Just a year ago did we ever bother to know the result when team Australia was playing cricket against any country? Well, we always knew that our team is unpredictable and had potential to win against any team. There are instances of India winning against top teams and equally losing to weakest of weak teams in the past. But one thing lacking was consistency and must win attitude all these days. Year 2008 has been a splendid year for team India, which is edging towards taking over the much-coveted No 1 rank in Cricket. Lets go 365 days back and see the events about beaming India team.
India Tour Of Australia – Dec 2007 – Feb 2008
Series of controversies, embarrassments, blaming and glory
Test Series:
1st Test v Australia – Australia won by 337 runs – Australia 343 and 351/7d; India 196 and 161
2nd Test v Australia – Australia won by 122 runs – Australia 463 and 401/7d; India 532 and 210
3rd Test v Australia – India won by 72 runs – India 330 and 294; Australia 212 and 340
4th Test v Australia – Match drawn – India 526 and 269/7d; Australia 563
India started the 2007 New Year with disappointment losing to Australia in their first test. Result of second test went much to the expectations pushing Indian fans into further disappointment. It was very annoying to see Ponting’s team faking a grounded catch to be real for Ganguly’s wicket. Australia was playing to win the match at any cost to break their record of winning 16 tests in a row. Team India raised its voice and shown its ire on the dirty tactics and evil spirit of the game played on the fields. As it was not enough, Harbhajan was charged with racist remarks against Andrew Symonds. After this, it never looked like a game but a war to gain supremacy. Venue Perth for 3rd test was supposed to be strong hold for Australia, yet we managed to put a full stop to Australia’s winning streak second time by winning the match. Although we lost the series, it has made India a strong opponent for Australia. The Ashes series seem to have become passé infront of Border-Gavaskar trophy these days.
Lone 20-20 Match:
Australia could not digest not winning 20-20 world cup, and it seemed to take revenge on India in this match that was won by Australia comprehensively. Everyone pinned hopes on Yuvraj but he could not flash his bat enough to win the match for India. Nevertheless India continues to be 20-20 world champions.
One-Day Series: IND, AUS & SL
India won first final against AUS – Aus 239/8 and IND 242/4
India won Second final against AUS – Ind 258/9 and Aus 249
What a series for India to swing back into action after the debacle in test series. India blanked Australia in first 2 final matches without need of 3rd one being played. It was Sachin’s first century on Australian soil in first one day and contributions from Rohit Sharma took India to clinch the series.
Indian Premiere League – Apr 2008 – Jun 2008
Wooden Stick(s) and Leather Ball Minting Money
It was proved yet another time how India can change dimensions of any form of Cricket successfully. This time it was for the shortest form of the game. Cricket glittered when stars of tinsel town and business magnets joined hands with the game to conduct the tournament. Results were topsy-turvy when Dhoni’s men took on Warne & co. Rajasthan Royals won the tournament as dark horses.
Asia Cup – Jun 2008 – Jul 2008 (Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates)
Mendis mars India’s Pride
Sri Lanka 273 (49.5 ov); India 173 (39.3 ov)
It was certainly an unusual display by team India in the Asia cup. They were the first one to storm into Finals before any one could reach to that point. I say it unusual because in the past either we pinned hopes on run rate or rain to reserve a berth in the finals. The splendid display at league level did not continue in the finals and India had to succumb to Sri Lanka in the finals. Mendis managed a great victory for Sri Lanka in the finals.
To be continued…
Image Credit: markhillary
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