Sydney -an advertisement of Test cricket

Yesterday saw the incredible and seemingly improbable close to one of the finest test matches that you could choose to begin a decade with .A decade where the young upstart format has challenged the intermediate format of ODI’s already.

The New Year’s test started on a cloudy and gloomy note as the rain sprayed the first two sessions and Ponting was inviting criticism when he chose to bat first on such a pitch in such conditions. The Pakistani attack performed admirably and within no time, the aussies were folded up for a mere 127.I woke up a little late and dreary eyed, I opened the television to see Pakistan at 0/14 and I surmised that it must have rained and had a late start .But then I registered what havoc Asif,Sami and Gul had wrecked on a waning Aussie batting line up .The next day saw typical Australian grit that restricted the Pakistanis to lead of just over 200.The third day ,now christened the Jane McGrath day witnessed Australians climb back and finally ending with a lead of 80 with just two wickets remaining .Fourth day came and history beckoned for Pakistan, first test victory over Australia since in over 15 years. But Hussey brilliantly shepherded the tailenders especially Peter Siddle en route to a chanceless century that more than doubled their lead and set up 176 as the target.

In effect, on all four days, it was Pakistan’s test for the taking. All through Australia were playing catch up and catch up they did and astonishingly overtook the opponents when the time came .Pak rolled over to just 139.So chasing in Sydney is difficult as Ricky Ponting had thought at the toss on day one. In a sense it was the bowlers won it for Australia, with their tail wagging and inspiring and supremely confident spells. Special mention for Brad Haddin for that stupendous catch down the leg side that started the downside. Australians are lucky to have had keepers like Healy, Gilchrist and now Haddin over the last two decades. They continue to eke out victories despite having lost half a dozen legends over the last 3-4 years.

This Sydney test follows last year’s test against South Africa which was yet another last day nail-biter ,preceded of course by the acrimonious but brilliant Test against India in 2008.If anything, the Sydney Cricket Ground with out fail produces a true sporting wicket ,every time that guarantees cricket of thrilling nature and most of the times of highest quality.

It was a wonderful advertisement of the truest form of the sport and a delight for neutral like me, but I am neutral for all matches whether India play or not .Kudos, the best ground in the world- SCG!!!