Saturday, January 5, 2008

Day 10 - A gem to behold

The trip has been worth it. Everyone's hero - Sachin - scored a ton. And what a brilliant one it was. It was a privilage to watch this innings at the ground. Thank you Sachin. In fact, it was so good, we watched the 2 hour highlight package on TV later in the evening.

Strokeful yet controlled. Aggressive yet staunch in defense.Cheeky yet straight out of the copybook. He also played an instrumental role in goading Bhajji to a bashful 60 and thus overhauling Australia's massive total. His celebration when he got to his 100 was a sight to behold. A befittingly resounding standing ovation from the 30,000 people at the SCG providing the soundtrack to what was a spectacular visual feast. It was like a film where the comedian (in this case Bhajji), cuts into that emotionally packed moment like a pesky fly and gives Sachin the biggest hug since Munnabhai's "jaadu ki jhappi" (magic hug).

Bhajji played his own brand of cricket. Starting off as if we was ploughing his fields in Punjab, but then settling in to blast crucial runs.

With 2 days to go, this is anyone's test. Australia could come out and score some quick runs and put India in by the end of the day. Bhajji and Kumble could have them in a web and have them all out for 200. Or it could rain (which is in the weather forecast for the next 2 days).

This promises to be a cracker and a great climax to a great trip.

One last noteworthy point. We're in this test match because of the old guard - Sachin, Saurav, Rahul and Laxman. Yuvi and Dhoni have scored all of 30 runs between them on the tour so far. But they've gotta come good. And soon.

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