Anil Kumble
Everything begins somewhere and I'd have to say that our win in Perth began with the toss. There was a lot of talk about how visiting teams invariably come here and field first, but I wasn't convinced.
The wicket looked a good batting surface and I believed that it was important that we stuck to our plans and executed them. The plan was to put runs on board then put the Australians under pressure. Whatever might have been written or said outside, I had complete confidence in the ability of our batting line up to handle whatever the pitch had in it.
And that's exactly what they did, so all credit to our batters, beginning with the start Viru and Wasim gave us. Those 50 runs or so made a big difference and was really the start of the series for us.
As a bowler, it was one of those wickets where you knew it would be tough to control the flow of runs. You had to be patient, even if you were going for five to six runs an over. There was always a chance of getting a wicket.
Against the backdrop of all that happened in Sydney, it was really creditable to pull off a victory. It was important we regrouped, we believed in ourselves, kept faith. We kept telling ourselves that and it helped.
Our young bowling attack did superbly to reduce Australia to 60-5 and from thereon, we just had to ensure there would be no repeat of Sydney, where their tail wagged. That 120-run lead was very crucial.
I have to mention here that I've been asked whether, after winning here, I ever thought about the events of Sydney and wondered, 'if only'. Well, I didn't. I didn't look back at all. I always believe it's important to look ahead and that's why we're now looking at Adelaide. We're going to go and do what we spoke about in Sydney, go ahead and level the series. We decided we'd take things a day at a time and that's exactly what's working for us.
Here, some things must be mentioned. The return of Sehwag and Irfan was important as they came into this game without practice and played exceptionally well in both departments. Viru did very well in whatever was asked of him and so did Irfan.
It was important to give Irfan the new ball, given his ability to swing, especially in Perth, where there is carry. They also brought a fresh approach and a positive influence to the team.
Mention must also be made of Ishant, who is improving everyday, every time. His eight-over spell in the second innings was one of those where you can easily end up with 4-5 wickets on another day.
But it was great to watch. He is a quick learner with a great attitude. He will understand the nuances of how to get people out very quickly and that augurs well for India. At 19, he is doing everything he was asked to do. Actually, he reminds me of Sri (Javagal Srinath) in the early days. The pace, the height...
Towards the end, when we were obviously thinking of finishing the game, that 73-run stand between Johnson and Clark was a bit frustrating. It was one of those things… I had had a long bowl, bowling literally from just before lunch to an over after the first drinks break post tea. It was 17 or 18 on the trot. Unfortunately again, I had a wicket off a no ball, then there was a dropped catch, some airy shots that landed in no man's land.
Still, there was never a negative thought that we couldn't win. We needed just one ball and Irfan got us that win with the new ball.
It's still sinking in but this is really special, to become the first subcontinental team to win in Perth. There's been a one-off Kiwi win, a one off English win, a few by the West Indians at their heights. Most teams don't last four days here and frankly, I don't think anybody gave us a chance against the backdrop of Sydney.
What made this really special was that it was a total team effort: Everybody contributed when the chips were down. Rahul and Sachin's stand in the first innings, Rahul and Laxman later, Dhoni and Laxman, RP Singh's cameo, RP's bowling too was exceptional in both innings… and all the rest I'd mentioned. There was something from everyone.
Personally, it was also very special for me to cross the 600-wicket landmark. The Symonds wicket was very important at that juncture and when I look back at Perth, it will be so special at many levels.
On another final note, before we move to Adelaide, it was really nice to have Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist come in after the game and sit and chat with us in our dressing room. It was a reflection of the spirit in which this game was played for the most.
But it was played hard of course. To beat Australia in Australia was really tough. You have to play really well and I think India have been the only team to have matched up consistently over the last 10 years.
Out of 21 games, we have a 10:8 ratio; with other teams, it's way off balance. I think we've shown time and again that we can compete on equal terms and that feels very good. It was important to win here and have people finally realise that we are good enough. And now, on to Adelaide to complete the job.
Hawkeye/Chivach Spors