One of the greatest rivalries in cricket was renewed when India and Australia locked horns in one of the most anticipated series of the year. The first match was won by India after securing a thrilling one wicket win which at one time looked like a dream with India being 8 wickets down and needing 92.

The fightback king VVS Laxman once again outclassed Australians. The Test match had everything, quality cricket, sloppy fielding and bowling, personal face-offs, controversial umpiring, impressive fight backs, you just name it. It has almost become predictable that whenever India and Australia play sledging, controversies and verbal misbehaviors will take part both on and off field. The first Test was no exception.

India have recently done justice to their current number one rank in Test cricket, securing a Test series draw in Sri Lanka with many notable players missing before beating Australia in Mohali Test. India have injury problems to attend to with Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma both sidelined for the second Test. However they can find relief in the form of Zaheer Khan regaining form and fitness. Australians know they face a daunting task in Banglore, it's a track which would be good to bat on so India can unleash Tendulkar, Sehwag and Laxman to pile up runs and put series beyond the Aussies.

India have won three of their last five Tests

It looked good for Ponting personally when he made a glorious half century in the first innings. He must've thought that he has overcome his poor form recently; he did not know that it would get worse for him and his team. After losing Ashes and held to a series draw by Pakistan, Aussies find themselves further into dumpster ahead of second Test match on Saturday. Australia are mainly facing inconsistency problems with both bat and bowl.

Mitchell Johnson who took five for in the first innings looked flat in the second while Hilfenhaus who didn't taste a wicket in the first innings picked up four in the second. Australia can find comfort in the ongoing magnificent form of Shane Watson who scored a century and a fifty in the first Test. Australia have no injury concerns like India.

Australia have won three of their five Tests but have lost two in a row.

India are flying high after snatching victory from jaws of defeat, while Australia know well that nothing less than a win will do for them. There is enough potential in both these teams to go out and put up a show that makes a fitting end to this epic Test series. Prediction is a tough call but India start as favorites in Bangalore.

Tag :- Australia   Gautam Gambhir   India   Mitchell Johnson   Shane Watson   Zaheer Khan