217 runs short and trailing 0-1

Having already lost six wickets with the whole of the final day left, it was only a matter of the Australians performing the last rites for the Indians. But India didn’t go without a fight, fighting off the inevitable as it was. The ninth-wicket stand of 89 between Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh was not just defiant, it had a touch of arrogance to it, and should work as a wake-up call to the top order that exhibited nerves of cotton during this Test.

After the departure of Dravid and Anil Kumble, castled by Kasprowicz, the alliance helped a large Sunday crowd to regain their voice.

In the morning, Dravid preferred to shield Pathan from Shane Warne. However, once the Baroda lad got a chance to have a go at the master leg-spinner, he proved that he has the temperament to face the best in the business.

Pathan treated one of the most successful bowlers in the history of cricket with ease and elan.

At the other end, Harbhajan had his share of fun. He swept Warne for maximum over square leg and batted with the authority of a frontline batsman. The stroke also took Warne past 100 — in terms of runs conceded in the innings — and Bhajji, in a show of the arrogance we have come to expect from him, applauded Warne as the Aussie collected his cap from the umpire. Zaheer also played some lusty blows coming in at number 11.

But for all their heroics, the target of 457 was always going to be well beyond reach. And when Harbhajan pulled Jason Gillespie down Glenn McGrath’s throat at fine-leg, the Indians had finished 217 short. The Indians’ faces at the presentation ceremony presented a picture of gloom as all eyes focussed on debutant Michael Clarke, who picked up the man-of-the-match award for his scintillating 151 in the Aussies’ first essay.

The Indians were beaten here in Bangalore by a side that bettered them in most departments, especially the top-order batting. But the hosts should realise that series is still on and they cannot afford to brood upon the setback.