Sachin's Everest

Yesterday, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, in Uppal, Hyderabad experienced first hand one of the best One Day Internationals ever. I would even go as far as saying the best One Day International match had India won, but despite a valiant knock by Tendulkar, India fell agonizingly 3 runs short [scorecard].


Yesterday's match would forever be remembered as the match when Sachin Tendulkar finally climbed the summit of 17,000 runs that he had created for himself. This is one Everest that probably will never ever be scaled. This is definitely the epitome the great man's achievement. The little mater who had done little so far proved yet again his masterly class. Congrats Sachin on yet another milestone.


Signs looked ominous as Sachin pulled a terrific catch in the outfield as the Australian's set India a target of 351. Seeing Sachin advance onto the the front foot first ball was a good sign, but never would I have thought of the innings he played yesterday. Sachin bought back memories of old as he drove, cut and pulled the Australian pacers. His six of Watson which he pulled was one of the many highlights of Sachin in his best. His foot work against the spinners was magnificent and he took a liking towards Hauritz as he had done before to a blonde Victorian years before. His straight sixes against Hauritz surely emphasized the class and temperament of Sachin. His 175 surely personified the saying, 'Class is permanent, form is temporary.' It was only fitting that he was awarded the player of the match for his amazing knock that consisted of big hitting, subtle touch, flamboyance and the masterly class of Sachin. Sachin once again mersmerised the world, as he had done for the past 20 years.


But Sachin's innings also brought vivid memories of the Indian team of the 90's, where Sachin alone more often than not played solos and breath taking innings in losing causes. Sachin probably endured as much heartbreak as never before as he single handily chased 351 falling just 3 short. This was only clearly seen in Sachin's face when he, with the target in sight, got out triggering yet another Indian collapse. Only Raina played and gave the maestro any support, as the Indian top order in Dhoni, Yuvraj, and Gambhir fell meekly.


India in yet another close match would be disappointed with their efforts on the field. Their fielding was atrocious as they dropped opportunities and failed to support the bowlers. The bowling sans Harbhajan was also another wreck as the lines and length the bowlers adopted were all run giving. Full tosses, leg stump line, and short and wide were the highlights of the Indian bowling.

The match was truly dominated in the first half by the Australian's as they posted a mammoth 350 runs asking India to chase it's highest ever in Indian soil. Australia rode on the backs of hefty contributions from Shaun Marsh, Shane Watson, and Cameron White. I always wondered why a talented player like Marsh was still not a regular in the Australian squad. Seeing him in the first season of the IPL, he truly emerged as one of the most talented players. He doesn't lack the skill or talent that he has gracefully inherited from his father Geoff Marsh, but rather the self belief that he can excel at the highest level. But yesterday I was in for a treat as I saw Shaun play his best ODI innings till now. He took time to settle down, but the way he made up for his slow start later clearly shows his distinct class. I personally feel that Marsh has a long long way to go with all his talent and promise.


Another Australian hero in recent times has been Shane Watson. I have been tremendously impressed by his work ethic and his will to crawl back into the national side after having his share of disappointments with injuries. Watson is one of the few who revel having given responsibility. He adores opening the batting and his attacking style is well suited for the powerplays. His bowling speed has suffered, but that is only understandable due to injuries. His bowling is effective and Watson is capable of getting wickets while containing. In other words, Watson is a better all-rounder and I would not be surprised to see him up to the standards of Flintoff and Kallis soon. India would so dearly love to have a player like Watson.

In the end, the evening witnessed a tremendous match of cricket, that truly deserved no loser as cricket emerged triumphant. India have work to do as they try to catch up with the Australians and level the series. The Australian's and the Indian's would now be vary of the little giant that has finally awoke.

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Posted in: Australia,cricket,Harbhajan,Hauritz,India,ODI,Raina,S. Marsh,Sachin Tendulkar,Shane Warne,Shane Watson