As I sit here writing on the day of one of the historic test wins recorded by India, my mind wanders through the stories I have heard of people crazy about cricket in India. Not surprisingly, I too have a strong feeling when it comes to cricket. Infact, that is what India is all about. Just hours ago, I was surfing through the TV channels when I came across the report of Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang won a CWG gold for India in trap-shooting. Fortunately or unfortunately, it was quickly followed up by India's sensational victory over the Aussies in the 1st test of the BORDER-GAVASKAR trophy.
Much hype surrounded the Australia tour of India. It was obvious. India-Australia matches have given rise to several controversies in the recent past. Many were against this series as it came during the time of the much-awaited CWG. However, the series did commence and no one would have expected a resulted of a game where both teams scored over 400 in their first innings.
Nail-biting stuff it was!!!
Since I am having hols, I was following this test match earnestly. After the Aussies were dismissed for a paltry total of 192 in their second innings and India needing a mere 216 to win, I thought the match was in our kitty, keeping in mind the fact we had more than a day of cricket left. However, the Aussies never let go of things easily and this was one such instance. By the end of the fourth day, India had lost 4 of it's wickets. This promised not only a fantastic final day but also more number of people turning up in the stadium.
I regretted having overslept, because by the time I woke up, Zaheer was back in the hut. And then, what did I witness? The little master getting out in a fashion that everybody would have little dreamt of!!! With Dhoni falling for a spectacular bit of fielding and Harbhajan getiing back a little too early, I did give up hopes of India winning the match. In the end, it was the Very Very Special LAXMAN who stood tall, despite a back spasm! Ishant Sharma too joined in- a man who everyone thought little would save India's face. Putting up a heroic show, Ishant departed immediately after the drinks break during the post-lunch session. That was the end of it all everybody thought. So did I. With Pragyan Ojha as his partner, one could have a rare sight of Laxman- very very animated. Fortune favours the brave, they say. It did. With quite a few misfields, a decision going India's way and an overthrow, India were finally home. The last few minutes of the game had people on the edge of their seats!! What could have been a huge defeat(India were 124/8 at one stage) or a fantastic tie, turned out to be one of the great victories in the history of Indian cricket!!
Not only has this game resulted in finding a new batsman-of-sorts in Ishant Sharma, it will prove instumental in drawing people back to the stadiums for test cricket, in this age of T20 and ODI cricket. As for me, it has once again rekindled that lost love for cricket. It had been ages since I had witnessed such a thriller of a game. Yes. I was indeed involved in the game today, venting my rage at each dismissal and appreciating each crafty boundary. This game did take India-Australia cricket to the next level.
The consequences are quite obvious, I think. With such a cracker of a game to begin with, people will be asking for more in the upcoming matches. Once again, the people who were interested in following CWG for the reason it is being held in India, will change channels and end up watching cricket. Cricket- a game of glorious uncertainties- will never lose its audience.
Does that mean other sports shall receive a step-motherly treatment in India? That is a question that needs to be answered.
akshay
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