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Monday, January 02, 2012

SCG test - Will India bounce back?

Taken at SCG, 3rd Day, Australia vs India, 4th...
Will he get his 100th Century at SCG?
Glenn Mcgrath and the pink color of his Charity Foundation has become synonymous with SCG test matches. The Australian (and Indian) team had their photo-shoot with the legendary fast bowler but it was surprising to see the now-retired paceman fired another salvo against the Indians by suggesting that Australia can win the series 4-0. The current players seem more interested about Sachin Tendulkar's 100th ton and how they will try to restrict him.

Is Mcgrath's prediction likely to happen? I dont think so. Why? Australia as a team is in the rebuilding phase and they are not as consistent as they used to be in the times of Mcgrath (as a player). The Indian bowlers will be itching to come back at the Oz batsmen on a pitch that is expected to help them. If VVS and SRT fire (as their numbers at SCG suggest), the Indians will have a better chance to equal the series.

Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher will ensure that they pull out all stops to keep the morale of the team high. There will not be any changes expected on either side (except for any last-minute injuries). India had their tails up in the first test but the downfall of Tendulkar meant the advantage went back to Australia. The last 2 days were fully dominated by Australia (except for few rare minutes). In this test, they should continue their spirits to keep the Aussies at bay. Aakash Chopra suggests that the batsmen should look at playing 160 overs to dominate the play. If they can do it, they will have enough runs on the board to defeat the Oz. Easier said than done, right?

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