India, Aug. 22 -- We fans have an extraordinary tendency to play up the success of the underdogs. Earlier this week, when Bangladesh beat Australia in the first Test in their own backyard in Darwin, not only the Bangladeshi media and fans went wild with their celebrations and paeans but the global media was also gleeful, especially those in England. Having been thrashed by Ireland and England in white-ball cricket recently, the Indians, too, felt good about the Bangladeshi triumph.

Of course, one can't take away the credit from Bangladesh for beating Australia in the first Test. Beating the Aussies anywhere in the world is a big deal. Even in Bangladesh, that would be massive news. But the factor that most likely helped the visitors win ...