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Aussies crush India on Pathan?s day
Aussies overcame resistence from tail-enders to bowl India out for 239, reports Pradeep Magazine. Full Scorecard || Key Battles
The end came later than expected. In the ruins of India's defeat there were a few pieces that revived the hope of better things to come in the next Test.
After the exit of Kapil Dev, India has never had an all-rounder of any ability. It may be impossible to have a player of Kapil's talent in the team again, but Irfan Pathan's has the flair, the dash, the devil-may-care spirit and the skill to lift the spirits of a team.
It is hard to imagine that this young man with the springy walk and poster-boy face is only 20 years in age. As a bowler he is already making waves and his batting on Sunday was a revelation. What strikes you most about him is the assurance with which he carries himself, be it with ball or bat.
On Sunday, he was there, initially in a support role to Rahul Dravid and later as a strike batsman who first tamed and then pulverised Shane Warne into submission. What makes him stand out is his positive approach and soundness of technique. He is no slogger or a dour tail-ender who can only protect his wicket.
