Venues have been announced for the 6 home Tests later this year (4 v Aus and 2 v South Africa). The itinerary announced by the BCCI ended months of suspense. I'm surprised that Nagpur gets a game, given the total lack of history associated with the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground, compared to the Wankhede Stadium, which last hosted a test when West Indies toured India in 2002. Keep in mind the fact that Nagpur has only hosted 7 tests in the 15 years that it has been a test venue, most of them draws. That gives you a good picture of what to expect. Perhaps the BCCI was trying to safely ensure that at least one game was drawn? Given the way Australia (and to an extent India) play their cricket, a draw seems unlikely. We really should have played more games against South Africa. Here was a golden opportunity to take revenge for the loss in the 2000 series as well as move up the ICC rankings. By scheduling just two tests and accomodating a tour to Bangladesh at the end of the year, clearly the BCCI doesnt care about the rating associated with the Indian team, as long as it is able to keep its flock of votes intact.

Labels: aus v ind 2004