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That’s the way Aussies play the game
By Ranil Abeynaike
With so much of cricket going on around the world it is not difficult to forget that Bangladesh is playing against Australia. That’s exactly what happened to me two Sunday’s ago on day one of the first test.

Only when I got to the SSC Gym in the evening was I told that Bangledesh had gone beyond 350 runs for the loss of five wickets. My friend who gave me the score is anti Australian, which made me tell him that Australia would still win this game! I did feel confident about it too. They stumbled further after the home team made 427, to end the second day on 146 with half of the side back in the hut. What made it look worse was that at the time the pitch kept low and some deliveries spun sharply. Mentally demanding even for the best in the world!

Most of the Aussies had flown into Bangladesh directly after the gruelling tour of South Africa, where the cricket was tough. That was following an arduous home season too, where they entertained the West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Ricky Ponting’s men were a tired bunch both physically and mentally.

Unquestionably Bangladesh are playing better at home now. The experience of playing regularly against top class opposition is having its effects. They are playing with much more confidence in their back own yard.

Back to first test match. The change in conditions, both weather-wise and pitch wise was too difficult for even the battle hardened Australians to handle. Then came the turn around! The grit and determination to fight back from even the most impossible situation is the hallmark of an outstanding team.
Adam Gilchrist led the way. In recent times his form has not been too great. The team desperately needed him to perform that day. In exemplary fashion he cut out all risks and played each delivery according to its merit.

It was funny, in retrospect, listening to the panel of TV Commentators who were discussing topics such as, should Bangladesh enforce the follow on, what sort of target should they set Australia should they not enforce the follow on and bat again! A good case of counting chickens before they are hatched! Gilchrist scored nearly half the team’s total as with the tail assisting, the follow on was averted, the score went well beyond three hundred and the lead minimized.

The rest is history. Bangladesh collapsed under pressure in their second essay. Australia had to make 307 to win on a pitch which was assisting the bowlers. This time captain Ricky Ponting put his hand up to be out there until the winning run was scored. Who would have predicted an Australian win after the day one?! The drama continued into the second test. It was drama of a different nature as night watchman Jason Gillespie thumped a double century and records tumbled all around. It yet again underlined the fierce competitive nature of the Australians. Also, the self belief which is so very essential for success.

Bangladesh were unable to contain the stampeding Aussies now. The only consolation was going past three hundred runs in the second innings. They are more competitive as a unit but far from being consistent in over periods of time to be successful at test cricket.

After the initial two days, the Australian mapped out their playing stratergy. The batsmen kept coming on the front foot at much as possible and kept the pads out of the way of the ball. That was successful.

The bowlers bowled as straight as possible, with split field placings. They also had in out fielders for the spinners. The quick bowlers hit the deck hard and bowled in short spells, while the spinners really gave the ball a tweak and bowled off stump line. They only didn’t catch as well as they normally do!
That made them to come back in the first test and the performance in the second was a “Master Class” lesson on playing the game as a team, by the Australians. Something the Sri Lankan would do well to follow!

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