Ever seen a batsman bend his back more majestically?Starting the day at 297/6 with Dhoni & Pathan at the crease, India got bowled out by Australia for 330 - 4 wickets fell shockingly for just 2 runs - way too short of a 400-450+ total that seemed quite possible y'day when Dravid (93) and Tendulkar (71) were batting.
Australia were then reduced to 61/5 by a fiery opening spell from Pathan, RP and Ishant Sharma (they probably missed the services of Hayden much more than they could have imagined) before Symonds(66) and Gilchrist (55) combined forces to forge a 102-run partnership and restore some pride for the team that is seeking its record-breaking 17th test win on the trot.
A brilliant spell by RP Singh & Anil Kumble (who picked up his 600th wicket in the form of Symonds) ensured that the Australian tail did not wag much after the departure of the attacking duo, and the Aussie first innings folded for a mere 212. When was the last time that such a thing happened?
India now has a lead of 118 runs.
At draw of stumps on Day 2, they find themselves at 52/1 with Viru unbeaten on 29.
Three days remain in the 3rd test of this series, in which Australia leads 2-0.
Aage kya hogaa? A result is obviously in store.
Will India script a win and stop the Aussie victory run yet again?
Will Australian seamers fire back at the Indian batting line-up??
What should be India's target for the 2nd innings? Do you think they can make 300 or 350 or even more? Will SRT fire one more time at this venue?
What will be Australia's game plan? Will Brett Lee spit fire? Will Shaun Tait prove not to be a dud?
Will Ponting and his men still continue to wear the garb of sportsmanship?
Will Kumble and his team not succumb to the pressure of being in the driver's seat?
Its all happening down under. At WACA. At Perth. Probably, the wind is blowing either too hard, or it has changed direction.
Only time will tell...ki kal kya hogaa...
Australia were then reduced to 61/5 by a fiery opening spell from Pathan, RP and Ishant Sharma (they probably missed the services of Hayden much more than they could have imagined) before Symonds(66) and Gilchrist (55) combined forces to forge a 102-run partnership and restore some pride for the team that is seeking its record-breaking 17th test win on the trot.
A brilliant spell by RP Singh & Anil Kumble (who picked up his 600th wicket in the form of Symonds) ensured that the Australian tail did not wag much after the departure of the attacking duo, and the Aussie first innings folded for a mere 212. When was the last time that such a thing happened?
India now has a lead of 118 runs.
At draw of stumps on Day 2, they find themselves at 52/1 with Viru unbeaten on 29.
Three days remain in the 3rd test of this series, in which Australia leads 2-0.
Aage kya hogaa? A result is obviously in store.
Will India script a win and stop the Aussie victory run yet again?
Will Australian seamers fire back at the Indian batting line-up??
What should be India's target for the 2nd innings? Do you think they can make 300 or 350 or even more? Will SRT fire one more time at this venue?
What will be Australia's game plan? Will Brett Lee spit fire? Will Shaun Tait prove not to be a dud?
Will Ponting and his men still continue to wear the garb of sportsmanship?
Will Kumble and his team not succumb to the pressure of being in the driver's seat?
Its all happening down under. At WACA. At Perth. Probably, the wind is blowing either too hard, or it has changed direction.
Only time will tell...ki kal kya hogaa...
~ My feeble attempt at being a cricket reporter.
Nevertheless, a birthday is always an occasion to celebrate and be happy.