Ross Taylor's fantastic century, featuring 16 fours and a handy strike rate of 65 and the heavy Rain were the highlights of the last day of what has been an entertaining tour of cricket in the three forms (i.e. Twenty20s, ODIs and Test Matches).
Aha! more drama. Rain stops play.
Just as New Zealand were 8 down, with only Chris Martin to come and had 50 + overs left to bat out, the rain appeared. No wonder New Zealand are so hard to beat at home. Not only do they have to persevere with New Zealand but also the rain gods. At times the rain can be frustrating for New Zealand as in either puts them at a disadvantage or removes New Zealand's commanding position. This time it worked a treat, preventing New Zealand from going down 2 - 0 in the test series against India. Instead, they lose the test series by a respectable 1 - 0.
Congratulations to India on a strong overseas performance against a side that they are traditionally weak against. Special mentions have to go to Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan and Harbarhjan Singh!! The team was well led by MS Dhoni, who incidentally "out-captained" the more experienced Daniel Vettori. The top order was very consistent throughout the test series, and the lower order did their part when necessary. Their bowlers used the conditions perfectly (even better than New Zealand did on New Zealand soil!) and took cheap and good wickets with consistent line and length. Zaheer Khan and Harbarhjan Singh completely tore the New Zealand batting line-up to shreds (bar the 2nd test), and they were well supported by Munaf Patel and Ishant Sharma. On the field they were a bit scrappy but brilliant at times, taking great slip catches. The way they dismantled New Zealand throughout test series just goes to show their red hot form and current domination with recent test series wins over Australia, Sri Lanka and England.
India are the real deal at the moment and it will take a "miracle" for any nation to stop them.
0 comments:
Post a Comment