Australia vs England 3^rd Ashes Test

India vs South Africa

So, Australia comprehensively won back the Ashes and showed why the 2005 loss was a blip. And India, after a harrowing ODI series in South Africa, suddenly found their “Big 5” together again (Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman, Sehwag and Ganguly), and more importantly a bowling attack that made South Africa hop in their own backyard – all of which lead to an astonishing first-ever test win on South African soil.

There was never any doubt about Australia’s superiority. After the Ashes loss, they’ve gone about demolishing every opponent that has come their way, and it is a pity that this England team is not really a worthy opponent on any count. The only truly worthy opponent Australia has had in tests in the last 5 years is India, and unfortunately since 2004-05, India went on a downward spiral it is finally showing signs of getting out of now.  

Sreesanth is the unlikely hero in this game, and the joie de vivre he was bursting with, seems to have spilt all over his team-mates. What else can explain VRV Singh’s “oye pan-cho!” hitting that spectacularly came off in the first innings? Or the stunning catching by the entire side, especially the seniors? Ganguly’s determination, which made him seem more focused than he has been for a long, long time, must have been either a cause or an effect, either of which is highly encouraging. With the “Big 5” back, and getting its groove back, it would be interesting to see whether maintain their intensity (as they did in Australia in 2003-04).

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand, a huge achievement by them, no doubt. It is bizarre that they don’t have a third deciding test in this series, so the series ended at 1-1.

Time will tell of course, but India and Australia are on course for a summit meeting not too long from now.

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