Australia v. India - First Test, Gabba

[Donny]

Injuries to save Katich
By Malcolm Conn
November 25, 2003

SIMON KATICH has the opportunity to secure his long-term Test future amid furious competition after Darren Lehmann was ruled out of the series against India yesterday.

Lehmann, who has a damaged Achilles tendon, will not return for South Australia until January, opening the way for Katich to play the remaining four home Tests this summer, with the first Test at the Gabba starting on Thursday week.

A surprise selection for last month's Sydney Test against Zimbabwe, Katich, 28, is expected to overcome challenges from prolific Queensland run-getter Martin Love and rising star Michael Clarke when the four-man selection panel hooks up today.

With Katich 5½ years younger than 33-year-old Lehmann, the selectors also have to consider the future of an ageing Test side which has just one batsman under 30 and a captain 38.

As Steve Waugh is expected to retire within the next 12 months, the selectors will be keen to retain the experienced head and relaxed attitude of Lehmann, who was an enormous help to one-day captain Ricky Ponting during the triumphant World Cup campaign.

Waugh continues to score runs but the pressure to retire will grow as players a decade or more younger than him continue to perform around the country.

Love scored an unbeaten 300 for the Bulls earlier this month, while Clarke, 22, created more excitement with bat and ball on Australia's recent one-day tour of India.

Katich has followed his bright 52 and second-innings 6-65 bowling left-arm wrist-spin against Zimbabwe with three centuries for NSW in the past month. He is averaging 83.5 in the one-day competition this season and has 504 runs at 126 in the Pura Cup.

In the recent past it has been the policy of the national selection panel to recall injured batsmen once they have recovered regardless of how well the replacement has performed.

Just four months ago Love scored an unbeaten century against Bangladesh, but was dropped to make way for Damien Martyn returning from a finger injury then overlooked for Sydney because of Katich's bowling.

Lehmann also will miss the start of the one-day series against India and Zimbabwe. The tournament begins on January 9 but South Australia's initial Pura Cup match for the New Year does not start until two days later.

This is likely to give Clarke further chances to show his class. In 10 matches from limited opportunities he is averaging better than 65 with a strike rate of almost 90 and has seven wickets at 21.

"It's been a frustrating period given that I've had to wear a protective boot since October, but I'm pleased that I can now get on with my rehabilitation and work towards a return to the Redbacks' squad," Lehmann said.

Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee are recovering well from ankle operations, but must first make successful returns through the state side before being considered at national level.

They aim to play an ING Cup match for NSW in Hobart on Saturday and also may play a four-day state second XI match beginning next Monday in the hope of proving their fitness for the second Test, beginning in Adelaide on December 12.

It is more likely the selectors will expect the pair to play in the next Pura Cup match for NSW, beginning on the same date against Victoria in Melbourne.

This leaves only two likely changes to the injury-riddled side that played Zimbabwe in Sydney last month, with Jason Gillespie replacing Lee and Stuart MacGill replacing Brad Hogg.

Matthew Hayden had a scan yesterday after complaining of foot soreness during the Indian tour and will miss Queensland's Pura Cup match later this week but is expected to be fit for the Test.

Nathan Bracken missed Sunday's ING Cup match for NSW in Adelaide as a precaution after complaining of back soreness, but is expected to be available.

Likely Australian team to play India: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Steve Waugh (c), Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Andy Bichel, Jason Gillespie, Brad Williams, Stuart MacGill, Nathan Bracken (likely 12th man)

[Donny]

Katich retains Test spot
November 27, 2003

LEFT-HANDER Simon Katich has retained his place in the Australian Test team to play India in the first Test at the 'Gabba next Thursday.

With Darren Lehmann ruled out for the four-match series, Katich was today selected ahead of Queensland batsman Martin Love on the back of his fine all-round performance in the second Test with Zimbabwe in October and strong domestic form.

West Australian quick Brad Williams and NSW left-armer Nathan Bracken were also named in the 12-man team to be captained by Steve Waugh in his last series before retirement.

Williams, who made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at the SCG, and Bracken enjoyed success in the recent triangular one-day series in India and have kept their places in the 12 with Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee sidelined by injury.

The team is: Stephen Waugh (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Andy Bichel, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill, Brad Williams, Nathan Bracken.

[piedys]

[commonwombat]

You been smokin' the weed again, Dyso or sneaking a few too many snorts of the medicinal brandy. Seek professional guidance my son before the pink elephants start appearing or worse still you start singing.

[piedys]

[Donny]

Get ready for Matt v Sachin
By Malcolm Conn - Fox Sports
November 29, 2003

ROLL up, roll up to the Gabba from next Thursday for the heavyweight championship of the world.

