Points taken from SCG - boxing day test

The recently concluded second test match of India vs Australia raised a lot of questions on the umpiring skills, the Australian teams integrity and their spirit towards the game. We also got to see Ponting the Umpire declaring Ganguly out, a lot of decisions going against India, the racism appeal against Harbhajan Singh and India nearly pulling out of the tour. But amidst all this chaos there were a few noteworthy (if I may call it) performances in the game.



From the Australian perspective firstly Symonds getting to 150+ for the first time in his career (albeit a few decisions favoring him) , then there was Hussey who just need a chance to push his average more and more closer to the 100 mark again came up with a 150+ not out. And how can I miss out Hayden who’s just getting sweeter with his timings as age progresses. Some splendid bowling performances by Stuart Clarke and Brad Hogg to name a few.

On the Indian counterpart there was the ever reliable, zero controversial, not a huge turner of the ball - spinner, jumbo (as Kumble is popularly known) who is steadily inching towards the 600 wickets mark with just one short of it. And he has also shone with his bat in this game too. Well my friends now know that whenever I write about cricket one persons name has to be there, yes! Dada, he did contribute with his bit in this game too. And then the God himself Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar- I have never seen him as ecstatic as he was after reaching the three figure mark. It was certainly a moment to cherish – he raising both his hands towards the sky with his head held up... Given the fact that he was dismissed more that 7 times last year in the nervous nineties its quite understandable.




Now Hussey, Symonds and Tendulkars performance raises a question in my mind. All these players crossed the 150 mark but still in the records they will have just one more century against their name. Well what is the point of toiling in the heat to score the additional 50 ? My point here is once a batsman scores 150 he must be awarded one century and one 50, when he touches the double hundred mark he must be given 2 centuries against his name. Well doing this would certainly give him his rewards by improving his statistics and would certainly inspire him not to throw his wicket once he reaches a milestone. Think about it ?

All said and done, India has moved on with the series and it has a lot more exciting moments to offer. One more suggestion I had was to send Sreeshant to join the team at this point of time, given the existing rivalry he has with Hayden and Symonds it would just make the heat of the moment even hotter 

Now that Bucknor has been replaced with Billy lets hope we have a good game at the Oh! So Fast Perth. Good luck team India…

photos courtesy - cricinfo.com