- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
India beat Australia by 172 wins to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and hand the Baggy Green their worst series defeat since 1989.
The 19 year-old series loss to the West Indies was the last time Australia had suffered a two match margin loss. More significantly, it was Australia’s first series loss since losing the Ashes, breaking an eight series run that Ricky Ponting’s men have recorded since.
It was a series win that has officially lifted India to the second rank on the ICC’s test ladder. It also occurred in the same place that Australia subjugated the final frontier four years ago.
The fourth test loss ended poorly for the Australians, with the final day chase collapsing when they lost 6 for 59. It followed on from a curious fourth day, where Ponting employed part-time bowlers to lift the flagging over-rate.
This saved Ponting a possible suspension for the first Test against New Zealand, but eased pressure after India had slipped to 166 for 6. The home side increased the lead of 252 and set an all but impossible target of 382.
Ponting’s failure to employ strike bowlers to go for the kill was heavily criticised by Allan Border and Cricket Australia has now confirmed it will ask him to clarify his reasons for using part-time bowlers after tea.
It ends a brilliant series for India, whom, like England before them, now have an opportunity to show this is no fluke and impose themselves on world cricket. Despite the retirements of Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly – and the imminent departure of Sachin Tendulker – this is a team that has the goods, but still must address issues to conquer the globe.
Essentially they beat Australia because they had the perfect balance in attack – a left and right arm pace bowler, both whom can swing the ball, a successful off spinner, and a new leg spinner to replace the brilliance of Kumble.
Such depth is apparent, but their Achilles heel appears to be occasional poor fielding and the lack of an all-rounder, who many believe is essential for a team to be all-powerful.
But the most prudent question is whether the greatest batting line up in Indian Test history is passing just as we begin to witness the beginnings of their greatest bowling attack?
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.