The three-month long tour Down Under could not have ended on a better note for India. An incredible 2-0 win over the World Champions in the CB series marks the young Indian team’s announcement in world cricket as a force to reckon with.
After bagging the first final in Sydney, India beat the Aussies by nine runs at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday. Chasing 259 to square the series, Australia were bundled out for 249 with two balls to spare. As the hosts crumbled under the tremendous pressure exerted by India, James Hopes stood tall with 63 off 80 balls. Hopes held the fort from one end and came up with big shots as the all-rounder batted resolutely with the tail. But his efforts could not take Australia home as he was the last man to fall for the hosts to give India a historic win at the Gabba.
After Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds revived Aussie fortunes, Hopes along with Mike Hussey took Australia close to the target with a 76-run stand. But once Hussey was dismissed by S Sreesanth for 44, the hosts had a daunting task on hand.
Hopes batted bravely with Brett Lee (seven), Mitchell Johnson (eight) and Nathan Bracken (one) but in vain.
Earlier, Praveen Kumar once again rattled Australia by removing the top three Aussie batsmen in quick time. Adam Gilchrist was the first casualty of Praveen’s super spell as the southpaw edged the third ball of the innings to MS Dhoni for two.
After bagging the first final in Sydney, India beat the Aussies by nine runs at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday. Chasing 259 to square the series, Australia were bundled out for 249 with two balls to spare. As the hosts crumbled under the tremendous pressure exerted by India, James Hopes stood tall with 63 off 80 balls. Hopes held the fort from one end and came up with big shots as the all-rounder batted resolutely with the tail. But his efforts could not take Australia home as he was the last man to fall for the hosts to give India a historic win at the Gabba.
After Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds revived Aussie fortunes, Hopes along with Mike Hussey took Australia close to the target with a 76-run stand. But once Hussey was dismissed by S Sreesanth for 44, the hosts had a daunting task on hand.
Hopes batted bravely with Brett Lee (seven), Mitchell Johnson (eight) and Nathan Bracken (one) but in vain.
Earlier, Praveen Kumar once again rattled Australia by removing the top three Aussie batsmen in quick time. Adam Gilchrist was the first casualty of Praveen’s super spell as the southpaw edged the third ball of the innings to MS Dhoni for two.
