First Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2008 ends up in a draw

However it ended up in a draw, the first test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India stood up to its hype. Ponting's decision to declare the innings, setting India the target of 299 in 83 overs, was brave and clever. Had Sehwag and Ghambir stayed at the crease, it would have been easy for the Indians to win the test. But the aggressive play from Austrlia helped them to get the wickets of Sehwag, Dravid and Ghambir. The hopes of India's win gone with the wickets of Sehwag and Ghambir as no other Indian batsmen can play as aggressive as the two openers. However Sachin scored quickly till Ghambir fell. He slowed down a bit when Laxman came into crease. It was this pair that saved the match for India. However Sachin fell for 49, 15 runs short to break Lara's record of most runs by a batsman in test cricket. Ganguly and Laxman stuck to the crease till the end without giving the Ausies a chance to get a wicket. The game called off with 10 more overs left. It was Australia who dominated throughout the test match. India fought hard to save the match. In India's point of view, it was Zaheer and Harbhajan, on day 3, who helped India to recover from a bad situation. Zaheer, Harbhajan, Tendulkar and Laxman saved the game for India. Zaheer was awarded the Man of the Match for his 6 wickets and a knock of 57* in the first innings.

The positives for Australia:
1. Ponting's record in India is poor. He came back well and scored a century. His come back made the team look strong.
2. Hussey's form.
3. Their fast bowlers performing well.

The positives for India:
1. Ishant and Zaheer bowling well. They have taken the 13 wickets out of 16 Ausies wickets.
2. The fab 4 seemed to be in good touch. Dravid and Ganguly's innings on the 2nd day and Tendulkar and Laxman's innings on the 5th day were important.

The negatives:
1. Spin bothering both the teams.
2. Kumble was wicketless in this match. Both Kumble and Harbhajan were not upto their mark. They have to perform in the next match.
3. Cameron White and Michael Clark could not trouble the Indian batsmen much.