Here comes an informal awards ceremony called the “Sportskeeda Awards” for the 1st Test. Not the formal, boring one helmed by the likes of Shastri & co.

The Phoenixes – Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. For proving their critics wrong and showing their class. Ponting’s total runs for this match, 122 (62 and 60) is the victory margin. Fitting indeed … Hussey’s 2nd inning’s 89 was a crucial effort after the Aussies were reeling at 27 for 4. The veterans put on 115 runs and led the Aussie ship to safety. Can expect a couple of 100s from these old warhorses in the upcoming Tests.

Promising Newbies – Ed Cowan, Umesh Yadav and James Pattinson share this award. The 29 yr old Cowan seems to have made up for lost time by making a solid debut with his 1st inning 68. Umesh Yadav was promising and nailed 7 wkts for the match. He ran in with gusto and made good use of the helpful pitch. Most of his scalps were of the top order. Pattinson was the official MOM and he made crucial runs down the order in both the innings (55 unbeaten runs). More importantly, he was fiery with the ball (6 wkts) and the Indians couldn’t handle him. They guy has serious pace, seems to be mature in his bowling and is young as well. Deadly combo to have. The future of Aussie fast bowling is in safe hands.

The comeback Kings – Zaheer Khan and Ben Hilfenhaus (7 wkts each). Both of them were back to Test cricket after a layoff due to different reasons. They showed their caliber and experience, and provided crucial breakthroughs whenever needed with disciplined ‘corridor’ bowling.

I don’t give a damn - Virender Sehwag continues to bat without any concern for the situation or the state of the match. He made an entertaining 67 in the 1st inning and perished early during the run chase, as feared. Some people just can’t change.

Have I made it large? - No way Gautam. You failed miserably in both the innings. Much scope for improvement. He averages just 30 since his last test 100 way back in Jan 2010.

Mr. Boring – Unfortunately, Rahul Dravid. A painstaking 68 (187) in the 1st inning bored viewers to death. He might still be the most valued player in the team, but sadly the most boring too.

Livewire – The big runs might have deserted him but, David Warner is a real asset on the field, and he should hold his spot in the team just for the positive vibes he generates. He can pack a real punch too, don’t forget that.

Limitless – Sachin Tendulkar. His 2nd inning failures are limitless and his 1st inning dazzlers are limitless too. Same case in this Test as well. His wait for the 100th century is becoming limitless too.

Allrounder – R.Ashwin seems to be sure shot ‘allrounder’ material. Bowls untiringly and bats with quite a lot of class and panache for a lower order batsman. H.Singh might have just played his last Test. This Chennai guy has nailed it. 61 runs and 4 wkts in this forgettable Test.

The epic disasters – Kohli, VVS and Haddin. All the 3 are expected to score runs but they did everything except that, in this match. Haddin though, caught 5 behind the stumps and redeemed himself in his primary duty. VVS deserves more respect while Kohli needs contribute more with the bat. It doesn’t seem to work outside India for you, Virat.

Sticky Pest – Peter Siddle might be among the most valued and consistent performers in the Aussie team (6 wkts and 41 in the 1st inning) and he might be a big morale booster in the dressing room and in the field for his mates. But, he comes across as quite a frustrating lad with his full-on aggression and scary reactions on the field. Can’t help it mate, your persona ain’t likable.

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