Many in my country India started to admire and support Aussie cricket team once the era of dominance (post 2000) started.
I started to support the Aussies from the 1996 World Cup, at a time when Aussie cricket was in good shape but by no means invincible.
After the 1996 World Cup loss in the final, Aus lost a home ODI series against Pak and WI, not even reaching the final. They then played the Titan Cup (ODI) in India and failed to reach the final again.
In between these One-day games, Australia lost Test tours in India in 1996 and 1998.
I said I am “lucky” to have supported Australia before the era of dominance because I am not getting cranky at the 0-4 result like some of the other fans.
I have seen such days before, when we were completely outplayed.
I do know that our last 0-4 happened more than three decades back, but we also should look at the fact that we do have a very young team.
So, in this context, I think we should appreciate the few fights put up by Cowan, Warner, Hughes, Smith, Pattinson,Siddle, Starc, Lyon and Wade, and the gutsy display by our skipper.
Some might say that I have re-defined the word ‘fight’ and lowered it by mentioning someone like Hughes here. That may be true to some extent, but let’s accept that fact that these blokes have played in these conditions for the very first time.
No one noticed Hashim Amla when he toured India the first time. No one foresaw what he could become.
It was a modest tour for him, but the next time he came to India he was the talk of the tour, and bagged the man of the series award.
I could see similar things from this team. They clearly held a desire to fly high, and they have the talent.
I am sure this tour has helped them learn a lot!
I don’t agree with the ‘prophets of doom’ who say that the glory days are behind.
We may not see another Ponting or Hussey! We need not. But we will surely see new and improved versions of Cowan, Hughes and company who will be legends on their own, not a shadow of those who have gone before.
I think our captain was very modest and sincere in admitting that they “let the fans down.”
So, now is the time for us, the Aussie cricket fans to stand with our team and support them now more than ever.
After all, who else could understand our team if we don’t?
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