Katich retains Test spot
November 27, 2003
LEFT-HANDER Simon Katich has retained his place in the Australian Test team to play India in the first Test at the 'Gabba next Thursday.
With Darren Lehmann ruled out for the four-match series, Katich was today selected ahead of Queensland batsman Martin Love on the back of his fine all-round performance in the second Test with Zimbabwe in October and strong domestic form.
West Australian quick Brad Williams and NSW left-armer Nathan Bracken were also named in the 12-man team to be captained by Steve Waugh in his last series before retirement.
Williams, who made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at the SCG, and Bracken enjoyed success in the recent triangular one-day series in India and have kept their places in the 12 with Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee sidelined by injury.
The team is: Stephen Waugh (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Andy Bichel, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill, Brad Williams, Nathan Bracken.
Australia v. India - First Test, Gabba
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commonwombat
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Donny
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Get ready for Matt v Sachin
By Malcolm Conn - Fox Sports
November 29, 2003
ROLL up, roll up to the Gabba from next Thursday for the heavyweight championship of the world.
Sachin Tendulkar versus Matthew Hayden, the blaster versus the bruiser, in a battle of technique and timing against power and brutality to decide who is the best batsman in the game today.
Most observers say it's Tendulkar. The numbers say Hayden. The West Indies would nominate a reinvigorated Brian Lara.
This individual contest takes top billing in a four-Test series that shapes as yet another emphatic triumph for an Australia side who have not been beaten at home for 17 series, over more than a decade.
The contrast between these two men and their backgrounds could not be greater.
Tendulkar, 30, is the child prodigy born among the teaming masses of Mumbai, who rarely ventures out lest he is mobbed by adoring crowds.
A small and nimble man, he is in the classic mould of those who hold three of Test cricket's most imposing records - Don Bradman (average 99.94), Sunil Gavaskar (34 centuries) and Allan Border (11,174 runs).
It appears only a matter of time before Tendulkar, with 31 centuries and 8882 runs, overtakes Gavaskar and Border.
Hayden, 32, is quite literally the battler from the bush. A huge, heavy-footed man who appears to have been brought up humping sacks on the family's Kingaroy farm. He is just as happy casting a fishing line across a secluded stretch of river as he is murdering attacks.
Considered anything but a Test batsman during his teens, when he was overlooked for under-aged representative teams and Australia's cricket academy, Hayden now has the game's most recognisable achievement: the world record score of 380.
His epic innings against Zimbabwe little more than a month ago has done nothing to quell Hayden's quest for glory.
"This insatiable thirst to get runs is still a massive priority for me," Hayden said.
Tendulkar is two years Hayden's junior but in the demanding cauldron of international cricket, he can be considered twice the Queenslander's age after making his Test debut as a 16-year-old.
Also with a record 34 one-day hundreds, he has found injuries are taking their toll. He has a bad back, a broken toe that will not heal, and most recently had to undergo finger surgery.
His record 673 runs at the World Cup in southern Africa during March this year were scored in pain.
"I couldn't straighten my hand," Tendulkar said. "I couldn't flex my fingers comfortably, couldn't pick up a cup of tea easily.
"It is hard to imagine my life away from cricket. From the age of 10, for the last 20 years it's been only cricket. It is not easy to keep playing.
"I just keep trying, not look at how many years are left in me. I have no target. I just want to play."
Border, who captained against Tendulkar when the Indian was a precocious 18-year-old and was Hayden's first skipper for Queensland, believes both players have one quality which sets them apart: mental strength.
He said questions about Hayden's technique were "rubbish".
"He opened the batting at the Gabba, which usually favours fast bowlers, and kept having 1000-run seasons for Queensland," said Border, now a Test selector.
"He had to be doing something right. It's the results that count."
While Tendulkar may be dealing with cricket's version of a midlife crisis, Hayden feels his career has really only just begun.
Despite being a prolific scorer for Queensland, he failed to average better than 35 from limited opportunities in his first five Test series and could not maintain a regular place in the team.
But on the Indian tour in early 2001 he exploded, scoring a century and a double century to finish with 549 runs in the three Tests at an average of almost 110.
In his breakthrough year, Hayden hit 1391 runs to overtake Bob Simpson as Australia's heaviest scorer in a calendar year.
He scored more than 1000 runs again last year and goes into this series against India needing only 42 runs to do it again.
So great has his rise been that over the past three years Hayden has been untouchable as the most rampant batsman in the world.
From 2001, Hayden stands alone in the 3000-run club with 3509 at 70.18 with 15 hundreds from 34 Tests, giving him the amazing record of almost one century every second Test.
Over the same period Tendulkar is more than 1000 runs behind from six fewer Tests with seven centuries and an average of 54.8.
Strangely India have played just two Tests this year, against New Zealand in October, and Tendulkar, returning from a hand operation, managed just 71 runs at 17.75.
However he usually saves his best for Australia. Take a ringside seat.
By Malcolm Conn - Fox Sports
November 29, 2003
ROLL up, roll up to the Gabba from next Thursday for the heavyweight championship of the world.
Sachin Tendulkar versus Matthew Hayden, the blaster versus the bruiser, in a battle of technique and timing against power and brutality to decide who is the best batsman in the game today.
Most observers say it's Tendulkar. The numbers say Hayden. The West Indies would nominate a reinvigorated Brian Lara.
This individual contest takes top billing in a four-Test series that shapes as yet another emphatic triumph for an Australia side who have not been beaten at home for 17 series, over more than a decade.
The contrast between these two men and their backgrounds could not be greater.
