Humiliated in Nagpur, chased down at the Kotla and expected to be beaten comprehensively at Mohali -- they were completely written off after the first innings -- Australia, with several injury worries, was staring at a series defeat, down 1-2, in the Hero Honda Cup last Monday.
A little more than a week later, their captain, Ricky Ponting, is a relieved man. The visitors completed a remarkable turnaround to pocket the series and are now looking to add to India's cup of woes.
Ponting, on his part, denied there would be any room for complacency in his dressing room ahead of the seventh one-dayer at the D Y Patil Stadium in Nerul, insisting his team is still hungry.
"I want to finish on a positive note," he asserted. "The series has been decided, but it is not over.
"5-2 is any day better than 4-3."
The turnaround that started at Mohali -- when the visitors, after posting a score that was considered not enough on a flat wicket, dismissed the famed Indian batting line-up for less than that -- continued with an unexpected win at Hyderabad -- where Sachin Tendulkar almost led India home -- and an emphatic one at Guwahati.
Three consecutive wins and the series in the bag, and Australia's captain had ample time to reflect what worked for his side in the series.
"It is our bowling that has made the difference," he said. "We kept things tight throughout. Then there was one breakthrough at a crucial juncture every time and that helped us win three straight games."
He again gushed about his young squad that rose to the occasion.
"Nine key players injured and still we win; it says a lot about these young players," asserted Ponting.
"When you get picked for the country, that is the opportunity you have to make use of. And our players have done it.
"Hopefully, this set of players will be kept together keeping in mind building a team for the next World Cup."
Ponting also refused to admit that the present Australian side is struggling sans the key players it had a few years back.
"We showed in England that we are still a capable side even though we had lost the Ashes," reasoned Ponting. "Then we won the Champions Trophy and now this series.
"People are always going to have a different opinion but, as far as I am concerned, Australian cricket is headed in the right direction."
Point made. Point accepted.
