Underdog

We love an underdog. Especially when the underdog beats somebody very dominant in the field as it happened today. Bangladesh, the cricketing minnows beat the indomitable Aussies at Cardiff, something unthinkable in the annals of cricket.

Australia has been so dominant in the all forms of the cricket over the past seven to eight years that cricket has almost become boring to follow, even for the diehard Aussie fans. When I was in Australia following the Indian team, Aussie fans told they were pleased that India was playing so well and making a match of it as they were sick of one-sided contests even if their own side was on the winning side. I found that to be a fantastic attitude to have. Other teams have constantly tried to beat the Aussies and though some teams have come close, they just cannot match the consistency and the relentless nature of the Australian cricketing juggernaut. Though one defeat doesn't mean much, it comes at the back of two defeats, one to a county and another to England, but this should be one of the most ignominous as Bangladesh have been the favorite whipping boys of every cricket playing nation ever since they were inducted into the big league.

Is this the start of an Aussie decline? I hope not because they are awesome side and I am sure they will bounce back but this has indeed got the interest back into the Ashes series wherein a rejuvenated England will fancy its chances against an Australian side that has started its England tour in the most uncharacteristic manner possible- a string of defeats, and an a surprisingly low morale.

But this is indeed a time for celebration in Bangladesh. And hats off to them for pulling this off. I have great admiration for famous victories, especially when the underdog wins. Always!
Mohit.