A memorable Kiwi tour..

India won the Test series 1-0 to complete their most successful tour outside the sub-continent for quite some time now. And though the weather Gods denied them a victory, the team and the fans are still more than happy from the showing. India lost only the T20 matches and their domination was complete in both the series that followed.
The third match began on a very positive note for India as MS Dhoni returned from an injury to captain the side. After being put into bat, India started off decently but then could not stitch some long partnerships and at one stage were really in trouble at 204/6. However Dhoni batted well with the tail and the rub of green also went India’s way with Bhajji’s edges finding boundaries more often than not. However Bhajji also showed some sense of purpose and resolve to stay at the crease to make a useful 60. Zaheer also batted well for his 33 and so did the rest of the tailenders. At the end of Day 1, India were 375/9 and NZ had easily frittered away the advantage that they had at one stage. India were all out for 379 as Day 2 commenced. NZ batsmen were now expected to put up a really brave show if they were to harbour any hopes of squaring the series. However, some wonderful swing bowling by Zaheer and some lack of application of NZ batsmen were on display as the NZ first innings folded on Day 2 itself. It was some terrible batting and some equally good bowling as the Kiwis lost the plot miserably and handed India a substantial lead of 182 runs. Zaheer bowled beautifully for his 5 wickets and so did Bhajji for his 3. India again went in to bat and though they lost Sehwag early, they were still in a very comfortable position at the end of Day 2. The next day saw a familiar display of batting by the Indian batsmen as they looked to shut the doors for the Kiwis. Dravid batted well for his 60 and so did Laxman for his 62, though Sachin had a rare failure. The day however undoubtedly belonged to Gautam Gambhir who made people stand and notice his extra-ordinary batting skills. While he saved the last test match with his gritty knock, this knock was perfectly tailored to the situation and he made sure that India is going to bat NZ out of this game. At the close of Day 3, India held a massive lead of 531 runs and convential wisdom would have suggested that India declared. However Dhoni decided to bat for some more time on Day 4 and the Kiwis were asked to chase a target of 617. The Kiwis started cautiously, lost some wickets then and finished the day at 167/4. With three sessions to bat, some moderate batsmen to come and a very good bowling attack, Kiwis were all set to loose but fate had other plans. Due to persistent rain in the post lunch session, play had to be called off and Kiwis could manage a draw.
Dhoni’s timing of declaration is now a subject of debate though this is now a matter of trivial importance as India won the series and the outcome of the match was not vital unless India lost. Well, Dhoni did not do the right thing by delaying the declaration but there was plenty of time on offer so, he may have been a bit casual. Despite this, Indian fielders were in a bit of holiday mode on Day 5 and that may have affected the outcome as well. India won the series 1-0 in the end and completed a memorable tour to NZ, something that will remain a benchmark for years to come.

The positives that emerged from this tour are very very encouraging. Firstly, the successes especially in the Test series were a collective effort. The opening stand was not particularly good but Gambhir showed the way. Sehwag did not use his brain at all in the series and therefore had a very ordinary one. However, the middle order fired on a regular basis as Dravid made a statement after some indifferent scores last year. Laxman also batted very well and Sachin Tendulkar just looked like getting younger. Yuvraj, though did not do justice to his talent, nor was he able to stake a claim as a Test batsman. From bowling point of view, the picture is pretty rosy. Zaheer looks like a hunter who is looking for a prey all the time while Ishant was tidy. It was his first tour to NZ and some experience is always going to help the youngster. Munaf had a far better approach than he had in ODIs and played an ideal third seamer. Bhajji bowled beautifully and did not let the absence of Anil Kumble to be felt. It is not easy to fill the void that has been created by Jumbo’s retirement but Bhajji did well to finish as the highest wicket taker from either side with a tally of 16 wickets. Dravid also made the world record for the highest number of catches and I have all the praise for this person who has held some beautiful catches in the slips to help the Indian cause. Gambhir was the best choice for the Man of the Series trophy because he announced his arrival to the opening slot in test cricket in this series only with two contrasting centuries.
Indian team lived to its full potential and therefore pocketed both the series. The action now shifts to the IPL and I would be covering only a few matches of the same (as if I am a cricinfo reporter :)). Let’s hope that the action continues and there is some really good cricket to be watched (on Set Max) and to be read (where else but right here :))
Good bye guys ! Thanks for reading and commenting…
See you soon !!