Border-Gavaskar stats / ODI & T20 Squads listed

*For the ODI and T20 Squads, please see the last part of the article. Fixtures are available here.

The controversial 2007/08 Border-Gavaskar series was known as “Bollyline”.
This series will remembered as the “blunder down under” for Indian supporters, while Baggy Green supporters will recall strong memories from this series for years to come.

A 4-0 whitewash has turned the Baggy Greens team image around from a side that was viewed as one being burdened by administrative confusion and players of excellence being reduced to mediocrity.

Suddenly, a fresh coaching unit has been backed by an implemented Argus Review, which has been responsibly adhered to by a new selection panel, instrumental in the turnaround.
Importantly the players, led by new Skipper Michael Clarke, reduced the Indian team to nothing more than average and the collective attitude within the team has been refreshing.

A family member of mine who was at the Adelaide Oval Test said the atmosphere was so unbelievable compared to last year, especially on Australia day.

Many onlookers have asked “how could India lose 4-0 to an average side?”
The answer is simple. Australia have become a stronger team, India have become average as a Test side.
Their selectors face a very daunting task as to how they will either gradually filter out veteran players to make way for younger talent, or maybe they have to persevere with them given the very intense image change the culture of the Indian team will see under a new look unit.
The loss of Gary Kirsten looks like it took a big part out of the team’s spirit.

4th Test, Day 5 - Whitewash achieved

Blink and you shall miss, that was what happened to me. It only took 13 overs for Australia to take the remaining four wickets to complete the series whitewash.

There isn't much to write about for a day needing only 1 hour. Each of the bowlers took a wicket a piece today, to once again demonstrate the definition of team effort. India were all out for 201.

For Harris and Lyon it gave them their best hauls of the series with 3 and 4 wickets respectively for this innings. Lyon was the man to officially give Australia the cleansweep when he got Yadav out edging to the much maligned Brad Haddin.

© Getty Images

What to do with the Aussie batting lineup

There were very few low lights from the Border-Gavaskar series, one of them was the performance of the top 3. A major part of the problem was the number 3 averaging less than 3.

This resulted in 2/46, 4/27, 3/37, 3/84 and 3/40, amazingly two of those resulted in a 600 run total and a clean sweep. These scores were not too surprising considering this was the first time this top 3 had batted together.

Ideally one would like players to come straight in and perform in every game however this is not how cricket works. An opening pair must be stuck with and given time to settle. In Warner and Cowan the signs have been there, in particular the Perth match where the pair surpassed India's total in only the forth session of the match.

Warner produced a couple of starts to go with his 180 and also was last man standing in the Hobart loss. Cowan has made a couple of fifties in his four test matches including being unlucky in his debut innings. Both have shown enough to be persisted with.

Border-Gavaskar series - Australian Batting Review

Two series have now past since the 47 all out against South Africa. In that time, Australia played out a drawn series in another silly two matches series and are about to clean sweep India.

One of the key issues I identified from the Hobart loss was none of the experienced men stood up. No one should be expecting an inexperienced and unsettled top 3 to perform consistently and that is where the experienced middle order batsmen should be standing up.

This point was particularly important considering two new batsmen were entering the top 3 with David Warner only 2 test matches into his career. Stand up they did, Clarke, Ponting and Hussey were the top 3 leading run scorers for Australia in this series with 626, 544 and 293 runs respectively.

4th Test, Day 4 - Harris and Lyon's turn

The 4th day of the 4th and final test brought about the definition of team contribution. So far the big hauls have gone to Pattinson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and even Starc, however today was the day where Harris and Lyon picked up 5 wickets between them. Finally both bowlers cracked the magical 2 wicket in an innings mark.

Today was like the hangover you have after a big day, there was nothing spectucular like a hattrick, 5-fer or double hundred, instead it was business as usual for Australia as they look to put the final nail in the coffin of India.

