Yahoo Finance 'Top gesture': Fans moved by India's superb act of sportsmanship
India's Test stars capped off a remarkable history-making win at the Gabba, with a post-match moment of class that is being praised around the world.
The tourists pulled off one of the most remarkable victories in their Test cricket history, with a venue-record chase of 328 proving a fitting finale for an incredible 2-1 series victory that saw them retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
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It was an extraordinary achievement from an injury-ravaged Indian side missing almost an entire Test XI of stars, as well as regular captain Virat Kohli, who returned home after the first Test for the birth of his child.
On the flip side, it was a heartbreaking way for Nathan Lyon to cap off what he would have hoped to be a memorable 100th Test milestone match.
The Aussie spinner was uncharacteristically out of form throughout the four-match Test series, still stranded one wicket short of his 400th Test scalp after taking just nine nine wickets at an average of 55.11 and strike rate of 124.6 in the series.
The figures are Lyon's worst for any home series across his illustrious 100-Test career.
But while Lyon and the Aussies watched in despair as India's players celebrate their incredible victory on Tuesday, the tourists saved their classiest moment for last.
Despite the sledges and the animosity between both teams throughout the series, India captain Ajiknya Rahane showed there was no hard feelings after calling Lyon over to the trophy presentation area.
The stand-in skipper then presented the Aussie spinner with a signed jersey to commemorate his 100-Test milestone, in a gesture commended by viewers across the world, including Indian Test legend, VVS Laxman.
“Excellent gesture from @ajinkyarahane88and the Indian team to Felicitate Nathan Lyon on his 100th Test Match,” Laxman wrote on Twitter.
“One more example of Sportsman Spirit from Rahane. How dignified he is even after achieving such a incredible win.”
The way the Indian side have conducted themselves throughout this series has been exemplary 👏
Ajinkya Rahane presented Nathan Lyon a signed shirt to celebrate 'Garry' reaching 100 Test's 🐐
Class. pic.twitter.com/wuMKEexczQ— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 19, 2021
It was a big occasion for Lyon and just a reminder that 100th test doesn’t automatically guarantee success. Great gesture by @ajinkyarahane88 to present a signed jersey. He did the same during the Afghanistan test. A class act @melindafarrell @BCCI @collinsadam @cricbuzz ✌️👐👌
— munish prabhakar (@mp__prabhakar) January 19, 2021
Ajinkya Rahane gave India's signed jersey to Nathan Lyon and congratulated him for his 100th Test. Top gesture by team India. #AjinkyaRahane #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/wrJU5aN2Vn
— Sanjay Msd (@SanjayMsd07) January 19, 2021
What a gesture by Rahane & Team India to give that Signed Jersey to Nathan Lyon for his 100th Test Match .That's what shows the character of India. After all the fight and blows we still acknowledge our Opponent's achievements and respect that. These characters build Great Teams.
— Gaurav Vats (@gaurav_vats3) January 19, 2021
Very true.. Set the tone with a wonderful century at MCG... Ice cool... What a wonderful gesture shown at the end to Nathan Lyon... Rahane is special...!!!
— Vivek R B (@vivekisnearu) January 19, 2021
What a wonderful gesture by Rahane to present a signed jersey to Nathan Lyon for his 100th Test. Even while celebrating such a monumental win, Rahane remembered one of his adversaries and his special milestone. What a classy guy!
— Nitin Kulkarni (@nzkulkarni) January 19, 2021
A late wicket saw Lyon finish with 2-85 as India managed a ground-record 7-329, off the back of Rishabh Pant's swashbuckling unbeaten 89.
Pant in particular proved a thorn in Lyon's side, carving him to all parts of the SCG and the Gabba in successive Tests as India first saved the series in Sydney before winning it on the final day in Brisbane.
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Shane Warne led the criticism of Lyon's "negative" field settings on Tuesday, disappointed the 33-year-old hadn't employed a short mid-off or tempted the batsmen to be more attacking when the run chase appeared forlorn.
But it's a method that's proved the test of time and Aussie captain Tim Paine acknowledged Lyon's tough luck - he had five catches dropped and a stumping missed across the series - when delivering his assessment.
"They (India) grow up playing spin don't they; that's what Indian teams are famous for ... (but he) created plenty of chances, a close lbw shout early (on Tuesday) that goes his way and could've got on a roll," captain Paine said.
"He bowled his heart out and at times we let him down in the field and at times balls didn't quite go to hand.
"He's been an absolute champ of Australian cricket, bowling well, creating chances and and he's someone who will bounce back well in (the next Test series in) South Africa."
Australia are due to leave for a three-Test series in South Africa next month, but Paine admitted they were yet to land on a departure date as COVID-19 continues to cloud the 2021 calendar.
with AAP
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