cricket

[johnypowas]

Disappointments to delight - a chequered journey



In 1947-48, despite individual brilliance from Vijay Hazare, Vinoo Mankad and Dattu Phadkar, India could not challenge Australia.
Australia had always been one of the toughest peaks to conquer for the Indian team. The Aussies played an aggressive brand of cricket, had punishing batsmen, hostile pacemen and some very good spinners.
The Aussies hustled the opposition on pitches with bounce. And, after the 70s, unsettled those facing them with sledging. Simply put, they were ferocious competitors.
Forgettable maiden voyage
India’s maiden campaign in Australia, in 1947-48, ended in a 4-0 defeat. India was up against a legendary Australian team with giants such as Don Bradman, Arthur Morris and Ray Lindwall.
Despite individual brilliance from Vijay Hazare, Vinoo Mankad and Dattu Phadkar, India could not challenge Australia.
The 1960s and 70s
In 1967-68, India was led by the attack-minded Tiger Pataudi. India pressed hard but Australia took the series 4-0. With his deception and turn, Erapalli Prasanna scalped 25 in the series, was involved in stirring duels with the fleet-footed Ian Chappell.
The Bishen Bedi-led India had a wonderful chance to defeat Australia — the host’s biggest stars were roped in by Kerry Packer — in 1977-78.
Australia brought back an ageing Bob Simpson from retirement as captain and managed to hold on to fast bowler Jeff Thomson. With the series 2-2 — Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath and B.S. Chandrasekar shone for India — the visitor lost the decider in Adelaide.