India seem down and out. Australia have dominated the better part of the Test Series. As India look to regain life in this series, a bouncy, slightly green and fresh with life Perth pitch awaits the visitors. These are perfect conditions for the home side to seal the series at the WACA who without a shadow of doubt start as outright favorites in this game. The series has just started getting heated up of the field with Haddin's comments about India's fragility and the allegations of a rift in the Indian team by the Aussie media.
At the MCG, India might have sniffed victory now and then, but were deprived of the elusive win with a combination of some great bowling, inactive captaincy and poor batting on the final day. In SCG though, it was total annihilation. After Sydney, India have come to Perth with a fear of another 4-0 looming. It has been long since they have tasted success in foreign soil.
Suddenly, Dhoni's captaincy is under the pump. Except Sachin, India's batting looks fragile. Sachin though has played like a teenager. Except while playing a session out he has looked more assured than anyone else who took guard. Albeit the 100th hundred is still elusive it has just been a great pleasure to watch him bat. If Sachin has been the delight in the Indian team, it is hard to say but it has actually been painful to watch Rahul Dravid struggle. It almost seems as if he is not as quick on his reflexes as he was when younger. With the fluency and solidity not of the same degree, India's no.3 has become a bit fragile. Sehwag is yet get a proper hit in this series. But, the Indian fans should be happy that it is not short stuff on to the body that is getting him out. So, there is every chance of a big innings around the corner. Gambhir and Laxman found some runs in the 2nd innings at Sydney and they would be hoping to continue their form. Laxman might enjoy the bounce and pace at Perth while Gambhir is yet to sort his problem of poking at deliveries outside the off stump. Perth would be a real test for him with the movement and bounce. Gambhir needs to keep his temptation of poking out of the window and must play with more assurance. He has looked pretty circumspect on many occasions. Despite the cries from some experts it is very difficult to expect a change in the top 5. The number 6 spot is still a big concern for India. We may expect Rohit Sharma to get a chance. It might be slightly harsh on Kohli because he has not played that badly. He looked good in the first innings at Sydney before he got ripper and got a ball which kept really low in the 2nd innings.
As far as the Indian bowling is concerned they would be happy with way Zaheer Khan has bowled. More importantly his fitness would bring a cheer to the Indian supporters. Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav have looked good in patches but they would need to step up their consistency when they bowl at the WACA. For Ashwin it would be another challenge where the pitch may not have much in offer for them. He might have to play the containing bowlers role which he is not very used to when he plays on the home soil. Except for one spell at the MCG in second innings, R Ashwin's bowling has looked pretty ordinary. He would be hoping to carry the form with the bat while bowling at Perth. He should enjoy the extra bounce at offer here, but it would be very difficult for him to find any spin.
Australia on the other hand are gradually getting getting all their issues sorted out. Ponting and Hussey are back with runs which would really heartening to the Australian camp. Clarke has found his magic touch and though early days his captaincy has won a lot of praise and has even been compared to Mark Taylor. Pattinson's absence would hurt them, but they should be all set to bring in Ryan Harris and Mitchel Stark leaving out Lyon who has failed to make any impact in this series. Their real worry would be their top 3. The openers and Marsh are yet to be among the runs. Another concern for Australia is their keeper. Haddin behind the stumps has been really sloppy with not enough footwork. They have been fortunate that his drop catches have not effected the result of the game till now. Haddin would be wanting to get neat behind the stumps and get some runs with the bat.
Bowling though for the Australians has been really impressive and penetrative. They have got a great mix with Siddle bringing the energy, Hilfenhous who has been in a great wicket taking form and inclusion Mitchel Stark providing more variety with a left arm bowler coming coming in. Peter Siddle's energy is huge plus for Australia. On a hot afternoon at the WACA, having a bowler who is ready to run in a give his 100 percent is priceless for any captain. Harris would be hoping to continue the work done by Pattinson who not only moved the ball really well but bowled with real pace.
Australia start as clear favorites, but one can't write India off. It is when their backs are to the wall they come up with something special. There is no doubt that the Indian lineup has the ability to put up a great show at the WACA. I am certain we are in for 5 days exciting and breath taking cricket at the hot and lively Perth.
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