At the end of an historic week, Michael Clarke prevented Sachin Tendulkar notching another milestone, removing him for 80 to deny a hundredth international 100 – and spark a dramatic collapse by the visitors.
Ben Hilfenhaus’ stunning Test revival saw him take five wickets, including the last, to secure a 2-0 series lead.
And bowling partner James Pattinson said the home side were confident of keeping the foot on the throat of the aging Indians, with the Test caravan moving to Perth for the Third Test next week.
“It beats losing, and the heartbreak of down in Hobart,” Pattinson said.
“But the boys have bounced back really well with two convincing wins in four days, we are on a roll now so hopefully we can take it to 3-0 and then 4-0.”
Tendulkar looked certain to finally bring up his personal milestone on the placid day four SCG strip, until Clarke’s intervention with the ball backed up his annihilation of the Indians with the bat.
An edge ricocheted off Brad Haddin’s gloves into the palms of Mike Hussey, and the deflation spread through the Indian middle order, who departed too quickly.
Some late resistance from Zaheer Khan and Ravi Ashwin delayed the inevitable, which came when Ashwin was caught by Nathan Lyon.
Clarke was full of praise for his bowlers, who were made to work - but took 20 wickets to the Indians four over the four days.
“That was a great win, a lot of credit has to go to our bowlers to take ten wickets … to perform the way we did is a really positive thing for this team,” Clarke said.
“Our discipline has to be what has improved so much in the last few months, we are executing our skills, a lot of guys in the group have got the talent.
“It was really nice for our batting group to stand up and make some runs.”
After Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey answered their critics, Clarke again said the mix of the old and young was crucial to the future of the team.
“Experience and youth is what you need to have success in any sporting team, and it is no different in the Australian cricket team,” Clarke said.
“We have got a good mix of that.”
And coming off his first Test century in two years, Ponting said personal relief and team joy were intermingled.
“It has been an amazing four days for us, we set it up on the first day – but our batting, that is as good as I think I have ever seen any side bat,” Ponting said.
“I must admit when the ball missed the stumps there was a bit of relief there for me. I have worked hard on my game.
“I am still licking my wounds a little bit with all the skin that came off my stomach and my arms, that is one of the innings I will never forget.
“I have been searching hard for that elusive hundred, probably too hard, but hopefully it can pay dividends. Hopefully this team can continue the momentum.
“Michael Clarke’s innings was amazing – and I think it says a lot about our bowlers to come back and bowl the way they did. They are young blokes finding their feet at test level.
“They just kept bending their backs and got the results
“We have had a couple of good weeks – we will celebrate like we should.”