Thursday, February 02, 2012

India aim to draw level in 2nd T20I at MCG

After a 4-0 humiliation in the Test series, the visitors were hoping that a change of format and infusion of youngsters would bring a change in their fortunes. But the same old story got repeated as they were beaten comprehensively by a new-look Australian side. India would now look to hit back and square the two match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in order to gain confidence ahead of the tri series.

The Australian batting order delivered the goods in the first T20I as they managed to put up a challenging total of 172. Their top as well as middle order chipped in with crucial contributions at important junctures led by the impressive Matthew Wade(72). The bowling department did well to restrict the visitors and David Hussey’s ability to contribute with bat and ball has given the home side freedom to experiment with its all-rounders.

The Indian batting order once again failed on a decent batting pitch. Virender Sehwag’s early departure pegged the Indians back. The middle order comprising of Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma didn’t help the cause as they too succumbed to a moderate Australian bowling attack.

Gambhir looked promising at one point but failed to carry on. A good start is a must and the visitors have been devoid of that. One positive sign for the touring party was the return in form for skipper MS Dhoni who led a late fightback while chasing.

There are chances that leg-spinner Rahul Sharma may make way for all-rounder Irfan Pathan in the starting eleven, while the batting order may remain unchanged.

The Australians wouldn’t be looking to disturb the winning combination, but owing to the conditions at the MCG, left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty may be replaced by seamer Clint McKay.

This is a last chance for India to gain a much needed momentum before the tri series starts and a win will be a real shot in the arm for the visitors.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

India look to gain momentum in the first T20I

After suffering a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the home side in the Test series, the battered visitors would look to gain the momentum in the shortest format of the game as the focus now shifts to first of the two T20 Internationals which will be played at the Stadium Australia, Sydney.

 India would be looking to put the Test series nightmare behind them and focus on putting on a much better performance in the T20 Internationals. With a complete change in the format and the team combination, the visitors would be looking to draw first blood which will do their confidence a whole lot of good.

The visitors will go into the match on the back of two consecutive losses (both by 6 wickets) in the T20Is which they suffered at the hands of England in Manchester and Kolkata in August and October 2011. The addition of the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja will inject freshness in the team.  Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir are set to make their comebacks in the shortest format after missing out earlier with injuries. Zaheer Khan will probably spearhead the bowling attack followed by the returning Praveen Kumar and rookie Umesh Yadav. India are most likely to play three pacers and one spinner in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin. There are chances that Jadeja will be given a nod ahead of Irfan Pathan for the all-rounder’s spot.

Australia‘s performance in the shortest format has been abject lately and they go into the match on the back of a win and a loss against South Africa at Cape Town and Johannesburg. They too have a new look T20 side and George Bailey will make his international debut as well as lead the side after Cameron White was axed from captaincy and the T20 side.

David Hussey, who recently won the player of the series award in the Big Bash League, will add the much needed experience in the batting department along with David Warner. Wicket keeper Brad Haddin has been rested and Victorian Matthew Wade will take his place in the starting line-up. Daniel Christian in all probability will lead the all-rounder’s pack. Fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner may be handed his international debut.

 Brett Lee will lead the pace attack followed by Clint McKay, while 40-year-old Brad Hogg, who is making a sensational return to international cricket after nearly four years, may be the lone spinner in the starting eleven. The pitch seems to be good for batting and a high scoring fixture is on the cards.

The Australians would be looking to extend their domination following a thumping win in the Test series, while the visitors would be looking to hit back hard and start off on a winning note. A cracker of a match is definitely on hands.