Brisbane Test the last in the series was synonymous to Brisbane Heat, the local team. The heat was on before the test with loud messages “change venue”, “don’t come” and “come to Gabba”. The message was clear that Gabba was up for grab.
Fans waited desperately to know Team XI. Team India fans did not spare Ravi Shastri, Vikram Rathore and Bharat Arun in their fantasy XI sorry to the spate of the injuries. Aussies team had a feel of pain due to failures of openers throughout the series and no wonder an injury situation in their camp as well.
Brisbane bang started with Natarajan and Shardul receiving their Team India cap. Natarajan delivered three yorkers in a series to create history (ODI, T20 and TEST). The formidable bowling attack of Aussies Vs bold inexperience bowling attack was underway and joyful sleepless nights begin for the fans.
Aussies were clear favourites with a three decades unbeatable streak.
Day 1 - Smith-Labuschagne choreography was in full swing until Nattu did swing back the fortunes of India picking wickets of both the stars.
Day 2 - Boldness prevailed with some good bowling from the inexperienced, almost empty wicket kitty bowling attack of Team India. The talent did shine through their “Bold” attack. Bumrah was missed but boom boom was still there among the Indian attack.
Day 3 - “Belief” lesson in Test Cricket was taught by Shardul and Sundar. Shardul shard Aussies attack and Sundar lived up to his name sundar (beauty in Hindi).
The last chapter of the Team India success story was already drafted at the end of day 3. Team India performance was much bigger without a need for magnifying glasses (for a good change) than the anticipation of the Brisbane test result.
Day 4 - The surge of Siraj and can-do Shardul painted the picture. All set for a nice culmination point for the test series with another day 5 climax and this time hands itching to lift Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Day 5 - Woke up from a short sleep to see 446 messages in my WhatsApp group at 4:26 am. It was a good Signal (though I could have said sign. Signal means something). 😀
The series started with headlines as “Adelaide 36ers”....cricket legends writing off Team India with one sided predictions ...Rahane donning the captain’s cap with Michael Jackson’s message in Melbourne “Man in the Mirror - Make the change”. Team responded to it and history created with B&B (Bold and Belief) away from home. Team evolved through the series to Virat’s “New India” phenomenon.
Here is a poem on Test Cricket to end:
Bold are the players wickets
Belief are the players runs
Manager scores
Support Staff cheers
Audience applaud
Test Cricket the winner
Spirit of World Test Cricket Triumph
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