What's going on? What's going on

OK, there is still the prospect of the match being saved (though not won), but we are 3 1/2 innings into the match, so here is a couple of quick points on how things have gone. 

1)  India have been better.  They have not been lucky.  They are not winning because of bad umpiring (Ganguly's stumping was pretty awful, but so have been others for Australia).  India has bowled better.  India have batted better.  India have fielded (although not better).  They have been better.  This cannot, and indeed should not, be disputed.  Indian fans, be proud of your side.  They have steel and they are playing brilliantly. 

2)  The world will not collapse.  This is one test match.  Australia are likely to lose this, and will do very well to save the series.  But this is a long summer, and it will help to forge a few new Australian players into the test side.  Let's not forget that a few of these players are a bit green from a lack of playing recently (Clarke has looked it).  Australia have been top of the perch since 1995, they will stay there for a little bit yet (India needs to improve their away record).  This will give a bit more spice to the Sth Africa and NZ tours. 

3)  Australia's uber aggressive start was actually smart.  It put the India on the backfoot, and if they have gotten through tea and perhaps been 0/100 half an hour into the next session, things would have been interesting.  A win was not really an option, but the start had already started to push the field back.  Unfortunately Flea and Brazen played bad shots. 

4)  Watson has shown a bit (although I'd like him to bowl better).  Tuckerbox has done ok (but I still think Ronchi is an option).  Rednose day is raw. 

5)  How good is cricket!  India are playing beautifully and Australia seems down...almost an inverse of 2001...here's hoping this series has another twist!