India, Oz switch gears sans stars
Kochi, Oct. 16: The rain gods will be the final arbitrators of whether or not cricket will be played at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday. The heavy showers that had engulfed this port city finally made way for tropical heat and despite a sluggish outfield, curator Parthasarathy Kannan is positive of at least a truncated opening India-Australia one-day international.
After finishing on the wrong side of the Test series, a new-look Aussie side will be hoping for a few good memories to take back, while for a depleted India, a series win is a must to hold on to their number two spot in the ICC ODI rankings.
Both captains had wanted a fielding session in the evening, but an outfield under heavy covers ensured the players stayed in the hotel.
Poor weather is not the ideal way to herald a important match. “We had a team get together and meeting. All I could do yesterday was unveil the cup. We made it to the ground but were unable to practice. It’s better to get some rest rather than travel to the ground,” said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
It has been no different for the visitors. Most of them have not played here and were eager to train, but their plans were trashed by the ground conditions. “I think all the boys are sick of going to the gym. We have not done much really to be honest. We have laid stress on lots of rehab, recovery and time in the swimming pool. We were really keen to get out and play,” said Michael Clarke.
Pacer Doug Bollinger’s fitness and lack of experience in sub-continental conditions of some of the others are bound to affect Australia. Losing close games is not something they are accustomed to but recent results in all forms suggests the champions are losing it when it goes down the wire. At the same time, the last and only time India won a bilateral series at home was way back in 1986, by a 3-2 margin.
Dhoni’s biggest disappointment last season was losing 2-4 (one game finished without a result) to Australia. It should have gone in India’s favour had they managed to hold their nerve better. The recent run of success in close games should hold them in good stead in case of a similar situation.
Nathan Hauritz could not find a rhythm in the two Test matches but should continue to play the role of the lead spinner. A lot will depend on the experience of Michael Hussey, James Hopes and Cameron White. Team selection will be interesting to watch as Australia have not approached an important series with so many new faces in the recent past.
For India, the picture is a little different. Senior players have been rested and that provides a chance for players like R. Ashwin to display their wares. The top-order lacks fizz but it is not beyond Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay to start the innings well.
Post new comment