Points victory to Australia

Australia will come out of the first test in Bengaluru feeling confident, following the rave reviews in the press around the world that predicted India would thump the world number one team this series. While this only the first of four tests, both teams gained plenty of knowledge of the other to take into the remaining games.

Australia probably came off best in this encounter. They batted first and they made 430 (Albeit slowly and patiently) thanks to centuries from Ponting, who looked in excellent touch, and Hussey, who looked impossible to get out and completely comfortable during his stay at the crease.

India’s reply started well, then went horrendously wrong as they lost quick wickets to some clever bowling. Johnson, under pressure to keep his spot, justified his promise with four wickets. But any chance Australia had of winning the test was snuffed out in the decisive moment of the test. It seemed clear that India had no chance of winning the test, but what Australia did next was cost themselves any chance of winning.

The partnership between Zaheer and Harbajan turned out to be crucial, if either had fallen early, Australia would have won. The 80 runs and plenty of minutes they contributed allowed India time to save the match. And despite an aggressive declaration from Ponting, India played out the time for a draw.

Both teams have a lot to think about. Australia did not get a sturdy opening partnership in either innings, although they will feel pleased about Simon Katich’s contributions. And Michael Clarke also failed in both innings, to each seamer. Brad Haddin proved a good fighter and Shane Watson showed his batting ability.

Australia’s bowling requires some thought. Lee bowled fine but didn’t pick up wickets his talent deserves. Clark struggled at times, and White, although accurate, is not going to be able to take wickets with his limited arsenal. Johnson was the pick of the quicks, but all the bowlers need to take action considering they were unable to dislodge Zaheer and Harbajan, neither of whom are considered credible batsmen.

India have many problems to address, the main one is Kumble. His bowling, 51 overs for 160 with no wickets, belied a man not in good form and certainly not in good condition considering he is carrying an injury. His captaincy was dull and flat, with no real imagination, and he was unable to really motivate his team.

The bonus India probably didn’t expect was the class of seamers Sharma and Khan, both who were excellent in the conditions. This should make the selectors consider bringing Munaf Patel into the side and give Harbajan the lone spinner role. The captaincy should be passed onto either Dhoni or Sehwag, who are the best candidates. Sehwag would be my choice.

Their batsmen were average at best. Gambhir allowed himself to be tied down to easily, and Sehwag’s penchant for aggression was exploited well by the Australians. The famed middle order had moderate returns, although they all passed 40 once in the test. Dhoni was humbled by Michael Clarke of all bowlers, and may sound alarm bells considering his test batting credentials.

India will have taken note on what they did wrong and will be looking to come out firing in the next test, while Australia will be quietly confident they got the better of this draw, and will now have the concern of whether Stuart Clark will be fit for the next test.