India Vs Australia First Test Match Highlights

Whenever there is talk of Test cricket dying, India and Australia must face each other in a Test series. And be rest assured that at least for the duration when the two teams are battling it out, all such chatter will be put to rest. Keeping apart the 2008 series played in India, all the other contests between the two nations, starting with the epic of 2001, have been exhilarating. A number of memorable performances have been delivered by players from both sides over the last decade, be it VVS Laxman oft-mentioned 281 or Harbhajan Singh’s hat-trick at Kolkata, Steve Waugh’s match-saving final Test knock or Michael Clarke’s sensational century on debut, each holds a special place in Test cricket. And so, not surprisingly, the latest encounter between the two sides also kicked off on a nail-biting note.

There were plenty of unforgettable memories from Mohali, none better than that man VVS Laxman guiding India home yet again with an injured back. But then, whilst Laxman achieved what seemed immortal for the others, it has something he has done in the past as well. And so, no one was surprised that he came up with the goods again. However, it was extremely heartening to see the way Ishant Sharma came back after taking a battering in the first innings. Bowling no balls at will and having to leave the field owing to an injury gave one the impression that he was in for another torrid time. However, he turned things around, and how.

The lanky fast bowler needed a little bit of luck, and that came when the in-form Shane Watson dragged one from Ishant onto his stumps. From thereon, Ishant was a changed bowler. Finding his rhythm of old, at least for that innings, he claimed two more quick to get India back into the game. Surprisingly, and yet deservedly, it will be his dogged effort with the bat that would be talked about when discussions over this Test come about in the future. When he went into bat, all seemed lost for India, and one got the feeling that Laxman would be left stranded at one end. However, wasn’t ready to give up so easily.

Despite having lost skipper Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh in quick succession, Ishant was prepared to slug it out and give Laxman, the other injured warrior in the team, some much-needed company. It wasn’t out there with the pressure building each minute. But Ishant responded superbly and in a highly responsible manner, so much so that he Laxman was prepared to give him more of the strike. The straight bat defence worked well against both the pacers and spinners. Further, the fact that he was leaving deliveries outside off demonstrated the confidence he possessed. On a couple of occasions when he had a waft at away going deliveries, he reprimanded himself like a genuine batsman would do. He may have been unfortunate not be there when the winning runs were registered, but he would be all the more happier that his efforts did not end up getting vanished in a losing cause.

While Ishant’s determination was among the high points of the Test , there were a number of other noteworthy performances from both sides, which contributed toward making this Test remarkable. For India, Zaheer Khan celebrated his return to the team with a five-wicket haul as well as the man of the match award. At the beginning of the game, there were question marks pertaining to his fitness. Khan answered all the doubters in the best way possible. As expected of him, he took wickets at the top and came back to break crucial partnerships, ensuring India stayed in the game even though it appeared that the Aussies had charged ahead at times. Harbhajan Singh wasn’t threatening, but did well enough to pick up a few important wickets and assist Zaheer. On the batting front, it was a mixed bag for India. Many got starts and reasonable scores, but none could convert it into a big knock, allowing Australia to snatch the vital first innings lead. It very nearly made the difference in the end.

While Australia would be disappointed, they have done enough to be proud of themselves. Shane Watson was instrumental in setting up a good first innings total for his side even as Ricky Ponting and even Tim Paine chipped in. Also, at different points in the game, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger put their hands up to get Australia back in the reckoning after they had fallen back. Overall, they were very good, but India just had that someone special, Australia’s grand old nemesis, to see them through. And while we eagerly wait for the next Test at Bangalore, many of us will be mourning the fact that it would signal the end of the series. What a tragedy.

Michael Clarke headed back to his country after his fiancé Lara Bingle’s nude photo had been published in the magazine. Clarke went home to support her and should return for the test series starting Friday.

It will be a tester for Michael Clarke, perhaps his final hurdle before the Australian cricket board finally, decide on who will captain the test side once Ricky ponting decides to call it a day. Many experts including current and former players are fully backing Clarke on becoming test captain in spite of his off field problems of injuries and now personal.

