THIS IS CRICKET

 

Image Credit- The Times of India.

Venue- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne [February, 2008].

It was the summer of 2008. The test series and T20s were over and all eyes were now upon the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series. The first couple of games were washed by rain in Brisbane. The hosts won their game against the Lankans comfortably at the SCG and now they were facing India for the second time in the series at historic MCG. 

On a batting friendly wicket Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat first. Gilchrist received an inside edge onto his pads from Sreesanth's fourth ball of the innings, and was mistakenly called out LBW. Following Hayden's 25 off 21 balls, Australia was reduced to 2/37 in 5.2 overs after he was caught at slip. Clarke was caught at short mid wicket after Ponting edged a defensive bat to slip. Symonds too nicked a ball, which wicketkeeper Dhoni expertly caught, and Haddin was out after being stumped by a wide delivery down the leg side. Australia's tail was now exposed as they sank to 6/92 after 25.5 overs. Lee survived 35 balls to help Hussey, but eventually he edged Pathan into first slip. For just 8 runs, Johnson, Bracken, and Clark were bowled out. Hussey remained unbeaten at 65. After 43.1 overs, Australia were bowled out for just 159 runs. Both from 9 overs, Sharma took 4/38 and Sreesanth took 3/31.

 The Aussies needed early wickets, but Tendulkar's early boundaries let India get off to a superb start. The fifth over of the Indian innings was an over to remember wherein Tendulkar scored 3 remarkable boundaries off Brett Lee. Lee was bowling fire and Tendulkar was dispatching it to the boundary at double speed.  Cricket at its very best. 

The poor umpiring continued in the game as Pathan was called out LBW despite the fact that replays showed he inside edged, putting India at 2-54 after 11.2 overs. Following the departure of Gambhir, Tendulkar, and Yuvraj Singh, India's position at 5-102 after 28.3 overs appeared precarious. Although Australia's bowling was accurate (Clark 1/26 from 10, Johnson 2/24 from 10), it proved difficult to defend such a small target. Under extreme circumstances, Rohit Sharma (39 from 61) and Dhoni (17 from 54) worked wonderfully together for a fantastic winning partnership. With five wickets and 25 more balls, India was able to get home.

To watch the 5th over of Indian Innings, Click Here.