Actually, there was nothing wrong with the decision. Except that the Indians drew first blood when the Australians were happily cruising along in the nineties. Does not quite vindicate the Indian captain's abrupt decision, no matter how collective it might have been in team discussions. Eventually, the captain alone has to bear the brunt of everything concerning the toss. That is one gospel, which will always remain unchanged as long as cricket is played.

The Waugh brothers were due to come good and they did their job with aplomb. Helped by a responsible middle-order, the Aussies managed to reach 282 for six, clearly a challenging score to defend.Indian bowlers bowled as well as they were allowed to. Indian fielding was sprightly especially during the final overs. Cheers!

India's greatest hope Sachin Tendulkar got a beauty in the very first over from Glenn McGrath. Soon India were 17 for 4 -- a familiar tale. The only snag was Azhar appearing on the scene after Ajay Jadeja. We had heard so much about shielding Tendulkar. Nobody thought the Indian skipper too needed protection as politicians do without any conviction. Once again the debate on Tendulkar's batting order will crop up. For whose benefit, I am not too sure. McGrath truly broke the backbone of Indian batting with three early wickets. Sachin and Rahul Dravid fell to exceptionally good deliveries. But I can't say the same for Azhar, who was a sitting duck for McGrath in full cry.

Jadeja and Robin Singh played some entertaining cricket. Also, sensibly in suggesting there was no demon in the wicket or the Australian attack. Alas, both Ajay and Robin were fighting a lost cause. Perhaps, thatis why they were relieved of all pressures. Be that as it may, some respectability was restored and we can safely conclude Indians were not disgraced in defeat.

Well, that is the story of Indian cricket under Azhar. And if we are still searching for any glory, it will have to be via a piggy-ride on some other team's misfortune. For now, let us be graceful in accepting that Australians played better and to a planned strategy.