The Hindu : Cracker of a contest in store

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 26, 2003

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Cracker of a contest in store

By Vijay Lokapally

India's coach John Wright has some tips for openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. (Right) Australia's Matthew Hayden has some practice at the nets on the eve of the one-day match. — Photos: V.V. Krishnan

GWALIOR OCT. 25. The backdrop of the fort is a reminder of the glorious past even as the Roop Singh Stadium, a splash of colour, highlights the modernisation of this venue.

It is a compelling sight. The manicured outfield and a belter of a pitch is an ideal mix for a cracker of a contest. What, if the Australians are not at their best. They have carried their famous resilience as part of their travel kit.

Cricket in Gwalior has essentially progressed under royal patronage and the effects are quite visible. Just as emphatic as Australia's regal domination of international cricket.

The debate may go on whether such a strong Australia, a complete team in every aspect, is good for cricket or not. In Tests and the limited overs version the Australians have set very high standards and the motivation comes from the desire to scale those peaks.

A glimpse of the Aussie preparation was on display when a cross-legged Mathew Hayden did a meditation stint in the middle even as his mates knocked the ball around in the `nets' at an adjacent ground.

The Indians experienced the Aussie power twice at the last World Cup, each meeting emphasising the huge gap between the teams. Many lessons were learnt as Sourav Ganguly and his `boys' were whipped by a far superior opposition at the Centurion Park and The Wanderers.

The depth of Australian cricket would be on test here no doubt as Ricky Ponting leads the team for the future.

The Indians are on familiar territory, the ball will neither seam or swing alarmingly, and the crowd will root for them. But this cannot be the magic potion if the Indians wish to drive away the haunting memories of the Aussie pasting in South Africa.

They have to realise that individual brilliance would not mean much against this Australian team. The Indians boast of an explosive batting line-up and an effective attack but it is time some of the members learnt to finish the game instead of leaving the job to the partner.

The Indians are yet to imbibe this significant trait.

The Aussies are different and always look ahead. Skipper Ricky Ponting was quick to point out "World Cup is history. Winning matches is more important than setting personal goals'' as he spoke of his young mates in glowing terms. The best thing about the Australians is that they back each other to take on any force on the cricket field. The self-belief is generated from the enormous faith they have in the collective strength, which radiates from the presence of some amazing achievers.

The Australians, as professional as ever, did not waste time in planning the conquest here. Ponting announced his eleven for the match, leaving out Jimmy Maher, Michael Kasprowicz and Michael Clarke while the Indian camp, true to expectations, was undecided on the final composition.

The Indians have an imposing task. The onus obviously would be on the home team to raise its game and make the Australians earn their runs and wickets.

The quality of the contest is expected to be high and gripping with considerable pressure on Rahul Dravid and his men to deliver when faced with strong opposition.

Ponting assessed the situation aptly "It's a test for every one. The four best bowlers are not in the side but then it's a great opportunity for (Andy) Bichel as well, since he would lead the attack.''

The response from Dravid was guarded. "We can't take them for granted just because they haven't come with their best bowlers. The Aussies have done well without their best in the past too. (Mathew) Hayden is a threat no doubt.

He's playing as well as any one in the world. We're looking forward to a good game of cricket. I know Australia played well when we met last but that was long way back. Beating them would be difficult no doubt but we're confident.''

The crowd, which came in large numbers to watch the teams practice, is in for a royal treat, an extension of the festival of lights, with fireworks from the cricketers a welcome bonus.

The teams:

India (from): Rahul Dravid (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, V.V.S. Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Parthiv Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, L. Balaji, Hemang Badani, Ajit Agarkar and Murali Kartik.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Mathew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Bevan, Ian Harvey, Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken, Brad Williams and Brad Hogg.

Umpires: Neil Mallender and K. Hariharan. Third umpire: A.V. Jayaprakash. Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle.

Hours of play: 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; 6.45 p.m. onwards.

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