Tendulkar, 30, is the child prodigy born among the teaming masses of Mumbai, who rarely ventures out lest he is mobbed by adoring crowds.
A small and nimble man, he is in the classic mould of those who hold three of Test cricket's most imposing records - Don Bradman (average 99.94), Sunil Gavaskar (34 centuries) and Allan Border (11,174 runs).
It appears only a matter of time before Tendulkar, with 31 centuries and 8882 runs, overtakes Gavaskar and Border.
Hayden, 32, is quite literally the battler from the bush. A huge, heavy-footed man who appears to have been brought up humping sacks on the family's Kingaroy farm. He is just as happy casting a fishing line across a secluded stretch of river as he is murdering attacks.
Considered anything but a Test batsman during his teens, when he was overlooked for under-aged representative teams and Australia's cricket academy, Hayden now has the game's most recognisable achievement: the world record score of 380.
His epic innings against Zimbabwe little more than a month ago has done nothing to quell Hayden's quest for glory.
"This insatiable thirst to get runs is still a massive priority for me," Hayden said.
Tendulkar is two years Hayden's junior but in the demanding cauldron of international cricket, he can be considered twice the Queenslander's age after making his Test debut as a 16-year-old.
Also with a record 34 one-day hundreds, he has found injuries are taking their toll. He has a bad back, a broken toe that will not heal, and most recently had to undergo finger surgery.
His record 673 runs at the World Cup in southern Africa during March this year were scored in pain.
"I couldn't straighten my hand," Tendulkar said. "I couldn't flex my fingers comfortably, couldn't pick up a cup of tea easily.
"It is hard to imagine my life away from cricket. From the age of 10, for the last 20 years it's been only cricket. It is not easy to keep playing.
"I just keep trying, not look at how many years are left in me. I have no target. I just want to play."
Border, who captained against Tendulkar when the Indian was a precocious 18-year-old and was Hayden's first skipper for Queensland, believes both players have one quality which sets them apart: mental strength.
He said questions about Hayden's technique were "rubbish".
"He opened the batting at the Gabba, which usually favours fast bowlers, and kept having 1000-run seasons for Queensland," said Border, now a Test selector.
"He had to be doing something right. It's the results that count."
While Tendulkar may be dealing with cricket's version of a midlife crisis, Hayden feels his career has really only just begun.
Despite being a prolific scorer for Queensland, he failed to average better than 35 from limited opportunities in his first five Test series and could not maintain a regular place in the team.
But on the Indian tour in early 2001 he exploded, scoring a century and a double century to finish with 549 runs in the three Tests at an average of almost 110.
In his breakthrough year, Hayden hit 1391 runs to overtake Bob Simpson as Australia's heaviest scorer in a calendar year.
He scored more than 1000 runs again last year and goes into this series against India needing only 42 runs to do it again.
So great has his rise been that over the past three years Hayden has been untouchable as the most rampant batsman in the world.
From 2001, Hayden stands alone in the 3000-run club with 3509 at 70.18 with 15 hundreds from 34 Tests, giving him the amazing record of almost one century every second Test.
Over the same period Tendulkar is more than 1000 runs behind from six fewer Tests with seven centuries and an average of 54.8.
Strangely India have played just two Tests this year, against New Zealand in October, and Tendulkar, returning from a hand operation, managed just 71 runs at 17.75.
However he usually saves his best for Australia. Take a ringside seat.
Donny.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
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MagpieMad
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how have the Indians been traveling form wise? who should we look out for? and whats the odds that waugh will have a huge summer and go out with a bang.
btw how long b4 the sultan of spin can play again?
I haven't been keeping upto date on the cricket of late and am hanging out for this weeks test, spose there's no chance that tony grieg has retired from the comentsry team is there?
"Lets work as a team, and do it my way"
BRING BACK SWERVIN MERVIN!!
btw how long b4 the sultan of spin can play again?
I haven't been keeping upto date on the cricket of late and am hanging out for this weeks test, spose there's no chance that tony grieg has retired from the comentsry team is there?
"Lets work as a team, and do it my way"
BRING BACK SWERVIN MERVIN!!
Pain heals, Chicks dig scars, Glory..... lasts forever!
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Donny
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MM, the Indians came off being trounced by Oz in the recent ODI series and have been outplayed by Victoria and the Queensland Academy of sport since their arrival.
Both were 3 day games and both were draws but only Laxman and Tendulkar have got some runs and only Kumble has taken wickets.
Hodge hit 260 odd against them and Carseldine, who can't get a game for the Bulls, hit a century in each innings.
India's top order crumbled in both games and their pacemen were unimpressive. Harbhajan, so far, looks half the bowler on our tracks ... BUT ...
We've seen this sort of thing before so they will probably lift for the Test. The warm up games are just that, really. The bookies have India at 8/1.
We can expect runs from Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly but overall we should be too strong.
Warney comes back early Feb.
Both were 3 day games and both were draws but only Laxman and Tendulkar have got some runs and only Kumble has taken wickets.
Hodge hit 260 odd against them and Carseldine, who can't get a game for the Bulls, hit a century in each innings.
India's top order crumbled in both games and their pacemen were unimpressive. Harbhajan, so far, looks half the bowler on our tracks ... BUT ...
We've seen this sort of thing before so they will probably lift for the Test. The warm up games are just that, really. The bookies have India at 8/1.
We can expect runs from Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly but overall we should be too strong.
Warney comes back early Feb.
Donny.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
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Donny
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MacGill begs for chance
By Malcolm Conn
December 2, 2003 - Fox Sports
STUART MacGILL yesterday said his career was on the line over the next five weeks in the four-Test series against Sachin Tendulkar and his fellow Indian batsmen, the most imposing players of spin in the world.
