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Spinning track gives India face-saver
The fact that this victory came after India were outplayed in Nagpur and Bangalore is very creditable, writes Pradeep Magazine. Pictures
Much as one would like to celebrate India's spectacular win, the fact that a track of dubious nature spun the match in their favour is not a comforting thought.
It was a victory achieved after the team had conceded a lead of 103 runs and it was a victory achieved in only two days of play. That this victory came after India were completely outplayed on the grass of Nagpur and on the dusty track of Bangalore is very creditable.
The outcome of the match was in doubt till the last Australian wicket fell with India winning by 13 runs. Rahul Dravid showed admirable poise and leadership skills as skipper — giving Murali Kartik the ball ahead of Anil Kumble, for instance.
"This may not have been an ideal Test match wicket but it did produce a great contest,'' Dravid said at the customary post-match news briefing.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting, on the other hand, was blunt. "This was a very disappointing wicket. If someone like Michael Clark can take six wickets conceding only nine runs, what more can one says about the wicket."
Fair enough. But the match was also won because of some brilliant batting by Sachin Tendulkar and the man who almost lost his place in the side — VVS Laxman. The two ensured that India had some runs on the board — in the end, the target was 107 and even that proved enough.
