Reschedule of test series may just be boon for India
The tragic death of Phillip Hughes at Sydney called for the reschedule of the four-test series between India and Australia. As per the rescheduled fixture by Cricket Australia (CA), Adelaide Oval will host the first test from 9-13 Dec, with the second match to be played at with Brisbane from 17-21 Dec. The last two test matches will be held at MCG (26-30 Dec) and SCG (6-10 Jan), respectively.
Resurgent Indian side may outwit Australia
Aussies will take on the might of a resurgent Indian side led by Virat Kohli in the first test match. MS Dhoni, ruled of the first match due to injury, is expected to lead the team afterwards. Reschedule might just be a blessing in disguise for the Indian batsmen who would relish the batting friendly conditions at Adelaide. If things go as per the script, India might just turn the tide in their favour as it is being observed whenever the batters scored runs on past overseas trips, the team did well. India of today is full of options in all three departments of the game, batting, bowling and fielding. Shikhar, Murli, Pujara and Kohli will steer the team to over 400 run scores, while the tall lanky paceman Ishant Sharma will hold key to India’s chances of winning series with ball. Other pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Sami, Varun Aron and Umesh Yadav are going add to more arsenal to the bowling attack.
Pak defeat, Hughes loss may haunt Kangaroos
Just recently, Australia had to swallow 2-0 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan in the recently concluded test series at Dubai. Plus, with the departure of Phill Hughes, things are not looking rosy for the Kangaroos having an enviable record at home. Time now for India to capitalize on the fragilities of the Aussies to maneouvre the series in their direction. If India put up a good show and go on to the win the opening test, then it will set the tone for the remaining matches.
Need to guard against complacency
India needs to take a cue from the 3-1 test series loss to England during the summer, when they squandered away the lead after the historic win at Lords. Hope they learn from their mistakes committed in England and perform better display of cricket down under.
PS – This article is written by Intern Vikas Das.