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India leads the way to neutralising Aussie power
After many series played in Australia in recent years finally a team has managed to bring them down onto their knees. The cricket witnessed was positive and attractive. Both teams contributed to the absorbing contest.

Australia returned from India triumphant in the one-day tri nation contests that also included New Zealand. They lost the first game to the hosts then in typical fashion won the rest including the final. It underlined the strength in their reserves and the ability to adjust quickly to foreign conditions. Such an important aspect in the modern game.

Naturally India was hesitant in the beginning. The pace and bounce on those pitches can be nerve racking. Again the adjustment has to be made quickly. Sourav Gangully led the way in the opening game. V.V.S. Lakshman continued his good form of recent months.

The Brisbane pitch did not offer steep bounce for the pace-men as it often does. In fact the conditions were as good as any. India played their last home series against New Zealand on pitches that had reasonable pace and some lateral movement. It was good preparation, good practice for the batsmen. Far more productive than coming after playing on slow turning surfaces.

Throughout the series the Indian batting stood the test. They lost one test and the batting did fail in the second innings. That had to be accepted in a four-test rubber.

Even the debutant Akesh Chopra played his role. He was not intimidated or hurried uncomfortably to execute his strokes. Virender Schewag was murderous when in full cry. He blasted that leather ball in amazing fashion.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Rahul Dravid was the calming influence. He has always come good when the going is tough. This is why he is rated world class. He was adjudged "Man of the Series" and richly deserved it. A great honor to forge ahead of the likes of Waugh, Ponting, Heyden, Lee, Gangully, Tendulkar, Kumble. Dravid has inched his way to be amongst the bracket of batsmen in world-class cricket.

Anil Kumble bowled consistently throughout the series and kept improving with every game. Spinners mature with age and it is certainly the case with the tall leg spinner. Now the senior citizen in the Indian line-up, Kumble can tie-up in excess of forty overs in a test innings and reap rewards as well. That is the league of Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

India have two chinks in their line-up. There is a question mark on the young wicket keeper. No doubt he is very talented and a very confident character. But does India not have a more experienced individual to don the keeping gloves amongst the one billion population! Even a short break might help. To go back to domestic cricket and digest all what he has learnt and then come back as a more complete package.

Ajith Agarkar was adequate with the new ball. He did nothing sensational other than complete the spells he was called to deliver. Should he be able to add on a couple of yards of pace and improve on his accuracy by twenty percent then the attack is complete. It is very possible.

The Indians could well consider this performance as a victory. Australia were expected to sweep them aside. Steve Waugh was expected to end his illustrious career on a high note. Full marks to Sourav Gangully's team. They now have a unit blended with youth and experience. Most have established a spot in the team and left their own mark. They are definitely a team that is on the rise.

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