Does it really matter ?

The Boxing day match started well for India, a couple of early wickets then the usual 'walkabout' by the bowlers, only to return to the MCG with a few quick wickets. They wrapped it up with efficacy, that was alien to India's bowling machine that is soon becoming a repeat act. India started batting well, Gambhir looked out of touch, but Viru & Rahul set about the task in their own ways, Viru bludgeoning the bowlers, Rahul being obdurate as only he can be. He is such a poster boy for test cricket. Sachin joined in and blazed away before settling down to a more test cricketish rate of scoring. India ended the day well placed for a lead of 150+, knowing all too well that the first hour's play would be extremely crucial.

Australia pulverize India in the first session to take a vital 51 run lead. India hit back fabulously with Yadav rattling the Aussie top order. At 27/4, Australia needed to counter attack, and that is exactly what Ponting & Hussey did, and did it with such class. Then Zaheer got Ponting against the run of play, to a lazy shot and Haddin to a poke outside off . And India were back in the game. Oz ended the day 230 runs ahead and 2 wickets in hand. India had to finish off the tail quickly the next morning. With Hussey still around, India could ill afford any lapses.

Hussey & Pattinson started off well. Hussey got a brute of delivery from Zaheer, a great delivery to end a great knock. Zaheer dropped Pattinson's mistimed hook and from then every run was another nail in the coffin for India. Ishant finished off the tail, but it seemed late. India started their chase carefully, but then the capitulation began. It was shameful, the way the batsmen went about the chase, no spine at all. Yes, "Spineless" is the only way to describe it. The Aussie bowlers did a great job of obliterating 'the best batting lineup in he world', with sustained hostility and consistent line.

India started the series with a decent chance of winning their first series in Australia. As tings stand now, they will have to fight to stand a chance of drawing it. The bowling did their job very well, the batting has to deliver. The middle order looked agile, almost non-existent. Dhoni's form is a cause for worry, and Virat looked very uncomfortable. Ashwin continues to impress, with his bowling & batting. The pacers were the one big plus for India in this test. Their fitness is key to India's success.

Just one more, statistic before I go, this is India' 5th consecutive overseas loss. Four in England & now at MCG.

Come on boys, show some heart & deliver at the SCG.