Even though I am an Australian for the last 18 years, Indian blood runs deep through my veins.
My great grandparents were taken from the south of India to work in sugar plantations in the beautiful Fiji. The British called them indentured laborers.
Make no mistake, they were treated as slaves.
Moving to Australia has provided our family with acceptance, perspective and opportunity. And I have tried to support the Australian cricket team, but unfortunately, the predilection of ‘once an Indian, always an Indian’ is embedded. Bring on the Test series!
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after two individuals who exemplified the cricket played by both nations, is fast becoming one of the iconic battles on world sport, played between two proud countries with rich cricketing histories.
Allan Border was a gritty batsman but, impressive as he was with a bat, he will be known as the person who changed Australian cricket with his captaincy.
Stoic, courageous, determined and honourable were the qualities that led his embattled outfit from the doldrums. He urged his team to play the Australian way, which stood for hard but fair – a philosophy that has been challenged by the Capetown scandal.
However, I have no doubt that Australian cricket will be on their feet again. It is in their DNA.
That was what I admired and, to an extent, envied most about them. They were so good that I was hoping they failed. Only recently have they shown vulnerability, which I hope India can capitalise on.
Sunil Gavaskar, on the other hand, was a textbook opening batsman who, as Harsha Bhogle put it, instilled pride in a generation.
Gavaskar was the hope India needed when all else failed. He encountered a plethora of some of the greatest fast bowlers and averaged an astounding 67 against the deadly West Indies bowling line-up of the 1970s and ’80s. He showed India that they can be the best.
And the legacy of these two stalwarts has given birth to some of the most memorable series in recent memory.
As an Indian supporter, there have been more times of disappointment than elation Down Under.
Of course, in 2003 we drew a four-match series 1-1 on the back of some brilliant Rahul Dravid batsmanship. Then there was the 2007-08 series that took the relationship of these proud cricketing nations to a new low.
I used to loathe the Australian cricket team due to their behavior on the field, but deep down I feel it was more due to their excellence, skill and superior mentality.
Of course, India have not been saints themselves, and the presence of antagonistic characters have made the encounters heated and fiery.
This year, for the first time, India are favourites in Australia, but I am not convinced that it will be one-sided.
Australia still has the best fast-bowling cartel, and possibly the best spinner in the world in Nathan Lyon – and bowlers get you 20 wickets.
India competed well both in South Africa and England, but came back empty-handed. This is also one of the few times that India has some quality in their pace department. Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav can all hit speeds of 145km/h. But more than the speed is the development of maturity in their bowling.
The key, however, is Ravichandran Ashwin, who was poor in England, but his maturity seems to desert him when touring. This is where he can learn a thing or two from Lyon.
Whatever the scenario, I am hoping for closely fought series played in great spirits. My fingers are crossed for an Indian victory, but Australia will be difficult to beat at home.
Basil M
Roar Rookie
Kopa, you need to understand that now in Australia we are going through a period intense outrage against anything that isn’t deemed politically correct. As such, people now view it to be there responsibility to be offerended on behalf of other people.
JoshC
Guest
Excellent article mate. I too think it will be closer than what many Aussie pundits are saying however confidence is an amazing thing in sport, and we just don't have it. First test is the key and am also hoping for a close fought series like the last one in India but with a different result of course. :)
arun
Guest
ok guys just chill. take it easy and enjoy the cricket...
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
All depends on where you are . Here in South Africa , Border / Gavaskar or Ashes series mean little . The big one for us is playing Australia with India a close second .
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Flat for the Indian bats I reckon.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
Playing 4 bowlers with 3 pacers ( 2 of them operates near about 140k) & 1 spinner that too kuldeep will be a massive gamble. You are looking at potentially 3 bowlers who may end up not taking wickets or leaking too much runs. Kuldeep has history of all or nothing before.
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
If India play only 4 bowlers, they will play Kuldeep and 3 pacers, probably Ishant, Bumrah and Umesh / Shami. Sixth batsman should be Vihari, but Kohli may go with Rohit. I am predicting the Series result as 2-2.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
no problem, i really don't care about "virtual respect" anyway. As for the clarification, firstly, you should have asked that before you accusing one of insulting others. Secondly, the "wish to demand clarification" comes from the person the comment was directed to. Thirdly, "Shakti was simply explaining his background" what he likes,doesn't require an explanation. That part i found funny because i saw many people doing that. That is where a man should draw a clear line between what he likes & loves and what he respects.You may not like your opponent but you can respect him. We love who we truly are at the same time we respect what we are being part of. This why i said "We love what we are & we respect what we are given". For fourth, and most importantly, some "history is worth a laugh" when it brings back memories. And as a global traveler, i can relate to his comment of "My fingers are crossed for an Indian victory" because i would do the same.I was actually smiling when i read those sentences. It brings a lots of memory. Not all laughing means insult. For fifth, as a person with experience from computer background, comments in virtual word are misinterpreted easily, that is why it is better to know what is being said clearly before making a claim. Do not pass judgement like that,specially in virtual world. It will save a lots of time and stop unnecessary arguments. Got it?
Dennis
Guest
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy: One of world sport's greatest contests What a joke, not even in the top 100. Dennis
Spanner
Roar Rookie
Sportsbet are offering 45/10 for a drawn series - I'm on !
Paul D
Roar Guru
India made sure they'd never have to go back there - they hated the gym, they hated the food, they hated the facilities and they hated the pitch. Last time they were here the brisbane lions stopped them from being able to use the gym at the grounds and they had to order food delivery from a local indian restaurant.
Paul
Roar Guru
This is your comment I did...twice and the bits I understood appeared to be insulting. If you wish to clarify your remarks I'd be happy to read that, but as it stands I've lost respect for you and your comments
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
I really hope not. But you might be correct. Brisbane used to be most possibly the best test pitch in the world but has become also very flat.
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Haha yeah I think the Indians take banter as sometimes being personal which is unfortunate. The internet then becomes a battle of abuse and racist rants. If only we could live a world where we admire cricket from both nations and not resort to abuse
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Yes Jadeja didn't play!
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Absolutely. The Indian team have taken 20 wickets in 8 of the 9 tests they have played this year yet only one two of those tests. Their batting has let them down. Albeit the wickets have been conducive too bowling. Definitely big advantage Australian bowlers in Australian conditions. The pitches in the previous series was flat and dead pitches. I hope that is not the case this time.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I think that's a very, very accurate assessment regrettably
The Bush
Roar Guru
My gut instinct is the wickets will be flat as possible to give our weak batting line up every chance and then we'll just rely on our bowlers to hopefully make something out of nothing.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
Thanks mate. He has understood exactly polar opposite of what has been written. Same problem like Aussie batsman, pre meditating a meaning.
Brian
Guest
mmm, Jadeja never played a Test match in Australia