Sachin Tendulkar versus Matthew Hayden, the blaster versus the bruiser, in a battle of technique and timing against power and brutality to decide who is the best batsman in the game today.

Most observers say it's Tendulkar. The numbers say Hayden. The West Indies would nominate a reinvigorated Brian Lara.

This individual contest takes top billing in a four-Test series that shapes as yet another emphatic triumph for an Australia side who have not been beaten at home for 17 series, over more than a decade.

The contrast between these two men and their backgrounds could not be greater.

Tendulkar, 30, is the child prodigy born among the teaming masses of Mumbai, who rarely ventures out lest he is mobbed by adoring crowds.

A small and nimble man, he is in the classic mould of those who hold three of Test cricket's most imposing records - Don Bradman (average 99.94), Sunil Gavaskar (34 centuries) and Allan Border (11,174 runs).

It appears only a matter of time before Tendulkar, with 31 centuries and 8882 runs, overtakes Gavaskar and Border.

Hayden, 32, is quite literally the battler from the bush. A huge, heavy-footed man who appears to have been brought up humping sacks on the family's Kingaroy farm. He is just as happy casting a fishing line across a secluded stretch of river as he is murdering attacks.

Considered anything but a Test batsman during his teens, when he was overlooked for under-aged representative teams and Australia's cricket academy, Hayden now has the game's most recognisable achievement: the world record score of 380.

His epic innings against Zimbabwe little more than a month ago has done nothing to quell Hayden's quest for glory.

"This insatiable thirst to get runs is still a massive priority for me," Hayden said.

Tendulkar is two years Hayden's junior but in the demanding cauldron of international cricket, he can be considered twice the Queenslander's age after making his Test debut as a 16-year-old.

Also with a record 34 one-day hundreds, he has found injuries are taking their toll. He has a bad back, a broken toe that will not heal, and most recently had to undergo finger surgery.

His record 673 runs at the World Cup in southern Africa during March this year were scored in pain.

"I couldn't straighten my hand," Tendulkar said. "I couldn't flex my fingers comfortably, couldn't pick up a cup of tea easily.

"It is hard to imagine my life away from cricket. From the age of 10, for the last 20 years it's been only cricket. It is not easy to keep playing.

"I just keep trying, not look at how many years are left in me. I have no target. I just want to play."

Border, who captained against Tendulkar when the Indian was a precocious 18-year-old and was Hayden's first skipper for Queensland, believes both players have one quality which sets them apart: mental strength.

He said questions about Hayden's technique were "rubbish".

"He opened the batting at the Gabba, which usually favours fast bowlers, and kept having 1000-run seasons for Queensland," said Border, now a Test selector.

"He had to be doing something right. It's the results that count."

While Tendulkar may be dealing with cricket's version of a midlife crisis, Hayden feels his career has really only just begun.

Despite being a prolific scorer for Queensland, he failed to average better than 35 from limited opportunities in his first five Test series and could not maintain a regular place in the team.

But on the Indian tour in early 2001 he exploded, scoring a century and a double century to finish with 549 runs in the three Tests at an average of almost 110.

In his breakthrough year, Hayden hit 1391 runs to overtake Bob Simpson as Australia's heaviest scorer in a calendar year.

He scored more than 1000 runs again last year and goes into this series against India needing only 42 runs to do it again.

So great has his rise been that over the past three years Hayden has been untouchable as the most rampant batsman in the world.

From 2001, Hayden stands alone in the 3000-run club with 3509 at 70.18 with 15 hundreds from 34 Tests, giving him the amazing record of almost one century every second Test.

Over the same period Tendulkar is more than 1000 runs behind from six fewer Tests with seven centuries and an average of 54.8.

Strangely India have played just two Tests this year, against New Zealand in October, and Tendulkar, returning from a hand operation, managed just 71 runs at 17.75.

However he usually saves his best for Australia. Take a ringside seat.

[MagpieMad]

how have the Indians been traveling form wise? who should we look out for? and whats the odds that waugh will have a huge summer and go out with a bang.
btw how long b4 the sultan of spin can play again?
I haven't been keeping upto date on the cricket of late and am hanging out for this weeks test, spose there's no chance that tony grieg has retired from the comentsry team is there?

"Lets work as a team, and do it my way"

BRING BACK SWERVIN MERVIN!!

[Donny]

MM, the Indians came off being trounced by Oz in the recent ODI series and have been outplayed by Victoria and the Queensland Academy of sport since their arrival.

