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Sunday, Jan 20, 2008
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India reverses Australia’s winning run

S. Ram Mahesh

Pacemen and batsmen team up at Perth to deny Ponting’s men new world record

— Photo: AP

The Moment: Pace bowler Rudra Pratap Singh castles last man Shaun Tait as India beats Australia by 72 runs on the fourth day of the third Test in Perth on Saturday. Chasing 413 for a record 17th successive Test victory, Australia was dismissed for 340. Despite India’s historic win on an Australian stronghold, the host leads the four-Test series 2-1.

Perth: India recorded a famous win on Australian soil on Saturday, claiming the third cricket Test match here at the WACA by 72 runs with a day to spare.

Remarkable resolve

Having lost the first two Tests at Melbourne and Sydney, India displayed remarkable resolve to put the controversy of the last fortnight behind it and keep the four-match series alive.

The victory, India’s fifth in 35 Tests in Australia, prevented the champion side from setting a new record for the most consecutive Test wins.

India, incidentally, had also broken Australia’s record 16-match streak in 2001 at Kolkata. Australia, needing to chase 413 in the fourth innings for its 17th win on the trot, was bowled out for 340. Michael Clarke scored a fine 81, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey made fighting contributions, and Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark threatened at the end, putting on 73 for the ninth wicket.

India, however, wouldn’t be denied.

The touring side found heroes through the course of the Test.

Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, in the first innings, and V.V.S. Laxman, in the second, made vital half-centuries.

The young seam attack of R.P. Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma performed exceptionally well.

Pathan, who also showed great character with the bat, was named the Man of the Match. Virender Sehwag batted with freedom and chipped in with crucial wickets on the fourth day.

It was undeniably a grand team effort. “I’d place it right at the top of the victories I’ve been involved in,” said Anil Kumble, who led India admirably.

“Beating Australia at Perth, which is their home turf, is a special achievement. It’s an important step towards levelling the series.”

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