Friday, November 21, 2008

Australia on backfoot

Resuming day three on 149 for two, Australia were on their backfoot as they were outdone by India’s magic yet again. They were bowled out for 355 in their first innings after displaying on of the worst batting performances of recent times.

With two more days and a lead of 86, there is no doubt that India would take the advantage and finish off the Aussies.

Australia has been on the backfoot for most of the four Tests series making many wonder if this is the most vulnerable team fron Down Under.

Harbhajan Singh, with Ricky Ponting’s wicket, became the third Indian bowler and the 22nd in the cricketing world to bag 300 Tests wickets. It was the tenth time he got Ponting’s wicket in Tests.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Tendulkar makes history, breaks Lara’s record

Sachin RameshTendulkar became the highest run scorer in Test cricket on Friday when he passed his target of 15 runs in the first innings of the second Test match against Australia in Mohali.

Tendulkar scored three runs after tea to move to 16, giving him a career record of 11,955 runs to surpass the previous mark of West Indian Brian Charles Lara.

The 35 year old holds a record of 12,027 Test runs from 152 matches.

On his 19 year long cricketing journey Tendulkar says ” Success is a journey. Sometimes there are obstacles and stones thrown at you ( taking a dig at critics), but you convert them into milestones.

He says his long journey has been about enjoying cricket and giving his best for the team.

Tendulkar falls short by 15

Sachin Tendulkar scored a match saving 49 to help India avert defeat in the first Test against Australia, but himself fell short of a world record. He failed to break legendary Brian Lara’s record of maximum runs in Test cricket by just 15 runs.

Well the first Test has ended in a draw. Australia fancied a win at the start of the 5th day but didn’t have enough resources to take 10 wickets.

Tendulkar and VVS Laxman made valuable contributions and Sourav Ganguly fought with bravado to take India to safety.

Australia tried their best with part time spinners but in the end, India earned an honorable draw.

At lunch Australia has the upper hand

Australia declared their second innings at 228 for six and with a first innings lead of 70, set the Indians a target of 299.

There are only two possible outcomes for this match and the Aussies are determined to win. The Indians on the other hand will have to rally to secure a draw.

Well the Aussies can smell victory as India heads into lunch at 41 for two.

Number two bowler in the world Stuart Clarke, paved the course for an Aussie win, when he dismissed Virender Sehwag for 6. Ricky Ponting took a magnificent catch at mid-wicket to dismiss Rahul Dravid for 5 of Lee.

The Indians need a miracle to win this one.