An India-Australia series always throws up a surprise or two. 2001 saw the emergence of a few cricketers who were part of the cricketing circuit but had not really displayed their true talent to the cricketing world. This time too, a few youngsters put their hands up and made a name for themselves, while some veterans showed us they are still not finished. There were some who were expected to dominate the series, but failed miserably. Here's a close look at the 'Hits' and 'Misses' of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2004.

Hits

Damien Martyn: If 2001 belonged to Matthew Hayden, Martyn reigned supreme this time round. For someone born and brought up on the bouncy pitches of Perth, Martyn's determination and application on this tour were exemplary. His hundred at Chennai when Australia were in deep strife will be remembered as one of the best under pressure in Indian conditions. His handling of Kumble and Harbhajan was a major factor in Australia's triumph. His dismissal for 97 in the second innings at Nagour would have been disappointing as it denied him centuries in both innings. But his overall performance was exceptional and this Indian crowd will remember him for his glorious and artistic strokeplay.

Michael Clarke: Michael Clarke's debut series has been nothing short of a fairy-tale. The 23 year-old got an opportunity to represent his country in the longer version of the game, courtesy an injury to Ricky Ponting. And he certainly capitalized. Clarke scored a century in his first Test innings at Bangalore, got 90-plus at Nagpur and picked up six wickets at Mumbai. What else can someone playing in his first Test series ask for? The talented Clarke never showed any signs of nerves except when he was in his 90s. His innings at Bangalore was full of attacking strokes, and he took on the likes of Kumble and Harbhajan. His consistent performances throughout made this series a truly memorable one for him and all the Aussie supporters.

Michael Clarke - HIT.

Jason Gillespie: 'Dizzy', as he is known affectionately to his teammates, bowled exceptionally well in 2001. But he did not have the wickets to show for his efforts. Things have turned around for him this time. His nine-wicket haul at Nagpur ensured that Australia clinched the series without much trouble. Maintaining a tight line and length throughout the series, Gillespie with able support from McGrath and Kasprowicz never allowed the Indian batsmen to get away. Gillespie also played a big part with the willow for the visitors. Though he did not score too many runs, his presence at the crease for long periods of time frustrated the opposition and enabled the batsman at the other end to add some crucial runs to the scoreboard.

Anil Kumble: India's old workhorse once again proved why he is so deadly at home. 'Jumbo' was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 27 scalps. India were unlucky that his excellent spells at Chennai could not result in a victory as rain played spoilsport. The Aussies found it difficult to counter the extra bounce and bite of Kumble's deliveries. But his efforts were in vain as the Indian batsmen could not capitalise on his good work.

Misses

Matthew Hayden: Hayden came to India with a huge reputation after his exploits in 2001. But the Aussie opener was off-colour and returned with only one fifty in eight visits to the middle. It was not that he was having any trouble against the Indian bowlers. But somehow, he kept getting out in the 20s and 30s. The sweep shot, which got him gallons of runs three years ago, was his undoing on quite a few occasions. Overall, Hayden was one of the biggest disappointments of the series, as an in-form Hayden can be the most destructive player on his day.
 

VVS Laxman: Like Hayden, Laxman too couldn't live up to the expectations. Because Laxman's past record against the World Champions is so imposing, people almost took it for granted that scoring runs would be child's play for him. But the game of cricket has its unique twists and turns. Warne, who had a torrid time against Laxman in 2001, had his sweet revenge. The highest wicket-taker in the world at present, Warne dismissed Laxman cheaply on quite a few occasions and prevented any chance of a strong Indian fightback. He was bowled on a couple of occasions to deliveries that cannot be termed as great. The only innings of substance from him came in Mumbai when he played a hand in India's victory, scoring a crucial 69. But in the end, it was a very forgettable series for Laxman like it will be for the other Indians too.

Darren Lehmann: Considered as the best player of spin in Australia, Lehman dented his reputation a bit, struggling against the Indian spinners. The Aussie vice-captain for the first three Tests looked totally at sea against the Indian bowling attack. His half-century at Nagpur was the only score of any note for the talented left-hander who missed the fourth Test due to injury. With Clarke having such a sensational start to his Test career, Lehmann's place in the side is under severe threat. Rahul Dravid: The ICC Test Player of the Year was one of the many Indians to under-perform. Expected to play the role of a sheet anchor, Dravid did spend long hours at the crease but failed to score too many as the Aussies never gave him any leeway. India's phenomenal run in international cricket in the last two seasons was to a large extent due to Dravid's consistent performances. With Tendulkar out for the first two Tests, Dravid was expected to be the premier batsman. But for a change, he could not deliver what was expected of him. As a result, India struggled to post big totals and lost the series in the process.

Rahul Dravid - MISS.