The aussies were coming off a wonderful home summer and as expected they delivered, perhaps not how well as expected, but nevertheless they did. After not a single loss at home which included over 19 matches (6 tests, 10 ODI’S, 3 T20’S) a similar drubbing of the black caps was expected. But, the black caps gave the aussies a reality check—not to fall ahead of themselves at this stage.

1. 1st T20 International— Wellington— 26th February, 2010
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets with 24 balls to spare

2. 2nd T20 International— Christchurch— 28th February, 2010
Result: New Zealand won (1 over eliminator)

3. 1st One day International— Napier— 3rd March, 2010
Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets with 4 balls to spare

4. 2nd One day International— Auckland—6th March, 2010
Result: Australia won by 12 runs (D/L Method)

5. 3rd One day International— Hamilton— 9th March, 2010
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets with 16 balls remaining

6. 4th One day International— Auckland— 11th March, 2010
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets with 17 balls remaining (D/L Method)

7. 5th One day International— Wellington— 13th March, 2010
Result: New Zealand won by 51 runs

Clearly, New Zealand have been Australia’s toughest fight. After a sedate start to their campaign the aussies were in for a surprise during the 2nd T20 match where the black caps, McCullum in particular seems to have woke up the right side of the bed that morning. He went on to smack one of the most memorable 100’s this format has seen or will see.

In spite of the short boundaries McCullum played the scoop to great effect, in fact he was seen doing it to perhaps the fastest bowler in the world at the moment, Shaun Tait. The match was a great spectacle for the fans as it went into a super over which the home team eventually won.

That was the best match of the summer, as far as Australia is concerned. It was a close series—some of the numbers put above go to show how close the games were.

The aussies eventually showed their class and went on to win their 3rd one day series of the summer. You’d expect the aussies to cream the black caps in the test series beginning Friday. But, the same was thought about the ODI’s, time will tell…

Although the visitors ended up on the losing side in the opener, there really wasn’t too much to choose between the two teams. And hence, all they must look to do is put up an improved batting as well as bowling performance, with the latter being more important. Luckily, they do not have any injury worries at the present moment.

Openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin are in supreme form while the skipper himself can be expected to perform to keep his side in the hunt in this prestigious rivalry. The Aussie middle-order is as strong as any in the world today, with the classy Michael Clarke and suave Michael Hussey ably backed by the big hitting of Cameron White and James Hopes. What’s more, all of them have been among the runs lately, scoring heavily at that.

The Australian bowling suffered at the hands of Ross Taylor and co in Napier, but expect them to fight back strongly at Auckland. Mitchell Johnson won’t get a warm reception at the venue following his run-in with Styris. However, he shouldn’t mind it if crucial wickets come his way. Ryan Harris will find it difficult to repeat his heroics against Pakistan, but even if he is half as effective, the Aussies will be benefited amply. Doug Bollinger and Clint McKay have impressed more often than not whenever given the responsibility and whoever plays at Auckland will be expected to do the same. Ditto with Nathan Hauritz, who is slowly settling into his job as the side’s frontline spinner.

Unlike the Aussies, the Kiwis have a few injury worries, which will give them headaches despite the 1-0 lead, none more troublesome than the painful neck of their effervescent skipper Daniel Vettori. If the left-arm spinner doesn’t play, it would mean than Taylor will have to continue leading the team. And although, he did an admirable job in the opening encounter, the home side would want Vettori to be back as soon as possible, considering he has an impressive record against the number one ODI side in the world.

All-rounder Jacob Oram is another one on the hurt list. A tear of the patella tendon has ruled him out for one month which means additional responsibility on the seniors like Brendon McCullum and Taylor. Among the bowlers, spearhead Shane Bond will have to stand up and be counted once again.
The small ground means another high-scoring game is on the cards, but it should be a tight contest nonetheless.

And so they did! The opening pair of Watson and Marsh started off in a circumspect manner with ‘wickets in hand for the last ten’ being their major priority. The duo put on 63 in 12 Overs with Watson falling for 33 attempting a wild slog. The skipper Ricky Ponting was next to go after misjudging the length of the ball. He was trapped LBW without scoring. Once again falling playing the pull shot. Ponting, one of the best players of short pitch bowling, ironically has been dismissed on quite a few occasions playing the pull Getting older, ehh?

