The bowling department has looked much sharper with Umesh Yadav providing the kind of spice which India requires. On the other hand, Ishant Sharma has disappointed so far. Still chances are less that India may play with two spinners because at Adelaide Oval, the wicket does not contain turn like that of SCG. So either Pragyan Ojha or R. Ashwin may get a chance. Considering Ashwin’s poor form and the successful record of left arm spinners against Australia, Ojha might get a much well deserved game.
Australia on the other hand has sorted some of their problems in Perth with Warner and Cowan getting among runs. In the middle order, Ricky Ponting, Micheal Hussey and Micheal Clarke have been scoring consistently. However Shaun Marsh needs to live up to the promise he has shown during his debut series against Srilanka. He must make most of the opportunity since likes of Khwaja and Hughes are waiting eagerly for their turn. The Australian bowling department has been very impressive. While Ben Hilfenhaus has displayed lot of variations in his bowling and is ready to lead the attack. Peter Siddle, on the other hand, has reaped the most benefit of the Australian bowling coach Craig McDermott‘s experience. Ryan Harris was unlucky in Perth but the ball which uprooted Dravid’s stump was enough to show what he can do.
However Australia might go with combination of three fast bowlers and a spinner despite their pace quarter’s excellent success at WACA. This means Nathan Lyon might get a chance and with Shaun Marsh he is one of those players who need to perform.
The Adelaide Oval has witnessed some of the most exciting cricket between India and Australia. In 1991-92 Mohd. Azharuddin’s brilliance took India close to a remarkable victory when they lost by 38 runs. While in 2003 -04 India riding on the performances of Rahul Dravid and Ajit Agarkar sealed the game .Let’s see what the Adelaide has stored this time around for these two teams.
By : Abhishek Srivastava
Some where next week in Adelaide three of the all-time greatest cricketers would have played their last test in a country who have welcomed them always. Their dream to win a test series in Australia has already been shattered and the team down and dusted but Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman would love to say a final good bye from down under with a test win . With heavy criticism of the seniors it has become essential that they perform. Their performance is not only necessary for themselves but also for a team for which nothing seems to be going right currently. However considering the kind of form in which the Australians are and the way India has played recently it seems utterly difficult if not impossible. With MS Dhoni being banned from the test its now on Virender Sehwag to lift the team’s and his own game. A major reason for success of the Indian Cricket team in the past has been good starts by its opening pair and if the team has to win Gambhir and Sehwag will have to be at the top of their game at the Adelaide. In the middle order, young Virat Kohli has to continue his good work and the determination which he has shown in the last test.
