Story Australian Int Season - RETIREMENT

[MWaugh]

Match Introduction - Coin Toss​

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FINAL​

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"I thought we batted superbly in the first innings of our last match and we were well on our way to a very strong showing passing 300. I think if we can make a positive start we will going a long way to winning this match. Its always a little bit tougher to chase in these big games, especially under lights."

Rahul Dravid
(Indian Captain)

"This pitch looks absolutly magnificent, I probably would have had a bat on here first up but we dont have any concerns chasing here. It looks like it will hold up quite easily for the full 100 overs so now we need to get our new ball bowlers to start well and hopefully continue from there."

Ricky Ponting
(Australian Captain)

 

[Brett_Lee]

Welcome back MWaugh. Nice to see you back in the stories forum. Cant wait for the VB (Commonwealth Bank ) Series final

 

[MWaugh]

Teams Prepare For Battle

Ricky Ponting has lead his side onto the MCG for the last time this Australian summer as they prepare for the start of the VB series final. Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken have been included to aid the bowling stocks while Phil Jacques has been given another chance at the top of the order to partner Adam Gilchrist. For the Indian lineup MM Patel has come into the side for Zaheer Khan.



Mahendra Dhoni and Virender Sehwag have also made their way to the middle of the MCG. Much of the focus will be on how India perform in yet another big match situation. There has been much publicity about their failures at the top level, particularly in the World Cup 2003 final where they were beaten by Australia in South Africa.

 

[mehkar]

great story mate keep it up I like the presentation

 

[surendar]

If McGrath picks Sachin early, Aussies have the more chance of winning! If Sachin gets rooted there, India have more chances..... Laxman n Yuvi are two others who might look dangerous

But its not easy for India to face Lee and McGrath that too in Australian conditions! Anyways Good Luck for both the teams!

 

[Punk_Sk8r]

Dont forget Gilly for the Aussie he can be as destrucktive as ever and Jaques is also a good ODI player!

 

[MWaugh]

Lee Sets Melbourne On Fire - India 1/0

Brett Lee brought the Melbourne crowd to their feet after just the first ball of the VB series final at the MCG with the crucial wicket of Mahendra Dhoni for a duck. Lee combined with Andrew Symonds at cover to as Dhoni mis-timed a cover drive as the devistating wicketkeeper batsman made his way back to the pavilion without scoring, India under pressure early at 1/0.

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The wicket brought back strong memories of Brett Lee's test debut, also at the MCG against India on Boxing day 1999. In his debut test, Lee took 5/47 and 2/31 as Australia won by 180 runs.

(Brett Lee in action during his debut test in 1999)​

 

[PhilD123]

Big wicket for Australia. Always risky for Dhoni to open, if Australia can grab a couple more here then they will be well on top. Fantastic presentation.

 

[gamerkid22]

Hoge blow for India ...Dhoni out for a duck ....now B.Lee will be on fire

 

[MWaugh]

Big wicket for Australia. Always risky for Dhoni to open, if Australia can grab a couple more here then they will be well on top. Fantastic presentation.

thanks for the comment. ive experimented with some real and in game pics using different tools (such as the brett lee pic there).

 

[surendar]

ive experimented with some real and in game pics using different tools (such as the brett lee pic there).

Lee's picture suited well mate.. Nice presentation!
As i told already, Lee n McGrath are not easy to face! If Sachin also goes quickly, Aussies wud feel like flyin in sky with joy!

 

[MWaugh]

Sehwag Settles India - India 1/47 (10)

After losing Mahendra Dhoni for a golden duck with the first ball of the game, Virender Sehwag has settled procedings for the tourists with 28 from 35 balls to bring India to 1/47 after 10 overs at the MCG. Sehwag has struck 5 boundaries in his innings while Sachin Tendulkar has contributed early with 14 from 24 balls. Brett Lee has shone for Australia infront of the big stage with 1/15 from 5 overs while Glenn McGrath has been expensive with 0/32 from his 5 overs.

Eyes will now be on the new man Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken to see if they continue to keep it tight against two of the strongest batsmen in the world.

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India 1/47 (10 Overs)
M. Dhoni 0 (1)
V. Sehwag 28* (35)
S. Tendulkar 14* (24)

B. Lee 0/15 (5)
G. McGrath 0/32 (5)

 

[surendar]

Not a bad start by India... Once again matured cricket from Sachin as he seems to be supporting Sehwag atm!

This pair is very vital now for Aussies!
Also nice effect of a real player pictre and game combination! :happy

 

[MWaugh]

Tait Starts Superbly - India 2/60

Shaun Tait continued to impress in his start to international one day cricket career as he picked up the crucial wicket of in form batsman Sachin Tendulkar for 25 to leave India at 2/60 in the 12th over of play. Tendulkar attempted to get on top of Tait in his first over by going inside out and hitting over cover but could only manage to mis-time the lofted drive straight into the hands of Glenn McGrath who was on the deep cover fence.

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[surendar]

Thats the huge blow for India! Dangerman gone! Good start by Tait!