 It
sounds like an all-too familiar story. Another away series, another first-test
loss, and, another set of hopes of Team India bouncing back like they almost
always do in the second test match of an away series.
After looking good to break the jinx through most part of the match, India's renowned
batting caved in on fourth day following their bowlers' failure in dislodging
the last two Aussie wickets. More than the 122-run defeat, the mental damage caused
by it will be India's major challenge when they face the hosts at Sydney Cricket
Ground starting from Tuesday.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs India
Batting collapses in each innings mean pressure is high on India's batsmen.
While Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid scored half-centuries,
VVS Laxman's wretched run at MCG continued. But if any changes are to be made,
the axe is likely to fall on Virat Kohli's name who has been miserable on away
tours. Rohit Sharma could come in his place.
For once the bowers gave little to complain about and picked up 20 wickets
with a gettable total for their batsmen. Zaheer Khan will be more concerned
about managing his fitness than form. Umesh Yadav looks exciting too
and with an unusually pacer-friendly wicket expected, he would relish the challenge.
What would be most pleasing for Australia would be their display of killer
instinct in the first match, after feeble defeats to South Africa and New Zealand.
Ed Cowan impressed on debut, though Shaun Marsh struggled at one-down
position. Ricky Ponting seems in fine touch with two half-centuries, but questions
are being raised at his temperament at the age of 37.
For the bowlers, James Pattinson sneaked away with a Man of the Match
performance, though Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus contributed significantly
as well. Skipper Michael Clarke has said he might be tempted to play four pacers,
which would mean no spot for Nathan Lyon.
The last time these two sides met here, it was a last-minute thrilling win
for Australia courtesy of Michael Clarke's magical spell of three wickets
in two overs. However, the match was overshadowed by plenty of controversy surrounding
Andrew Symonds and poor umpiring by Steve Bucknor. Tendulkar scored a century
then, and he will be hoping for a repeat to reach his 100th international ton
in the 100th test match at SCG.
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