Both were 3 day games and both were draws but only Laxman and Tendulkar have got some runs and only Kumble has taken wickets.

Hodge hit 260 odd against them and Carseldine, who can't get a game for the Bulls, hit a century in each innings.

India's top order crumbled in both games and their pacemen were unimpressive. Harbhajan, so far, looks half the bowler on our tracks ... BUT ...

We've seen this sort of thing before so they will probably lift for the Test. The warm up games are just that, really. The bookies have India at 8/1.
We can expect runs from Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly but overall we should be too strong.

Warney comes back early Feb.

[Donny]

MacGill begs for chance
By Malcolm Conn
December 2, 2003 - Fox Sports

STUART MacGILL yesterday said his career was on the line over the next five weeks in the four-Test series against Sachin Tendulkar and his fellow Indian batsmen, the most imposing players of spin in the world.


MacGill knows he has to produce against the Indians to keep his Test place when Shane Warne returns from a 12-month drug suspension in February.

He has begged Test selectors to give him a starting role in this week's first Test against India, rather than going in with a four-man pace attack supported by back-up spinner Simon Katich.

"Certainly this series, whether I like it or not, is important in redefining me if you like," MacGill said yesterday as half the Australian team were involved in a street cricket match promotion before the first Test against India, beginning in Brisbane on Thursday.

"I'm either the replacement or I'm able to stand alone consistently.

"If I do well, or hold my own at least against these guys, then I think I can be seriously considered as just another bowler rather than the stunt man."

One plus for MacGill is his success at the 'Gabba.

"At times in any Test it's nice for the captain to have the option to throw the ball to a specialist spin bowler," MacGill said.

"While I believe Kat (Katich) can fill a role as a specialist spin bowler, my ability to take the ball away from the right-hander might be important considering most of the Indians are right-handed batsmen."

MacGill has claimed seven wickets in two Tests at the Gabba and the last time he played there, as a victorious New South Welshman in the Pura Cup final in March, he claimed 5-16 and 3-43.

"My record at the 'Gabba is pretty solid," he said. "I think it's my favourite Test pitch in the world actually. This is maybe a plea to allow me to work where I like to work the most."

In a remarkable career MacGill has claimed 133 wickets at 26 in 26 Tests playing largely as a replacement for Shane Warne.

Mostly it has been through injury, but Warne's 12-month ban for drug abuse has given MacGill an extended run in the side.

They have played only six matches together, yet MacGill has taken 31 wickets at an average of little more than 20 in those games.

The role of a spinner in Australian cricket will be even more vital next year with tours to Sri Lanka and India, where slow bowlers usually dominate and batsmen grow up feeding on them.

Warne's ban ends on February 10 costing him a place on the Sri Lankan tour, which leaves in mid-February, but he is every chance of being chosen for the four Tests in India next October.

Australia may play both leg-spinners but that has not worked particularly well in the past, usually because Warne has been carrying or recovering from injury.

More often they are in competition for places and to date that has been no contest.

Warne has won on every occasion except one, when he was dropped and MacGill retained for the last Test against the West Indies in 1999 after Warne was returning from shoulder surgery.

Warne has a poor record against India but MacGill believes that is not a true reflection of his fellow spinner's abilities.

"The interesting thing is that I'm not convinced Warney has ever had an opportunity to play against them when he's been fit," MacGill said.

"He's either been coming off an injury or going into an operation. I've never really read too much into his returns against them."

Despite having never played a Test against India, MacGill said their batsmen were unlikely to be his toughest examination.

"It's a huge challenge but for me it's Lara," MacGill said. "If you speak to most of the spinners around the world, Lara's the one.

"I've spoken to Daniel Vettori and (Muttiah) Muralitharan and they all agree.

"It's a similar challenge here. The only difference perhaps is that in this team there are two or three of them who can potentially do the same damage as he does."

[Donny]

A history of defeat

Wisden Cricinfo staff

Over the years, Indian teams touring Australia have had some torrid times. India's best chance came in 1985-86, when they dominated all three Tests, but they failed to clinch the issue. That was the last time the Indians dominated a series in Australia, and "whitewash" became the familiar buzzword thereafter. In our build-up to the upcoming series, we look back at India's previous tours to Australia.

1947-48
Lala Amarnath was the captain on India's first tour to Australia in 1947-48, but they were no match for the 'Invincibles,' who hammered them 4-0. The Indian bowling was torn apart by Don Bradman, who finished with an average of 143, with his 201 at the fourth Test at Adelaide being the high point. The Indian batting depended largely on Vijay Hazare and Vinoo Mankad. Hazare's hundred in each innings at Adelaide could not avert an innings defeat, and Mankad's two centuries were also scored in lost causes. India were dismissed for less than 100 three times and never came to grips with the fearsome attack of Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, William Johnston and Ernie Toshack.

