Kumble deserves all the praise for today’s historic Test victory at the WACA.
The imaginative Indian captain sowed the seeds of confidence in his team, utilised the hitherto-under-used pace power to the hilt, employed exemplary field placements to stop the Australians from registering 17th consecutive Test wins.
Beating Australia at their home turf is special. When it comes at the WACA, which is considered as the unbreakable Aussie fortress, it becomes doubly special. Remember, Australia have won 20 of the 35 Test matches (8 matches lost, and 7 drawn) here.
Thirty one years ago, Bishen Singh Bedi & Co. had squandered the edge and suffered a two-wicket defeat at this ground. Mohammed Azharuddin-led Indian side had suffered a humiliating defeat – by 300 runs – fifteen years later (in 1992).
Kumble’s Ploy
Kumble had his plans cut out from day one.
He elected batting after winning the toss. The decision dismayed many a cricket pundit. They predicted the Indian decimation in three days at the WACA, which is said to be world’s fastest pitch.
Unlike the first two Tests, the top order showed greater maturity. They got good backing from the middle order. Thus India piled up 330 runs.
Pace bowlers took the honours on the second day. R P Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma bowled their heart out. The swing, coupled with exemplary field placements, worked wonders for India.
The Australians started feeling the heat. They lost wickets at crucial junctures.
Though Symonds braved the Indian attack for quite some time, Kumble got him with a peach of a delivery. The crucial wicket fetched Kumble another record. He became the third member of the elite 600-wicket club.
India stayed focused on the third and fourth days. It was obvious from their body language. They were not ready to concede a defeat; they didn’t play for a draw; their only aim was a victory.
And they achieved that in style. Well done, Kumble’s boys.
The imaginative Indian captain sowed the seeds of confidence in his team, utilised the hitherto-under-used pace power to the hilt, employed exemplary field placements to stop the Australians from registering 17th consecutive Test wins.
Beating Australia at their home turf is special. When it comes at the WACA, which is considered as the unbreakable Aussie fortress, it becomes doubly special. Remember, Australia have won 20 of the 35 Test matches (8 matches lost, and 7 drawn) here.
Thirty one years ago, Bishen Singh Bedi & Co. had squandered the edge and suffered a two-wicket defeat at this ground. Mohammed Azharuddin-led Indian side had suffered a humiliating defeat – by 300 runs – fifteen years later (in 1992).
Kumble’s Ploy
Kumble had his plans cut out from day one.
He elected batting after winning the toss. The decision dismayed many a cricket pundit. They predicted the Indian decimation in three days at the WACA, which is said to be world’s fastest pitch.
Unlike the first two Tests, the top order showed greater maturity. They got good backing from the middle order. Thus India piled up 330 runs.
Pace bowlers took the honours on the second day. R P Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma bowled their heart out. The swing, coupled with exemplary field placements, worked wonders for India.
The Australians started feeling the heat. They lost wickets at crucial junctures.
Though Symonds braved the Indian attack for quite some time, Kumble got him with a peach of a delivery. The crucial wicket fetched Kumble another record. He became the third member of the elite 600-wicket club.
India stayed focused on the third and fourth days. It was obvious from their body language. They were not ready to concede a defeat; they didn’t play for a draw; their only aim was a victory.
And they achieved that in style. Well done, Kumble’s boys.
The WACA win is incredible. Kudos Kumble. You've done a great job.
ReplyDeleteSaju
This win is greater than the 20-20 World Cup win.
ReplyDeleteAbhi
As you said, Kumble's decision to bat first had shocked many. But in the end, he had the last laugh.
ReplyDeleteNow Kumble has proved that he is the best man to lead Team India.
Ashish, Mumbai
Kudos Kumble.
ReplyDeleteYou are the true captain.
Give him the ODI captaincy too.
Guru