Joyous fans celebrate India's Perth triumph

Agencies

Posted online: Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 1646 hrs IST

New Delhi, January 19:
Gutted after the Sydney heart-break, the Indian fans in various parts of the country celebrated with gusto after Anil Kumble's men halted an all-conquering Australian team's 16-match winning streak in Perth.

For the fans, the 72-run victory in Perth was not just a comeback but a revenge for the unfair loss in Sydney, where many believe umpires defeated India.

The cricket aficionados lauded a determined skipper, Anil Kumble's fightback after being pushed on the back foot by ‘arrogant and abrasive’ Australians in Sydney.

In several cities of the country, people broke into celebratory dances as soon as RP Singh bowled Shaun Tait to wrap up Australia's innings on what was touted as the ultimate pace test for the Indians at the dreaded WACA.

The fans burst crackers and celebrated with all the sound and fury that generally accompanies any of India's cricketing victories.

People hoisting the national flag and distributing sweets was a common sight on many streets across the nation.

"It is an amazing victory especially after what happened in Sydney when we were robbed by the umpires," said one elated fan.

"It's always special to beat the Aussies. And once again we have halted their winning run," said another.

If the reaction of the fans is anything to go by, the Perth victory seems to have wiped out the memories of the bitterness that followed the loss in Sydney.