The day started with the usual sight of Clarke and Ponting at the crease. Clarke batted like he has all series and once again stamping his authority against Ashwin. He didn't look happy when he was given out for the last time in this series ending an extraordinary series return of 626 runs at 125.20.

4th Test, Day 3 - A Siddle and Kohli day

Australia Day and Republic Day for India ended in spectcular fashion after tea and sadly I was out and about when it all happened.

This day did indeed provide a fairytale to two players, fittingly one from each country. Peter Siddle was the star for the Aussies right from the beginning of the day when he ripped through the fray Indian batting lineup. First the legend Tendulkar was sent on his way by Siddle who put in the corridor of doom/Avenue of Apprehension and whatever else you want to call the corridor of uncertainty.

He followed it up with another well directed bouncer to Gambhir who once again struggled with the short ball and spooned a catch to a diving Hussey. Gambhir has completed the set having previously gotten out to the left armer, Starc in the same fashion.

4th Test, Day 2 - 200 for Clarke and Ponting

 On another dominant day by Australia, Clarke and Ponting both sealed their double hundreds before 2 late wickets made it the perfect day heading into Australia Day/India Republic Day.


Australia started the day with Ponting and Clarke on 137 and 140 respectively. Pup was the first to crack the 150 mark with another brilliant cover drive. The flood gates have opened for Clarke and the 200 barrier with his second double hundred in 3 matches. Ponting straight drove his way to 150 and then brought up his 200 with the trademark Ponting pull shot.

4th Test, Day 1 - The Ponting and Clarke roadshow continues

 The forth test kicked off with Michael Clarke winning the toss giving Australia first use of a very flat Adelaide Oval wicket. Both teams returned their spinners to their respective spots.

Today was the day of the middle order as Clarke and Ponting steadied the ship again just like they did in Sydney to end the day on 3/335 after being 3/84 and earlier 2/31.

David Warner and Ed Cowan picked up where they left off in the Perth test crunching 18 runs from the first 3 overs. Warner however was undone by the surprise of Ashwin in the 4th over from which he would play 2 maidens out and then get done LBW to Zaheer. This will definitely become a tactic which is used more often against Warner if he gets off to a flyer. Lots have said drying up the runs will lead to his wicket, so it will be interesting seeing how he fares in the 2nd innings when the tactic is applied again.

By george, what just happened

Janurary 23, 2012, mark it down as the day when Inverarity and cohorts made their first controversial selection. The new selection panel have only been in charge for just over a month and we already have a decision which has heads spinning.

The T20I side to play India can be considered the first time the new selectors have been able to stamp their authority on. And it hasn't been a good start when you can make head waves for your selection in the shortest form of the game.


George Bailey scored 114 runs from 7 innings at an average of 19, highest score of 33 and strike rate of 111. No where in those stats show a guy that should have been picked in the starting 11, let alone being made captain of the side. The selectors have picked on a criteria outside of batting, bowling and even fielding. They have picked on leadership ability and this does not bold well for future selections.

4 years of the BG Blog and a short break

Hi Baggy Green Blog followers/readers

I will be taking a short break from the site as I’m going away.
I haven’t had a break from the Baggy Green Blog since late 2008, so will be good.
During this time I won’t be writing any articles but will try keep an eye on the cricket.

When I return it’ll be business as usual, likely an article highlighting the best moments of the 2011/12 Border-Gavaskar series.
Sylvester - currently leading our private league in the Fox Sports Big Bash Fantasy League nearing the final stages - will likely do some articles and updates while I’m away if he has a chance.

Around this time 4 years ago I also started the Baggy Green Blog.
I am proud of the way this site has connected me with so many fantastic Australian and general cricket supporters all over the world and that, most importantly, it is a place where many of you have been able to express your pride in the team and share your opinions.
Thanks for your support shown for the blog and the team.

Support the boys loudly and proudly for the 4th Test and best wishes to the Baggy Greens!
Take the series  4-0  champs!

Be back soon.

Cheers, Ian.

Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
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Stats: The 2011/12 Border-Gavaskar series & the Adelaide Oval

The Adelaide Oval is the ground where I tipped India, in a Podcast at The Wicket Post in December, to have their best chance at winning a match this series.
With the Baggy Greens having secured the series 3-0 with one game to go, my very friendly prediction of 3-1 to the Baggy Greens is lined up, even though I obviously want no other result than 4-0 right now.

The conditions will suit a front line spinner and the track will be a better one for the dented Indian batting line-up, who will be without their leader MS Dhoni.
By the same token our senior batsmen all have wonderful memories and stats at the Adelaide Oval and given the confidence high our bowlers are on, I expect this to be a hard fought battle before the limited overs summer gets underway.

The Baggy Greens are definitely in the best shape possible to win 4-0 with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy already secured.

In 2008, Punter, Clarkey and Haydos all scored centuries while three of India’s current players; Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman all scored centuries for India.
The match was drawn.

Australia vs India at the Adelaide Oval:
1948-2008

Played 9 - Won 5 – Lost 1 - Drawn 3

The picture says it all!

*For the 3rd test final day article, click here or scroll down to the previous article.

Makes you realise how much this victory means to the boys, they've worked so damn hard since the Sri Lankan tour! Hope they enjoyed those ice cold VBs.
Always special when the game plan comes together.
© Getty Images

















One more Test to go before the ODI summer kicks off!
Click here for the fixtures.

Welcome to The Baggy Green Blog!
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To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.

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3rd Test, day 3: The Baggy Greens regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Trophy is one thing but going 3-0 up in the series was something I was only convinced would happen if our batsmen stepped up but actually seeing it is a good feeling.
This scoreline has occurred and now the boys can talk about the 4-0 opportunity that is on offer.
Dominant cricket from the Baggy Greens and I'm so proud of the team. They've given it one hundred percent effort and Michael Clarke will have a lot to reflect upon after his first series win as Skipper in Australia.

David Warner was Man-of-the-match after his blitz innings of 180, scoring more individually that India's first innings of 161 and the second of 171. This ultimately set up the lead as our middle order struggled.

Ben Hilfenhaus has taken 23 wickets at an average of 16.00 so he is targeting the Man-of-the-series award.

The fielding was sharp, especially the boys in the slips with Michael Clarke taking 4 catches, while Ricky Ponting took some top class slip catches with 3.

The way the WA crowd attended the game was brilliant and the team send off at the end was rewarding. This team is doing such a lovely job and if Test cricket needed a boost for this team, this is it. They've been working their butts off and so it's good to enjoy the moment with them.
We have waited so long for this return of class and at last we have it and I think a hell of a lot is owed to our bowling unit.

Still plenty of cricket ahead for the year but this is confidence and most importantly this team is learning how to win games, know that winning feeling.

Full scorecard via ESPN Cricinfo.

Result: Australia won by an innings and 37 runs

Bowling:
India - 171 all out
Ben Hilfenhaus 4-54 (18 overs), Peter Siddle 3-43, Mitch Starc 2-31

3rd Test, day 2: Warner scores 180 as the Baggy Greens edge closer

We still have the lead in place and only 6 wickets stand between us reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The batting was a bit of an anti-climax today as the total settled at 369, which is a very good total but when you consider David Warner (180) and Ed Cowan's (74) 214 run partnership, only 155 runs came as the final 10 wickets fell.

The boys still have the lead by 120 runs and although Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli have put up a fight to claw the Indian innings back into a, somewhat, stable position, it would seem that 3-0 is just a day away.

Batting:

369 all out
David Warner 180 (159 deliveries, 20 fours, 5 six, 113.20 SR), Ed Cowan 74, Peter Siddle 30

3rd Test, day 1: What an action packed day of cricket!

Heading into this Test we had a lot of discussions with regards to the pitch, whether it would be a green top and a track like the one we saw against England last year, and if so whether it would it be wise to have a spinner or should it be a four man pace attack?
All these questions were answered at the start of play.