MacGill knows he has to produce against the Indians to keep his Test place when Shane Warne returns from a 12-month drug suspension in February.
He has begged Test selectors to give him a starting role in this week's first Test against India, rather than going in with a four-man pace attack supported by back-up spinner Simon Katich.
"Certainly this series, whether I like it or not, is important in redefining me if you like," MacGill said yesterday as half the Australian team were involved in a street cricket match promotion before the first Test against India, beginning in Brisbane on Thursday.
"I'm either the replacement or I'm able to stand alone consistently.
"If I do well, or hold my own at least against these guys, then I think I can be seriously considered as just another bowler rather than the stunt man."
One plus for MacGill is his success at the 'Gabba.
"At times in any Test it's nice for the captain to have the option to throw the ball to a specialist spin bowler," MacGill said.
"While I believe Kat (Katich) can fill a role as a specialist spin bowler, my ability to take the ball away from the right-hander might be important considering most of the Indians are right-handed batsmen."
MacGill has claimed seven wickets in two Tests at the Gabba and the last time he played there, as a victorious New South Welshman in the Pura Cup final in March, he claimed 5-16 and 3-43.
"My record at the 'Gabba is pretty solid," he said. "I think it's my favourite Test pitch in the world actually. This is maybe a plea to allow me to work where I like to work the most."
In a remarkable career MacGill has claimed 133 wickets at 26 in 26 Tests playing largely as a replacement for Shane Warne.
Mostly it has been through injury, but Warne's 12-month ban for drug abuse has given MacGill an extended run in the side.
They have played only six matches together, yet MacGill has taken 31 wickets at an average of little more than 20 in those games.
The role of a spinner in Australian cricket will be even more vital next year with tours to Sri Lanka and India, where slow bowlers usually dominate and batsmen grow up feeding on them.
Warne's ban ends on February 10 costing him a place on the Sri Lankan tour, which leaves in mid-February, but he is every chance of being chosen for the four Tests in India next October.
Australia may play both leg-spinners but that has not worked particularly well in the past, usually because Warne has been carrying or recovering from injury.
More often they are in competition for places and to date that has been no contest.
Warne has won on every occasion except one, when he was dropped and MacGill retained for the last Test against the West Indies in 1999 after Warne was returning from shoulder surgery.
Warne has a poor record against India but MacGill believes that is not a true reflection of his fellow spinner's abilities.
"The interesting thing is that I'm not convinced Warney has ever had an opportunity to play against them when he's been fit," MacGill said.
"He's either been coming off an injury or going into an operation. I've never really read too much into his returns against them."
Despite having never played a Test against India, MacGill said their batsmen were unlikely to be his toughest examination.
"It's a huge challenge but for me it's Lara," MacGill said. "If you speak to most of the spinners around the world, Lara's the one.
"I've spoken to Daniel Vettori and (Muttiah) Muralitharan and they all agree.
"It's a similar challenge here. The only difference perhaps is that in this team there are two or three of them who can potentially do the same damage as he does."
By Malcolm Conn
December 2, 2003 - Fox Sports
STUART MacGILL yesterday said his career was on the line over the next five weeks in the four-Test series against Sachin Tendulkar and his fellow Indian batsmen, the most imposing players of spin in the world.
MacGill knows he has to produce against the Indians to keep his Test place when Shane Warne returns from a 12-month drug suspension in February.
He has begged Test selectors to give him a starting role in this week's first Test against India, rather than going in with a four-man pace attack supported by back-up spinner Simon Katich.
"Certainly this series, whether I like it or not, is important in redefining me if you like," MacGill said yesterday as half the Australian team were involved in a street cricket match promotion before the first Test against India, beginning in Brisbane on Thursday.
"I'm either the replacement or I'm able to stand alone consistently.
"If I do well, or hold my own at least against these guys, then I think I can be seriously considered as just another bowler rather than the stunt man."
One plus for MacGill is his success at the 'Gabba.
"At times in any Test it's nice for the captain to have the option to throw the ball to a specialist spin bowler," MacGill said.
"While I believe Kat (Katich) can fill a role as a specialist spin bowler, my ability to take the ball away from the right-hander might be important considering most of the Indians are right-handed batsmen."
MacGill has claimed seven wickets in two Tests at the Gabba and the last time he played there, as a victorious New South Welshman in the Pura Cup final in March, he claimed 5-16 and 3-43.
"My record at the 'Gabba is pretty solid," he said. "I think it's my favourite Test pitch in the world actually. This is maybe a plea to allow me to work where I like to work the most."
In a remarkable career MacGill has claimed 133 wickets at 26 in 26 Tests playing largely as a replacement for Shane Warne.
Mostly it has been through injury, but Warne's 12-month ban for drug abuse has given MacGill an extended run in the side.
They have played only six matches together, yet MacGill has taken 31 wickets at an average of little more than 20 in those games.
The role of a spinner in Australian cricket will be even more vital next year with tours to Sri Lanka and India, where slow bowlers usually dominate and batsmen grow up feeding on them.
Warne's ban ends on February 10 costing him a place on the Sri Lankan tour, which leaves in mid-February, but he is every chance of being chosen for the four Tests in India next October.
Australia may play both leg-spinners but that has not worked particularly well in the past, usually because Warne has been carrying or recovering from injury.
More often they are in competition for places and to date that has been no contest.
Warne has won on every occasion except one, when he was dropped and MacGill retained for the last Test against the West Indies in 1999 after Warne was returning from shoulder surgery.
Warne has a poor record against India but MacGill believes that is not a true reflection of his fellow spinner's abilities.
