Breaking/Brief news
September 24, 2008
Exactly who're the underdogs here?
I'm seeing far too many news reports and quotes from players (current & former) about Australia's inexperienced bowling lineup (when it comes to Indian conditions) making them underdogs and India the favourites for the test series.
Let's get a few things straightened out here.
- Australia never starts a series as an underdog. They've been world #1 for over a decade now. Personnel changes don't matter.
- While Australia's bowling lineup is totally different from their 2004 lineup, a lineup of Lee, Clark & Johnson was still good enough to bowl India out cheaply at least thrice during the series in Australia.
- Australia's spinner has never quite mattered in games against India.
- Australia's batting lineup is fairly similar to that of the 2004 side. Hayden, Clarke & Katich played all the tests in 2004, while Ponting would have played if he hadn't been injured.
- The style of cricket they will play will be fairly identical to that in 2004 - choke off the boundaries, don't be over-aggressive, etc.
In addition, it puts extra pressure on Australia to win. They're the #1 side, around 30 ranking points ahead of India, the #3 side. They're the holders of the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
In contrast, India drew against South Africa and lost in Sri Lanka. Sachin Tendulkar's availability is in doubt, as was the case four years ago. Questions are being asked about India's middle-order. Keep in mind that right now, the batting revolves around Sehwag.
Labels: aus v ind 2008, australia, india
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