Border Gavaskar Trophy, this time saw another repeat telecast of Indians outperforming Aussies in a breathtaking clash of the first test match at Mohali. Fortunately, it was Indians once again who held their nerves with a strong self belief & emerged out as deserving winners. Ponting must be wondering, whether Laxman would ever care to spare Aussie cricket team. When whole of the India was busy in finding out, where was Ram born (Babri Masjid case)?, Aussie cricket team was busy investigating, "Why was Laxman even born?" I reckon, Ponting & Co. must have found out the answer via Laxman's splendid innings that snatched away the match out of Aussies claw.
The match was a tale of twists, swinging like a pendulum between the two greats of test cricket. The first innings patient batting show of Shane Watson was really commendable & worth an applause. Ponting's patient knock added to the rhythm. In response to that, India once again flew with a splashing start with stylish opener, Virendra Sehwag knocking off balls to all the areas of the field. Unfortunately, he couldn't convert the start into really a big knock. But, the attack was continued by "THE MASTER" - Sachin Tendulkar, who unfortunately missed his 49th test century just by 2 runs. But his patient knock of 98 gave India, a much needed stability.
It was then that Indian bowlers rocked the stage and sent Aussies for a cheap score of 192, with Zaheer Khan showing some flamboyant reverse swings (8 wickets in all), thus receiving a target of 216 runs to be chased in the last innings. The score seemed quite low & achievable, but the pitch was totally not in a mood to be conducive even for this small target. The ball was turning sharply and to be very honest, the stage was set for a real photo finish.
Loosing Gambhir, Sehwag & Dravid cheaply opened the doors of victory for Aussies & they could smell the much needed lead in the test series. Tendulkar again tried to fight out the way and to stabilise the innings, but "Not everyday is Sunday" & so couldn't score more than 38. Loss of Tendulkar on 38, intensified the ray of winning hopes for Aussies. But, The Destiny had something else in store for Ponting and Co.. With more than 90 runs needed & Laxman with an injured back on crease along with a tail ender, Ishant, Ponting thought that winning is now mere a formality for their team. But, The two Indian warriors out there had something else at the back of their mind. The duo fought out the way with Laxman proving again that he is the biggest threat to Aussies, even more than "The Master Blaster" or "The Wall." Inspite of a back injury, he kept fooling around Aussie world-class pace bowlers around the ground and kept scoring runs at a good pace. Ishant too on the other side, displayed a phenomenal batting & temperamental display. He stood intact for more than 15 overs and scored valuable 31 runs with 5 boundaries, all of which would have been a sure-shot nightmares for the Ponting & Co.
Unfortunately, he couldn't finish the game and got out. The fierce contest also saw, always cool and calm Laxman, yelling at his new batting partner, Pragyan Ojha, who is his team mate in Hyderabad team & Deccan Chargers, as well. This clearly exemplifies the intensity of the fire inside Dhoni & Co. to win & to take a 1-0 lead in the test series. This urge to win, only acted as an appeaser to the Laxman's back ache, who stood out as a savior and guided the team to a historical & thrilling 1 wicket win over Aussies. The applause and the excitement was inevitable as soon as the ball went past the boundary, thus authenticating the Indian lead of 1-0 in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. This thrill could clearly be compared with that of "THE ASHES" or an "Indo - Pak" Series. Kudos to Indian Team & Hats Off to "The Unsung Hero" of Indian Cricket Team - "Very Very Special Laxman..!!" You really are Special..!!
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