In the driver's seat after two convincing wins, the stage is perfect for India to record their biggest-ever series win over a depleted Australia, who have been rocked by off-field controversies and dissensions. Both the team's think tank are to be noted upon here for their non hesitant move. Australia have made it clear that failing to show intent, discipline and subordination in team meetings is a bigger sin than not performing resulting in axing of the vice captian and 3 others. While CA has been doing this for years, it comes as a surprise from the Indian board. Raina after the NZ series, Yuvi after the Eng series followed by Gauti and now Sehwag. Each one of these big names got axed for obvious reasons. Non performance. The selectors have got things straight. "Names and reputations wont count. If you got to be in the playing eleven, perform". And this sends out a strong message to youngsters and it augurs well for the Indian cricket team.
It is only fair to praise the performance of the Indian team, what with the skipper himself coming good to take the team to an unassailable 2-0 lead with a stunning double ton at chennai, his fan favourite ground. Comes as a surprise when not many favored our team for this series after the drubbing we got in Australia, England and by England in India. Back to back whitewashes threw doubts over our batsmen's ability to consistently perform and the skippers ability to lead the side and the bowlers were seen wobbly. No better way to get back on track and stamp authority.
While I cannot blame the inexperienced aussies for their debacle in the last 2 tests, they cannot be discounted either. We all know how an australian fightback could be, as we have witnessed so many times. But then, that was an entirely different team altogether. This one is at its infant stage, though with the skipper warning about a fighting comeback we could expect a tight contest at Mohali. "To give up is not in our nature", summed up Micheal Clarke.
India have never won more than two Tests in a series against Australia. If they are able to make it 3-0 in Mohali, it will be a welcome first for Indian cricket, against Australia, who had thrashed them 4-0 the last time they met at the Aussies' den. And even though they are set to miss the services of a few key players, Australia will only hope that the extraordinary turn of events off the field don't impact their performance in the match, which is a must-win one for them.
Lets hope for some of the old Aussie spirit and dominance.
- DC
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