1967-68
Things weren't too different when the Indian team visited Australia 20 years later. In the very first Test, Bob Cowper and Bob Simpson hit centuries to put India on the back foot. ML Jaisimha was the only Indian batsman to score a hundred in the series, and the batting fell woefully short of expectations. Graham McKenzie ripped through the batting line-up in the second Test at Melbourne, claiming seven victims, and only MAK Pataudi's 75 hinted at some resistance. Erapalli Prasanna spun out 25 wickets in the series, a rare spark in a forgettable summer.

1977-78
This was India's most exciting tour to Australia, where they nearly pulled off a historic series win. Bob Simpson, who had played a huge role in the 1967-68 series, made a comeback after 10 years and captained the side. Australia, though depleted due to the Kerry Packer World Series, managed to eke out wins in the first two Tests. Sunil Gavaskar's brilliant hundred in the first Test at Brisbane went in vain, and Australia managed to wriggle out of a tight situation to win the dramatic second Test by two wickets. That was when India began a famous comeback. BS Chandrasekar's 12 for 104 destroyed Australia in the third match, and a good allround display levelled the series at two apiece in Sydney. India nearly rewrote history in the fifth Test, but fell just 47 runs short of both a great run-chase and their first series win in Australia.

1980-81
India's next two tours were the most successful campaigns, with both series ending in draws. In the 1980-81 tour, India collapsed in both their innings of the first Test but hung on for a draw in the second – a Test that was characterised by two flamboyant innings from Kim Hughes and Sandeep Patil. India squared the series at Melbourne when Kapil Dev's 5 for 28 rattled Australia in the fourth innings as they folded up for a paltry 83. Gundappa Viswanath had earlier hit a vital 114 in the first innings, when the batsmen around him were falling cheaply.

1985-86
India missed a glorious chance to record their first series win in Australia on this tour. Their batsmen dominated in all the matches, and the final scoreline did not reflect the difference between the teams. India's four totals in the series were 520, 445, 59 for 2 and a staggering 600 for 4 declared. Sunil Gavaskar hit two hundreds, while Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath helped themselves to one each. The Australian bowling was toothless on most occasions but they escaped unscathed, largely due to the batting efforts of David Boon and Allan Border. Shivlal Yadav had a consistent series with the ball, while Kapil Dev produced a memorable performance of 8 for 106 in the first innings at Adelaide.

1991-92
The Mohammad Azharuddin-led Indian side that toured Australia suffered a humiliating 4-0 drubbing. The Indian batsmen were all at sea in the first two Tests, with Craig McDermott and Bruce Reid exposing their technical frailties. However, the batting showed a marked improvement in the next two, and India got into positions of ascendancy. Ravi Shastri's double-hundred at Sydney and Azharuddin's elegant 106 at Adelaide were delights to the eye, but India failed to win both Tests by slender margins. Australia romped home in the final Test at Perth, with Mike Whitney's 7 for 27 derailing the Indian second innings. The only consolation came in the first innings when Sachin Tendulkar hit a magical 114 – an innings he still regards as his best ever. David Boon feasted on the ragged Indian bowling and finished with a series average of 79.42.

1999-00
The story was similar in the 1999-00 series, when India crossed 250 only twice, with Tendulkar's 116 at Melbourne and VVS Laxman's 167 at Sydney providing stray glimpses of artistry. Ricky Ponting led the mass slaughter and finished with a series average of 125. Justin Langer and Steve Waugh joined the party, and 400-plus totals for Australia became par for the course. Brett Lee made his debut in the second Test and, along with Glenn McGrath and Damien Fleming, cleaned up the top order with minimal ease every time.

[Donny]

Indians in our line of fire
Comment by Shane Warne
December 3, 2003

IT'S not just history that says India is up against it this summer - it's the two warm-up games.

Unconvincing performances with bat and ball against the Vics and a second-string Queensland team suggest it's going to be how far Australia?

But the reality should be somewhat different. As good as the Vics are, it shouldn't be forgotten these have been practice runs. Sachin Tendulkar didn't even play against the banana-benders.

India will switch on at 10am at the Gabba tomorrow. Practice form will go out the window and the big-occasion players will lift.

Working in our favour is the momentum generated by the one-dayers in India and the pitches we'll have waiting back here.

However, we'll likely be without Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for the first two Tests.

But I still think that whoever makes up our pace attack will cause the Indians some trouble.

