Chance for young turks to create a big impact
Kochi, Oct. 15: The search for bright weather continued as the sun tried to escape from the clutches of hazy gun metal skies. The draining facilities here at the Nehru Stadium are second to none and if the strong showers cease by Saturday there is every possibility of play starting on time.
The series result will have a strong bearing on the ICC ranking. India’s success against Australia at home has been limited and will be looking at translating the confidence derived from the Tests to the shorter version.
Including this series, India have exactly 13 games to play before getting into the World Cup. The decision to rest a few key players at this stage might not be a logical but whether it was done on grounds of is a matter of conjecture. If there is one member of the side who requires a break is skipper M.S. Dhoni who has literally been hitting the road non-stop.
After missing the Tests in Sri Lanka in August 2008, he has played every series since. (Barring the ODI series in Zimbabwe where all seniors players were rested). The five ODIs against New Zealand will not be the ideal place to rest him as the campaign to the World Cup would have got closer and that will be the last contest at home before the team embarks on a full tour to South Africa.
Rest for players has been a premium with the caravan carrying on without a meaningful break. The second string Australian side should still test the newcomers in the Indian side. It provides the likes of Shikar Dhawan and R. Ashwin the opportunity to prove they belong at this level.
The stage is ideal for M. Vijay, who registered his maiden Test hundred, to establish his credentials as a limited overs opener.
Dhoni will have a lot to sweat on combination. Rohit Sharma has not infused confidence recently. With the squad having only a solitary specialist spinner in Ashwin, the temptation to play Ravindra Jadeja will be pronounced. This leaves the final spot open which, could be a tussle between a seamer and Rohit. With Ashwin being adept with the new ball, the playing XI can afford to have two medium pacers.
The wicket here has been under covers for long and in all probability play a touch slow. The last time the two sides met here, the visitors thumped India in all departments and all the hosts managed was some poor behaviour on the field, courtesy local lad — S. Sreesanth. A short series between evenly matched units calls for riveting action. A 1-0 lead will be more than handy to exert pressure. It will require a strong heart to throw the dice in one direction straightway.
Incessant rains forced all practice sessions to be cancelled and forced the teams to stay indoors.
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