How Team India beat Australia in Chennai
It was not just skipper MS Dhoni, it was not just R Ashwin, it was not just Virat Kohli, it was Team India that turned up at the Chepauk to thrash Australia. Everybody chipped in with crucial performances but players like Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay will hope that they raise their levels a tad bit more further in the series.
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It was not just skipper MS Dhoni, it was not just R Ashwin, it was not just Virat Kohli, it was Team India that turned up at the Chepauk to thrash Australia. Everybody chipped in with crucial performances but players like Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay will hope that they raise their levels a tad bit more further in the series. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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All began with Australia starting brightly on Day 1 after winning the toss and batting first. Dhoni too wanted to bat first on a dry surface. R Ashwin had other ideas though and took the first six wickets in Australia's first innings to give India a massive advantage. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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Michael Clarke though, continued to lead from the front. His 130 along with debutant Moises Henriques' 68 helped Australia comeback and put up a decent 380. On a crumbling pitch though, Australia would ideally have wanted more top-order batsmen to fire. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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All the batsmen probably took cue from that partnership and played a nice mix of attacking + defensive game. Virat Kohli and Sachin took the game back to Aussies. Their 128-run stand brought India back into the game. Match turning knock was to follow though. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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When Kohli was dismissed, India was still adrift of Australia's score by 56 runs. MS Dhoni, who had counter punched under pressure, took it upon himself to give India the upper hand. His 224 was not just dominating but also almost chanceless. The runs came off 265 balls and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ably supported with 38 off 97 balls. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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For Australia, James Pattinson seemed a lone warrior and that probably hurt them a lot. Clarke and team administration made the same error as England did, by not playing another spinner. Chances are that Xavier Doherty will definitely play in Hyderabad. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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Another major factor was the lack of form of Shane Watson. He is not eligible to bowl but his batting did not come to the fore. Australia would have to delve deep and probably open with him and Warner in remaining matches. Cowan has looked decent but Watson is possibly more suited to open in these conditions. (Photo credit: BCCI)
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India were always going to try and spin Australia out despite the plan backfiring against England. The pitch assisted the spinners but Ashwin was particularly brilliant with Bhajji and Jadeja chipping in. Indian batsmen, especially Dhoni, too helped their bowlers by setting up a huge score. (Photo credit: BCCI)
