The SquizLog

Well Played India

It was always going to be, as some cricket commentators are given to saying, "a tough ask." Set a target of 413 to win, Australia were 2/65 at the end of the third day with Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey at the crease.

My assessment was that Ponting and Hussey had to both score hundreds to give the Aussies any chance of achieving a record 17th successive Test victory. Ponting was certainly due. Hussey was capable but had only scored one century in his five previous innings in the series, below par for him.

As it turned out, Ponting and Hussey both fell in the 40s and, despite a valiant 81 from Michael Clarke and an entertaining 73 run 9th wicket partnership between Mitchell Johnson (50 not out) and Stuart Clark, Australia fell 72 runs short.

After India had the rough end of too many poor umpiring decisions in Sydney, I have to say I was pleased for them. I admire their resilience. Well played India!