India defeats Oz.....

India defeated Australia in an ODI in Melbourne after 22 years. Ponting decided to bat first and the young bowling attack ripped through the Oz defence, Ishant Sharma took 4 wickets, Sreesanth got 3 wickets and Pathan took 2 wickets. Harbhajan bowled well and got one wicket. Australia were bundled out for 159 in 43 overs, Michael Hussey's unbeaten 65 helped Australia to reach 159.

India's reply was shaky and Sehwag was out for 11, Sachin hit two consecutive fours of a Bret Lee over and was lucky to be given not out when he had nicked the ball to Gilchrist. Pathan was promoted to number three and hit a quickfire 18. Gambhir played some shots but he and Sachin fell quickly, Yuvi's horrible form continued and he was out for 3.

Dhoni and Rohit Singh played carefully and guided India to victory with 4 overs to spare.

It is time to drop Yuvraj and give Dinesh Kartik a chance; the batting has to find its soul and get enough runs on the board to supplement the excellent pace attack. India play Sri Lanka on Tuesday, an Indian victory might most probably book a place in the finals for India.

Well the title says a lot doesn't it. The next few days will prove to be crucial and provide the answer to the question.

Gambhir and Dhoni showed great temperament to lift India from 84/4 to 267/4. Gambhir struck 103 and Dhoni scored in excess of 80 runs. It was a test of character for the two batsmen, and for a while it looked like there would be another Indian batting collapse. The duo rotated the strike and took quick singles as the Sri Lankan fielding slipped from being good to becoming mediocre. The last ten overs of the Indian batting yielded 105 runs.

Earlier in the day Sachin became the first batsman in ODI history to cross 16,000 runs. He looked in great form but once again dragged the ball onto his wicket. Sehwag flattered to deceive and was caught behind by Sangakkara as he tried to hook a ball that was wide of the leg-stump; he too got out in his thirties. Yuvraj was caught in the slips when tried to drive a Murali flipper, Rohit Sharma was unlucky to be adjudged caught behind as replays clearly showed that he had not nicked the ball. He has been fined 10% of his match fees for showing dissent to the umpire's decision.

Rain played spoilsport and the two teams were given two points each. The next match between the Lankan Lions and the Kangaroos should prove interesting and I would love to see a Sanath special. India has plenty of time till Sunday to get itself into fighting form as they shall play the Aussies in a crucial match.

England defeated New Zealand in a T:20 match.

Musings.....

Back to the night shift, time actually seems to move faster than usual. I am still waiting for a reply; perhaps in vain, for a reply that shall never come. Life has to go on as usual..........

I need to go on a journey, somewhere in the hills or perhaps to some quaint little village by the sea. A sleeping bag, a backpack, a notebook, a pen, and my camera.

Everyone is grumbling at the office, the rising rupee has made a severe dent on everyone's appraisal and lots of resignations might pour in.

Exams for the IAS are in May, preparation is going on at a snail's pace.

Bought some books on Saturday, that takes the toll of unread novels in my possession to thirty four.

Rain saved India in the first ODI against the Aussies. They face Sri Lanka in a few hours from now. If the weather holds we have a cracker of a match on the cards.