Fantastic Test series that. Exciting cricket all the way through and a fair result in the end. Australia are still the best Test and one-day side in the world, but we've shown that we can compete with the very best in their own backyard and win our fair share of battles. Somehow, though, I feel that getting a series draw in Australia is the easy part of a much bigger plan. All of a sudden, expectations have soared. India are considered the most obvious threat to the Australian dominance of modern cricket. The pressure and expectation that was missing before this Test series is back on the players now, especially since they are playing Pakistan next. Now begins the true test of the players' character. Can they build on the good work done in Australia and England in recent years and seriously challenge South Africa for the No. 2 spot? The problem with this Indian side doesn't seem to be the big occasion anymore, rather it appears that it is while facing the smaller/less fashionable sides that the team struggles. The recent series against New Zealand(no disrespect to them. They're a very strong side, but clearly not in the same league as Australia) in India showed that. I sincerely believe that India will be able to challenge South Africa and Australia regularly, but it is a long process that will take a few years. On the basis of talent, this Indian side is as good as any in the world, and for a lot of our history we have had a side packed full of talented flair players. But now we are beginning to see a true team spirit within the side. That, and a willingness to foresake the traditional fireworks in favour of a more attritional game when necessary, could hold the key to future success.
I'm babbling now. I'll shut up while I still can.