Last year Australian cricket was in turmoil, the Ashes were lost, players were banned for not doing their ‘homework’ and coach Mickey Arthur was sacked. Hope was lost in the Australian camp and the public was the most pessimistic I can remember.
On the other hand, there was India. Their form was so-so at best, they had beaten the teams they were expected to beat, apart from the horrible loss to New Zealand.
If you had asked people ‘do you think it will be a good series when India versus Australia in Australia?’ Most would say no, they’re two teams in free fall.
Last summer it all changed for Australia, playing England in what will be remembered as one of the most historic Ashes series, winning 5-0.
There was the resurrection of Mitchell Johnson, who played one of the best series ever seen, while Brad Haddin, who most had as a washed-up Test cricketer, saved Australia in nearly every game. David Warner rose as one of the best.
Led by Darren Lehman, all their worries were forgotten.
The Indians look to have played themselves into form against the English. Their first game was a draw, the second a 95-run win which saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar take six wickets and Ishant Sharma cleaning up.
So are Australia and India back in form, or are England just that bad?
Australia’s series win over the South Africans will have many leaning towards them to win over India this summer. Whatever the outcome, it will shape world cricket for a long time.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Unfortunately the way things are turning out in England, the series may end being fought in the BCCI (sorry ICC) boardrooms. India has appealed the decision to fine Jadega. That this was an unappealable offence doesn't seem to worry the BCCI. What next from India, pace bowlers to bowl no faster than 120 km/h?I hope CA stands firm about using the DRS for the series.
Arto
Guest
India arrive in Aus late Nov after concluding their series against Eng in middle Sep. Depending upon injuries, this is likely to be a good match-up as after the 1st Test in Brisbane (Dec 4), they play the remaining 3 Tests at grounds where their batsmen can pose a problem to a reduce strength Aus bowling line-up - although if Johnsen is in the same red-hot form he was last season, then it'll definitely be another whitewash! Maybe this is stating the bleeding obvious, but the way I see it is there will be 2 very evenly matched strengths within the game: India's bowlers vs Aus' Top 6 and possibly a 2nd string Aus attack vs Kohli & Co, whereby if Aus manage to post decent (ie: 400+) scores in the 1st innings then I'd back the Aus bowling attack to put enough pressure on the Indian batsmen to win in a close game. Johnson, Starc, Siddle, Faulkner & Lyon (or any of the alternative stand-bys that have been mentioned recently) will still be get the better of Vijay, Dhawan, Kohli & Pujara on the more bouncy Aussie pitches. There was a lot of talk in the build-up to last season's Ashes series about how the Pommy batsmen would also like the faster, bouncier pitches (like our own batsmen prefer over pitches overseas), but the extra bounce on the majority of them does enough to unsettle touring sides to the point that they really do need to be in great form to beat us... Plus, a winning start in Brisbane will build tremendous momentum heading towards Adelaide and pile the pressue on to India.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
CRAP SIDE!? They equalled the most games won in a row ever!
Pope Paul vii
Guest
India have to fight like never before
nanda
Guest
I dont think the Indian batsmen will roll over the way the English did. They have the technique and are not intimidated by pace. While Mojo was awesome we have to wait and see if he is able to maintain his pace and penetration. Remember all good players have an oustanding year but while they are still good are not necessarily at their peak. Mojo may not hit that peak again. Indias best chance is at Adelaide and maybe Sydney. Brisbane will see Aus win easily. Wicket, swing and indians being slow starters being the reason. Still will be a good series to follow.
nanda
Guest
I dont think the Indian batsmen will roll over thr way the English did. They have the technique and are mot intimidated by pace. While Mojo ead awesome we have to wait and see if he is able to maintain his pace and prnetration. Remember all good players have an oustanding year but while they are still good are not necessarily at their peak. Mojo may not hit that peak again. Indias best chance is at Adelaide and maybe Sydney. Brisbane will see Aus win easily. Wicket, swing and indians being slow starters being the reason. Still will be a good series to follow.
