An acid "Test" ahead

The Indo Pak test series has concluded with a fairly expected outcome.
Pakistan with its fitness and management problems did not look like a side that could challenge the might of the Indians at home. The sublime form of the Indian run machines only added to their problems.

The Indian performances with the willow were outstanding going purely by the numbers. But on some thought the conditions come to the fore. Slow and low wickets where wickets were seldom earned by the bowler and often lost by the batsman. In my opinion, the Indian batting performed better than the tourists because Indian batsmen just made fewer mistakes. New kids knocking on the doors of the selectors only added to their resolve and to our problem of plenty.
Bottom line…take this performance with a pinch of salt.

When we head south-eastwards soon, everything is going to change. The pitches will have the capacity to assist a side to claim twenty wickets. Will have the bite for the seamers initially and the spinners later.

The Australian’s also have a few reasons to come hard at the Indians. The aggressive treatment they received on their tour here is just one of them. India has for quite some time now fancied their chances at challenging the Australian might and came very close to achieving it during their last tour there.

Injuries are the biggest worry for the Indians this time round. The biggest blow in my opinion is Shreesanth. He does get carried away and has a few attitude issues but if channelized, can be a force to recon with. He has a good out-swinger, decent pace and a temperament that needs to be worked upon. All in all a valuable package.

India needs to find a regular opening partner for Wasim Jaffer. The selectors have this in mind and hence Akash Chopra finds his way into the probables. I believe Sehwag can do a decent job well but I doubt whether he will make it.

The best thing about this side is that most of its playing eleven have toured Australia at least twice earlier and this experience is invaluable.

Should be an exciting series ahead.