A Super Cool Symonds

The second one day international between Australia and Pakistan at Dubai reminded me of the world cup encounter between the same two countries way back in 2003 where Andrew Symonds bought Australia from nowhere to end up victorious at the end of the day despite being at 94 for the loss of 5 crucial wickets at one stage, with the then Pakistan side equipped with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Australia finally ended their batting innings at 308/8 and winning the match by 82 runs. All this being possible because of Andrew Symonds who scored an unbeaten 143 off just 125 balls.

And this time in Dubai too, it was the same Andrew Symonds who with his all round contribution helped Australia win the second one day international against Pakistan. Otherwise also, the Australians were in a rather comfortable position first by restricting Pakistan to a modest total of just 207 and then by surpassing the total in 45 overs losing just 4 wickets in the process. Especially after the loss of Australia in the first one day match at the same venue a couple of days back and Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal threatening to take the game away from the Aussies, Symonds' feat is indeed worth the praise.

That is the reason why someone like Andrew Symonds is there in the Australian team despite a number of controversies that surround him off late. If one would ask me, I can tell you guys that Andrew Symonds is no better when compared to either Sreesanth or Shoaib Akthar when it comes to off the field controversies. And Andrew Symonds was also kept aside for the test tournament against India in India last year owing to some fishing controversy which was fishy as well. And Australia paid the heavy price which it had to, by losing the test series 2-0 st the hands of India.

Coming to the match, the second ODI was a face saving one for Australia who are on the receiving end of many fingers which are found pointing towards them after the end of the Warne -McGrath era. Adding to these were the retirement of fellow players like Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist and then injuries striking Brett Lee. Such victories are always welcome for any team who are facing such a drought in cricket when it comes to winning matches. May be that was the reason as to why all the six players who made it to the crease did their little bit that contribute to Australia's success after defeat.