 History repeats itself as India halt Aussie juggernaut
19th Jan 2008 23:02 IST
Agencies
But before the enthralling triumph was a week of frustration, tension, drama, charges, counter-charges and finally a patch-up.
The match was preceded by a lot of off-field acrimony after the Sydney Test in which Australia registered their 16th consecutive win. But instead of being hailed for the victory, the Aussies were coping criticism for their alleged lack of sportsmanship and behaving like "schoolboys", as some said, for reporting Harbhajan for racist abuse.
The Indians, felt a large majority, had been robbed of a victory in Sydney by the crooked fingers of umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson. In fact so agitated were the Indians that they threatened to pull out of the tour if justice was not done.
It worked, and the ICC quickly swung into action removing Bucknor from the series and accepting an appeal from Harbhajan.
Anil Kumble and his opposite number Ricky Ponting did their bit to resolve the crisis by holding 'peace talks'. Ultimately better sense prevailed and the tour was back on track.
But the Indians had a point to prove. Kumble's men had to regroup and get their focus back on cricket and keep the series alive. The task was no stroll in the park as they were to take on a four-pronged Aussie pace attack at the dreaded WACA.
The visitors, however, were not to be intimidated and with a resolute skipper like Kumble guiding them, the Indians exposed that Ponting's side is as vulnerable as any other side in the world. |