Four fast bowlers were picked and the pitch had that green tinge.
Michael Clarke decided to bowl first after winning the toss and while this is usually a decision deemed as ‘bold’, in Clarkey’s case it was strategic and paid off.

David Warner took the honours giving us something special, a little unexpected, with the bat in hand as he blitzed his way to his second Test century.
It was indeed an action packed day of cricket. A very lucky WA crowd.

Full scorecard via ESPN Cricinfo.

Bowling:
India: 161 all out from 60.2 overs
Ben Hilfenhaus 4-43 (18 overs) , Peter Siddle 3-42, Mitch Starc 2-39, Ryan Harris 1-33

Why is Matt Wade still in the waiting line?

I have seen sufficient footage of Matt Wade to have drawn a good enough conclusion that he is a capable cricketer within the core aspects of his game, notably as a wicket keeper first.

His batting technique is admirable in the longer form of the game, willing to apply himself with a safeguard over his wicket, possesses patience and has the natural ability to attack when an aggressive approach is required for the team.

In many regards he is similar to his good mate Tim Paine.
Both are versatile batsmen within the batting order, they are more than capable at holding their own with the bat alone but most importantly they are highly skilled wicket keepers who can handle duties for Australia in all forms of the game at the elite level.
This is an invaluable gift for Australian cricket to have nurtured two very skilled blokes who also have age well on their side.

Tim Paine has experienced the elite level in all forms of the game and been used in different match situations. In limited overs he frequently held the top order spot while in the few Tests he played he was used as a middle order batsman, the common place for a Keeper in Test cricket in the modern era.

Some Baggy Green statistics ahead of the WACA clash

The 3rd Test against India starts on 13 January (Friday).
Click here for the remaining fixtures.

Here's some statistics for you for prior to the upcoming fixture against India.

The most recent game against India went in their favor and this will give them some confidence, while also not neglecting the fact that this track could very well provide a better hunting ground for them.
They have a daunting batting line up that could easily throw in a collective performance and put us on the back foot but the general feeling out there is that the team is low on confidence after two crushing defeats and will quite likely to struggle in pulling this series back.

Australia Versus India - 1977 to 2008
Played: 3
Won: 2
Lost: 1 (2008 Test Match scorecard)

New Supporters Graphic: Michael Clarke's 329*

Click here to view the match article for the final day of the 2nd Test versus India at the SCG.

A new Supporters Graphic has been uploaded into the 'Features' section of the blog.
Scroll down to "Supporters stuff" to find other Supporters Graphics. You're welcome to submit your own to us.

This is one for all the Michael Clarke fanatics highlighting the various milestones achieved along his way to an epic 329* not out.

Click here to be navigated to the 'Features' page.
*Supporters Graphics are created for non-commercial use only, as some images used are not the property of the Baggy Green Blog.

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2nd Test, day 4: An innings win for a memorable Test

*News: After writing this article it was announced James Pattinson will miss the remainder of the series due to "stress fractures in the metatarsal bone of his left foot."
Such a big loss. Gutted for him! Ryan Harris is set to return and Mitch Starc has been called in as cover.

The Baggy Greens have taken the 2nd Test by an innings and 68 runs also made some history of their own for the 100th Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
It's been a massive start to 2012 for the side and the victory was one as a result of collective output, as I always like to call it "synergy".
Congrats boys and just one win or, as bland as it is, one draw will secure the series. Still a challenge.

I wrote a very brief write-up yesterday when Michael Clarke reached his triple century.
I wanted to be in the moment when he achieved it and I had a good think long after the game about his journey as a Test cricketer. A Test series victory against India will result in proving something to himself as a true leader and it will be massive for this team.
However this Test should have gained him the respect that he deserves from the supporters.

I admittedly was one of the people who gave him some stick a few years back but I can honestly say (I have four years of blog posts to go with it) I never doubted him as a cricketer or questioned his character, given I don't know him personally. But like most people I had my concerns but always respected him. His positive outlook was something Shane Warne always spoke of highly in Clarkey's early days and it is more evident now than ever.

