The Thunder DownUnder

The just concluded 4 Test Match Cricket series between hosts Australia and India was remarkable on several fronts and demands some serious debate. If you are a cricket statistician or are remotely interested in the Number Games, this series was much above being called "Astounding". It was neither "Brilliant" nor "One-sided" but definitely something to remember for a long time to come. There were remarkable changes to both the Australian and Indian cricket, both for good and bad. The Cricket was at its mysterious best, if not near its performance peak, and not even once there was any foregone conclusion to be made. The events, both on and off the fields, ensured that the Cricket World was never in a position to take their eyes and ears away from this series.

Here are some of the statistical wonders from that series.

1. 5879 The total number of runs scored in the series, by both the teams. This is the highest number in terms of total number of runs scored in any series of 4 or lesser Test matches. The second-most runs (5651) also came in a series between India and Australia, the 2003-04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
2. There has been only one instance of two batsmen scoring four or more hundreds in a single Test series. Virat Kohli and Steven Smith created history when they scored four hundreds each during the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy played in Australia.
3. 769 Runs scored by Steven Smith in this series, the most ever in a series of four or fewer matches. There have been two instances of batsmen scoring more runs when they have played only four matches in a five-match series - Sunil Gavaskar (774, versus West Indies, 1971) and Viv Richards (829, versus England, 1976).
4. 692 Runs scored by Virat Kohli this series, the most by an Indian batsman in Australia and the third-most by an Indian batsman in any series. Sunil Gavaskar aggregated 700-plus in a series on two occasions, in 1971 and 1978-79, both times against West Indies.
5. 482 Runs scored by M Vijay this series, the most by an Indian opener in Australia and the third-most by an Indian opener in any away series. Gavaskar has aggregated more on two occasions: 542 against England in 1979 and 774 against West Indies in 1971.
6. 8 Number of times that the teams have posted a 400-plus score during this series, the most ever in a Test series. There have been seven previous instances of teams making seven 400-plus scores in a series.
7. 0 Number of previous instances where both teams have gone past 400 in the first innings of each Test in a series of three or more Tests. Both Australia and India have each posted 400-plus scores in the first innings of every Test this series, with Australia going past 500 on each occasion.
8. 6 Number of consecutive 50-plus scores for Chris Rogers, the most by an Australian. Eight other Australian batsmen have made six 50-plus scores as well - Jack Ryder, Doug Walters, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Michael Hussey, Phil Jaques and David Warner. 
9. 15 Umesh Yadav's economy rate during Australia's second innings, the worst in Tests for a player who has bowled three or more overs in an innings. He returned figures of 0 for 45 from three overs.
10. 24 Number of instances this series of a bowler conceding 100-plus runs in innings, the most ever in a Test series. Nathan Lyon has six such innings, the most, while Ashwin has four.  

The Cup of The World Is Ours

The Cricket World Cup returned to its most beloved abode, Asia, after a gap of 15 years. Sri Lanka became the also ran. The dream of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar materialized finally. This victory makes Indian Cricket Team the Numero Uno in both Tests and ODIs. The magnitude of the win is not that easily comprehensible as it may appear on the surface. Yes, this team deserved it more than Kapil Dev’s gang in 1983. Yet, the chances in 2011 were more realistic as compared to those in 1983 and hence that triumph was more ecstatic. It was a team of underdogs which did the job 28 years ago. The current team is equal in skills and temperament to all its contemporaries. 1983 made people realize a cricketing nation other than the powerhouse of the Caribbean and now, that cricketing nation has become the master of all it surveys.

Tears of joy overflew from almost every pair of eyes right from Mr.Cool Gary Kirsten to the audacious Bhajji. Emotions overpowered everyone and everything. And still, the team was in unison to devote the cup to their 38-year old legend. I feel so bad having achieved nothing in 30 years of my life. Many of these guys are younger than me. They have scaled heights that very few will be able to do in the coming years of Sporting history at least. Not to talk about the amount of wealth these guys are going to amass, it is huge by any proportions. I am highlighting their lasting footprints in our hearts for years to come. No one can predict when Indian team can win another World Cup in any sport which means that these images will remain forever. These gentlemen have become the part of the folklore. Alas! I am too far from hoping to match them.

It was not just a cricket match as somebody quipped in various media reports. It was a war between two uncompromising and talented teams. Why Sri Lanka couldn't cross the line may need an elaborate explanation, I will summarize the same by saying that they were a little underprepared compared to India in terms of soaking Big Match pressure. And then how could they have won. The boys had to do it for Sachin. What this 5' 4" individual means to the 1.2 billion Indians is too astonishing to be put into words. Yet the beautifully morphed picture below shall help. :)

Many congratulations all the retired and current cricketers and non-players who have been constant well-wishers of the team and have guided and encouraged the team to do well over the years. The victory is very much theirs as well.

Nobody can predict when are we going to lift the cup again. Hence, this win assumes all the more significance. It should pave the way for a consistent, brilliant performance from the world-beaters. All the cricket fans in the country will not want such grand celebrations to be proved wrong in the coming series and matches. Bravo, Team India. :)