"The interesting thing is that I'm not convinced Warney has ever had an opportunity to play against them when he's been fit," MacGill said.
"He's either been coming off an injury or going into an operation. I've never really read too much into his returns against them."
Despite having never played a Test against India, MacGill said their batsmen were unlikely to be his toughest examination.
"It's a huge challenge but for me it's Lara," MacGill said. "If you speak to most of the spinners around the world, Lara's the one.
"I've spoken to Daniel Vettori and (Muttiah) Muralitharan and they all agree.
"It's a similar challenge here. The only difference perhaps is that in this team there are two or three of them who can potentially do the same damage as he does."
Donny.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
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Donny
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Indians in our line of fire
Comment by Shane Warne
December 3, 2003
IT'S not just history that says India is up against it this summer - it's the two warm-up games.
Unconvincing performances with bat and ball against the Vics and a second-string Queensland team suggest it's going to be how far Australia?
But the reality should be somewhat different. As good as the Vics are, it shouldn't be forgotten these have been practice runs. Sachin Tendulkar didn't even play against the banana-benders.
India will switch on at 10am at the Gabba tomorrow. Practice form will go out the window and the big-occasion players will lift.
Working in our favour is the momentum generated by the one-dayers in India and the pitches we'll have waiting back here.
However, we'll likely be without Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for the first two Tests.
But I still think that whoever makes up our pace attack will cause the Indians some trouble.
India's strength lies in its batting and, when they're confident, Sachin and the boys are dangerous - even here in Oz.
I was surprised to see left-arm spinner Murali Kartik left out of the touring squad. I would have picked him to join forces with "Batman and Robin", Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Imagine the three of them in Sydney and Adelaide?
The pace bowlers - Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan - are all useful and could cause trouble, but their consistency is questionable. The Australians will assault their bowling early to try to knock them off their line.
Here are the players Buch (John Buchanan) and the boys would have discussed most:
Sachin Tendulkar
THE best player of our era. His ability to quickly judge the length of the ball is his special quality and what sets him apart.
Uses the crease to great effect, moving a long way back or forward, thereby decreasing the bowler's margin for error. And, as we know, anything loose is punished.
Sachin also has that X factor - presence - on and off the field, which means there is enormous pressure on the bowler from the time he starts his warm-up.
Our guys are wary of what he can do and it seems to be his testimonial game every time he plays us.
The Indians - both team and country - get enormous strength when he performs well. His calm temperament enables him to handle the pressure his millions of supporters apply. The burden of expectation he carries is unimaginable.
Sachin will enjoy being in Australia, where he can walk around in relative anonymity and enjoy the things he can't do in India - like going to the movies and having dinner outside.
The man to get him is Jason "Mullet" Gillespie. "Dizzy's" consistency at hitting the seam on a length will cause problems.
The battle will be a game of patience.
Over the years we have tried different ways to unsettle him.
First we sledged him, and that didn't work. So we tried the silent treatment, and that didn't work.
So all you can do is have a bowling plan and execute it as best you can.
What that is will be discussed intensely over the next couple of days. I'd be tempted to test him out with the short stuff early, but I think the plan will be consistent line and length bowling.
The word "great" is used far too much, but Sachin truly is a great player and person. He is a lovely man and very loyal - and I am very lucky to be able to call him a friend.
Sourav Ganguly
SHORT-pitched bowling is his major weakness. I'm not surprised to see he's struggling already on tour. He will have to overcome a lot of "chin music" to have a successful series.
Likes to use his feet against the spinners, which he does well, but I'm not sure he picks all our variations.
I've had success against him with my wrong 'un - and Stuey MacGill's got a lot better one than me, so he should fancy his chances.
The first Test will be on a fast, bouncy Gabba strip and Tugga (Steve Waugh) will have slips and gullies everywhere, because all of Ganguly's shots go through point or behind the wicket.
Brett Lee would be all over Ganguly, but in his absence, the quicks will try to step it up and intimidate him. It will be interesting to see how the captain handles it.
Ganguly needs to show his team that no matter how hard it is against the short ball, you must hang in there and have a plan - either duck, hook or sway out of the way.
Ganguly also likes to roll his arm over occasionally. His seamers look like "nude nuts" at first, yet he has the annoying ability to break games open.
He's intelligent, competitive and a good captain, which he showed in India in 2001 when they beat us.
He was very emotional and passionate, had a lot of confidence in his team and his own ability and backed his players - which is what you want from your skipper.
Off the field I have always enjoyed his company. It will be an interesting tour for the skipper . . . I wonder if he'll be on time for the toss?
Rahul Dravid
A VERY wristy, predominantly on-side player who has struggled with the bounce of our wickets.
However, he is a fighter, a genuine competitor. He's also a very level-headed cricketer who knows his game well. He will rise to the challenge this time.
Dravid is strong square of the wicket on both sides, and any width from the Australian bowlers will allow him to dominate.
We will be trying to get him on the front foot driving, hoping for an edge to slips. This should suit "Pigeon" (McGrath), who I'm sure will have Dravid in his sights when he returns.
Of all the Indian top order, I have had the most success against Dravid, so Stuey is a real chance.
Dravid likes to hit through the on-side against the spin and doesn't use his feet much - unlike most Indian players - but is such a strong cutter that he waits for that short ball and smacks it when it comes.
So, Stuey, nothing short, mate.
Dravid is one of cricket's nice guys. He loves the game and its traditions and is well respected by his team and the opposition. He's also a very gifted player who has tremendous poise and grace when on song.
Tugga, get Stuey on early.
V. V. S. Laxman
I'LL never forget that 281 he scored in the second Test in 2001 to single-handedly steer the Indians to a sensational win.
