The experienced players among Australia’s outfit will have to take the bulk of the responsibility to have a more than even chance of overcoming India in their two Test series that starts next week in Mohali.
Australia’s side has a rather inexperienced look about it, now that many of their former stalwarts have hung up their cricketing boots.
But still there are few of the relatively newer bunch of players who have enough Tests under their belt, since the retirements of former stars such as Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Shane Warne, etc, to give Australia more than a fighting chance.
While it will be up to Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting to give the innings some impetus in the middle part of their innings’, it will be Simon Katich’s and Shane Watson, or Phillip Hughes’ job to get them off to a good start.
One fears that in the absence of a reasonable start on the crumbling pitches of Mohali and Bangalore, could expose the middle-order too early to the Indian bowling attack. I use the phrase expose, in the sense that should the openers depart cheaply, Ponting and the rest would have to make up quickly for lost runs, that are crucial in a Test of this nature.
Give guys like Ponting and Hussey the platform and Australia can at least set themselves up for a possible victory. Batsmen of the ilk of Hussey and Marcus North will also be looking to consolidate on a solid start by the top three, to build up to a big total. If Australia decide to bat first (if it is in their hands) a big first innings total will always come in handy on the slower pitches of India.
If the Aussies can score big first up (assuming they bat first), they will have to gee up their bowlers to have a full tilt at the Indian batsmen, who are still at times susceptible to the short ball, even on the slow pitches in India.
Australia are looking to break their India bogey – especially after their 2-0 series loss in India in 2008 – and there will be no time for slacking off. The one thing that any team should be wary of in India of course, is the ability of India’s openers to set up huge first innings scores and take the game away from the opposition.
The strategy has to be clear-cut against batsman such as Virender Sehwag, who has the stamina to build huge innings of note, accompanied by his ability to score very, very quickly. Maybe that strategy includes aggression and a bit of intimidation – as long as it doesn’t violate the rules of course!
Sachin Tendulkar, despite his age, is still keeping the scorers busy these days, while the likes of Gautam Gambhir and the rock-solid Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman are the rock on which Indian innings’ are built. The addition of young talent Suresh Raina is another string in their bow.
The bowling I believe will be a key factor, more than the batting in Australia being able to pull off a series victory. No Brett Lee or the inimitable Glen McGrath to spearhead things, so it will be left at times to the erratic Mitchell Johnson and the ever dependable Doug Bollinger, as well as Ben Hilfenhaus to keep the skillful Indian batsmen at bay. Nathan Hauritz, who can flatter to deceive sometimes, will have to strutt his stuff; the same goes for his partner-in-crime, whoever that may be – if the Aussies choose a second spinner.
His opposite number, Harbajhan Singh, as good as he is, is a totally different prospect on the pitches of India, what with the fanatical crowd in support. A two Test series is not the ideal decider for such an important series though, and one still wonders what the cricket boards in question are trying to achieve through such a limited Test series.
Let’s hope we see some “needle” too as long as it is above board of course, that always makes a Test between Australia and India ‘very very special’ indeed.
Jason Cave
Guest
I think Michael Clarke hit the nail on the head when he said 'if you don't perform in the two tests against India, what hope have you got of being in the First Ashes Test at the Gabba?" So, in reality, this India-Australia series is really a selection guide to see who will be in the XI for the First Test against England at the Gabba.
dasilva
Guest
Well it's more interest then what was originally plan which was zero
Fisher Price
Guest
Lolly and I never expect much of Johnson. Somehow, though, he retains a cheer squad.
Timmuh
Guest
Big shrug? Australia touring the number one ranked nation? All subjective, but far from the case in my view. Its probably more important than the Ashes in terms of who is better in Test cricket. It is a shame, though, that it is only two Tests with minimal (no in some cases) preparation that was put together at the last minute. Every Test is important, ones against the new number ones even moreso. This isn't a build-up to the Ashes, the Ashes come in the aftermath of the India series. Any of the less experienced guys who stands up for Australia in this series will go a long way to securing a long term berth in the side. I struggle to see who that might be though.
mactheblack
Guest
I think the outcome for the Aussies hinges on Ponting's form as well .. his role as captain, and in his batting. If on this tour he can come to the fore in both departments, don't bet against the Aussies having India on the backfoot from the word go. Despite Atawhai Drive's commment that it's not the ideal preparation for the Ashes, Ponting & co will have to make it a beneficial series for them with the Ashes in mind. I find the general comments rather negative, or unsure towards the Aussies in this series. And one can understand why, as a neutral. Of late India has not been a happy hunting ground. C'mon you have to give them every chance ... it's time for the younger inexperienced guns to come through, and who knows? India may just be the series that does it for them!
Lolly
Guest
What I find stupid is that the Aussies have played England in England in ODI's twice in a year and the same with India in India in ODI's. I don't expect a great deal from Johnson on this tour. Hilfy and Dougie will have to really haul arse for the Aussies to get a result. And, Kat the honorable exception, the batsmen try to find some internal fortitude, even if Punter goes early. A real weather vane of a line-up this one.
T
Guest
A two-test series shows that India's interest in Test match cricket is virtually nil.
Brett McKay
Guest
Atawhai, it's infinitely better preperation for the Ashes than seven one-dayers, which is what this tour was originally scheduled to be. India have a sudden interest in Test cricket again, now that they're ranked no.1.....
Brett McKay
Guest
Mac, I think the middle orders might be the deciding factors. If Clarke/Hussey/North/Paine can get the better of Tendulkar/Laxman/Raina/Dhoni, then Australia will be a chance. Harbhajan will be a big loss if injury rules him out. It's a funny sort of series, being only two Tests - 2-0 either way is just as likely as 0-0, or 1-1....
JoshF
Roar Rookie
The series sees to strong batting lineups face two mediocre bowling attacks. I feel that draws seem highly likely. Harbahjan is the difference between the two sides, although there are reports that he may not play due to injury. Seemingly a good thing for Australia but with Graham Swann packing his bags for the Ashes Australia's batsmen could do with the offspin practice. I think this series will come down to one batting collapse, and a neutral observer would have to say that Australia is the more likely side to faulter. Hilfenhaus has done nothing wrong since returning from injury and I'm expecting him to have a strong series. The result of this series shouldn't be the major concern, the Ashes is only a couple of months away. Australia needs Ponting and North to find form and Mitchell Johnson needs to work out what's going on
formeropenside
Guest
Important series - it was thrown together at the last minute for no apparent reason. And anyway, how many times has Australia toured India recently? Big shrug for me.
Atawhai Drive
Guest
A two-Test "series" is not a series at all. For Australia, it's the worst possible preparation for the Ashes.