{Photos: Courtesy Cricinfo.com}
player of the series - Brett Lee 
Gilly bids Adieu
Well 4th test ended in a draw but not without generating some interest during India's second innings. That goes to show, how soon Aussies can turn things around. Had Sehwag's catch being taken, it would have been a different story. But they themselves have to blame for that. They were sloppy (not at all Aussie standard) in the whole series. Nevertheless Australia retained the Border Gavaskar trophy. Here is my take on the 4th match.
- Both the teams played safe/negative cricket in their first innings.
- We don't know Australia that scores 3 runs per over for the whole innings.
- Australia missed a golden chance by dropping Sehwag's catch.
- Harbhajan had a disastrous match. Never looked threatening.
- Sachin's century was the best of the match.
- Sad to see Gilly retire.
Probably a more lively pitch would have made a real game out of it. There was nothing much for the bowlers. Pick of the bowlers were Lee and Ishant. They showed how to bowl on a dead rubber. Spin department of both the teams failed.
As for the series, it was a well fought series and a lot of positives and negatives came out for both the teams. I think Australia showed signs of slump. They were not as lethal as they used to be with Warne and McGrath. They don't have a world class spinner. Their back up pacers are not good enough to support Lee. They have to improve or shall I say concentrate on catching. Also they should get prepared for Hayden's retirement. Should look for good openers soon. These chunks were well exploited by Indians.
As for the series, it was a well fought series and a lot of positives and negatives came out for both the teams. I think Australia showed signs of slump. They were not as lethal as they used to be with Warne and McGrath. They don't have a world class spinner. Their back up pacers are not good enough to support Lee. They have to improve or shall I say concentrate on catching. Also they should get prepared for Hayden's retirement. Should look for good openers soon. These chunks were well exploited by Indians.
Veeru's Ton helped India save the match
Ishant Sharma - Not just fast but talent too.
After being written off by most, Indians displayed a refreshing variety of cricket. Their bowlers looked capable of taking 20 wickets and their batsman showed class. Specially, Sachin . Laxman proved to be a better batsman against Aussies on Aussie soil. For me, pick of the tour was Ishant. I have not seen any Indian bowling his heart out like this. He earned good respect from all. Specially from Australian greats. I heard them saying good things about him. I wish him good luck for future. Sehwag proved to be a match winner/saver again. You can't have such a talent sitting on bench for years. I hope he continues to play in future and shows more control over his innings like he did in Adelaide. He has to believe that he can make big scores, even by playing a solid and safe cricket. India has to pick good spinners and think about future. Kumble and Bhajji are not going to stay forever. Rahul's confidence has to come back. Sourav has to think beyond. Its time for him to say a graceful good buy and contribute to Indian cricket in other ways. Lets hope this healthy rivalry stays there forever between two teams.
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