I have a dream

Brett Lee had the biggest grin on his face while all the other Aussies were hugging him. Why wouldnt they? They had both Jaffer and Sehwag back in the pavilion with the scoreboard at Zero. 0/2 and India were struggling at home. Ricky and Symmo were quietly grinning smugly - thinking of Bhajji's face as they looked at the scoreboard shouting out 0/2. The Mumbai crowd that had been so vocal had suddenly fallen silent. Meanwhile Sanjay Manjrekar was grinning from ear to ear and was furiously penning down his next anti - Sachin column. He figured Sachin - who was used to only a 20/2 scenario in Tests could not be able to take a 0/2 scenario and there he would have another incriminating article nailed. Oooh the editors would die for this. Maybe they would print it in the afternoon edition in anticipation if he hurried.

Rahul was at the other end - having watched Jaffers stump go cartwheeling off that Lee Scorcher. Sachin was walking out at the other end - conceivably his last test inning at home in Mumbai- He still had unfinished business in ODIs and probably had marked his calendar for a WC Final winning ton here in Mumbai. The crowd - disappointed at 0/2 - had still risen to a man in anticipation. Sachin was here - never mind the fools who had booed him the last time. Sachin and Dravid had a mid - pitch conference - a small joke about how it was 20 runs too early for them to meet and they were on their way with a grim guffaw.

Lee bowled another scorcher - met with the full face of the MRF bat and rushing past the bowlers leg for a boundary - the first of many. For Sachin was in the form of his life with a point to prove. What begun with a straight punch down the ground graduated into classic cover drives, meaty pulls, ferocious hooks, delectable flicks, cheeky cuts, paddle sweeps and those masterly cuts to third man. Oh yes sirree - Sachin was on his way.

The aussies delighted at a 0/2 on the first day went to lunch at 120/2 tea at 270/2 and finally ended the day at 403/2. The highest Indian partnership was in danger. Sachin had already scored his first ever 250 and was batting at 279* - Dravid paying close vigil at 110*. Manjrekar meanwhile was applying for political asylum in Uganda.

The next morning was no different - Sachin took honours with his first ever triple and went into lunch at 337* and Dravid had closed in on to his newest double hundred. Lara and his record beckoned. Lee stormed in with Sachin at 398 and overpitched - in a flash the blade swished and came down quickly - it was a coverdrive none of those present at Mumbai would ever forget. For there it was the World Record. A warm tight hug with Dravid celebrating. Heck! a 631 run partnership wasnt every day material. They declared at the stroke of tea with the champs walking back in with their head held high. Yuvraj could barely hold back his tears as he could only see the nets for himself in the near future.

Ishant had cut his long hair and was looking smarter than ever and obviously it had to reflect in his bowling. While he and RP ran through the Aussie batting - Bhajji ofcourse had the last laugh picking up Symonds while he tried to hoick him over mid on for six - the bat missed the ball unfortunately and the stumps were on the floor. Last heard after the celebration, the Black Caps were thinking of signing on Bhajji for the Haka Ritual.

217 all down and Kumble happily asked the Aussies to follow on. By now it was time for the captain to shine. 7 wickets were snared with flippers and faster ones - perseverance pays !
Ishant chipped in with the prize wickets of Bunny Ricky and Symonds - Ricky was done in by a series of unfortunate events. The unfortunate events ofcourse were 5 balls which outswinged and the 6th one - bloody hell, without any warning had the gall to inswing. Oh how dare Ishant make the ball do such unpritable things with the ball - first outswing and then inswing and that too for Ricky. Darrel Hair would have called as a no-ball for sure!

Kumble on the other hand - braving his age - was bowling with an edge. Seven Australians to be downed were no small matter - especially when Michael Clarke would insist on standing his ground inspite of having been bowled. Well he had a point actually - only the off and middle stumps were floored - and he was holding on to life for his leg stump.

The end though had to come swift and soon with Australia folding up in the second inning for 224 and India had their win. An inning and 190 runs. The no.1 rating was up for the taking - if they could beat the Aussies at Chepauk.

Oh well - Thats my dream. Whats yours?