Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India proves its mettle at home, but what about overseas?' that was published in Newsband

India proves its mettle at home, but what about overseas?

It was a remarkable slice of history as India defeated Australia by eight wickets to win the fourth and final Test and secure the series 2-1. It was a fine finish to a long home season of 13 Tests in which New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia were all defeated. India won 10 Tests, drew two and lost just the one, the 333-run loss to Australia in the first Test at Pune. India, in its 500th Test, defeated New Zealand by 197 runs at Kanpur.

Sledging and the mud-slinging through sections of the media added a bitter side-show. But the cricket was riveting. India prevailed, and that is a tribute to the squad’s resilience and the ability to find diverse heroes at different times, be it Jayant Yadav, Karun Nair or Kuldeep Yadav. The No. 1 Test side has proved its mettle, albeit at home. There will be tougher battles overseas.

With a bunch of very capable fast bowlers and world class spinners India looks a complete side now. They exploited the local conditions to their favour and won 4 series at a stretch. All in All we witnessed an absorbing series and Indians should start performing well in foreign soil to prove their no. 1 status in test cricket.

The win against Australia is, without doubt, great achievement. But, Australia fight cannot be discounted, especially in alien conditions. If India shows the same grit and determination in alien conditions and pace- tracks of Australia and South Africa, it can be a true world champion.

The duel between India and Australia has assumed the epic proportions in the last two decades that were once reserved for Test series among Australia, England and the West Indies. The just concluded series is another fine example of the highest level of competition and cricketing skills between the two nations. The two teams have proved that they are best two teams in the world. It was a thoroughly enjoyable fare that made even those critical of the five-day format to remain glued to watching these matches, in spite of jarring sledging that has gotten into the DNA of the Aussies.

The Indians, meek for a long, long time, have learnt to give it back too; but, this must neither spill outside the playing ground nor be encouraged by the respective Boards. Some startling revelations were also witnessed. Indian batsmen can flounder against spin, a spinning track is no longer a recipe for Indian success, Indian pace bowlers can win matches and bowl hostile spells etc. are some of them.