Johnno
Guest
aussies had a crap side then, but India overall has a poor record there. But good point didn't know it had been retired. Sad time for Australian cricket, hope it gets fixed up.
JoC
Guest
Johnny, The WACA has been retired as a playing ground for international fixtures. It needs a serious upgrade and has been taken off the Australian Test schedule for a number of years. Don't forget India won there in 2007, stopping Australia winning a record 17th straight Test. Just after Michael Clarke's heroics in winning the Sydney Test. Also, Chris Rogers' first Test.
Johnno
Guest
A good old list as I love one. Aussy Test bats. Last 40 years 1970-2014 Tier 1: Bob Simpson,Greg Chappell,Alan Border,Steve Waugh,Ricky Ponting,Michael Clarke Tier 2: Matt Hayden,Adam Gilchrist,Ian Chappell,Doug Walters Tier 3: Damien Martyn,Mark Waugh,David Boon,Slats,Mark Taylor,David Warner,Katich,Kim Hughes,Graham Yallop,Kepler Wessels Tier 4:Dean Jones,Brad Haddin,Greg Blewett,Watto,Andrew Symonds,David Hookes,Steve Smith(who may rise higher soon) Rick Mccosker Tier 5: Boof,Marcus North,Phil Jacques,Phil Hughes,Alex Doolan,Geoff Marsh,Shaun Marsh Tier 6:Michael Bevan,Greg Matthews,Ian Healy,Rod Marsh,Graham Wood,Wayne Phillips(WK),Andrew Hildtich,Alex Doolan,Ed Cowan,Andrew Mcdonald,Dav Whatmore,John Dyson,Inver's Tier 7: Rob Quiney,Glen Maxwell,Wayne Phillips,George Bailey,Phil Emery,Shaun Young
Darrell
Guest
India is very poor away from home. It will be 4-0 again. They will continue to smash us when we play there though. Only test of Australia v India would be on neutral territory.
matthew_gently
Guest
Indian bowlers struggle to maintain their averages in Australia, and I can't see it changing this time around. Until it went so spectacularly wrong, Australia out-played India for the first day-and-a-half of the last series.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Not sure what your point is Johnno. You say it will be a good series but then point pout what you see as negatives in the Australian team. Are you pointing this out because you think that India is so weak that they need us to be equally weak for the series to be good? But on Australia, Johnson, Faulkner, Cutting, Hazlewood and Stark are fit. Mitch Marsh has been in pretty good form with both bat and ball in the recent Australia A Games. Kane Richardson has also been good in the one dayers. Cummins is only just working his way back though, so I'd give him time. Harris is still a question mark, but he may be back for India. Pattison is probability out, true, but Siddle is currently taking a break from cricket and working on strength and conditioning to try to regain his pace before the Shield starts. Yes some of our bat are old, but Smith and Warner are still there. Clarke isn't going anywhere just yet, and Haddin and Rogers are aiming for the Ashes next year. On the youngster front, Doolan has been in pretty good form, as has Hughes. It will be a good series I think. With a new and very promising crop of Indians ready to experience Australia, and Australia out to prove they can continue winning, there's lots to lose and prove. I'm looking forward to it.
E-Meter
Guest
Can't wait to see flat track bullies, ie Indian batsman whimpering around like French soldiers.
Johnno
Guest
India have convientley negotiated not playing in Perth at the WACA,India's influence over cricket $. India should man up an play at the WACA see what they can do. Be a good series. Aussie bowlers will be weaker, unless Pat Cummins and Hazelwood can step up. Mitchell Marsh I don't know much about what he's like in 1st class cricket. Harris,Pattison, seem gone for the india series, Siddle has lost his pace. Mitchell Johnson is now 33, hope he still has it. Watto i have big doubts about too aged 33 if he still has it as a bowler. Haddin now 36. Clarke's back at aged 33 isn't getting any younger. Rogers now 36.