India v Aust

Another summer of test cricket has finished, although this one a little spicier then most with all the racism thing!

The Wash Up

Aust. just out of the blocks a little better, but isn't that always the case, touring teams to Aust. never seem to learn from either their own previuos mistakes or those of other touring teams, not picking Sehwag from the first test probably the biggest, only the most aggressive opening batsmen we'll probably ever see left out of a team for a guy who was lucky to move the score board and another who was lucky to make double figures!!

As i've said before, regardless of umpiring decisions, India should've been able to bat out the required time in Sydney. Perth proved me and every other Aust. wrong, although the pitch was hardly like the one played on in the T20 game vs. NZ. The Indian bowlers however bowled beautifully and deserved to take the game, this was probably helped a little by the Aust. selectors who opted for all out pace, with little consideration taken to the other conditions on offer i.e swing! One of the most succesfull Aust. bowlers at the WACA was Terry Alderman who was not express pace but used the Freo doctor better then any other bowler i've seen bowl at the WACA, Ben Hilfenhaus would have been handy i would've thought, especially since the pitch in use was not part of the same square used in the aforementioned T20 game!

Life Without Gilly

Obviously the best keeper/batsmen ever, but he was also the vice captain who know doubt had a bit to do with the decision making, so he'll be missed greatly although his likely replacement (Brad Haddin) is an exceptional keeper who has played one-dayers for Aust. as a batsman (as did Gilly) so he should do well, he's better keeper then Gilly, and has kept alot to Brett Lee, Stuart Clarke and Stuart MacGill, so he knows what he's in for.

Thanks for the entertainment Gilly. I saw him smash a hundred at the SCG a few years back, brilliant!!

The Great

I've had the pleasure to see Tendulkar bat a few times, he is the best batsman of his generation, not as flamboyant as Lara, but just fantastic to watch and always takes the bowling on especially the spinners.

Thanks Sachin, I saw him take us apart at the SCG last time they were here, masterful!

The rest of the Indian team played well, but they'll have possible their whole middle order of Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly & Laxman as well as captain Kumble gone from the game next time they tour, so they've got big shoes to fill, the highest runscorer ever (soon) two others who average about 50 and a bowler with 600+ wickets!! Goodluck, even a country with over 1 billion people will struggle to replace those guys!

I don't plan to cover anything that happens in T20 matches, because it's shit! The onedayers maybe if something dramatic happens!

Cheerio