SWEET ENDING TO THE SEASON

     A SERIES WIN THAT DIDN'T COME EASY

     It couldn't have been a better finish to the grand home season as India emerged victorious by a 2-1 margin.After being hammered in Pune and conceding a decent amount of lead in Banglore, it must have taken a lot of mental courage and determination to wrestle the momentum back from Australia and eventually win the match.At 1-1,India went to Ranchi and scored 600 against Australia's 450 thanks to a brilliant 202 from Pujara but the Handscomb-Marsh partnership in the 2nd innings eluded the victory.With all the momentum with them,India played nearly a perfect game at Dharamsala on a spicy pitch under stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane. The exhibition of fast bowling put on display by Umesh Yadav was heartening to see for Indian fans.

     As far as Australia is concerned,there were many positives.I think both the spinners exceeded the expectations.They have found two future stars in Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb. But Steven Smith just looks a class apart,he seems to have come from another planet.Indians just ran out of plans and ideas to get him out.Things he is doing are unprecedented and he is definitely beyond just a contemporary great.     For India,fast bowlers bowling their hearts out was the most pleasing thing to see. Kohli not scoring runs meant that every other batsman had to contribute and they didn't disappoint,Pujara and Rahul had a great series and so did Wriddhiman Saha. Jadeja was supposed to assist Ashwin but the roles were reversed this time around as Jadeja ended up being the highest wicket taker in the series.It was a sweet ending to the grand home season     Very few gave Australia a chance before the series started.Everybody was predicting 4-0 whitewash but Steven Smith and his boys gave India a reality check as Indians were made to fight for every run and every wicket.Many believe that this series reminded them of the historic 2001 series and many have labelled this as the best series since the 2005 ashes.All one can say is the game of cricket was the winner at the end of it all.......

                                                                                                                               -Gandhar Sathe🙂