India Humble Australia by 23 Runs at MCG, Take T20I Series 2-0

A Fantastico result for Team India as they trounce Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in the second T20I by 23 runs and clinch the three match series 2-0 with one to play.

Australian captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl first. Australia handed debut's to as many as three players, Nathan Lyon, Andrew Tye and Scott Boland. Maxwell and Shaun Marsh also came in for Warner and Smith. India were unchanged.

India got off to a steady start by scoring 12 runs off the first three overs but then got into over-drive as 17 and 15 runs were scored in the 4th and 5th over bowled by Hastings and Faulkner respectively. By the 10th over India had raced along to 86 for no loss with both Rohit and Dhawan looking set for a big innings.

Dhawan got out reverse sweeping Maxwell but he had done his job by then. He scored 42 off 32 balls. Kohli came in and continued from where he had left in the last game. He cracked some audacious shots and was motoring along with Rohit. Rohit completed his 50 and was run out for 60 made off 47 balls. Dhoni came in at the fall of the wicket and he too began smashing it from the word go. By the time Dhoni got out in the final over, India were already 181. India would eventually finish on 184 for 3 with Kohli again playing a high impact innings off 60* of just 33 balls.

Australia started the run chase in a hurry as India leaked runs in the early stages. They reached 62-0 after 6 overs when Dhoni decided it was time for some spin.  In the very first over by Jadeja, Dhoni missed a relatively easy stumping chance of Marsh. On the other hand Finch was playing a blinder of an innings as he launched both Jadeja and Ashwin into the stands. He had reached 62 off just 33 balls and Australia were 89-0 off 9 overs.

Marsh got out to Ashwin in the tenth over, Pandya got rid of Lynn in the eleventh and then Yuvraj got the big fish Maxwell in the twelfth. The tide had turned in India's favour. Jadeja took a sensational return catch to dismiss Watson and Finch, who was struggling with a hamstring injury ran himself out in the next over for a well-made 74 off 48 balls. Australia still needed 59 off the last 4 overs and the Indian spinners were not going to let the Aussie lower order score that many. Australia could only muster 157-8 in their allocated 50 overs to hand India the match by 27 runs.

It has been a Fantastico turnaround for the Indian team after they were trounced 1-4 in the ODI series earlier this month. India had earlier won the first T20I by 37 runs at Adelaide. The third match of the series in on Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground!

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Cricket World Cup 2015 Match Preview - Australia Vs England

Australia Vs England, 14th February 2015 at Melbourne Cricket Ground

MCG will host the first match of the Australia leg of the World Cup 2015 between the two old rivals, hosts and 3 time World Champions Australia and the Father of Cricket England. Australia seems to be in a pink of health with almost all their key batsmen in form and all their bowlers bowling fast and furious. The return to full fitness of their astute captain Michael Clarke will be a shot in the arm for the Aussies as well (though he will miss the game against England)!

The heroes of the epic 2003 clash between Australia and England 

- Andy Bichel and Michael Bevan - 

after clinching victory from the jaws of defeat at Port Elizabeth in South Africa

Aaron Finch and David Warner will be looking to provide blistering starts at the top of the order. Shane Watson holds on to the much important number 3 spot though he has been in horrible form of late. It would be much better if Australia can draft in Mitch Marsh in at that place thus enabling them to play an extra bowler. The superb Steve Smith will be a thorn in the middle order and with the dependable George Bailey and the explosive madman Glenn 'Bigshow' Maxwell to follow, I expect Australia to rake up a big score. There is also the underrated Haddin and Mitch Marsh to wield the long handle at the end if required.

The bowling of the Aussies is also mightily strong with a rejuvenated Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc both bowling with pace and generating swing and bounce! The injury to Faulkner must hurt them at some point of time but they seem to have all bases covered with the young Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood and Mitch Marsh in the squad as well! There is also Xavier Dohorty but I expect that the Australians will rather not play him.

