Wolrd cup : The Glorious Moment

The glorious moment for Indian cricket I witnessed last night. The statement was further justified when couple of South Africans mentioned ‘I am glad the Aussies are out of World Cup’. It’s the expression of joy when a team put up more than a brave fight and showed the exit doors of World cup to a team who dominated more than a decade in world cup.

It was 1996 (I was at school that time) I saw the so called minnows Srilankans who murdered the Australians in the world cup finals and ever since, the Oz team only grew stronger, became dominant. With the stalwarts like Ponting, Mcgrath, Warne, Gilchrist, Hayden etc., they formed their own empire in the world of cricket. They kept fetching all the records possible. They won every world cup they played after that. As the talent grew stronger and stronger, the attitude took a stroll and termed as the RUDE TEAM in the cricket field. Sledging, Controversies, Disciplines joined with their Cricketing talents. That’s when the superstars retired but not the teams attitude and fittingly, that’s when they started losing their pride.

The slide (to me) started when India won the CB Series during last time during India's tour of Australia. There was no luck factor, no hook n crook. It was 'best of 3' finals and India kick started the ‘Beginning of the end’. Sachin Tendulkar rubbed off the stupid superstition by scoring centuries in both matches and still made India lift the trophy with one of the histories most convincing win against Australia in Australia by any team in ODI format.

Later, the Aussies suffered poor crash defeat in Ashes against England which put the message across to the arrogant team that they are just as good as any other test teams.

Back to present, the Aussies started the world cup well staying un beaten until they met the most unpredictable super talented team called Pakistan. Crushed ruthlessly and their stint of 34 unbeated worlcup victories in a row ended. I have to mention that its shame on Ponting who clearly edged and waiting for umpires decision to force him out instead of walking out. Fittingly, Tendulkar only grow as a sports man (besides being top class player) by walking away when he nicked the ball that even replay cameras couldn’t spot.

Yesterday, the big stage was set. India (the favorites) but with lots of bowling and fielding issues to face the defending champions. I was taken by surprise to see the new look Indian team with their best bowling n fielding. Took regular wickets, stopped boundaries and batted with utmost responsibility as a team. End of the day, there was 2 people who were on their knees on the ground. Yuvraj, roaring at his loud best looking at the sky. Ponting, heads down forehead kissing the Indian soil for the last time in world cup.

I saw this funny comment on cricinfo.com at the end of the match

Passenger Announcement : Final call for passengers travelling to Non stop flight to Australian on Quantas Airways.

Disclaimer : This post is not to hurt the Australians but true emotions of Non Australian Cricket fan.