I hope many others can now respect him as both a leader and a cricketer who has just achieved something memorable. Throw in his wicket of Sachin Tendulkar and it was a game for Clarkey to embrace 100%.

Some achievement stats in the 100th Test at the SCG;
Michael Clarke scored a triple century and there were three centurions.
Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting were the other centurions.
Peter Siddle took his 100th Test wicket.

The triple Centurion: Congratulations Michael Clarke

*Australia ended the 1st innings on 4/659 declared.
Michael Clarke 329* (39 fours, 1 six, 609 minutes), Michael Hussey 150*, Ricky Ponting 134.

Michael Clarke has just scored a triple century at the SCG, the highest ever individual Test score at the SCG!
Stats: 303* runs, 432 balls faced, 571 minutes, 37 fours, 1 six, 69.81 Strike-rate.

A most deserved massive achievement for our Skipper.
Congratulations Michael Clarke from myself and of course my mates here at the Baggy Green Blog.
This has been one of the most fluent innings I've ever seen and not only was day 2 a day of Test cricket you should make sure you never forget but equally this achievement for the Skipper. Yes!

Earlier Michael Hussey brought up his 16th Test century and joins Ricky Ponting who was the other centurion scoring his 40th Test century, a long awaited one for the Maestro (read day 2 article for that).
Huss just came out and immediately made his intentions clear to attack and after his 89 at the MCG, this was coming his way. Confidence returns for the seniors for the summer, so stoked!

Not sure when the declaration will come but this has just been very, very special...VVS SCG...Test 2012.
The lead is now 411 runs.
Three centurions for the innings in the 100th Test at the SCG, along with Peter Siddle's 100th Test wicket.

Awesome photo taken of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke after their monstrous partnership of 288 runs.
© Getty Images

 
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2nd Test, day 2: Don't ever forget their partnership at the SCG

Before diving into this article for what was an extremely special day of cricket for Australian cricket supporters, thanks to all of you for your comments for the series thus far.
Some strong opinions flying about and some of you really have taken the time to share your views.
Cheers, that's what the blog is about. Importantly there's a lot of positivity!

I had a good feeling yesterday that something special would happen at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for Ricky Ponting. I didn't quite put it together though for Michael Clarke.
They were dominant for day 2 of the 2nd Test and both ensured they will go down in the record books for the 100th SCG Test.

If possible, make sure if you're a Baggy Green fanatic or a supporter of either of these batsmen that you never forget this partnership you witnessed today.
Our batting inconsistencies have been a concern and where the young guys had been digging us out of a hole, the seniors have stepped up the last two Tests and if you look at the contributions from MJ Clarke, RT Ponting and MEK Hussey, you can't help but not puff out your chest with pride.

The constructive criticism Punter and Huss have copped has been in some ways admittedly justifiable but if this is their final summer for the Baggy Greens by some chance then this is one extra way to make it one to remember.

2nd Test, day 1: A day courtesy of the fast bowling trio

*For the Baggy Green Blog Year End article (Stats, talking points and memorable moments) here's the article link:
View the article here.

The 100th Test at the SCG has begun with 13 wickets falling on day 1 and you'd have to say our bowlers have once again delivered the goods.
The new trio of James Pattinson (playing his first First-class game at the SCG), Peter "Pedro" Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus took all 10 Indian wickets and rolled them for 191 runs.

With Ricky Ponting (44*) and Michael Clarke (47*) at the crease the trail is just 75 runs with 7 wickets still in hand.
We unfortunately witnessed another batting collapse of sorts, this time with the top order, but day 2 will hopefully be another day belonging to the Baggy Greens unless we have another day of wild momentum changes. This is a gift to try and take the game from India but it still looks tricky.

Full scorecard via ESPN Cricinfo

Bowling: India 191 all out
James Pattinson 4-43, Ben Hilfenhaus 3-51, Peter Siddle 3-55