Australia v. India - 4 Test series.

[Donny]

This Test was a statistic tragic's dream.

Bearing in mind, the lead-up to it with all that surrounded Phil Hughes death, first, we saw Dave Warner get off to a flyer and reach "his little mate's" 63 n.o.

He then went on to score 145.

Next, Michael Clarke limped off with a back injury, 3 runs short of the significant 63 number.

Another Hughes mate and former team mate, Steve Smith also got to 63 n.o. and went on to be 162 n.o. Upon reaching his ton, made a point of walking over to the '408' and saluting Hughes, with a point of the bat to the number and raising said bat to the heavens.

Clarke, against expectations, resumed his innings on day 2 and duly went on to a century.

That was the first time, ever, that 3 players from the same domestic team all scored Test centuries.

Virat Kohli, only captaining because Dhoni was injured, scored an impressive century.

Nathan Lyon took a 5fa to help Australia to a first innings lead.

Then, Warner made it a century in each innings and Smith was 52 n.o. when the second innings was declared - giving him 214 runs for the Test, without being dismissed.

Clarke declared at the start of day 5, leaving the carrot dangling, with India looking at a quite tasty 4 r.p.o. to win.

Kohli also made it a century in each innings. Remarkable for 2 reasons. A century in each innings by a captain and by a player in his first match as captain.

India was 2/242 with many pundits thinking Clarke had been too generous with his declaration. But then, Nathan Lyon - ranked 25th. best bowler in World cricket and the 8th. best spinner - snared Vijay for 99, Rahane for a duck and Rohit for 6. Shortly after, he had another 5fa, claiming Saha for 13.

The rest is now history. This Test will be ranked right up there with the best - even without the Hughes factor, although that name will be inextricably linked to this match.

[Pies4shaw]

Kohli is, I believe, also one of only 10 players to score a hundred in each innings on the losing side.

[Pies4shaw]

By the way, Donny, that was an engaging cricket match - it wasn't over before it got going.

[Donny]

[Donny]

[Pies4shaw]

I think it's also fair to say that they doubted they could keep the Australians out until stumps once the big partnership was broken. It looked like an 'attack is the best form of defence' strategy.

[Jezza]

Very entertaining first test and this is coming from someone who isn't a massive cricket fan but is a casual observer of the game mainly during the summer period.

I've read that according to Michael Clarke, apparently he may never play again after his latest injury issues. It would be an interesting set of events if that eventuated.

[Donny]

Sudhir Bakhru: "India's previous England and Australia test series were disappointing because there was no fight. This was an awesome fight. I'd rather watch India lose trying to win the game than play for a tame draw. Good job Captain Kohli! "

[Donny]

The second Test starts tomorrow, at the Gabba.

Shaun Marsh is in for Clarke and other changes are possible.

[Donny]

Three changes to the Aussie XI. Two forced.

Clarke and Harris injured, Siddle dropped.

Marsh, Hazelwood and Starc come in.

[Donny]

India won the toss and elected to bat.

[Donny]

1/72.

Vijay 41*. Mitch Marsh took the wicket.

[Donny]

Wicket for Hazelwood.

2/129. Vijay 66*, 17*.

Hazelwood 1/18 from 10 overs.

[Donny]

Kohli out to Hazelwood for 19.

3/146. Vijay 73*.

[Donny]

3/247.

Vijay 135*, Rahane 40*.

Hazelwood 2/39.