And I oblige, it’s been a very good test but not of the highest standards. There have been a lot of positives but also lots of negatives for both teams through the course of the match.
India’s attack is as strong as it has been since Kumble’s retirement and Harbhajan’s subsequent loss of form. Having watched Yadav both in Ranji and Test cricket, it’s fair to say he has far more credentials than Aaron to warrant a place in the team and it’s mind numbing how Irfan Farthan was even considered for this tour as a possible selection. Virat Coolie’s a waste of a place in the test team and I was bloody sure before his innings that Ishant Karma would outscore him, only for him to play a sh!te shot and helped his Delhi teammate by not outscoring him. Rohit Sharma, Rahane (Sharma averages 60 and Rahane near 70 in Ranji cricket) and Pujara (though completely out of form). Sharma is also in very good form at the moment.
As for Australia, Justin Langer is an overpaid thunderqunt. I haven’t seen any improvement in a single Australian batsman bar Siddle since he took over, and the vast majority have apparently regressed. I heard that Inverarity is looking at the youngsters’ performances (or non performances) and Marsh and Warner, who was great against the Sheep but sh!te in this match, may well be the victims when Watson comes back and if Ed Moowan scores well. The bowling is, as expected, in a good place. Ben Milfenhaus deserved his 5 and seems much better than last year and Koo Stark isn’t likely to come back any time soon. Darren Pattinson’s slightly better brother has been a champ so far and it would be great to see him go to the counties and further his game. Kudos to Mr Snickit for a good albeit a bit lucky innings in the second dig.
As for the DRS, this match has been a good advertisement for the DRS. I’m not 100% about ball tracking but otherwise (IR cameras and what not), the technology could be in place. The two decisions that went against Australia were definitely not awful (Mr Snickit and Moo) but could definitely have been overturned if the DRS had been in place. Just as the case with the stone dead lbw decision against Ponting that the umpire did not give out. If both teams get on with the game and don’t whinge about bad decisions or the DRS, or lack of, the series will be played in good spirit. The no ball rule could also be changed, maybe revert to the backfoot law but definitely should go to the 3rd umpire for consideration.
One more wicket and Australia should win this. As I write this sentence Lax man loses his mind and flicks to square leg. Another problem with the no ball, should it be implemented only on wicket balls? India vs West Indies anyone? Coolie golden duck, he's worth his spot in the team for the Australians.
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