It really was one of the great knocks of modern times. Since then he's been dropped, but is back in the team and one of the few tourists to show some early form with the bat.
If feeling good, he's as dangerous as anyone playing the game. And he doesn't mind the short ball because he like the horizontal bat shots, so he's a key for the Indians.
That said, he can be a bit loose outside off-stump and doesn't really cut the ball. He prefers a straightish bat square of wicket and that can be asking for trouble out here.
Dizzy is our man again - his relentless line and length, coupled with his ability to seam the ball, will cause real trouble for Laxman.
Virender Sehwag
ONE of my favourite players to watch. Has every shot in the book, except the hook, and is very exciting when in full flight.
Don't think he really likes the short, fast stuff straight at him, but give him some width through the off-side and he'll really hurt you.
"Bing" Lee and Dizzy could cause him trouble, but anything loose outside the off stump and the crowd could be in trouble. Sehwag hits the ball very hard. He goes for his shots from ball one, which makes him better suited to the middle order than opening the batting.
As a spinner, you always feel you're a chance to take his wicket because he's always after you.
But if it's his day, look out - your figures could read like one of my golf scorecards.
Zaheer Khan
WILL take the new "rock" and try to contain the top order, which will be no mean feat given no one has been able to do it recently.
"Haydos" (Matthew Hayden) is on fire and looks hungry for more. "Lang" (Justin Langer), on the other hand, has not hit the ball the way he would like and probably felt he missed the picnic against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Khan has the ability to take the ball away from the left-hander, which is obviously useful against these two. He has a surprise bouncer and can also reverse-swing the ball.
If India is to win, Khan will have to have his best ever series.
Doesn't show much emotion on the field, just quietly goes about his business, but will be a player to watch.
Harbhajan Singh
THE press have said we gave him the name "Turbanator", but no player knows where that came from.
No matter, Singh will enjoy the bounce in our pitches and should be a handful for us again.
Has struggled with finger problems since 2001, but seems to have found a bit of form lately.
Is not hard to pick, but has a good pace variation.
Our players will go after him early and try to hit him out of the attack.
Harbhajan had Ricky Ponting's measure in 2001. "Punter" had some revenge in the World Cup final with a brilliant 140, but that has probably just whet his appetite. This will be a good battle.
Anil Kumble
A GENTLE, but competitive giant, Kumble is close to his best form and will be fired up for the first Test.
A wonderful performer for India, he's had to bowl a lot of overs in tough times and will be looking for some prized scalps on this tour.
Comment by Shane Warne
December 3, 2003
IT'S not just history that says India is up against it this summer - it's the two warm-up games.
Unconvincing performances with bat and ball against the Vics and a second-string Queensland team suggest it's going to be how far Australia?
But the reality should be somewhat different. As good as the Vics are, it shouldn't be forgotten these have been practice runs. Sachin Tendulkar didn't even play against the banana-benders.
India will switch on at 10am at the Gabba tomorrow. Practice form will go out the window and the big-occasion players will lift.
Working in our favour is the momentum generated by the one-dayers in India and the pitches we'll have waiting back here.
However, we'll likely be without Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for the first two Tests.
But I still think that whoever makes up our pace attack will cause the Indians some trouble.
India's strength lies in its batting and, when they're confident, Sachin and the boys are dangerous - even here in Oz.
I was surprised to see left-arm spinner Murali Kartik left out of the touring squad. I would have picked him to join forces with "Batman and Robin", Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Imagine the three of them in Sydney and Adelaide?
The pace bowlers - Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan - are all useful and could cause trouble, but their consistency is questionable. The Australians will assault their bowling early to try to knock them off their line.
Here are the players Buch (John Buchanan) and the boys would have discussed most:
Sachin Tendulkar
THE best player of our era. His ability to quickly judge the length of the ball is his special quality and what sets him apart.
Uses the crease to great effect, moving a long way back or forward, thereby decreasing the bowler's margin for error. And, as we know, anything loose is punished.
Sachin also has that X factor - presence - on and off the field, which means there is enormous pressure on the bowler from the time he starts his warm-up.
Our guys are wary of what he can do and it seems to be his testimonial game every time he plays us.
The Indians - both team and country - get enormous strength when he performs well. His calm temperament enables him to handle the pressure his millions of supporters apply. The burden of expectation he carries is unimaginable.
Sachin will enjoy being in Australia, where he can walk around in relative anonymity and enjoy the things he can't do in India - like going to the movies and having dinner outside.
The man to get him is Jason "Mullet" Gillespie. "Dizzy's" consistency at hitting the seam on a length will cause problems.
The battle will be a game of patience.
Over the years we have tried different ways to unsettle him.
First we sledged him, and that didn't work. So we tried the silent treatment, and that didn't work.
So all you can do is have a bowling plan and execute it as best you can.
What that is will be discussed intensely over the next couple of days. I'd be tempted to test him out with the short stuff early, but I think the plan will be consistent line and length bowling.
The word "great" is used far too much, but Sachin truly is a great player and person. He is a lovely man and very loyal - and I am very lucky to be able to call him a friend.
Sourav Ganguly
SHORT-pitched bowling is his major weakness. I'm not surprised to see he's struggling already on tour. He will have to overcome a lot of "chin music" to have a successful series.
Likes to use his feet against the spinners, which he does well, but I'm not sure he picks all our variations.
I've had success against him with my wrong 'un - and Stuey MacGill's got a lot better one than me, so he should fancy his chances.
The first Test will be on a fast, bouncy Gabba strip and Tugga (Steve Waugh) will have slips and gullies everywhere, because all of Ganguly's shots go through point or behind the wicket.
