Aussies choke India with clinical precision

India has lost the Boxing Day test match against Australia at Melbourne. I suppose the loss per se is not unexpected; what is disappointing is the manner in which the fabled Indian batting capitulated not once, but twice in a space of 2 days. Yes, almost all Australian wickets also fell in a matter of a day or so- but they managed to score at a faster rate and got at least 2 partnerships going.

The Indian team has egg on its face not just because of the loss, but also because their performance has belied their arrogant comments about Brad Hogg and his bowling capabilities. Hogg may be no Warne but the Indian batting line-up- including the “Fab 4″- could not stand up to his wily flippers. It was almost embarrassing to see the likes of Dhoni unable to read Hogg’s “wrong ‘un” frequently.

Kumble was right when he said that the collapse reflected collective non-performance by the batsmen. Dravid is only a makeshift opener and in a perverse manner, did half his job- stayed at the crease till the new ball lost its shine. That he did not score (and not just not score fast) is perhaps because of his overall slump in form.

For the Sydney test that starts on January 2nd, I would argue for Sehwag to be included. He may not score too many runs, but then, nobody else seems to have done that either. So we may be no worse for his inclusion, and in fact, have a good chance of a decent (and quick) start if he does fire. And who would he replace? I shall stick my neck out and say Jaffer. Yuvraj can bowl a bit and at Sydney, that may come in handy.