India's strength lies in its batting and, when they're confident, Sachin and the boys are dangerous - even here in Oz.

I was surprised to see left-arm spinner Murali Kartik left out of the touring squad. I would have picked him to join forces with "Batman and Robin", Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Imagine the three of them in Sydney and Adelaide?

The pace bowlers - Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan - are all useful and could cause trouble, but their consistency is questionable. The Australians will assault their bowling early to try to knock them off their line.

Here are the players Buch (John Buchanan) and the boys would have discussed most:

Sachin Tendulkar

THE best player of our era. His ability to quickly judge the length of the ball is his special quality and what sets him apart.

Uses the crease to great effect, moving a long way back or forward, thereby decreasing the bowler's margin for error. And, as we know, anything loose is punished.

Sachin also has that X factor - presence - on and off the field, which means there is enormous pressure on the bowler from the time he starts his warm-up.

Our guys are wary of what he can do and it seems to be his testimonial game every time he plays us.

The Indians - both team and country - get enormous strength when he performs well. His calm temperament enables him to handle the pressure his millions of supporters apply. The burden of expectation he carries is unimaginable.

Sachin will enjoy being in Australia, where he can walk around in relative anonymity and enjoy the things he can't do in India - like going to the movies and having dinner outside.

The man to get him is Jason "Mullet" Gillespie. "Dizzy's" consistency at hitting the seam on a length will cause problems.

The battle will be a game of patience.

Over the years we have tried different ways to unsettle him.

First we sledged him, and that didn't work. So we tried the silent treatment, and that didn't work.

So all you can do is have a bowling plan and execute it as best you can.

What that is will be discussed intensely over the next couple of days. I'd be tempted to test him out with the short stuff early, but I think the plan will be consistent line and length bowling.

The word "great" is used far too much, but Sachin truly is a great player and person. He is a lovely man and very loyal - and I am very lucky to be able to call him a friend.

Sourav Ganguly

SHORT-pitched bowling is his major weakness. I'm not surprised to see he's struggling already on tour. He will have to overcome a lot of "chin music" to have a successful series.

Likes to use his feet against the spinners, which he does well, but I'm not sure he picks all our variations.

I've had success against him with my wrong 'un - and Stuey MacGill's got a lot better one than me, so he should fancy his chances.

The first Test will be on a fast, bouncy Gabba strip and Tugga (Steve Waugh) will have slips and gullies everywhere, because all of Ganguly's shots go through point or behind the wicket.

Brett Lee would be all over Ganguly, but in his absence, the quicks will try to step it up and intimidate him. It will be interesting to see how the captain handles it.

Ganguly needs to show his team that no matter how hard it is against the short ball, you must hang in there and have a plan - either duck, hook or sway out of the way.

Ganguly also likes to roll his arm over occasionally. His seamers look like "nude nuts" at first, yet he has the annoying ability to break games open.

He's intelligent, competitive and a good captain, which he showed in India in 2001 when they beat us.

He was very emotional and passionate, had a lot of confidence in his team and his own ability and backed his players - which is what you want from your skipper.

Off the field I have always enjoyed his company. It will be an interesting tour for the skipper . . . I wonder if he'll be on time for the toss?

Rahul Dravid

A VERY wristy, predominantly on-side player who has struggled with the bounce of our wickets.

However, he is a fighter, a genuine competitor. He's also a very level-headed cricketer who knows his game well. He will rise to the challenge this time.

Dravid is strong square of the wicket on both sides, and any width from the Australian bowlers will allow him to dominate.

We will be trying to get him on the front foot driving, hoping for an edge to slips. This should suit "Pigeon" (McGrath), who I'm sure will have Dravid in his sights when he returns.

Of all the Indian top order, I have had the most success against Dravid, so Stuey is a real chance.

Dravid likes to hit through the on-side against the spin and doesn't use his feet much - unlike most Indian players - but is such a strong cutter that he waits for that short ball and smacks it when it comes.

So, Stuey, nothing short, mate.

Dravid is one of cricket's nice guys. He loves the game and its traditions and is well respected by his team and the opposition. He's also a very gifted player who has tremendous poise and grace when on song.

Tugga, get Stuey on early.

V. V. S. Laxman

I'LL never forget that 281 he scored in the second Test in 2001 to single-handedly steer the Indians to a sensational win.

It really was one of the great knocks of modern times. Since then he's been dropped, but is back in the team and one of the few tourists to show some early form with the bat.

If feeling good, he's as dangerous as anyone playing the game. And he doesn't mind the short ball because he like the horizontal bat shots, so he's a key for the Indians.

