Perth Test: Day 2

It is just two days into the test match, and we almost have a result in our hands. Indian batting collapsed yet again, and it almost seems a matter time before Australia seal the series 3-0 at Perth.

Indian bowlers showed a lot of heart today. They had come with a plan and they stuck to it which allowed India to dismiss Australia for 369. Umesh Yadav in particular was really impressive. India seem to have unearthed a genuine fast bowler in him. But, it is very important that the management uses him wisely and makes allows him to become the bowler he should be. Zaheer Khan was as usual extremely good. He got rid of both Clarke and Haddin with balls leaving them. He bowled with not much luck. On some other day he might have easily had a five-for. Warner was dropped by Kohli at the first slip in the very first hour of the day of his bowling.

When India got a chance to bat, they faltered yet again, tumbling to 88/4 at stumps. At one stage it seemed as if we might have a result on Day 2 itself. Gambhir fell to rising ball from Mitchel Stark. He was in no position to play the ball. He had both his feet in the air when the ball hit the handle went straight to tell gully. Sehwag soon followed him falling to a Hilfenhous' ball with extra bounce and movement away from him. Stark then got Tendulkar.

Australia seem to have an unlimited reservoir of genuinely good and young fast bowlers. These are great signs for the future. Pattinson, Cummins, Stark, Harris, Siddle, Hilfenhous, Johnson form a great fast bowling pact. These players have it in them to revive fast bowling and may be bring back the memories of the great Caribbean bowling unit. It will be very exciting to see the growth of these young fast bowling unit.

The collapse of the Australian batting to 369 after being 214/0 highlights the importance of Warner's innings at the top. He had blown the Indian bowling away with unbelievable stroke play. It just goes to the importance of having someone so destructive at the top of the order. Players like Warner, Sehwag or Dilshan might not click every innings. But, when they click within no time the balance of the game shifts completely. These are the batsman who give nightmares to the opposition captains, keep them awake in the nights and create a fear in them. These are the batsman who can bring life to any game from no where. It is very unique brand of test match cricket coming which is very special and it has to be preserved. It is this brand that will pull the crowds and keep test cricket in great health.

So, again the big question is where do India go from here? Again, like in so many past few overseas games, they have to hope for some miracle. But, this is huge opportunity for Kohli to show his metal in the test level. It is an opportunity for Dravid to come back among runs and regain the fluency. Common sense says that the game would be over by 2nd session tomorrow. But, this game has a habit of pulling some amazing surprises. Is there a surprise waiting for us at the WACA? The optimistic Indian supporter hopes for one.