Speaking of Asia

When India asked: Is that all you got, Australia?

The sensational Indian cricket win at Brisbane was a moment when a sport spoke for a nation. The grit shown under pressure speaks of a resilience and competitiveness that could be formidable if better made use of off-field.

Indian players celebrate at the end of the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India at The Gabba in Brisbane on Jan 19, 2021. PHOTO: AFP

There's this moment midway through the classic Rumble in the Jungle fight in Zaire when Muhammad Ali, lighter and older than the heavy-hitting reigning heavyweight George Foreman, grabs the bigger boxer and whispers into his ear after enduring a fusillade of blows: "That all you got, George?"

Foreman was used to finishing off his opponents in quick time, and while his intense practice sessions in the run-up to the bout had even included chopping wood, Ali's willpower, reflexes and ability to absorb punishment had extended him beyond his limit.

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