That said, he can be a bit loose outside off-stump and doesn't really cut the ball. He prefers a straightish bat square of wicket and that can be asking for trouble out here.

Dizzy is our man again - his relentless line and length, coupled with his ability to seam the ball, will cause real trouble for Laxman.

Virender Sehwag

ONE of my favourite players to watch. Has every shot in the book, except the hook, and is very exciting when in full flight.

Don't think he really likes the short, fast stuff straight at him, but give him some width through the off-side and he'll really hurt you.

"Bing" Lee and Dizzy could cause him trouble, but anything loose outside the off stump and the crowd could be in trouble. Sehwag hits the ball very hard. He goes for his shots from ball one, which makes him better suited to the middle order than opening the batting.

As a spinner, you always feel you're a chance to take his wicket because he's always after you.

But if it's his day, look out - your figures could read like one of my golf scorecards.

Zaheer Khan

WILL take the new "rock" and try to contain the top order, which will be no mean feat given no one has been able to do it recently.

"Haydos" (Matthew Hayden) is on fire and looks hungry for more. "Lang" (Justin Langer), on the other hand, has not hit the ball the way he would like and probably felt he missed the picnic against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Khan has the ability to take the ball away from the left-hander, which is obviously useful against these two. He has a surprise bouncer and can also reverse-swing the ball.

If India is to win, Khan will have to have his best ever series.

Doesn't show much emotion on the field, just quietly goes about his business, but will be a player to watch.

Harbhajan Singh

THE press have said we gave him the name "Turbanator", but no player knows where that came from.

No matter, Singh will enjoy the bounce in our pitches and should be a handful for us again.

Has struggled with finger problems since 2001, but seems to have found a bit of form lately.

Is not hard to pick, but has a good pace variation.

Our players will go after him early and try to hit him out of the attack.

Harbhajan had Ricky Ponting's measure in 2001. "Punter" had some revenge in the World Cup final with a brilliant 140, but that has probably just whet his appetite. This will be a good battle.

Anil Kumble

A GENTLE, but competitive giant, Kumble is close to his best form and will be fired up for the first Test.

A wonderful performer for India, he's had to bowl a lot of overs in tough times and will be looking for some prized scalps on this tour.

[Donny]

Indians in our line of fire
Comment by Shane Warne
December 3, 2003

IT'S not just history that says India is up against it this summer - it's the two warm-up games.

Unconvincing performances with bat and ball against the Vics and a second-string Queensland team suggest it's going to be how far Australia?

But the reality should be somewhat different. As good as the Vics are, it shouldn't be forgotten these have been practice runs. Sachin Tendulkar didn't even play against the banana-benders.

India will switch on at 10am at the Gabba tomorrow. Practice form will go out the window and the big-occasion players will lift.

Working in our favour is the momentum generated by the one-dayers in India and the pitches we'll have waiting back here.

However, we'll likely be without Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for the first two Tests.

But I still think that whoever makes up our pace attack will cause the Indians some trouble.

India's strength lies in its batting and, when they're confident, Sachin and the boys are dangerous - even here in Oz.

I was surprised to see left-arm spinner Murali Kartik left out of the touring squad. I would have picked him to join forces with "Batman and Robin", Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Imagine the three of them in Sydney and Adelaide?

The pace bowlers - Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan - are all useful and could cause trouble, but their consistency is questionable. The Australians will assault their bowling early to try to knock them off their line.

Here are the players Buch (John Buchanan) and the boys would have discussed most:

Sachin Tendulkar

THE best player of our era. His ability to quickly judge the length of the ball is his special quality and what sets him apart.

Uses the crease to great effect, moving a long way back or forward, thereby decreasing the bowler's margin for error. And, as we know, anything loose is punished.

Sachin also has that X factor - presence - on and off the field, which means there is enormous pressure on the bowler from the time he starts his warm-up.

Our guys are wary of what he can do and it seems to be his testimonial game every time he plays us.

The Indians - both team and country - get enormous strength when he performs well. His calm temperament enables him to handle the pressure his millions of supporters apply. The burden of expectation he carries is unimaginable.

Sachin will enjoy being in Australia, where he can walk around in relative anonymity and enjoy the things he can't do in India - like going to the movies and having dinner outside.

The man to get him is Jason "Mullet" Gillespie. "Dizzy's" consistency at hitting the seam on a length will cause problems.

The battle will be a game of patience.

Over the years we have tried different ways to unsettle him.

First we sledged him, and that didn't work. So we tried the silent treatment, and that didn't work.

So all you can do is have a bowling plan and execute it as best you can.

