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Young Indians face a test of character

S. Dinakar

Karthik may play if Dhoni does not recover from a back strain

Melbourne: The Indians were focussed at the indoor nets here on Saturday evening after rain drove away the players from the MCG. They also appeared relaxed, which is a good sign ahead of an important duel.

Sunday’s CB series day/night game will be crucial for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men. Australia played like a World Champion at the SCG on Friday and a young Indian team faces a test of character.

The buzzing bunch of youngsters need not look far for inspiration. Sachin Tendulkar oozed commitment during the nets and strode out from his stint a pleased man. He even shared a laugh with his teammates. Even in those periods when he his visage breaks into a smile, Tendulkar’s eyes retain their intensity.

Despite years of cricket, the maestro has the hunger. The giant stage of the MCG could witness Tendulkar conjure yet another classic. At the adjoining nets, Matthew Hayden faced countless balls from the bowling machine operated by coach Tim Nielsen. The man mountain never tires of making a mountain of runs.

Aggressive Hayden

Hayden’s early aggression provided Australia the crucial momentum against Sri Lanka. He could do so again on a venue where India has not beaten Australia in an ODI since 1986. The potential gems from Tendulkar and Hayden could be undone by rain.

The forecast, though, predicts periods of sunshine on Sunday.

The sun shone on Australia in Sydney. Ricky Ponting’s men were ruthless on the field, created pressure and exploited every chink. The surface at the MCG could be similar to the one at the SCG and the Aussies would be ready with pace, swing, seam and spin backed by electric fielding.

The Indian batting is bound to be tested. Does the squad have the answers? The middle-order proved vulnerable against Australia and Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir at the No. 3 slot, which is a top-order slot, and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni strung together a fighting stand after Sri Lanka had made early inroads.

Yuvraj must fire

Against Australia, Dhoni and the lower order managed a recovery of sorts. India requires a sound opening partnership and a sizable innings from either Tendulkar or Virender Sehwag. Gambhir is in good touch but the side seeks runs from Yuvraj Singh.

Dinesh Karthik is a better player of pace than most of the younger cricketers in the side and a slot should be found for him against a side like Australia. Players like him, who relish the sniff of a combat, need to be encouraged.

If Dhoni does not stage a complete recovery from a minor back strain, Karthik could be in the eleven as a cover to keep wickets as well.

Despite suggestions, India is unlikely to play two spinners at the MCG. The spinners can be effective on a big ground but dropping a paceman could affect the balance of the side.

Ishant Sharma and S. Sreesanth were impressive against Australia at the ’Gabba and Irfan Pathan adds much as an all-rounder. If the need arises, Virender Sehwag could chip in with his off-spin. Sreesanth, recovering from fever, bowled at the nets.

There are talks about Australia resting Brett Lee but the fiery paceman is in such good rhythm that the Aussies would want this influential bowler to continue till the side leads the table in a more comprehensive manner; presently Australia has seven points from two games, India has four and Sri Lanka two.

More options

The Aussies have options in the bowling department. Contrasting left-arm pacemen Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson were superb against the Lankans with cutters and changes of angle. Brad Hogg whipped up turn and bounce.

Australia, however, has worries in batting. Skipper Ricky Ponting has not been among the runs. If provided with an opening, the Indian bowling could sting.

The teams (from):

India: M.S. Dhoni (captain), S. Tendulkar, V. Sehwag, G. Gambhir, Yuvraj, R. Uthappa, D. Karthik, I. Pathan, Harbhajan, S. Sreesanth, I. Sharma, R. Sharma, S. Raina, M. Patel, P. Kumar, M. Tiwary and P. Chawla.

Australia: R. Ponting (captain), M. Hayden, A. Gilchrist, M. Clarke, A. Symonds, M. Hussey, J. Hopes, B. Lee, M. Johnson, N. Bracken, B. Hogg, B. Haddin and S. Clark.

Umpires: Rudi Koerzten & Simon Taufel; Third umpire: Bob Parry; Match Referee: Jeff Crowe.

Match starts at 8.45 a.m. IST.

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