Story [coach2007] Friendship series: Australia in India (Aus lead 1-0, India 580/8 d2 T2)

[Left_Hander]

I doubt that there would be a friendship series but this is really well presented. Shame that Ponting isn't in the squad, he would demoralise the Indian side. It would be better if it was three tests just to make it seem more of a series that way.

 

[freddiw]

awesome work so far witgh all pre series builld up KUTGW

 

[gutterman]

good story so far keep it up

 

[harishankar]

I doubt that there would be a friendship series but this is really well presented. Shame that Ponting isn't in the squad, he would demoralise the Indian side. It would be better if it was three tests just to make it seem more of a series that way.

The reason why Ponting is not there in the squad is quite strange actually -- because Cricket Coach refuses to select him and I don't know how to select both sides

Thanks all... more updates coming soon.

 

[gutterman]

can't wait for updates

 

[harishankar]

1st Test - Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Welcome to the first Test between Australia and India in this wonderful Friendship Series. Australia arrived here the day before yesterday and had a prolonged Net session because of the lack of practice games for this Tour.

Out there in the middle, we have Ravi Shastri who'll give us the weather and pitch Report. Over to you, Ravi...

Harsha, the atmosphere here for the 1st Test match is unbelievable. The stadium is jam-packed and already, the noise level is electrifying.

The weather - it's a hot, sunny day and it's going to be hard, hard work for the players, especially the fielding side. Temperatures will stay between the mid to high 30s.

The Pitch is absolute belter and should stay that way for a couple of days. But already there is spin in this track, so expect more on days 3, 4 and 5 as the wear and tear occurs. All in all, this wicket is tailormade for the Indian spinners. It will be slow turn, but there is enough encouragement all round. Run-making won't be easy later on in this game, so I say, win the toss and bat first.

Thanks Ravi... Now, the two teams have announced their 11 for the match and here it is:

INDIA:

1. Wasim Jaffer
2. Gautham Gambhir
3. Rahul Dravid
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. VVS Laxman
6. Sourav Ganguly
7. MS Dhoni (w)
   
8. Anil Kumble (C)
   
9. Murali Karthik
10. Zaheer Khan
11. RP Singh

AUSTRALIA:

1. C. Rogers
2. P. Jaques
3. M. Hussey (C)
   
4. S. Katich
5. M. Clarke
6. S. Watson
7. A. Gilchrist (w)
8. Brett Lee
9. Brad Hogg
10. S. Clark
11. S. Tait

Match Officials
Aleem Dar from Pakistan
Billy Doctrove from West Indies
Third Umpire: Suresh Shastri from India
Match Referee: Chris Broad from England

Toss: INDIA won the toss and elected to Bat

Anil, it was the obvious decision to bat first, isn't it?

Yes, it is a good wicket to bat on and I expect to score a big total.

Disappointed at having lost the toss, Mike?

No... We just have to bowl disciplined lines and lengths and be patient and hopefully we can have a bit of success. The key is to restrict India and then maybe we can get the batsmen to make mistakes.

Well, there you have it... it's now back to you in the studios, Harsha.

 

[mattfb]

Nice update. This is a great idea for as story and is looking really good

 

[harishankar]

Thanks Matt.

 

[freddiw]

awesome work cant wait to see if this really will be 'friendly'
or will the race rows kick back in

 

[harishankar]

End of Day 1 - India slump on a good wicket - Laxman rescues innings somewhat

Summary on day 1

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Batting - 1st Innings

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Bowling - 1st Innings

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The Indian batting has once again failed on a day when all things looked great for them. Most batsmen threw away the start they got, but once again the delightful bat of VVS Laxman tormented the Aussies as India put up a late stand between Laxman and Zaheer Khan to rescue the innings somewhat...

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Laxman's century was peppered with delightful strokes both all round the wicket as he showed his class once again at his happy hunting ground, Eden Gardens, against his favourite opponents...

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Australian pacer Shaun Tait worked hard on a difficult pitch to get a 4 wicket haul, breaking the back of the Indian top order while Brad Hogg provided good support. Brett Lee had an indifferent spell today.

The Australians will be looking to wrap up the Indian tail for as little as possible tomorrow.

 

[freddiw]

not too badder score.....sad to see sachin fail
but good 4 dravid and laxman

well bowled Tait and hogg solid play
and lee was the only dissapointment

good work and keep it up

 

[Roofrom50]

Tait and Hogg both bowled brilliantly. Goood stuff mate, liking your work

 

[harishankar]

Heroes of the Day with Shaz and Waz

Ravi Shastri and Wasim Akram analyze the best performances of the day.

Shaz: Great day of cricket, Waz. What was the best of the day we've seen so far?
Waz: Obviously Laxman's century and Shaun Tait's 4 wicket haul, Shaz.
Shaz: Laxman never ceases to amaze me with his timing. The thing about his innings is that it's such a delight to watch, isn't it?
Waz: Yes, Shaz, Laxman's always been a great player to watch and the timing he gets on slow wickets like this is amazing... and let's not forget Jaffer's crucial knock at the top of the order and Dravid's scintillating cameo.
Shaz: And what about Shaun Tait? He never fails to impress me every time I see him. He's got pace and aggression and even on flat wickets, he really troubles batsmen.
Waz: If you want to be a great fast bowler, that's exactly what you've got to do, Shaz. You need a big heart. Like me... Also, don't forget Brad Hogg's effort. He bowled beautifully and most Indian batsmen just seem flummoxed by his wrong one.
Shaz: Yes, lots to look forward to, come day 2... The game is nicely balanced at this stage...
Waz: Advantage Australia. If they bat well tomorrow, they can take the game away from India. India lost far too many wickets today. They need at least 400 on this wicket.
Shaz: Thanks, Waz. Should be an interesting contest then... we'll be back on day 2. Till then, bye!

 

[gamerkid22]

No that good batting by India considering the fact that Tait is too fast to bat against but they have themselves in a good position in this match. Laxman played a very very special innings once again against the Aussies. Sad to see Ganguly getting out for a duck but i was surprised to see Dravid scoring over a run-a-ball.

Nice concept, nice presentation and nice start to the story KUTGW

 

[harishankar]

End of Day 2 - Australia grind India's bowlers and take control on Day 2

Summary on Day 2

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India 1st Innings scorecard

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Australia Bowling 1st Innings

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Australia Batting 1st Innings

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India Bowling 1st Innings

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Shaun Tait completed his 5-wicket haul and helped dismiss India for a relatively low total of 344 after a spirited rearguard action by Zaheer Khan.

But India's bowlers toiled hard on a day when Chris Rogers scored a magnificent century. He proved to be a thorn in the flesh for the Indians as the Australians ground the Indian attack into dust. Scoring at a hefty rate, the Aussies took full control of the match at the end of day 2, needing just 12 runs to overhaul the Indian 1st Innings total with 5 wickets in hand. Zaheer Khan had an unimpressive spell while Kumble and Karthik worked hard to get the Indians back with a few late strikes.

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Rogers played a magnificent hand in ensuring that the Aussies dominated day 2. His down-the-ground strokemaking was fantastic as the Indian attack was pounded into dust for most part of the day. RP Singh coming back for a late spell after Tea, dismissed him which will be a relief for India.

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India will be desperately looking forward to getting the Aussies out cheaply on day 3 to ensure that their lead doesn't grow too big.