Friday, February 24, 2012

India Vs Australia (Preview)

He made an impressive debut. Today with his maiden century, Peter Forrest stole the spot ahead of Usman Khwaja and Shaun Marsh as new No.3 for Australia in both Tests and ODIs. However the heroics were not sufficient to overwhelm the firing lions.
Despite some good showings in this series, Australians are not sure of a place in the finals. To add their woes they are forced to make some tough selection calls for their game against India this Sunday. The question is, Who should sit for Watson? In the current scenario there are only two choices available. Either Watson should come as an opener for failing Warner or should replace the all rounder Dan Christian whose 49th cover cost the game for Australia dearly today. Either call is a double edged sword considering Watson has no cricket under his belt in the recent times. But there is no point in delaying Watson as he surely needs few games if Australia qualifies for the finals. If I’m asked to give my vote, I will prefer Watson for Warner. Logic, in cricket a batsman can find his groove quickly than a bowler especially in good batting conditions. So, Watson as batsmen is a safer bet than Watson as bowler. Also Watson for Christian could further weaken the bowling. We clearly saw today that Australia could not defend a total of 280. However, I highly doubt Australia would do that as they would prefer to teach Dan a tough lesson.
From India’s standpoint, too many egos are hurt. For once, Dhoni don’t have a choice but to field the best XI on paper. Also the players themselves don’t have choice but come out firing. In other words, Hit Out or Get Out!!! As a fan, I wish to give the benefit of doubt to India.
My India XI
Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambir, Kohli, R Sharma, Raina, Dhoni, Irfan Pathan, Ashwin, Yadav, Zaheer.

Possible Australia XI
Warner, Wade, Forrest, Clarke, M Hussey, D Hussey, Watson, Harris, Lee, Xoherty, Hilfenhaus

Bottom line: Who will play the Lankans?

Dinesh
Cricket Lover

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