India Vs Australia - 1st Test

After a dull and lackluster series against Pakistan, We were expecting some intense cricket between India and Australia. Looking at the Way India Succumbed in the first test, we all can expect what is in store for us. Agreed, India should have at least a couple of practice matches to get acclimatised to these alien conditions and BCCI should be held responsible for this, but the MCG was the only pitch which suited the conditions back home. A slow turning pitch. The Pitches in Sydney and Perth are typical of Australia. We have infact lost out on a golden opportunity.

It was only Anil Kumble who came out with some praise worthy performance. None of the other players were close to their best. Hats off to Ricky pointing for declaring just before the Close of 3rd Days play. It takes a lots of guts to set a target of 500 with two days of play still left. None of the Indian captain could even dare to think like this. By Declaring, in way was demeaning the famed Indian line up.

Opting to Open with Dravid was a risky option, but worth taking it as it would mean leaving inform batsman "Yuvraj". IF this mistake is being repeated in Sydney (2nd Test )it would be a blunder. Yuvraj has showed he still does'nt have the technique to cope with quality bowling on fast pitches. Dravid has shown his unwillingness to open by being bogged down. He is being put at risk. I Just wonder if Sachin will ever again score a test hundred. He has just forgotten to play a long test innings. Dhoni too has showed that he lacks in technique to play in such pitch.

I was surprised to see Zaheer and RP bowling at speeds of 125 to 127. There was literally no teeth in their bowling. I really pity Kumble for the burden he has to shoulder even on fast pacy pitches.
I only hope that in 2008 these players prove me wrong.

Wishing all the reader a very happy New Year