Australia’s depth and Bumrah’s injury gives home team Border-Gavaskar trophy after a decade.
India show vulnerability against Boland and loss of Bumrah.
– BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Australia rode the rollercoaster of fierce competition, spiteful behaviour and a series highlighted by controversies to wrest back the Border-Gavaskar series at the Pink Test at a packed SCG.
It’s been ten years since Australia tasted success against the Indians, and victory was never sweeter on a day dedicated to the Jane McGrath Foundation whose generated funds has been extended to all Cancer sufferers from only Breast Cancer initially.
Record funds and a record turnout added to the success of the tense battle between two of the world’s best teams, and the balance in the scales tipped in Australia’s favour when Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah was sidelined with a groin strain.
Bumrah would definitely have had a say in Australia’s run chase if he bowled, after a dominant tour where he was nearly unplayable.
Australia chased down the target of 162 without too much trouble with Bumrah out of the action.
India were gallant in the fierce series defeat especially after the injury crisis and the controversies surrounding on field decisions. The stepping down by skipper Rohit Sharma for the Sydney Test due to his lack of form with the bat was revolutionary and certainly added to the drama.
Australia’s win though hard -fought and comprehensive, was the ultimate test of resolve by two determined combatants and the difference was minimal, giving fans in Australia a memorable Summer of cricket. From my perspective, outside the Ashes, nothing in the current game compares with an Australia- India epic.
It will also be remembered for the unravelling depth in Australian cricket when a visibly overawed debutante Nathan McSweeny, was dropped as he failed to negotiate Bumrah at the top of Australia’s batting, and the opportunity presented itself to emerging upstart Sam Konstas. The 19-year- old made a half century and established a cult following by the Australian public with his onfield antics and brazen strokeplay.
Injury to Josh Hazelwood would in many ways have been the good luck charm Australia needed as his replacement, Scott Boland proved. The seasoned swing bowler proved to be the catalyst with superb line and control to dismantle India’s strong batting. His 10-for in Sydney was the ultimate difference in the series decider.
Mitchell Marsh was the next to be axed, and Beau Webster, made his recall a distant possibility when he scored an important half century in his first dig then followed it with a knock of 39 not out, including the winning hit.
India let their guard slip before this tour losing 0-3 to New Zealand at home. Winning here or drawing the series was crucial to the chances of making the World Test Championship final in England. South Africa have made it and Australia abounds after they cemented their place.
It takes out the Australian selectors quandary about the composition of the squad to tour Sri Lanka where the result would have had an impact on whether they could scramble into the Test Championship final. Obviously it’s a good situation to be in . But horses for courses will determine the final contingent and whether they get it right in subcontinental conditions.
As for Sri Lanka it was a campaign that ended, so close and yet so far. They were a chance to make the final for most of it, but self destructed ending fifth.
Either way, focussing on overcoming the Proteas is now Australia’s overall vision going forward.
