Perhaps numbers never do reveal the full story, but they tell a large part of it

A match which seemed to be going India's way turned out to be much closer than anticipated, as Zimbabwe made a spirited fist of their 256-run target

India defeated Australia by 19 runs after putting up a huge total of 303, with VVS Laxman playing the leading role with a century

Perhaps numbers never do reveal the full story, but they tell a large part of it

After a less-than-convincing performance in the VB Series opener against Australia, this was the perfect outing for the Indians - apart from a brief period towards the end of Zimbabwe's innings when Heath Streak and Sean Ervine turned it on, the

India faltered at the very end in pursuit of 289 and lost the opening game of the VB Series, against Australia, by 18 runs.

Perhaps numbers never do reveal the full story, but they tell a large part of it

Perhaps numbers never do reveal the full story, but they tell a large part of it

Ricky Ponting's magnificent double-century was remarkable not just for the sheer number of runs he scored, but also for his complete mastery over the Indian bowlers

Ricky Ponting's magnificent double-century was remarkable not just for the sheer number of runs he scored, but also for his complete mastery over the Indian bowlers

Perhaps numbers do never reveal the full story, but they tell a large part of it fairly well

The pace and bounce at Melbourne is expected to be to the Australians' liking, but India can take encouragement from the fact that this is the only venue in Australia where they have won two Tests

The pace and bounce at Melbourne is expected to be to the Australians' liking, but India can take encouragement from the fact that this is the only venue in Australia where they have won two Tests

Perhaps numbers do never reveal the full story, but they tell a large part of it fairly well

A spate of controversial umpiring decisions has opened up the debate over the use of technology to assist the officials

A few statistical highlights from India's victory over Australia at the Adelaide Oval

Rahul Dravid held India's run-chase together, and with VVS Laxman providing the much-needed impetus to the innings, India were on the threshold of a magnificent win

An inspired performance in the field by India, and some careless batting by the Australian top order, left the second Test at the Adelaide Oval intriguingly poised, as Australia were bowled out for 196 in their second innings

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman dug deep and defied the Australian bowlers to give India hope in the second Test at Adelaide

Ricky Ponting and Andy Bichel put Australia on top, while Anil Kumble restored some lost pride