What that is will be discussed intensely over the next couple of days. I'd be tempted to test him out with the short stuff early, but I think the plan will be consistent line and length bowling.

The word "great" is used far too much, but Sachin truly is a great player and person. He is a lovely man and very loyal - and I am very lucky to be able to call him a friend.

Sourav Ganguly

SHORT-pitched bowling is his major weakness. I'm not surprised to see he's struggling already on tour. He will have to overcome a lot of "chin music" to have a successful series.

Likes to use his feet against the spinners, which he does well, but I'm not sure he picks all our variations.

I've had success against him with my wrong 'un - and Stuey MacGill's got a lot better one than me, so he should fancy his chances.

The first Test will be on a fast, bouncy Gabba strip and Tugga (Steve Waugh) will have slips and gullies everywhere, because all of Ganguly's shots go through point or behind the wicket.

Brett Lee would be all over Ganguly, but in his absence, the quicks will try to step it up and intimidate him. It will be interesting to see how the captain handles it.

Ganguly needs to show his team that no matter how hard it is against the short ball, you must hang in there and have a plan - either duck, hook or sway out of the way.

Ganguly also likes to roll his arm over occasionally. His seamers look like "nude nuts" at first, yet he has the annoying ability to break games open.

He's intelligent, competitive and a good captain, which he showed in India in 2001 when they beat us.

He was very emotional and passionate, had a lot of confidence in his team and his own ability and backed his players - which is what you want from your skipper.

Off the field I have always enjoyed his company. It will be an interesting tour for the skipper . . . I wonder if he'll be on time for the toss?

Rahul Dravid

A VERY wristy, predominantly on-side player who has struggled with the bounce of our wickets.

However, he is a fighter, a genuine competitor. He's also a very level-headed cricketer who knows his game well. He will rise to the challenge this time.

Dravid is strong square of the wicket on both sides, and any width from the Australian bowlers will allow him to dominate.

We will be trying to get him on the front foot driving, hoping for an edge to slips. This should suit "Pigeon" (McGrath), who I'm sure will have Dravid in his sights when he returns.

Of all the Indian top order, I have had the most success against Dravid, so Stuey is a real chance.

Dravid likes to hit through the on-side against the spin and doesn't use his feet much - unlike most Indian players - but is such a strong cutter that he waits for that short ball and smacks it when it comes.

So, Stuey, nothing short, mate.

Dravid is one of cricket's nice guys. He loves the game and its traditions and is well respected by his team and the opposition. He's also a very gifted player who has tremendous poise and grace when on song.

Tugga, get Stuey on early.

V. V. S. Laxman

I'LL never forget that 281 he scored in the second Test in 2001 to single-handedly steer the Indians to a sensational win.

It really was one of the great knocks of modern times. Since then he's been dropped, but is back in the team and one of the few tourists to show some early form with the bat.

If feeling good, he's as dangerous as anyone playing the game. And he doesn't mind the short ball because he like the horizontal bat shots, so he's a key for the Indians.

That said, he can be a bit loose outside off-stump and doesn't really cut the ball. He prefers a straightish bat square of wicket and that can be asking for trouble out here.

Dizzy is our man again - his relentless line and length, coupled with his ability to seam the ball, will cause real trouble for Laxman.

Virender Sehwag

ONE of my favourite players to watch. Has every shot in the book, except the hook, and is very exciting when in full flight.

Don't think he really likes the short, fast stuff straight at him, but give him some width through the off-side and he'll really hurt you.

"Bing" Lee and Dizzy could cause him trouble, but anything loose outside the off stump and the crowd could be in trouble. Sehwag hits the ball very hard. He goes for his shots from ball one, which makes him better suited to the middle order than opening the batting.

As a spinner, you always feel you're a chance to take his wicket because he's always after you.

But if it's his day, look out - your figures could read like one of my golf scorecards.

Zaheer Khan

WILL take the new "rock" and try to contain the top order, which will be no mean feat given no one has been able to do it recently.

"Haydos" (Matthew Hayden) is on fire and looks hungry for more. "Lang" (Justin Langer), on the other hand, has not hit the ball the way he would like and probably felt he missed the picnic against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Khan has the ability to take the ball away from the left-hander, which is obviously useful against these two. He has a surprise bouncer and can also reverse-swing the ball.

If India is to win, Khan will have to have his best ever series.

Doesn't show much emotion on the field, just quietly goes about his business, but will be a player to watch.

Harbhajan Singh

THE press have said we gave him the name "Turbanator", but no player knows where that came from.

No matter, Singh will enjoy the bounce in our pitches and should be a handful for us again.

Has struggled with finger problems since 2001, but seems to have found a bit of form lately.

