The Serve

Australia beaten in straight sets

For the second consecutive season, Australia’s high-flying one day cricketers were sent packing from the one-day tri-series finals in two games, losing to India by 9 runs in the second final in Brisbane.

Chasing 259, Australia’s top order delivered what has now become a trademark early collapse, leaving the hosts reeling at 3 for 32.
Matt Hayden’s 55 as well as strong performances from the middle order kept Australia in the contest, however tight bowling and a steady flow of wickets maintained India’s advantage.

James Hopes had the chance to be the hero, however his 63 wasn’t enough to force a deciding match. Hopes was the last man dismissed, miscuing to mid-wicket when the hosts needed 10 off three balls.

Medium pacer Praveen Kumar scored the man of the match award, taking 4 for 46, including the first three batsman. Kumar superbly covered for the absence of the injured Ishant Sharma.

Leading the celebrations was Harbhajan Singh, the face of a troubled summer. His bowling at the death was superb, stopping the Australian flow. With Hopes gathering momentum, Australia reduced the equation to 36 runs off 30 balls, until Harbhajan suffocated the Australian all-rounder with full, quick off spinners spearing into the stumps.

Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar steered India to a respectable target with a measured 91.

The innings is likely to be his last in Australia.