Australia looked to be in a spot of bother at 65 for 2 but it was marsh with 83 who kept the score ticking along. Michael Clarke played another brilliant knock and was there right till the end forming substantial partnerships with marsh, white and Hussey. Clarke eventually fell for 80 in the last over of the innings.

Australia fell away a little in the middle stage of the innings due to some tight bowling from Saeed Ajmal and rana. But, again it was Pakistan’s indiscipline in the field and with extras that was their down bringing. Australia’s Michael Hussey took full toll of this and hammered the Pakistani’s to all parts of the ground en route his 28 ball 49 which gave the Australian innings some much needed impetus. Michael Hussey showed his class and skills once again and bailed Australia out of what would have been an average situation.

What a versatile player he is! Put him in at20 for 3 and he will come up with the goods or like today ask him to slog-he’ll do it for you. Truly, MR. CRICKET! Umar Gul one of the best death bowlers not just from Pakistan but in the world took a pasting on the day and went for 80 in his 10 over spell including a huge over which costed him 23 runs.

The momentum was with Australia when they came on to the field. Salman butt started positively playing some gorgeous flicks and cover drives. He eventually fell prey to Clint McKay LBW for 34. Ryan Harris the 30 year old seamer playing his second ODI bowled with good pace and eventually claimed 5 for 43 in his 10 over spell which included the wickets of Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi who at a certain point were threatening to take the match away.

Once again it was a failure of the top order. Former captain, Younis khan looks terribly out of form and Pakistan must consider promoting Umar Akmal or Mohd Yousuf to the crucial no 3 spot. Pakistan must try out new things considering they have already lost the series. However, these changes might help them in the long run too especially with England coming up soon.

Pakistan were in a precarious position at 60 for 4 before young guns Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam steadied the ship. They put on 85 before Umar Akmal fell to Harris. Afridi provided some late fireworks with a quick 29 ball 40. But, it was to be all to late in the cause and Pakistan eventually folded for 246 in 47 Overs giving Australia their 3rd straight win and the series.

Mohd Yousuf won the toss for the second time in a row and this time around put Australia in to bat. Australia fielded the same unit that played at the gabba after Michael Clarke (rib injury) was declared fit this morning.

However, Pakistan rung in one change i.e. they brought in Umar Gul in place of Mohd Asif.

The first ball of the match set the tone for what was to come! Shane Watson creamed Aamer through cover point for 4. It was clearly the sign of things to come.

Australian Dominance!!

Watson played some incredible shots through cover, over point and over mid-on. He later accepted in an interview that it was tough to bat if the ball was pitched up. Fortunately for Watson a lot of short balls were bowled which he took full toll of.

Watson played a brilliant pull of Rana Naved where the ball wasn’t too short but he just swatted at it on one knee and got six for it. Watson finally fell to Afridi for 69 but not before giving Australia a strong start.

The Aussies got a bit stuck in the middle over with the spin trio of Afridi, Ajmal and Malik working well for Pakistan. Australia took 84 balls to reach their 3rd fifty and from 80 for 0 after 13 Overs slipped to 138 for 3 after 30 Overs.

It was again Cameron white who rescued the innings for Australia with a powerful half century which got them up to 267 at the end of 50 Overs. White scored 55 with Clarke (25), Hussey (29) and Haddin (27) all chipping in.

Pakistan looked out of sorts from ball one. Australia came out and bowled with admirable discipline at the two Pakistani openers. Both Bollinger and Siddle were immaculate with their lines and lengths.

The duo together conceded just 7 runs in the first two wickets and picked up two crucial wickets including one of former captain Younis khan. Ponting was on the money with his captaincy and field placement. He had a 7-2 field for a short period of time.

The Australian fielders were brilliant with Ponting and Cameron white taking sensational catches at point and slip respectively. Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger and Clint McKay ripped the heart out of the Pakistani batting line up by picking up five quick wickets which left Pakistan struggling at 42 for 5.

The Pakistani batsmen barring Mohd Yousuf showed no kind of resistance and succumbed to the Aussie bowling attack. They were eventually bundled out for a 127 with the skipper Mohd Yousuf making 58 of those.

