India had got off to a disastrous start, losing Jaffer pre-lunch for no score, edging Lee behind the wicket, while VVS Laxman failed to get his bat down in time and was plumb in front despite reassuring till the time he lasted. Sachin Tendulkar, who once again looked in sublime touch, fell while gaining an inside edge on to his stumps as he looked to leave that delivery from Stuart Clark.

Ponting, the Punter, played a safe bet today—continuing to bat for two hours and 10 minutes as Hussey made the most with a century off 207 balls to raise his tempo substantially. Giving him company was Symonds, who after his big knock in the first innings, plundered RP Singh through covers for 17 in one over and Kumble to score a half-century. Australia lost wickets as they went in search of quick runs before declaring at 401/7— Hussey remaining unbeaten on 145 that contained twelve boundaries, including two reverse-sweep shots that banged into the hoardings.

With a four-plus required rate, India considered a draw as the only fair and practical result in the fourth innings on a deteriorating pitch.

However, it’s a shame that India, who flickered and fluctuated between dominating, winning and saving this match ended up losing because most in the order failed to match the application and sensibility that Kumble showed at the crease. And that included the two men in black and white.

SCOREBOARD

Australia (1st Innings): 463

India (1st Innings): 532

... contd.