the Melbourne Test - Ed Cowns' debut and Police at his Sydney house

Left handed Ed Cowan made his debut – a couple of days earlier, when his father returned to his home at Sydney, he was surprised to see Police presence including dozens of officers and more than 20 police cars…. Nothing to do with the celebrity status of his son though !!!!

There have been very many tours wherein Indians were off to a bad start on Day 1 and subsequently would be staring one down at the start of the Series – that way Day 1 of Test no. 2025 was a good day for Indians though an ardent fan would have liked to have been much better.   From 214/6 when the debutant Ed Cowan  got out to Ashwin,  to 277 without loss of any further wicket was a good recovery.  This morning Australians were all out for 333 Zaheer and Ashwin adding two more to their overnight scalps. 

Gambhir scratched around and departed edging behind but Sehwag was sublime with a couple of ‘no one move’ shots to reach his 50.  As long as he is in the crease, you can imagine all possible things…… such has been his mastery – he did offer a couple of sharp chances though !

David Warner though new to Test cricket is known to the fraternity due to his exploits in T20 and IPL and he walked with Ed Cowan.  Edward James Mckenzie Cowan, a left hander making his debut walked alongside.  He is 29 and has been expected to open for some years now..  he was watchful, leaving as much as possible and patiently made his way to 68.   cricinfo reveals that when he made 6, he had registered the highest score by an Australian opener in his first innings in 18 years.  Then he ended on 68, easily the best maiden effort since Wayne Philips scored 159 in Nov. 1983.

Warner made a flashy 37, Shaun Marsh was out for a duck,  Mike Hussey also made a duck. Ponting made 62 sharing 113 partnership with Ed Cowan.  Umesh Yadav was clearly the pick of the bowlers though Ishant bowled well, beat the bat but failed to take that elusive wicket throughout the innings. 

Cricket in Australia has long been characterized by dubious decisions,  biased ones against the visitors and partisan crowds jeering others.  But they would find every opportunity to deride other cricketing Nations. Now there is high talk that Michael Hussey’s caught behind was one which would have been reversed had technology been available.  While  Indians have been unduly obstinate against use of hotspot and DRS, Australians would speak only when things are in their favour.    Erasmus raising finger would be debated endlessly but 3 decades ago, Rex Whitehead was favoured and stood in all 3 tests despite Indian protest..

On a day of ordinary fortunes, Umesh Yadav emerged as an impact bowler capable of taking wickets at  right time.  He can take pride in bouncing faster ones and beating Ponting by pace to take his wicket.   There was a time when only Senior Pros would voice their views.  In India, especially, there used to be ban on players speaking to Press and a Junior cricketer was always instructed to remain silent at least in front of media.  Australia is different – in other forms of cricket, you see important players on mike speaking to the experts during the match itself – whether it would affect one’s concentration – there would be no answer in a commercial World.  The man who made his debut, Ed Cowan has been quite vociferous and reiterated Australia’s call for a uniform approach to Decision Review System – whether his decision being viewed dubious gave him the right is not sure.  Australians have always employed all methods towards victory telling that they play the game the hard way.    At administrative level, confusion continues to prevail as ICC mandated DRS  in Tests and ODIs earlier this year only to reverse the decision three months later. The BCCI's opposition to review technology meant that under the new rules, in which both boards must agree for the DRS to be used, the system was always going to be absent from this series.

There have been many Umpiring decisions which have changed the momentum or the game itself -  the Umpire is human and when there is technological aid, it should be utilized – but Umpire is not to be blamed in its absence as long as he is fair and decides on what could be seen with a human eye in that split second. 

Punter the Warrior was accorded a rousing reception by the crowd – he scratched, was hit on the head in the second ball but survived to make a 50.  He is ageing but good enough still to keep many youngsters out..

Ed Cowan photo courtesy : the daily telegraph



Interestingly, just a day after being selected for his debut, Ed Cowan received some not so welcome news – there was a dramatic break-in at  Sydney house where his parents reside.  Reportedly a neighbour spotted a man trying to break into their house and Police were informed.  Reports suggest that the man was armed with a knife, barricaded himself inside Cowan’s luxury home when he saw the authorities arriving.  He spent about 3 hours trying to negotiate, Police  used capsicum spray to detain him, after he allegedly threatened to harm himself.  The intruder was reported to have been  heavily impaired by drugs and was on parole at the time.

Mr Cowan father of Ed was outside and  he was surprised to see Police presence including dozens of officers and more than 20 police cars.  After the incident he contacted Ed to confirm that the family was safe……

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.