By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2020-12-29 03:49:50
It was a well-deserved victory for the Indians in the second Test when they beat the Australians by 8 wickets on the fourth morning. Although the old problem of lack of killer instinct in getting the opposition tailenders out quickly once again reared its head when the Indian allowed the Aussies tail to wag for close to three hours, perhaps all's well that ends well. India also has a problem at the top with both Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara suspect against the moving ball. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, is a real find and looks composed.
Throughout this Test, the Indian team showed a steely resolve of not letting the Australians get a grip on the match. It was amusing to see the Australians on the back foot. Their cockiness vanished on the second day as Rahane batted solidly to put India in command. The usually chirpy blokes went silent and watched the batting master class.
But it was the brilliant captaincy and the wonderful performance of the Indian bowlers that won the match. The way the bowlers bowled to a plan and did not allow too many liberties to the Aussie batsmen showed that the Indian team had done its homework well. They had studied the weaknesses of the batsmen and lured them into traps in both innings.
Rahane, usually a silent type, showed how responsibility makes one a changed man. He is a great leader of men and gets things done without being overbearing or imposing himself in a loud way. He has a certain way and people would listen to him for that. It is good that India discovered these qualities by chance.
The series has opened up well and the remaining two Tests will be keenly contested. The Aussies will come back hard, especially Steve Smith who must be yearning to get back into runs. The other batsmen will also try to figure out how the Indians are getting the better of them. The Australians are not used to the situation where they do not have enough runs on the board to give their bowlers the edge to beat the opposition. They will try to set this right in the next two matches. Be prepared for exciting cricket.