We have witnessed a wonderful series full of twists and turns right till the end. The series is truly one for the ages. This series have resurrected the faith of the loyal fans on Test cricket. The series provided enough drama that no T20 or ODI will be able to provide. The pride of winning a test match can be seen on the players clearly. The satisfaction that the teams derive out of winning a test is next to none because it is that hard. Especially, when 2 teams of equal competence is at it. This is India vs Australia series review.
After the chastening defeat at Adelaide, a majority, including this writer, never gave India a chance. It was just a question of time before India loses all the 4 tests. Such was the magnitude of the defeat at Adelaide. Being bowled out for 36 runs, any team will be deflated and would want to pack their bags and go home. Former Australian players were dismissive of the Indian team. It was hard not to agree with them afterall, the Indian team performed rather poorly in the first test. However, the comeback was something most of us did not expect.
Over the last 20 years, India have this habit of winning atleast one test in SENA countries. This is a welcome change from the previous century when winning outside of India was very rare. The only exception was the 2018 tour to Australia when we won 2 tests. I did expect India to win in Sydney and I thought that will be that but they showed nerves of steel to win 2 tests including one at the Gabbatoir.
Statements made by the Indian team
The Indian team made quite a few statements from this tour. First, the team showed that it is not depended on Kohli alone to score runs. Second, the team proved that it does not require the abusive brand of cricket that Kohli often displays on the field to win tests. Third, it has loads of steel and determination to overcome severe odds. Fourth, the bench strength is strong that anyone can replace anyone in the team.
Gains for India
The gains for India from this tour is quite impressive and there were some disappointments too. Shubnam Gill, the Punjab batsman was always thought to be someone with loads of talent. It was a pity the Indian management chose to go with Prithvi Shaw instead of Gill in the first test. Infact, before the first test, Gavaskar & Border were full of praise for Gill for the way he played in the practise games. However, he wasn’t picked in the team for Adelaide. Better sense prevailed and from Melbourne, Gill showed his class and why he is rated so highly. He didn’t show any nerve for someone so young playing against an excellent bowling attack in their own country. The horizontal bat shots and the drives were all pleasing to watch. He has certainly booked his place for the foreseeable future.
Rishab Pant
The diminutive wicket keeper had such a horrible IPL that he wasn’t even considered for the first test. He was low in confidence after he lost his place from all the three formats. Eventually, because Saha wasn’t able to bat well and Kohli went home, Pant was brought in. He showed why he must be considered as an automatic pick. The flair and the confidence that he displayed at Sydney and the flamboyance at Brisbane did not seem like someone who has hardly played 15 games.
An hour of Pant at Sydney, India may have won that game too. In such a short career so far, Pant has already played a match winning knock in the fourth innings. This is a feat that is still eluding Kohli and eluded Tendulkar for a greater part of his career. However, Pant will have to improve his keeping or give up the keeping gloves and become a pure batsman. With his brand of cricket he will succeed in Tests but may not be that good in the short format.
Washington Sundar
I must confess that I never rated Sundar as a cricketer leave alone an international player but the way he batted, every top order batsman will be proud of the shots. The silken cover drives, the compact defence and the horizontal bat shots were a treat to watch. At 21, he has lot of cricket. He may want to improve his bowling skills if he has to replace Ashwin who is 13 years older than Sundar.
Shardul Thakur
Another cricketer I didn’t rate higher. I still do not rate his bowling but his batting was a revelation. At 29 years, he is not young and combined with the competition for bowlers, he may not get to play too many tests though he might get to play in the shorter formats.
Mohammed Siraj
Rather surprisingly, Siraj emerged as the highest wicket taker for India. He bowled some lovely deliveries. However, he was down on pace because I have seen him bowl at 147KMPH in the IPL. With the imminent return of Bumrah, Ishant & Shami, it is hard to fit in Siraj in the playing eleven but he will be around the team for a longtime. With India set to play 9 tests within the next 8 months, Siraj will need to be rotated with the other bowlers. If only he can bowl at 145, he will be an excellent addition to the team.
In praise of the support staff
The support staff deserves special mention. Ravi Shastri, Arun, Rathore and all other staff must be commended as well. They must have cajoled a team that would have been pretty low in confidence after Adelaide and have made the players believe in themselves. Far too long, the Indian team were searching for one all-rounder but now we have 6.
India have become only the 2nd team to have won two consecutive series in Australia over the last 30 years. The other being South Africa. This is a meritorious achievement. It is extremely difficult to defeat Australia in their own country however weak they maybe. Now, the 2018 win will not be considered an aberration. Having said that, India still needs to win in South Africa, England during this year and in New Zealand whenever they get a chance to be considered the undisputed number one.
Other articles related to the Australian tour can be read here, here and here.
