BOWLING MIX:
Sydney might pep this Indian team to wipe off bad omens. Our Bowling unit is doing its job wonderfully. Dhoni might step in with the same combination. If he has to squeeze in additional spinner, which the wicket might demand, it will put lot of pressure on the batsmen. Considering the middle order batsmen poor show, he might not risk it with 5 bowler combination. But if he does that to clean up Aussies tail-enders fast, who added vital runs in both innings in MCG, then it might work in Indian's favour. We have the experience to play responsibly with 6 Batsmen -5 Bowler set up. Pragyan Ojha will lick his fingers in that case. Ashwin - Ojha is a deadly combination, as they have shown in recent past.
If only our Bowlers ensure a scenario where Indians look down at Aussies with command at the end of first innings for both, we can level the series. Somewhere, I am also seeing Australia collapse on the cards, just like 47 all out and 134 all out against two different opponents. Might as well happen in Sydney.
BATTING STRENGTH:
Enough has been said about this Indian Batting line up. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provided great confidence to the dressing room during the practice matches. Seniors are also shaping them to put high priority on the Test match performances. After Boxing day test debacle, Virat Kohli will get one more chance in Sydney to prove to himself and to the world, that he is not another Yuvraj or another Raina. Suppose it calls for New ideas in New year, Rohit sharma is not a bad bet either considering the success he had against Aussies in 2008 ODI series. Or, both of them will carry drinks to strengthen our bowling unit more.
Gambhir should play so that he is there in the crease when the spinner comes into the attack. Having said that, Michael Clarke might surprise Indians by playing 4 pacers. Ryan Harris has already been called for Sydney test. Dhoni and Sehwag are dynamites, Sachin and Dravid is in good form. Laxman cherishes Australia, so let's not discount him.
TOSS:
Toss is Immaterial in Australian wickets, as it will always provide even contest with bat & ball throughout the 5 days. Last 4 tests in Sydney have all provided scintillating test matches and this one will also be right up there.
Regards,
Prashy.
