Sporting fortunes at elite level can be fickle

IN SPORTS, ONE is only as good as the last outing.

- Tushar Bhaduri

Whatever one may have achieved in the past or may be capable of accomplishing in the future doesn't matter nearly as much as the here and now. Events in two distinct sports over the past few weeks have ensured that the maxim holds true regardless of the stature of the protagonists.

In cricket, the fortunes of India and Australia have flipped on a dime. Less than a month ago, the Men in Blue didn't know what hit them as they tried to come to terms with the 0-3 home series whitewash against New Zealand. Chances of making the World Test Championship final were considered remote at best. Fans were fearing the worst when they embarked on the five-Test tour of Australia, apprehensions that became graver when the team was bundled out for a mere 150 in the first two sessions of the Perth Test. However, what transpired thereafter can mildly be described as 'reversal of fortune'.

The Aussies, meanwhile, were in prime position for payback after losing two successive home series to India. The WTC holders led the points table with several players also having been part of the 50-over World Cup winning side in India a year ago. Beating India in a Test series for the first time in almost a decade could help this team being counted among the best their country had ever assembled.

But after initial promise, they suffered one heavy punch after another over three days to an extent that the famous Kangaroo spirit had been knocked out much before the final bell. Pat Cummins' side has no option but to lick its wounds and try to make a fresh start in the day-night Test at Adelaide.