First Test Fizzles Out Into Draw

The opening test match between India and Australia ended in a tame draw after Australia failed to take 10 wickets in just under 3 sessions. After setting India an unlikely target of 299 to win the match, the pacers did a commendable job with the new ball dismissing opener Virender Sehwag and Rahul "The Wall" Dravid before lunch. But after lunch Sachin Tendulkar and co, blunted the Australian attack until both capains decided to settle for a draw.

Sachin Tendulkar failed to surpass Brian Lara's record, falling 14 runs short. He was dismissed off debutant Craig White for a well made 49. At the end, V.V.S. Laxman was unbeaten on 42, and Sourav Ganguly unbeaten on 26. Zaheer Khan was declared as the man of the match for his match haul of 6 wickets and an unbeaten 57.

The second test of the four match test series begins on 17th October at Mohali.