England seem to have shrugged off their old habits as well with a change at the top with their dour captain Alaistair Cook being replaced with the more dynamic Eoin Morgan. Moeen Ali is still a work in progress as far as his consistency is concerned but he is well equipped with all the shots and he will be partnered by the much improved Ian Bell. James Taylor has made the number three position his own with spunky performances in a short duration of time and Joe Root continues to impress and can pace his innings as per the condition of the match. They will be followed by Jos Buttler, a fine young batsman who can take the opposition bowlers to the cleaners in the slog overs. He will have the experienced Ravi Bopara for the big hitting at the back end though Bopara has been struggling to find his touch recently.

James Anderson is one of the finest bowlers going around in this game and he is supported by the ultra aggressive Stuart Broad who can be devastating on his day. Steve Finn is back after rediscovering his mojo and Chris Woakes has flowered into a dependable all rounder. They also have James Tredwell if they require some steady dose of spin.

Key Battles: Australia Vs England

Mitchell (Johnson and Starc) vs The English Top 3 of Moeen Ali, Ian Bell and James Taylor

James Anderson vs David Warner

Chris Woakes vs Glenn Maxwell

This match will give us an idea if England has really improved and how far can they progress in this World Cup. I really think that they have it in them to reach the semi finals at least but a big loss in the opening game can very easily see them return to the old habits of just going through the motions in limited overs cricket. Australia on the other hand will be supremely confident heading into the encounter knowing fully well that they are the ones holding all the aces. But home pressure can do some funny things and they will have to ensure that the crowd is right behind them from the beginning. Valentine’s Day may be celebrated on the 14^th of February but do not expect any love between these two proud sides, which of them comes out victorious in this 'Love of War' is all that remains to be seen.

What do you think will be the outcome of this match? Who will the key players?

Melbourne Calling

I reluctantly opened my eyes in my lavish hotel room situated in Melbourne. Four days had flown by as if only a few minutes had elapsed. It all seemed like one beautiful dream to me. There were still a couple of hours to go for the start of the final days play of the Boxing Day Test that was going on between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the 'G' as we cricket crazy fans call it!! Sunshine was filtering in through the blinds and I felt like reliving my past four days all over again. I closed my eyes.

Day 1

My first day in the beautiful city of Melbourne. The first time I had stepped on foreign soil. I made my way from the airport to the hotel that I had booked for myself. I quickly dumped my bags in the room and freshened up. Made my way to the reception and collected my Boxing Day Test Tickets from the dude behind the reception desk who said, "Good Day Sir but Australia will win!!" I thanked him for the tickets and replied, "Mate, we will see" and I walked off contemplating if the Indian team was as gung-ho as me about the result. I walked around and had a great breakfast in one of the many Cafe's that will catch your attention in Melbourne.

After filling up my tummy I caught a cab and made my way to the place where I was to take my Hot Air Balloon Flight. As the sun slowly rose, I too in the hot air balloon rose high up in the air. It was a thrilling experience to view the G from the sky. Another favorite of mine was witnessing the Eureka tower. Overall, viewing the city from high up there in a moving balloon was a once in the lifetime experience for me. It was a perfect start to my Melbourne trip and set my heart racing!

The Hot Air Balloon Ride over Melbourne

After the exhilarating ride, I made my way to the MCG. Ah!! What a place it was, I felt dwarfed as I stepped into the stadium. The toss was just minutes away as I found my seat. I was, luckily, in a part of the stadium where the Indian fans seemed more in number as compared to the Aussie supporters. The stadium was already brimming and it was intimidating to be there. As Clarke won the toss and elected to Bat first there was a deafening  roar of approval from the crowd. No wonder the Australians held the first match of the season here, the ground seemed like a Colosseum with the spectators baying for the visiting teams blood!! I settled in my seat and started enjoying the match. After an early wicket, the Indian bowlers toiled hard without any reward. Australia were 108/1 at lunch. It was fun interacting with a couple of Aussie fans (they are not as bad as they seem on the television!!!) and we shared quite a few stories on cricket. The remainder of the day also breezed by with the first day ending with Australia at 356/6. Michael Clarke had hit a sublime century and was unbeaten on 121.