Brett Lee would be all over Ganguly, but in his absence, the quicks will try to step it up and intimidate him. It will be interesting to see how the captain handles it.
Ganguly needs to show his team that no matter how hard it is against the short ball, you must hang in there and have a plan - either duck, hook or sway out of the way.
Ganguly also likes to roll his arm over occasionally. His seamers look like "nude nuts" at first, yet he has the annoying ability to break games open.
He's intelligent, competitive and a good captain, which he showed in India in 2001 when they beat us.
He was very emotional and passionate, had a lot of confidence in his team and his own ability and backed his players - which is what you want from your skipper.
Off the field I have always enjoyed his company. It will be an interesting tour for the skipper . . . I wonder if he'll be on time for the toss?
Rahul Dravid
A VERY wristy, predominantly on-side player who has struggled with the bounce of our wickets.
However, he is a fighter, a genuine competitor. He's also a very level-headed cricketer who knows his game well. He will rise to the challenge this time.
Dravid is strong square of the wicket on both sides, and any width from the Australian bowlers will allow him to dominate.
We will be trying to get him on the front foot driving, hoping for an edge to slips. This should suit "Pigeon" (McGrath), who I'm sure will have Dravid in his sights when he returns.
Of all the Indian top order, I have had the most success against Dravid, so Stuey is a real chance.
Dravid likes to hit through the on-side against the spin and doesn't use his feet much - unlike most Indian players - but is such a strong cutter that he waits for that short ball and smacks it when it comes.
So, Stuey, nothing short, mate.
Dravid is one of cricket's nice guys. He loves the game and its traditions and is well respected by his team and the opposition. He's also a very gifted player who has tremendous poise and grace when on song.
Tugga, get Stuey on early.
V. V. S. Laxman
I'LL never forget that 281 he scored in the second Test in 2001 to single-handedly steer the Indians to a sensational win.
It really was one of the great knocks of modern times. Since then he's been dropped, but is back in the team and one of the few tourists to show some early form with the bat.
If feeling good, he's as dangerous as anyone playing the game. And he doesn't mind the short ball because he like the horizontal bat shots, so he's a key for the Indians.
That said, he can be a bit loose outside off-stump and doesn't really cut the ball. He prefers a straightish bat square of wicket and that can be asking for trouble out here.
Dizzy is our man again - his relentless line and length, coupled with his ability to seam the ball, will cause real trouble for Laxman.
Virender Sehwag
ONE of my favourite players to watch. Has every shot in the book, except the hook, and is very exciting when in full flight.
Don't think he really likes the short, fast stuff straight at him, but give him some width through the off-side and he'll really hurt you.
"Bing" Lee and Dizzy could cause him trouble, but anything loose outside the off stump and the crowd could be in trouble. Sehwag hits the ball very hard. He goes for his shots from ball one, which makes him better suited to the middle order than opening the batting.
As a spinner, you always feel you're a chance to take his wicket because he's always after you.
But if it's his day, look out - your figures could read like one of my golf scorecards.
Zaheer Khan
WILL take the new "rock" and try to contain the top order, which will be no mean feat given no one has been able to do it recently.
"Haydos" (Matthew Hayden) is on fire and looks hungry for more. "Lang" (Justin Langer), on the other hand, has not hit the ball the way he would like and probably felt he missed the picnic against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Khan has the ability to take the ball away from the left-hander, which is obviously useful against these two. He has a surprise bouncer and can also reverse-swing the ball.
If India is to win, Khan will have to have his best ever series.
Doesn't show much emotion on the field, just quietly goes about his business, but will be a player to watch.
Harbhajan Singh
THE press have said we gave him the name "Turbanator", but no player knows where that came from.
No matter, Singh will enjoy the bounce in our pitches and should be a handful for us again.
Has struggled with finger problems since 2001, but seems to have found a bit of form lately.
Is not hard to pick, but has a good pace variation.
Our players will go after him early and try to hit him out of the attack.
Harbhajan had Ricky Ponting's measure in 2001. "Punter" had some revenge in the World Cup final with a brilliant 140, but that has probably just whet his appetite. This will be a good battle.
Anil Kumble
A GENTLE, but competitive giant, Kumble is close to his best form and will be fired up for the first Test.
A wonderful performer for India, he's had to bowl a lot of overs in tough times and will be looking for some prized scalps on this tour.
Donny.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
-
Donny
- Posts: 80336
- Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2002 6:01 pm
- Location: Toonumbar NSW Australia
- Has liked: 65 times
- Been liked: 28 times
Indians in our line of fire
Comment by Shane Warne
December 3, 2003
IT'S not just history that says India is up against it this summer - it's the two warm-up games.
Unconvincing performances with bat and ball against the Vics and a second-string Queensland team suggest it's going to be how far Australia?
But the reality should be somewhat different. As good as the Vics are, it shouldn't be forgotten these have been practice runs. Sachin Tendulkar didn't even play against the banana-benders.
India will switch on at 10am at the Gabba tomorrow. Practice form will go out the window and the big-occasion players will lift.
Working in our favour is the momentum generated by the one-dayers in India and the pitches we'll have waiting back here.
However, we'll likely be without Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for the first two Tests.
But I still think that whoever makes up our pace attack will cause the Indians some trouble.
India's strength lies in its batting and, when they're confident, Sachin and the boys are dangerous - even here in Oz.
I was surprised to see left-arm spinner Murali Kartik left out of the touring squad. I would have picked him to join forces with "Batman and Robin", Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Imagine the three of them in Sydney and Adelaide?