Is not hard to pick, but has a good pace variation.

Our players will go after him early and try to hit him out of the attack.

Harbhajan had Ricky Ponting's measure in 2001. "Punter" had some revenge in the World Cup final with a brilliant 140, but that has probably just whet his appetite. This will be a good battle.

Anil Kumble

A GENTLE, but competitive giant, Kumble is close to his best form and will be fired up for the first Test.

A wonderful performer for India, he's had to bowl a lot of overs in tough times and will be looking for some prized scalps on this tour.

[Donny]

Merv Hughes kebabs

Roving Reporter by Dileep Premachandran in Brisbane


Brisbane, according to the bus driver who took us into the centre, is the biggest city (area-wise) in the Southern Hemisphere. As the plane descended from an early-morning sky touched with grey and orange, it was easy to see why, with signs of habitation stretching out as far as the eye could see.

There were also a disproportionate number of swimming pools, which should surprise no-one aware of Australia's tradition for aquatic excellence. We tried hard to spot the 'Gabba from the air, but only managed to see Suncorp Stadium – which hosted some Rugby World Cup matches – and a few others which weren't quite big enough to be the Woolloongabba.

The official at immigration perked up when he learnt that I was there for the cricket. "I'd like to wish you luck, mate," he said with a smile, "but ..." The incomplete sentence said enough. Teams usually arrive here with fighting talk and high hopes, but leave with battered egos and tails between legs.

The portions of food they serve you also aren't for the faint-hearted. The large lamb kebab I ordered for dinner turned out to larger-than-large, Merv Hughes proportions rather than David Boon. The sidewalk-restaurant owner smiled broadly, and said I could take as much time as I wanted, perhaps suggesting that a Trevor Bailey-like effort was required.

There isn't much excitement surrounding the series, one of the downsides of Australia's recent uninterrupted dominance. Everyone you meet is cocksure that India are there for the taking, Tendulkar or no Tendulkar. The Indian shop-owner who sold me an adaptor – no round pins here, only little slit-like things – shot me a sympathetic look when I told him I was down for the cricket. "Oh, you have to write about it too?" he asked, with an expression that had sympathy for the masochist written all over it.

Not everyone's given up though. Australia's Inside Edge magazine has a special edition out for this series, and the editorial suggests that India would well make a match of it, despite the unkindness of a schedule that could "see them 2-0 down before the jetlag wears off".

Meanwhile Inside Sport, the winner of Australia's Walkley Award for journalistic excellence – no mean feat for a publication that's famed for its multiple swimsuit/bikini spreads – went so far as to say, "Now this is a Test series. Test matches between India and Australia are always interesting affairs, but this summer's will be hotter than usual: we haven't played quality opposition since God knows when ..." – enough to make English and South African fans cry some more into spilt milk.

The biggest talking-point over the next few days, though, could be the weather. It was pouring down when I started my trek to the stadium. By the time I got there, 30 minutes later, the sun was out and beating down relentlessly.

It's only when you get really up close and personal that you see the words Brisbane Cricket Ground painted into the façade. From far away, the only words that stand out are Brisbane Lions, the Aussie Rules team that calls the Gabba home. Once inside, you can make your way to the middle without being impeded by ten million self-important officials.

Bruce Reid is hard to miss when the Indians train, his lanky figure having filled out in the years following retirement from the game. Both he and Frank Tyson, who lives just a few hours away on the Gold Coast, have been helping out India's bowlers here, which begs the question as to why the BCCI waits for Apocalypse Now before sending for the cavalry. Long-term planning isn't for the we-are-like-this-only types.

On my way back, I get directions from a sunburnt local who offers impromptu reasons for Australia's dominance. "You blokes take your cricket too seriously ... burning players' effigies and all that. We love our sport here, but know where to draw the line. End of the day, it's just 11 normal guys out there, trying their best."

That's a simplistic theory at best, because if India had champion swimmers, tennis players, footballers, hockey players and ironman triathletes to share the burden of a nation's hope, Tendulkar would have a much easier life. Or would he? Don Bradman certainly didn't ... and he wasn't Indian, was he?

[couragous cloke]

half an hour till the game this is going to be GREAT!

[Donny]

Ganguly won the toss and sent Australia in.

They have sent in the best batting side in the world.

It's almost become a tradition for opposing captains to put Australia in at the Gabba. At least this time, the conditions suit, even if their attack doesn't.

The Aussies have not lost here, for 15 years. 10 wins and 4 draws.

It's certainly not out of the question for India to do well today but a wet outfield will not help them.

I see a big first innings total coming up.