Symonds centre of attention again
Andrew Symonds would prefer to play his cricket without the unnecessary drama of alleged racial taunts and ongoing battles with the opposition, but there’s little doubting it has added steel to his game, with another match winning performance in the 6th one dayer against India in Nagpur clinching the series.
Symonds made a stunning 107 not out off 88 balls. Despite the heady strike rate, it was an innings of patience. It had to be, given Australia’s precarious position at 3/102 when he arrived. The big Queenslander was dropped on 2, before compiling his fourth consecutive score of 50+. His century would be Symonds’ sixth in ODI’s.
Symonds, who struck 9 fours and 4 sixes, was assisted by Brad Haddin (25 off 53) and James Hopes (39 off 30), after Ricky Ponting (49 off 44) and Adam Gilchrist (51 off 47) made their contributions.
The Australians score of 8/317 was always formidable, but never enough to completely shut the home side out on a good batting pitch.
India’s start was perfect. Saurav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar blazed Australia’s quicks, consistently staying with the required run rate. The partnership lasted 25 overs, with Tendulkar stumped off medium pacer James Hopes for 72(72).
The home side was 1/140.
Irfan Pathan’s 29 off as many balls would soon be forgotten, if not for his ding dong verbal battle with Symonds. At one point, Australian captain Ricky Ponting felt compelled to pull Pathan away and calm the situation down. The two appeared to share a laugh as the sting went out of the confrontation.
The Indians slumped from 1/189 to 5/218. Brad Hogg removing all four batsmen in an inspired spell. The West Australian leggie finished with 4/49(10).
The home side weren’t done though, with Mahendra Dhoni and Robin Uthappa charging at the target. They came together with 100 needed off 57 balls. When Uthappa (44 off 28) was caught by Hopes off Mitchell Johnson, India needed 28 off 11 balls. Johnson then delivered five dot balls for a superb maiden.
Game over.
Australia clinches the series 4-1 with one to play. In fairness, it could easily be 6-nil. The opening game washout looked a likely Australian win, while the loss was by a mere eight runs.
Subscribe to The Serve by Email
No comments yet.