The wicket really seemed to liven up under lights with a tinge of moisture perhaps due to the dew around. The Australians profited from this and within 38 Overs of the Pakistan innings had them bowled out and ensured a 140 run win.

Another dominant display by the Aussies; another convincing victory and as it looks now another series victory coming their way.
Australia went into the match as favourites; came out giving a pounding!

The Australian dominance continued as they built up a 352 run partnership with Ricky Ponting scoring his fifth double century (209) and Michael Clarke making his highest test score. (166)

Ponting resuming on his overnight score of 137 looked flawless but was let off again when he drove Kaneria and the ball flew through Farhat’s hands at cover.

Just like the first day; Day 2 also belonged to Australia and the duo of Ponting and Clarke were instrumental in ensuring so. The partnership finally ended when Clarke padded up the wrong line to Kaneria which saw his off stump knocked back.

Pakistan prolonged with their negative line of bowling wide outside the line of off stump; eventually getting the better of Ricky Ponting who slashed at one only to spoon it to his opposite number at cover.

Ponting seemed relentless on Pakistan not just with his batting but kept them on the field for a 143 Overs before he finally declared with Australia having piled up a massive 519 for 8.

Pakistan started off steadily with the opening combination of Salman Butt and Imran Farhat putting on a rare 50 partnership before Imran Farhat succumbed to a Peter Siddle delivery.

Farhat (38) drove away from his body only to be caught behind by Brad Haddin. Pakistan’s Make shift no.3 Khurram Manzoor who was brought in for this match failed to score as peter Siddle accounted for him four balls later.

He attempted to play a drive away from his body and was caught by Ponting chest height at second slip. A very lose shot for an opener (slotted in at no.3) especially an out of form one who was playing his first match in 48 days.

The wickets were much needed more so for Siddle than Australia who had an average of 68 before he pouched these two wickets.

The skipper Mohammad Yousuf was third to go when after a push through mid off he ran hard for the third but was refused late by a overly-casual Butt eventually leading to being run-out at the striker’s hand. Unfortunately for Yousuf it was Mitchell Johnson with his rocket arm chasing the ball.

Pakistan’s frustrations continued when Umar Akmal who took off for a single was sent back only to walk back to the pavilion. At the end of the day Pakistan were down and out at 94 for 4 with Salman Butt and Shoaib Malik at the crease.

Pakistan are still 425 runs adrift Australia and need another 225 to avoid follow on. Australia expectedly should come hard on Pakistan tomorrow morning as Ponting would want to ensure the follow on with the forecast being a bit jittery and considering that the Australian team are on a two month break from tests.

Replying to Australia’s mammoth first-innings score of 519 for 8 declared, Pakistan kicked themselves in the foot to have themselves struggling at 94 for 4 at the end of the day’s play. Things looked slightly positive when Imran Farhat and Salman Butt added 63 for the opening wicket. But everyone, including the Pakistanis themselves, knew that this was just the calm before the storm.

The destruction mode was set into action when Farhat, on 38, chased a wide delivery from Peter Siddle, who has been Australia’s least effective bowler in the series.

The result was a simple catch, accepted gleefully behind the wickets. In the same over, Khurram Manzoor, the new number three for Pakistan was also sent back by the Aussie pacer. Manzoor, went for a cut shot way too early in his innings and only managed to slice one into the slips.

With two wickets down, Pakistan were already in the doldrums. But the sorry part was that the worst hadn’t yet arrived. The last two dismissals of the day must have undoubtedly given Butt a horribly sleepless night.

Skipper Mohammad Yousuf wanted an extra run and was rather adamant about it. However, Butt had other ideas and simply refused to complete the run. The end result – Yousuf was stranded short of his crease for just 7.

Not surprisingly, he left only after a long stare at Butt which literally translated into – how dare you do that to me? But , Butt wasn’t done! He meted out similar treatment to Pakistan’s best batsman in the series, Umar Akmal.

The talented youngster wanted a single. However, while Butt responded initially, he back-tracked at the last minute and Akmal had nowhere to go but head back to the pavilion.

