By Sreelata S. Yellamrazu
Ironically while the nation’s focus is on the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi, and particularly so on matters that have not gone right, the focus on the India Australia series is largely to redeem the sport and of the format of the taints that have dominated the headlines for the better part of two months.
After the rather murky allegations that have emanated from the England Pakistan series, the spot light has now shifted to the contest between two strong teams in the cricket arena. While some would dispute that theory about Australia, there is little to suggest that this contest will not be as hard fought as those between the two teams that have preceded it.
After the rather murky allegations that have emanated from the England Pakistan series, the spot light has now shifted to the contest between two strong teams in the cricket arena. While some would dispute that theory about Australia, there is little to suggest that this contest will not be as hard fought as those between the two teams that have preceded it.
India and Australia carry a love-hate relationship on the cricket field that translates into very competitive matches, strong performances and a serious battle for pride. What also makes this contest particularly interesting is that although the contests within contests may be disappeared to a miniscule over time through the retirement of veteran Australian cricketers, the visitors still boast of a reasonably good outfit that can hold its own. In Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, the Australian captain and vice captain respectively, Australia have two of the most experienced and pugnacious exponents of Test cricket. Although Ponting has not had the flourish in recent months as he had in years, with Ponting, the threat always looms which is why the Indian bowlers will need to be on top of their game.
Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, And Harbhajan Singh are all coming back from injuries and the lack of sufficient match practice ahead of such an important series could play into the hands of the Australians who boast of a good batting unit that will be eager to prove themselves.
The home advantage factor is nullified to an extent that the Australians now consider India their second home when it comes to making money from the game they passionate pursue via the IPL. India’s strengths in the spinning department may then make a difference and it will all depend on whether Harbhajan Singh, who has had some criticism of late since the retirement of Anil Kumble, is able to fire himself up against an opponent that he has had success against. Australia though will be looking to their fast bowlers, and in particular, Mitchell Johnson to lead the attack, a tough task in the Indian subcontinent. While Ponting has exuded confidence in Nathan Hauritz, the comparison in the departments may be stretching it a tad much, particularly against India’s experienced and talented batting line up.
It will be a game of attrition more than individual skills that will determine the fate of the series. India should rank favourites not only because their batting is the more established but also, because the bowlers are significantly more experienced that those in the Australian camp. What is promised though is a mouth watering contest and as far as the ICC is concerned, one that annihilates the suggestions of match fixing that has really seen Test cricket hit a new low.
©Sreelata S. Yellamrazu for ©www.mindspacecricket.com
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