adding another half-century to his tally. He drove India home revealing boyish enthusiasm and pumped the air with ecstasy.
The Australian innings commenced and the Indian seamers – Zaheer and Sreesanth were looking dangerous. And they proved vital for India as they wrapped up the Aussie tailenders to 21 runs in the morning. Johnson misinterpreted the swinging in Zaheer deliver which knocked his off stump. Sreesanth with his swinging talent surprised Hilfenaus as he departed without scoring. Peter George too at the end only managed to give a catch to Dhoni off Khan. The Aussie innings concluded at 223 runs.
Now, the target of 216 didn’t look big. But, at this pitch of Banglore it could have been tough. The Aussie star-studded bowling line-up could well have capitalized the available swing. India started roughly loosing Sehwag early. But, then it was a pleasant amazement for the Indian fans! The first inning unlucky debutant Pujara was sent in the middle. But, Pujara looked comfy. He held his nerves. And Vijay along parted with him in a formidable 72 run stand. But, then at an individual score of 37 runs Murali departed back.
The Master walked in. And, he fascinated the audience with his blissful strokes. Pujara too played his part very well. And, these two batsmen made sure that the mistakes that India committed at Mohali didn’t happen. But, Pujara fell at an individual score of 72 leaving India at 146-3 needing another 61 runs to win. Dravid- The Wall came in. He along with Sachin ensured an easy win for India. At the end we can well say that India crushed Australia.
India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in an emphatic fashion. It was a triumph which every cricket fan would remember due to various reasons- The first match was one of the closest ever test encounters. It was the closest ever win by wickets for India! And in the second test match: Sachin made his sixth double century in first innings and guided India home in the second!
Sachin gained the top cricket batsman in the ICC rankings with his outstanding knocks in the second test. Sachin for his brilliant 403 runs in the two match series was also adjudged the “man of the series”.
The youngsters came up and performed for India in the series at all crucial times. Be it Raina or Murali Vijay or Pujara or Ojha. They displayed the inordinate endowed bench-strength India now possesses. It was a dramatic historic series win for India. At the same time Ponting looked dejected. Australia slid to the fifth position in the ICC test rankings! This indubitably exposed Aussies before the upcoming Ashes tournament. The Aussies losing streak continues. They have to ponder over their future performance.
Tags: Australia, Border Gavaskar Trophy, Cricket, India, Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, Sports, Test Cricket
