5 memorable Indian ODI performances in Australia over the years
Ravi Shastri's finest hour came during the World Championship of Cricket in 1985With the arrival of 2016, one of cricket's most talked-about rivalries will be renewed when India lock horns with an in-form Australian side. While the latter does seem to be clear favourites despite missing some key players, the former has more than a point to prove to its detractors. For beleaguered captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, nothing less than a series win will relieve the immense pressure that he has been fighting for long. Perhaps a new-look side will help in restoring fans' faith in the leader. And of course, there is history to borrow from. India's spirited performances in the World Championship of Cricket over thirty years ago is still the stuff of cricketing folklore - and current team director Ravi Shastri would remember it vividly. The current crop of cricketers will also recall the deeds done by the 2008 side, helmed by the incumbent skipper, against the backdrop of an ill-tempered Test tourney.Chosen for this reminiscence are five instances where India have dominated in Van Diemen's land, and not just against the home team. The board is set. The pieces are ready to move. History beckons.
#1 Sachin Tendulkar (117 vs Australia, Sydney - March 2008)
The entire Monkeygate affair had left a sour taste in everyone’s mouths during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Driven by a need to erase the injustice meted out to them, the Men in Blue delivered a set of impressive performances in the ODI leg. They squared off against the hosts in the first of three finals at Sydney, and Ricky Ponting’s pre-game comments about his side not having to play all of these matches fired them up even more.
Sachin Tendulkar chose exactly that game for his response. He batted like a man possessed – power, precision and placement evident in his shot selection. Starting off with a resolute half-century opening stand with Robin Uthappa, he weathered the loss of three quick wickets before stepping it up a notch in the company of young Rohit Sharma.
The latter oozed serenity and calmness (something that’s missing in his game these days), while the veteran unleashed his strokes all over the SCG, even surviving a beamer from pacer Brett Lee. Tendulkar swiftly brought up his maiden ODI century in Australia as he and Sharma raised 123 runs for the fourth wicket before James Hopes broke the partnership.
However, the Little Master was not to be denied, and he brought up the winning runs in Dhoni’s company, finishing unbeaten on 117. He would go on to play yet another composed innings in the second final, as India took home the trophy and made Ponting’s prediction come true!