The pace bowlers - Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan - are all useful and could cause trouble, but their consistency is questionable. The Australians will assault their bowling early to try to knock them off their line.
Here are the players Buch (John Buchanan) and the boys would have discussed most:
Sachin Tendulkar
THE best player of our era. His ability to quickly judge the length of the ball is his special quality and what sets him apart.
Uses the crease to great effect, moving a long way back or forward, thereby decreasing the bowler's margin for error. And, as we know, anything loose is punished.
Sachin also has that X factor - presence - on and off the field, which means there is enormous pressure on the bowler from the time he starts his warm-up.
Our guys are wary of what he can do and it seems to be his testimonial game every time he plays us.
The Indians - both team and country - get enormous strength when he performs well. His calm temperament enables him to handle the pressure his millions of supporters apply. The burden of expectation he carries is unimaginable.
Sachin will enjoy being in Australia, where he can walk around in relative anonymity and enjoy the things he can't do in India - like going to the movies and having dinner outside.
The man to get him is Jason "Mullet" Gillespie. "Dizzy's" consistency at hitting the seam on a length will cause problems.
The battle will be a game of patience.
Over the years we have tried different ways to unsettle him.
First we sledged him, and that didn't work. So we tried the silent treatment, and that didn't work.
So all you can do is have a bowling plan and execute it as best you can.
What that is will be discussed intensely over the next couple of days. I'd be tempted to test him out with the short stuff early, but I think the plan will be consistent line and length bowling.
The word "great" is used far too much, but Sachin truly is a great player and person. He is a lovely man and very loyal - and I am very lucky to be able to call him a friend.
Sourav Ganguly
SHORT-pitched bowling is his major weakness. I'm not surprised to see he's struggling already on tour. He will have to overcome a lot of "chin music" to have a successful series.
Likes to use his feet against the spinners, which he does well, but I'm not sure he picks all our variations.
I've had success against him with my wrong 'un - and Stuey MacGill's got a lot better one than me, so he should fancy his chances.
The first Test will be on a fast, bouncy Gabba strip and Tugga (Steve Waugh) will have slips and gullies everywhere, because all of Ganguly's shots go through point or behind the wicket.
Brett Lee would be all over Ganguly, but in his absence, the quicks will try to step it up and intimidate him. It will be interesting to see how the captain handles it.
Ganguly needs to show his team that no matter how hard it is against the short ball, you must hang in there and have a plan - either duck, hook or sway out of the way.
Ganguly also likes to roll his arm over occasionally. His seamers look like "nude nuts" at first, yet he has the annoying ability to break games open.
He's intelligent, competitive and a good captain, which he showed in India in 2001 when they beat us.
He was very emotional and passionate, had a lot of confidence in his team and his own ability and backed his players - which is what you want from your skipper.
Off the field I have always enjoyed his company. It will be an interesting tour for the skipper . . . I wonder if he'll be on time for the toss?
Rahul Dravid
A VERY wristy, predominantly on-side player who has struggled with the bounce of our wickets.
However, he is a fighter, a genuine competitor. He's also a very level-headed cricketer who knows his game well. He will rise to the challenge this time.
Dravid is strong square of the wicket on both sides, and any width from the Australian bowlers will allow him to dominate.
We will be trying to get him on the front foot driving, hoping for an edge to slips. This should suit "Pigeon" (McGrath), who I'm sure will have Dravid in his sights when he returns.
Of all the Indian top order, I have had the most success against Dravid, so Stuey is a real chance.
Dravid likes to hit through the on-side against the spin and doesn't use his feet much - unlike most Indian players - but is such a strong cutter that he waits for that short ball and smacks it when it comes.
So, Stuey, nothing short, mate.
Dravid is one of cricket's nice guys. He loves the game and its traditions and is well respected by his team and the opposition. He's also a very gifted player who has tremendous poise and grace when on song.
Tugga, get Stuey on early.
V. V. S. Laxman
I'LL never forget that 281 he scored in the second Test in 2001 to single-handedly steer the Indians to a sensational win.
It really was one of the great knocks of modern times. Since then he's been dropped, but is back in the team and one of the few tourists to show some early form with the bat.
If feeling good, he's as dangerous as anyone playing the game. And he doesn't mind the short ball because he like the horizontal bat shots, so he's a key for the Indians.
That said, he can be a bit loose outside off-stump and doesn't really cut the ball. He prefers a straightish bat square of wicket and that can be asking for trouble out here.
Dizzy is our man again - his relentless line and length, coupled with his ability to seam the ball, will cause real trouble for Laxman.
Virender Sehwag
ONE of my favourite players to watch. Has every shot in the book, except the hook, and is very exciting when in full flight.
Don't think he really likes the short, fast stuff straight at him, but give him some width through the off-side and he'll really hurt you.
"Bing" Lee and Dizzy could cause him trouble, but anything loose outside the off stump and the crowd could be in trouble. Sehwag hits the ball very hard. He goes for his shots from ball one, which makes him better suited to the middle order than opening the batting.
As a spinner, you always feel you're a chance to take his wicket because he's always after you.
But if it's his day, look out - your figures could read like one of my golf scorecards.
Zaheer Khan
WILL take the new "rock" and try to contain the top order, which will be no mean feat given no one has been able to do it recently.
"Haydos" (Matthew Hayden) is on fire and looks hungry for more. "Lang" (Justin Langer), on the other hand, has not hit the ball the way he would like and probably felt he missed the picnic against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Khan has the ability to take the ball away from the left-hander, which is obviously useful against these two. He has a surprise bouncer and can also reverse-swing the ball.
If India is to win, Khan will have to have his best ever series.
