Every newspaper today y’day highlighted the win of India over Australia, and hailed the young men in blue’s victory over indefatigable and experienced Aussies. It was actually heartening to see Indian win, especially after all the accusations during the SCG Test and the unpleasant Harbhajan Saga. India, no doubt, did well to beat Australia in two consecutive games. Till the finals, Australia looked to be the favorites since they had easily qualified for the finals and it was India that had to toil hard to reach the finals of Commonwealth Bank Series 2008 – the final tournament of the 29-year-old tri-series format.

My assumption is that Australia would have badly wanted to win this tournament. Firstly, they wanted to give a happy farewell to their batting legend Gilchrist. Secondly, there has been no love lost between the two sides and the best way to seek revenge is on the field. Ricky Ponting had gone on to speak on the record about how “few of his players were disappointed” when Harbhajan was given a clear chit.

But I will be candid in admitting that the Aussies really disappointed me during the two finals. Dhoni went on to say after the finals that this was the most special win for him, placing it even higher than the T20 win. The Australians, I guess, were highly off-color this time around. They were lackluster in the field, rusty in batting, and the body language was club-like as well. Was it the off-field controversies that had taken its toll? May be. Ricky Ponting undoubtedly is in the worst phase of his life – both as player and captain. After the SCG, he has received flak for his “attitude” by both Indian and Australian media. His effigies were burnt in India. I wonder if this is the reason why he has been under-sold in the IPL.

Does this loss also mark the end of Golden Era of Australian cricket? The greats are going one after the other and the replacements are not really able to step into the legendary boots. The middle order seems fragile and the bowling has lost its sharpness. With the exception of Bracken, no other bowler bowled with discipline, and that also includes Brett Lee – who can forget his crazy over to Uthappa in which he bowled three consecutive no balls.

I bet that this team right now is awfully out of form. Had it been any other year of the last decade, they would have come out winning. I don’t want to take credit away from India, especially Sachin Tendulkar who was the difference between two sides in the two finals. Last year also, England beat Australia in the two finals, after being whitewashed 5-0 in the Ashes. But India proved to be a lot tougher opponent, and never wilted under pressure. In fact, India won the Brisbane final because they could hold their nerves at critical moments.

But what does now happen to Australian one-day side? Do they make replacements? Hogg has wisely chosen to retire; he would have anyways been dropped. Symonds and Ponting performed below-par but they are too experienced to be dropped. Don’t be surprised to see Clarke become the new captain. That is the only change, if any happens, I expect. Otherwise, I think the problem lay in the application and also that they underestimated their opponents. The Aussies have been kings of one dayers and they took it for granted. That sledging did not work for them against India, was also one of the reasons.

India, on the other hand, have a lot of positives to take from the series. The tests were competitive, the ODIs breathtaking. The youngsters proved their worth in the team on expense of experience – this also sadly means that Dravid’s chances of comeback have gone down drastically. This team is energetic on the field, runs aggressively between the wickets and most importantly has the temper to consistently win against good teams.

All in all, I was disappointed to see Australia not put up a fight and give in meekly. Congratulations to India and their new-found vigorous team!