Next up, in the evening, for me was the Eureka Sky Deck 88!! From the time I saw it from my morning hot air balloon I was itching to visit it. It was nearly dark as I reached there. I purchased my tickets and like a small child waited eagerly for my turn to ascend 88 floors! Finally I was up there, 88 floors up in the sky. The city shone like a newly wed bride in all its finest jewelery!! To step in the glass cube which slid out was a heart stopping moment. It was yet another unforgettable experience as the city of Melbourne was under me, my eyes craved for more. The neon lights buzzed in every direction creating myriad patterns. The views were just something which will stay in the mind for life.

The Eureka Skydeck

As I descended, my heart felt content at a day spent well. I was now looking forward to the second day.

Day 2

I decided to give the first session a miss as I knew it fully well that the Aussie tail will frustrate the Indians for an hour or so in all probability. I  have always been fascinated by aquariums since my childhood and I remember pestering my parents to take me to the Machlighar (Aquarium) situated in Mumbai. They would take me there at least two times a year and I would get immense joy at watching all those different fishes in all shapes, sizes and colors. Hence I was eagerly looking forward to my visit to the Melbourne Aquarium and it was probably the only thing that would have caused me miss cricket!!

The Melbourne Aquarium

I was amazed when I got there and I saw it all there. Sharks, Stingrays... I even took an underwater sojourn in the 360 degree Oceanarium!!! Yes, I swam with those menacing sharks and stingrays!!! The Melbourne Aquarium has won several awards and is one of the premier tourist destinations in Melbourne!! If not for the Cricket and a burning desire to watch Sachin bat at the G, I would have happily spent the whole day with the fishes!!!

When I reached The G finally, I got to know that the Aussie's had been bundled out for 439 with the tail indeed frustrating the Indians!! India were 25/1 when I took seat. Soon India lost another wicket and out strode Sachin. The moment had arrived, of which I had dreamed of all along. What a rousing welcome did the little master receive, what Indians and what Australians... 100,000 people rose as one to welcome Sachin to the crease!! A trademark straight drive got him going and He along with Pujara started to take total control of the proceedings. The day ended with India at 278/6, Sachin hitting a masterly 156. Rest of the batting though disappointed and the end was almost near in the first innings for the Indians.

The evening was spent loitering around the famous Federation Square. I saw some film shootings going on, a couple of live performances were being held and the whole place was buzzing with activity and energy. I grabbed a hot espresso and filled up my tummy with the delicious fare available in plenty at the square! Then came some shopping for family and friends. I had a wonderful time there, it was just so much fun.

Federation Square jam packed with people

The second day had also come to an end now and I headed to my hotel room, tired and eagerly wanting a rest but the mind was already dreaming of the third day!!

Day 3

I decided to start my third day with a Melbourne River Cruise. Stepping on to a boat and seeing the great city from the cruise was an altogether different experience then observing it from the ground. The beauty of the city seemed accentuated and we meandered through the Yarra River. Tall skyscrapers, bridges  and gardens made beautiful reflections in the calm water. The hour long cruise ended and it gave me a perfect start for my day.

The Cruise along the Yarra River

I then made my way towards the G again but today I had decided to see the National Sports Museum first. The National Sports Museum houses Australia's most comprehensive sporting collection, showcasing more than 3500 objects related to the greatest moments in Australian sporting history. It was fascinating to know about the sports rich country, Australia. The story of MCG made for an interesting session too. If its Australia sport cannot be far off, the people of Australia are of a naturally sporting attitude. This tour provided a rare glimpse into the golden sporting accomplishments of Australia.

National Sports Museum at MCG

I was back to watching cricket as the tea break beckoned. The Indians were shot for 321 earlier in the day and Australia were 86/4 in the second innings. The day ended with the Indians finally showing some spunk in the field as the Australians ended day three at 137/5. It was turning into a fascinating test match and I was feeling a bit guilty at missing chunks of action.

Nevertheless, I made my way towards Melbourne Zoo next!! Normally the Zoo closes at 5 pm but on special days it is open till 9.30 pm and today was one of the lucky days!! Visiting the Zoo is another one of my childhood fantasies. Hence I was looking forward to coming in contact with the wildlife. The best part about the Melbourne Zoo was that the animals are kept in landscaped settings. Rain forests which had tigers roaming, monkeys swinging from branch to branch and also koalas, platypus, kangaroos... There was even a Wild Sea section which had among other exhibits Victoria's iconic Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals.

