A proud day for Australia
A proud day for Australia.
The 5th and Final Day of the 2nd Test between Australia and India. With Australia posting a huge score in the 1st Innings, a score of 463, with Andrew Symonds getting Australia back on track. Australia were in real trouble being 5/113 before Andrew Symonds came to the crease. Adam Gilchrist couldn't trouble the scorers either only making 7, and in came Bradley Hogg.
Hogg never making a Test 50 before, played some wonderful shots. Timed the ball beautifully out of the middle of the bat, and his some exellent boundaries.
He and Symonds put on a team boosting partnership. Brad Hogg went out for 79 after hitting 10 boundaries in his Innings. Andrew Symonds was very watchful at the start of his Innings. But then let loose when Brett Lee came to the crease.
The Right arm quick bowler for Australia, made 59, a very handy one for Australia. That was Lee's 4th Test Half Century.
Young Mitchell Johnson came to the crease after the wicket of Lee, and he scored quickly. 28 runs from 29 balls, including 5 boundaries was a great sign for Australia.
Loooking knocked out in the 1st Innings, Australia fought hard, thanks to Symonds and the tail end to post a total score of 463.
India, after a very poor start to the Series, in Melbourne, came out and looked poor again. Jaffer was slow in his start, and only getting 3 runs before he was sent back to the pavillion by Lee who bowled superbly.
The Innings was set up by VVS Laxman who made a Test Century. 109 from the number 3 batsmen was a highlight of his career. 18 Boundaries to go with the 109 he made, which was his 12th Test 100.
But he was outshined by Sachin Tendulkar. A veteran of the game, and arguably one of the best batsmen ever, made another Test Century at the SCG. Sachin loves playing at the SCG, and it might of been the last time he'll play on this ground, so he was making the most of the oppourtunity. Sachin made 154 and being not out at the end of the Indian Innings, who posted a total of 532 for Australia to rise to the challenege.
The Last 2 days of the Series would turn out to be a cracker. Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey gave Australia a commanding lead coming into the last day with both Hayden and Hussey making centuries in the 2nd Innings. Hayden 123, and Hussey 145 turned the game towards the Australian's. Ponting had to declare, to try and win this Test Match. So all things came down to the Indian batting line-up.
There weren't many standouts by the Indian's this time around. Just alot of good starts, but nothing to get really excited about. It was a long afternoon of cricket. Play didn't really finish until about 7 o'clock Sydney time.
It was a close finish to the Test.
India were only 10 minutes away from the close of play. They needed to survive 10 minutes to make it a draw and have it being only 1-0 down to the Aussies going into the Perth Test. Australia needed 3 wickets in 10 minutes to win the match, and it was looking highly unlickely. Ricky Ponting decided to give the ball to Michael Clarke who said he was on Punter's back to give him a ball all afternoon. Ponting didn't rush into anything. Michael Clarke provided something Australian quick bowlers couldn't. And that was quick Wickets. Harbajan Singh was his 1st man to go. Hussey took a wonderful catch and Clarke had his 1st. The next ball, he pitched a ball to RP Singh, and caught him infront of his stumps, umpire raises the finger, and Clarke had 2 in a row. Australia needing one wicket now to win the match. Clarke was going for a hatrick. The next ball was a dot ball. Nothing came from that ball. Clarke came in for the next ball and the 19 year old from India, went for the shot. Edged the ball to Michael Hussey who was at 1st slip. GAME OVER. Australia win a thriller. Australia win by 122 runs. "Michael Clarke has the Golden Touch."
By Roofrom50
Comments and Critisim wanted. thanks