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Vics vs India: Tame Draw

Friday, November 28 2003

The Indian's had there first chance to warm up on their long, hot tour of Australia with a three day game against the talented Victorian Bushrangers.

On the first day, the small but vocal crowd witnessed an entertaining day's cricket. After sufferring an early setback, India's Sachin Tendulkar provided entertainment with extravagant drives and pulls to get the crowd fired up.

Tendulkar posted 80, and along with the solid Sadagoppan Ramesh (87) and the gutsy Parthiv Patel (52*), India posted a small total of 9/266 declared. For the Vics, Cameron White picked up four wickets, and Inness picked up four including the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

On the second day at the MCG, Victoria piled on the runs and piled on the pressure as the full strength Indian side was made to look amateurish by the stylish and brutal Victorian batsman, Brad Hodge.

Hodge hammered anything wide, short or even slightly overpitched to the fence. Hodge dispatched the bowling of Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, along with the inexperienced bowling of Lakshmipathy Balaji. At the end of day two, Victoria were in a commanding position, with Hodge not out on a 153.

Day three began, and Hodge continued where he left off. Domination was the strategy on day three and all Indian bowlers from part timers to specialists were arrogantly dispatched to the boundary time and time again.

Hodge bought up his double century, and then in no time brought up his 250 which surpassed his highest score and the highest score by an Australian against India in a FC game. Hodge finished up with 264, finally being dismissed by Virender Sehwag. Victoria finished up with a massive 8/518 declared.

India, in their second innings were content just to get some batting practice. A blemish occured however, when Sehwag was dismissed for 20. Chopra and Ramesh continued their solid batting, as the inform Ramesh looked good once again as he played cautiously with a hint of aggression.

Akash Chopra, who missed out on the first innings proved to the selectors why he is on this trip. Chopra's fine technique allowed him to combat the short ball and the overpitched ball with ease. Chopra registered a 55 not out, which most likely registers his place in the squad for the first test.

The match meandered into an expected draw, and the Indian's will have much to think about in regards to their bowling and abysmal fielding standards. Victoria and Bradley Hodge can be very proud of themselves and their effort here in this match.

The first test between Australia and India starts on December 4 at the GABBA in Brisbane.

Posted by Sangrah