India Defeat Australia , Clinch Series 2-0
India crushed Australia by 172 runs and moved up to No.2 on the ICC Test rankings. Harbhajan Singh took the last Australian wicket when he trapped Mitchell Johnson (11) plumb in front of the wicket to bowl out Australia for 209 runs in their second innings.
This is the first time that India have beaten Australia 2-0 in a Test series since 1980.
Ponting: “It has been a fair result to tell the truth. We played good cricket in Bangalore but from there we have been chasing our tails. India played good cricket. India’s tactics slowed us down dramatically on that third day. Looking back that was the turning point. We weren’t good enough; probably not patient enough.
“The partnership between DHoni and Harbhajan was vital. Being nine overs behind doesn’t help you. There was a similar partnership in Bangalore (harbhajan and zaheer) .. we didn’t take our chances. We weren’t good enough here and weren’t good enough in Mohali and hence the two results. I am still learning about the game, some of the guys will learn. Jason Krejza has had a very good debut. Other guys too would have learnt. We have a Test series in Australia. This has been as a brilliant tour. We have been here seven weeks and the time has flown quickly.”
Man of the Match: Jason Krejza : “It has been an experience I will never forget. To take 12 wickets on your debut is unbelievable. What a wonderful game. I was a bit nervous, I tried to keep it inside. glad it has turned out well. My team backed me up, Ricky was a great captain for me and I really appreciate that. I had more confidence going in to the second innings. What I have learnt is .. Test cricket is a tough tough game and you have to be patient. I can come next game and pick none.”
Man of the series: Ishant Sharma : “I think in Indian wickets, you have to be patient and bowl in the right areas. All the senior players supported me; that’s why I bowled well. I know how your body recovers and I know quite a lot about my body [fitness] now. Zaheer has quite bit of experience and he has constantly adviced me about two things: be patient and bowl in the right areas. My best wicket was taking Ponting in the second innings at Mohali. “
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