3rd match is over too, and West Indies just couldn't pull one back, even though they had the match in their hands at stages more than one. Australia, in their first innings, were trotting after losing their first few wickets cheaply, but Symonds save the day for Australia once again. But, the hosts struggled to put up a decent score and fell 35 runs short of not a high Australian total. In second innings, the openers did what they were to do, build a great foundation for the innings, and they did that in great manner. Katich went on to make a big century and Australia put a daunting target of 475 , which would be a record, if chased.
A vision of that test between the same teams, in which Sarwan's cameo and duel was overshadowed by their famous run-chase; came before me. The chase started well with openers playing confidently, but captain Gayle fell when he was needed to stay. Then, Sarwan put up a good partnership with Xavier Marshall, but missed his 50. Marshall's brilliant 85 was ended by debutant Casson. Bravo and Chanderpaul carried WI's hopes to give them the victory. They did so for most of the remainder of the match. But, during the afternoon of last day, just a few minutes of lapse of concentration did them in. Casson consumed Bravo who defended the chinaman delivery, but pocketed it to silly point. Then, with the new ball, Clark got a ball to zip back into Chanderpaul to trap him lbw, and then on, it was a collapse. Australian bowlers stuck to a stiff line towards the end to wrap up the series 2-0. Lee was severe in attacking the batsmen's ribs. It paid off very late, though. Casson was expensive at times, but managed to get the big names before damage could rise sky high.
All in all, the overall series was good by Australia, the bowlers and batsmen did their job perfectly when it mattered the most. The new keeper did a good job behind the stumps. You may want him to be bit more chirpy like 'ol Gilly, but lets wait and see how Haddin transforms. Casson has to do more than that to fit into MacGill's shoes. The tour of India will be his test. Katich had a good tour, coming in for Hayden, but fears he may lose his place back to the big man hen he returns from his injury layoff. Now the series moves to the one-dayers, and that picnic called Twenty20. Until then, the two teams will have to put things together and the think-tanks will bring their head together to sketch plans for the ODI series. Only time will tell what is in store in that dramatic series to follow!
No comments:
Post a Comment