If Pakistan want to make a come back into the game now, Butt will have to play a miraculous knock with plenty of help from the others. But for that, he will first need to get over the horrendous mix-ups.

Before the Australian bowlers, it was the Ponting-Clarke duo that made it Australia’s day. The duo, which had come together after the Aussies had lost three early wickets, ended up adding 352 runs for the fourth wicket.

This was Australia’s sixth-highest partnership for any wicket in Tests. Runs came thick and fast. The Pakistani fielders once again aided the Aussie batsmen. Ricky Ponting, who was dropped by Mohammad Aamer on naught on the opening day, got another reprieve on 167, when Farhat dropped a chance at cover. The miss only epitomized Pakistan’s woes.

The grand Clarke-Ponting stand finally ended when Danish Kaneria cleaned up Clarke from around the wickets, the batsman padding up. Ponting left after scoring 209, caught by Yousuf in the cover off Aamer while trying to up the ante.

Brad Haddin and Marcus North notched up cameos before Australia declared and the bowlers took over. Ponting knew he had enough to trouble Pakistan. And he was proved exactly right.

In the meantime, New South Wales all-rounder Moises Henriques has been called up by the Australian team management as a standby. He will stay on with the team till the fourth match of the series after joining them on Thursday in Delhi. Post the fourth game at Mohali, a final decision would be made regarding whether Henriques will continue to be a part of the squad for the entire tournament or be relieved, depending on whether Hopes is fit.

The all-rounder recently featured in the inaugural Champions League T20, which New South Wales won. He was highly impressive in the tournament and garnered a lot of praise. Hence, the call up wasn’t all that surprising. Prior to that, Henriques also took part in the IPL, but that ended up being a rather disastrous venture, with his franchise – The Kolkata Knight Riders – finishing at the bottom of the table.

This is not the first time Henriques finds himself in such a situation. A similar thing happened during the series against minnows Bangladesh last year. He was also impressive during Australia A’s winter series against Pakistan A and has been on the fringes of selection since.

Coming back to Australia and injuries, the list only gets longer for the kangaroos. Lee, Hopes and Johnson have now joined Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin and promising youngster Callum Ferguson, all of whom had to give this tour a skip due to various injury-related problems.

Stuart Broad of England takes a catch of Australia's Simon Katich in 2009 Ashes npower Test Series Second Test Second Day

England dominated day 2 of the second NPower Ashes Test match, with a strong bowling performance that has left them well placed with Australia needing 79 runs to avoid the follow on with only two first innings wickets in hand.

Andrew Strauss failed to add to his overnight score – and England as a team didn’t look like adding many more after losing 3 wickets in three consecutive overs. A near half century partnership from no 10 and 11 James Anderson and Graham Onions saw England move well past 400.

After that the day was England’s. Poor batting cost the tourists dear, and England will move into day 3 well on top with the possibility of winning their first Ashes test at Lords since 1934.

Strauss’ resistance didn’t last much longer into day two, bowled leaving a ball off Ben Hilfenhaus – not adding to his overnight score of 161. Graham Swann came and went in the blink of an eye – edging the ball straight to Ricky Ponting in the slips, the Australian captain taking the easiest catch you’re ever going to see in the slips, Siddle picking up his second wicket of the innings.

As if things couldn’t get any worse for England – they did. After previously edging a ball just past the stumps, Broad then chopped on the following ball – England had lost 3 wickets in 3 overs, and were now in danger of not making 400 – despite Andrew Strauss targeting a “minimum” of 450 on the eve of Day 2.

England’s innings wasn’t over yet though, James Anderson partnered by Graham Onions frustrated the Australian attack, passing the 400 mark with a relative amount of ease. Mitchell Johnson’s boundary problems weren’t confined to day 1 either – Anderson striking him for successive fours. The partnership fell just shy of 50 – but it was much needed after a disastrous start to day 2 for England, all out for 425.

England got off to the best possible start, after previously crashing Anderson to the cover boundary – Phillip Hughes gloved the ball off an attempted hook to keeper Matt Prior. England’s start got even better when Ponting inside edged the ball onto his pad, that carried to Andrew Strauss in the slips – Australia slipping to 10/2. Ponting was unhappy with the decision, the bat appear to hit the boot – rather than the ball. However, hawkeye suggested that the ball would’ve been crashing into leg stump – the wrong method to the right decision.

