Over the past decade and a half a India-Australia has created a rush in the cricketing community. There has always been a lot of spice associated with this series. We have seen some compelling cricket in the Border-Gavaskar trophies over the past 10-15 years. I think it all began with the India's home series in 2001. Steve Waugh had called India the final frontier. The series was decided in the final session of the final day of the final test. That series set up the tone for the rest of the India-Australia series' to follow.
This series is no different. It brings with itself a lot of excitement. The excitement though is for different reasons. This is probably the weakest Australian team touring India. And, it is also the weakest Indian team hosting Australia. Both the teams are going through a transition phase. A lot of big names have retired from both the teams. Both teams are trying find their feet back in international cricket.
The Spin
Whenever a touring team comes to India, one topic that is always discussed is how to play the Indian spinners. Of all the Indian teams till now, this Indian team probably has the least threatening spin attack. In fact, the English spinners out-bowled the Indian spinners!! That was quite unheard off. The Australians though do not have spinners of the quality of Swann or Monty. So, unlike England, Australia will have to rely on pace and reverse swing to get their wickets. The question for India, is whether the play 3 spinners or two? Would Jadeja play the role of a containing spinner who can bat a bit? If they play two spinners who would be left out? This is a very interesting situation. Never before did India have to think so much about their spinners.
The Indian Batting and SRT
One of the major strength for India over the years has been their batting. In home conditions, India have always been able to post huge totals that would allow the spinners to have men around the bat and create the pressure. Over the last one year, that has changed. The middle order is not the same any more. The big question is people like Dhawan, Pujara, Kohli, Rahane step up those big totals. I would be keenly watching all these young Indian batsman. It would also be interesting to see how Sehwag plays. This series could well be his last chance. Gambhir after being left out has scored a hundred in the 'A -Game'. That would put pressure on the selectors.
If we are talking about the Indian batting, it is incomplete without a discussion about Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar has prepared quite extensively for this series. He played the domestic season. He looked quite brilliant in that Irani Trophy game. The big retirement question would always be looming over him. So, can he battle all that produce some master pieces?
The Captains
I would be really keen to see how the two teams are led. MS has till now not been able to make a huge impact with his captaincy in Tests. He has always given me the impression, of going into the defensive too early. I would be interested in seeing if he has made adjustments to the way he leads the team. To be fair to MS, he really doesn't have the best bowling attack in the world. That does not make his life easier.
Micheal Clarke has impressed me with his short stint as a captain. Captaining in the sub-continent though, would be a completely different ball game. The huge noise, hot days, long partnerships - Can Clarke hold his nerve through all this. He has been in some terrific batting form. He would also be the most priced wicket in the Australian line up. His performance with the bat would be quite crucial.
Favourites?
I would pick India as favourites, not by much though. 2-1 victory line to India is what I am predicting. Let's see what happens. It would a very very interesting series.
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