Another India-Australia test cricket series

Going by just the frequency with which Australia and India have been playing each other over the past couple of years, one cannot argue with those that describe this rivalry as having surpassed the intensity hitherto associated with the Ashes or an India-Pakistan series.

Be that as it may, we are less than a week away from the start of the first test at Bangalore on October 9th. Australia has a new-look side, and India too is planning to rebuild its test side. The lack of much prior bowling experience in Indian conditions has been mentioned by cricket gurus as a big reason why India has its nose slightly ahead. But think back to just 9-10 months ago, when Ishant Sharma (a rookie himself), RP Singh, Peeyush Chawla et al did a terrific job for India. They were playing against Australia in Australia.

Will Ponting set right his dismal record in India? Will Sachin add to his tally of test 100s and in the process also overtake Lara as the batsman with the highest number of test runs to his credit? Will players like Badrinath and Amit Sharma come into their own? How badly will the recent retirements of Warne, McGrath and Gilchrist affect Australia? Can Shane Watson and/or Cameron White step into Symonds’ shoes? Will this be a controversy-free series? Can Bhajji keep his cool? And finally, will India win the rubber?

Watch this space as the drama unfolds over the next 4 weeks.