Another Test series for Zimbabwe

After the Videocon triangular series, India almost got the best preparation for the eagerly awaited one of the greatest ever Test series. The top three batters, Sehwag, Gambhir & Dravid, helped themselves to first class hundreds while Laxman and Ganguly wasted their starts and failed to make a susbtantial contribution in the dead drawn 3-day match against Zimbabwe Board XI. Test wicket keeper Karthik, whose place is in a bit of trouble with Dhoni not far from a Test debut, managed to bat well for his 40. The old horse, Kumble showed his skills with the bat with a neatly made 61 which came after his 5 for 48 from almost 31 overs when the Board XI batted and made 294/9d. Dion Ebrahim did his best to earn a Test place by making a valiant 169.

Thanks to some brilliant scheduling, the first Test starts on Sep 13, a Tuesday at Bulawayo. The Zimbabweans are still not sure about Heath Streak's fitness after his shin surgery last week. Otherwise, its again going to be a new side with atleast 3 or 4 set to make their debuts. As this game is against India, they can hope to drag the Test till day 4 atleast as Indians are not known for totally shutting the opposition in any match irrespective of their form and class. Meanwhile, the Indian coach, Greg Chappell sounded very optimistic and was confident of turning India's fortunes and he somehow feels that the team has improved from the time he took over.

Rahul Dravid, whose himself would be in a bit of worry with respect to his form, has rightly felt that India would emerge winners easily if they played good cricket. The 'if' bit is the worrying part as the Indians have hardly played any good cricket in the recent past.