Koala at the Melbourne Zoo

I had an absolute ball at the Zoo and then made my way towards the St Patrick's Cathedral. It was a place seeped in silence and absolute beauty. The tranquility of the place was like a soothing balm after 3 days of exhausting travel. The altar mosaics, spires, gargoyles and the exquisite brass items were the main things to look out for at the home of God!!

St Pats Cathedral

Before finally returning to my hotel room I visited the Flinders Street Station and stood under those clocks of the iconic Melbourne Station!!

Iconic Flinders Street Station

Day 4

With the Test Match standing at such a delicate situation, I was never ever going to miss the 4th day for anything else!! The day was a bit overcast and I hoped it would turn into a wonderful day for cricket as the day wore on with glorious sunshine bathing the G! The overnight not out Aussie batsmen, Mr. Cricket and Wade, took to the crease as the Indian fielders took their respective positions in the field. The first ball swung wildly down the leg side but it became clear that the clouds would help swing and seam movement and if the bowlers bowled with control then the rewards would automatically follow. The tussle between the bat and the ball was fascinating with the capacity crowd enjoying every little bit of it. After the first hour Australia were struggling at 177/8. They were soon bowled out for 185 which set up the match perfectly leaving India with a target of 303 with about 5 sessions remaining. Lunch was taken with India at 14/0.

By the time the post lunch session started the Sun decided it was time for him to watch some of the action as well. With the Sun on their backs, the Indian batsmen felt more comfortable and the pitch lost the zip and the venom it seemed to possess in the morning. Sehwag and Gambhir went about the job fairly untroubled other than on few rare occasions. Sehwag soon launched a full frontal attack and raced to his century in the session. The Indian score stood at 142/3 with Sachin and Kohli at the crease. Tea was taken.

MCG bathed in sunshine during the lunch interval

After tea the Indians were a lot more circumspect, it was only expected after the fall of Sehwag, with Sachin and Kohli both, only occasionally unfurling full blooded shots. As Kohli fell with the score on 199 and Raina once again was out fending ungainly at a vicious short ball from the rising Australian Pat Cummins, the score was 201/5. Out walked the Indian skipper Dhoni as he joined Sachin in the middle. The last recognized pair were now out and India were still 100 away from the target. The day finally ended with India at 228/7 with Sachin still available to take guard the next day.

It would be a cracker on the 5th day. India needed 75 to win a historic match while Aussie's required 3 more wickets to seal the match. Sachin stood like a rock between a victory and a defeat. I knew I would barely be able to sleep that day.

Day 5

"Why is he not up, yet? Yesterday night, he was jumping up and down about the match situation." I heard the faint voice of my Dad in the background. I jumped up with a start in horror. I just hoped and wished that I had not missed the last days play. It was 6.15 am as I quickly switched on the TV. I had actually got up at 4 am and then probably slept at around 5 am as there was still half an hour for the start of the 5th day. But what a dream I had just had!!! A dream in a dream!!

India were 259/8 with Sachin still holding fort. India were still 44 adrift. My Dad joined me as we watched the enthralling match unfold. Every dot ball was met with a sigh, every run with unbridled joy as we both put all our weight behind India. India finally won the cliffhanger by the skin of their teeth, by a solitary wicket. Sachin had silenced critics that he does not take India to victory often in big pressure matches. He was calm though amidst all the screams all around him... the helmet came off, grabbed a stump and looked upwards towards the sky while saying a silent prayer. I jumped in joy and there was a huge roar heard. Surely many people were watching the match within the confines of their homes. Sachin won the Man of the Match for making tons in both the innings.

I then narrated to my Dad the dream that I had dreamed of in my dream!!! I told him about my Australia adventure. He told me with a huge smile that maybe, the next time India play Australia at MCG on Boxing day, we might just plan a trip down under. He was serious as he said to me, ‘…it's your time to visit Melbourne NOW!’ I just gave him the widest smile I could muster, hugged him and replied, ‘…it's OUR time to visit Melbourne NOW!’