Australia survived the rest of the morning session, and a 4 over stint after lunch before a short burst of rain came. Another short burst of overs was followed by another shower. The teams came back out again at 3:40pm. Australia’s Simon Katich and Michael Hussey worked on building Australia’s score. Although Hussey can count himself lucky that a mis-timed hook shot landed wide at deep backward square. Australia entered tea on 87/2.

After a slow period after tea, Simon Katich miss-pulled Graham Onions to fine leg, Stuart Broad running around took a superb diving catch to dismiss the Australian – Katich falling two short of a half century.

Andrew Flintoff removed Michael Hussey with a 95 mph delivery that Hussey left, the ball did very little – maybe bouncing a little less than Mr Cricket was expecting – but nonetheless – a superb delivery – Hussey going for 51. England’s day got better when – the following ball – Michael Clarke flicked a delivery from James Anderson to Alastair Cook at short mid wicket. With that, both batsmen at the crease hadn’t faced the ball.

And things went from bad – to worse, for the tourists. Marcus North chopping James Anderson onto his stumps, Australia floundering at 139/6. A procession became a rout when Mitchell Johnson hooked Stuart Broad down to Alastair Cook at deep backward square.

Another one – this time Haddin. Australia still needing 78 to avoid the follow on, Brad Haddin pulling the ball to mid wicket. The floodlights – causing shadows – we enough for the umpires to offer the batsmen the light, and Australia naturally took it.

The visitors end day two in deep trouble, the first three overs of the day aside – its been all England. An ill-disciplined batting performance has left their tail needing to do some serious work on just saving the follow on. England will look to skittle Australia out tomorrow, and then hammer home their advantage with possibly enforcing the follow on.

Stuart Broad opened the bowling on day 3, the fourth ball in particular bursting through the surface, Katich may have left it well alone, but the signs were there that the pitch had some spice to offer. England turned to spin in the overs before the new ball, but with little success so England captain Andrew Strauss took the new ball with no hesitation.

England were hyped, James Anderson had Ricky Ponting edge one short, and another one wide, of Kevin Pietersen in the gully. But it was Katich who was first to fall, Anderson swinging a full ball that Katich simply missed, Billy Doctrove did the rest, and England had ended the 239 run partnership, Katich falling for 122.

Ponting kept the score crusing along, but it wasn’t long before Anderson had his second wicket, Michael Hussey flaying at a ball that didn’t swing – edging the Lancashire seamer through to wicket keeper Matt Prior. Strauss then turned to spin, in the form of Monty Panesar – with immediate reward. Ponting – who’d just reached the 150 mark in his previous over – went back to a ball that turned, and chopped onto his stumps.

The teams entered lunch 348/4, England much the happier side in the first session, still with 87 runs in hand, and more importantly, a ball that was doing things.

The lean spell stopped after lunch, Australia’s Michael Clarke and Marcus North settled in. For the second afternoon session in a row England’s spinners struggled with their length with Michael Clarke’s excellent footwork dominating proceedings.

Strauss’ options grew thin, turning to medium pacer Paul Collingwood as Clarke and North turned the screw on England. Australia reached the England 1st innings total with just 4 wickets down. Both players made half centuries as Australia made 458/4 at tea.

A short burst after tea, then the rain came. The players were off for two hours before returning at 6:15pm – under floodlights.

England finally got their much needed wicket as Michael Clarke could only flick a short ball from Stuart Broad to Matt Prior, falling for 83 – Clarke still doesn’t have a 100 in England. A much needed wicket for both England and Broad. Play stopped at 10 minutes to 7 – the umpires offer the batsman bad light – Australia ending the day 479/5, well ahead of England with two days to go.

With the prospect of rain on tomorrow, its seems that there are only two results possible, an Australia win and a draw. The forecasts suggest that the rain will come in early on in the afternoon, Australia will look too try and force home the advantage quickly in the morning session, before getting England in and taking what they can from the rest of day 4 and day 5.