PS - The post is written for the '…it's your time to visit Melbourne NOW!' contest held at Indiblogger and sponsored by the good folks of Tourism Victoria. Check out all the attractions of Melbourne at - Visit Melbourne

PPS - All the images used in the post are taken from http://www.visitmelbourne.com/in

If you like my post you can vote for it here - Melbourne Calling

Fan Speak - 1st Test Match, India Vs Australia

We all have our views on how India played and what they should have done to fare better... All the introspection, ideas, thoughts just post the Boxing Day Test Between India Vs Australia at the MCG...

Here I am giving a few of those thoughts which fellow Indian bloggers have shared!!!

Abhi

Pitches down under are much different from the subcontinent, the batsmen need at least two to three weeks to get adjusted to it. Dravid, Sachin and Sehwag were able to bat well because of their experience. I was expecting a bit more from Laxman, though.

I admire Dravid because of his persistence. He is one guy who doesn't easily get affected whether it is aggressive bowling or the other batsman hitting fours and sixes, he plays his natural game and keeps the scoreboard ticking. That requires a lot of maturity.

Dhiraj Shenoy

Most important is to spend time in the middle with bat and not being to flashy, which our batsman failed to do. A few few of our batsmen are yet to get out of Catch (Giving) practice mode... Totally disappointed...

Santosh BS

Recollecting the humiliating losses we have suffered in Oz, I thought this was the best time to turn the tide, but unfortunately... not to be...When would we defeat Oz 4-0 or 5-0 in Oz? I would love to die that day after seeing that...

Arti

The way India's Experienced Batting line up collapsed twice Vs the Young Aussie bowling line up was just so disappointing to watch... Considering that Australia were without their top bowlers, to see this happening to our famed Batting line up was really sad...

But its a game, I hope that in the coming year, they can take the field with a positive frame of mind, come back with the cup and make us all proud.. Let's cheer them and hope for the best to come!

Leo (Vinay)

In cricket, losses are normal, and I'm not sad that we lost. It happens. It saddens me that having 145 overs at least, chasing down a target of 292 at just over 2 runs an over wasn't possible. I don't blame the bowlers, not a bit. Umesh Yadav especially impressed me, and I was sad that he didn't get the fiver he deserved in the second innings.Seeing the way the men in blue went about the chase, was appalling. Such high strike rates.. I was at one moment contemplating that it was aT20, seeing how Ashwin and Zaheer, even Sachin were hitting the shots. Virat for a golden duck??! But, even with MSD and Ashwin batting, I was hopeful of the recovery, but alas, not to be.

They (Aussie's) didn't win the match according to me, we handed to them the win on a platter. I pray for better result at the SCG, but they need composure in the fourth innings.. Changes are afoot perhaps, but I'd retain the same team. We played well in three innings, but lost it in the fourth when it mattered. That's it. No one player can be placed blame I feel.

STE-TSW

After watching the 1st match, I believe that this would be another white wash for India after England series. Lol, the match was in their pockets they just gave it.

Sankar

They spoilt a chance to win in the 1st test , maybe over confidence , hope they mend it and go in and win the next match...

Umesh Derebail

Basically Indians are slow starters on overseas tours going by the track record. I feel the media has to take off the pressure on Sachin for his 100th hundred and focus on winning Test series in Australia. Dravid seems to having vision problem according to me, both the innings he was bowled between the gates.  I am happy that Indian bowling has come up to the expectation.  Now the fabled batting prowess has to be exploited. I hope Laxman, Virat and Dhoni come to party. I am sure at Sydney it will be a better team, with the team keeping off from Media bytes, the bat has to do the talking after all. Good Luck guys...

DS

Most of these players went to Australia about 2 weeks earlier to get accustomed to the conditions, but they have failed. This is so irresponsible batting display. We lost the last 8 wickets for 62 in the first innings, that lost us the game... Also Virat has struggled big time on fast bouncy pitches, I think we can try Rohit... Or how about playing a 5th bowler instead of him and pushing Ashwin up, he batted well...

What are your views?? Add them in the comments section. The above Bloggers, if you too want to add anything more, do so in the comment section.