Doesn't show much emotion on the field, just quietly goes about his business, but will be a player to watch.
Harbhajan Singh
THE press have said we gave him the name "Turbanator", but no player knows where that came from.
No matter, Singh will enjoy the bounce in our pitches and should be a handful for us again.
Has struggled with finger problems since 2001, but seems to have found a bit of form lately.
Is not hard to pick, but has a good pace variation.
Our players will go after him early and try to hit him out of the attack.
Harbhajan had Ricky Ponting's measure in 2001. "Punter" had some revenge in the World Cup final with a brilliant 140, but that has probably just whet his appetite. This will be a good battle.
Anil Kumble
A GENTLE, but competitive giant, Kumble is close to his best form and will be fired up for the first Test.
A wonderful performer for India, he's had to bowl a lot of overs in tough times and will be looking for some prized scalps on this tour.
Comment by Shane Warne
December 3, 2003
IT'S not just history that says India is up against it this summer - it's the two warm-up games.
Unconvincing performances with bat and ball against the Vics and a second-string Queensland team suggest it's going to be how far Australia?
But the reality should be somewhat different. As good as the Vics are, it shouldn't be forgotten these have been practice runs. Sachin Tendulkar didn't even play against the banana-benders.
India will switch on at 10am at the Gabba tomorrow. Practice form will go out the window and the big-occasion players will lift.
Working in our favour is the momentum generated by the one-dayers in India and the pitches we'll have waiting back here.
However, we'll likely be without Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for the first two Tests.
But I still think that whoever makes up our pace attack will cause the Indians some trouble.
India's strength lies in its batting and, when they're confident, Sachin and the boys are dangerous - even here in Oz.
I was surprised to see left-arm spinner Murali Kartik left out of the touring squad. I would have picked him to join forces with "Batman and Robin", Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Imagine the three of them in Sydney and Adelaide?
The pace bowlers - Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan - are all useful and could cause trouble, but their consistency is questionable. The Australians will assault their bowling early to try to knock them off their line.
Here are the players Buch (John Buchanan) and the boys would have discussed most:
Sachin Tendulkar
THE best player of our era. His ability to quickly judge the length of the ball is his special quality and what sets him apart.
Uses the crease to great effect, moving a long way back or forward, thereby decreasing the bowler's margin for error. And, as we know, anything loose is punished.
Sachin also has that X factor - presence - on and off the field, which means there is enormous pressure on the bowler from the time he starts his warm-up.
Our guys are wary of what he can do and it seems to be his testimonial game every time he plays us.
The Indians - both team and country - get enormous strength when he performs well. His calm temperament enables him to handle the pressure his millions of supporters apply. The burden of expectation he carries is unimaginable.
Sachin will enjoy being in Australia, where he can walk around in relative anonymity and enjoy the things he can't do in India - like going to the movies and having dinner outside.
The man to get him is Jason "Mullet" Gillespie. "Dizzy's" consistency at hitting the seam on a length will cause problems.
The battle will be a game of patience.
Over the years we have tried different ways to unsettle him.
First we sledged him, and that didn't work. So we tried the silent treatment, and that didn't work.
So all you can do is have a bowling plan and execute it as best you can.
What that is will be discussed intensely over the next couple of days. I'd be tempted to test him out with the short stuff early, but I think the plan will be consistent line and length bowling.
The word "great" is used far too much, but Sachin truly is a great player and person. He is a lovely man and very loyal - and I am very lucky to be able to call him a friend.
Sourav Ganguly
SHORT-pitched bowling is his major weakness. I'm not surprised to see he's struggling already on tour. He will have to overcome a lot of "chin music" to have a successful series.
Likes to use his feet against the spinners, which he does well, but I'm not sure he picks all our variations.
I've had success against him with my wrong 'un - and Stuey MacGill's got a lot better one than me, so he should fancy his chances.
The first Test will be on a fast, bouncy Gabba strip and Tugga (Steve Waugh) will have slips and gullies everywhere, because all of Ganguly's shots go through point or behind the wicket.
Brett Lee would be all over Ganguly, but in his absence, the quicks will try to step it up and intimidate him. It will be interesting to see how the captain handles it.
Ganguly needs to show his team that no matter how hard it is against the short ball, you must hang in there and have a plan - either duck, hook or sway out of the way.
Ganguly also likes to roll his arm over occasionally. His seamers look like "nude nuts" at first, yet he has the annoying ability to break games open.
He's intelligent, competitive and a good captain, which he showed in India in 2001 when they beat us.
He was very emotional and passionate, had a lot of confidence in his team and his own ability and backed his players - which is what you want from your skipper.
Off the field I have always enjoyed his company. It will be an interesting tour for the skipper . . . I wonder if he'll be on time for the toss?
Rahul Dravid
A VERY wristy, predominantly on-side player who has struggled with the bounce of our wickets.
However, he is a fighter, a genuine competitor. He's also a very level-headed cricketer who knows his game well. He will rise to the challenge this time.
Dravid is strong square of the wicket on both sides, and any width from the Australian bowlers will allow him to dominate.
We will be trying to get him on the front foot driving, hoping for an edge to slips. This should suit "Pigeon" (McGrath), who I'm sure will have Dravid in his sights when he returns.
Of all the Indian top order, I have had the most success against Dravid, so Stuey is a real chance.
Dravid likes to hit through the on-side against the spin and doesn't use his feet much - unlike most Indian players - but is such a strong cutter that he waits for that short ball and smacks it when it comes.
So, Stuey, nothing short, mate.
Dravid is one of cricket's nice guys. He loves the game and its traditions and is well respected by his team and the opposition. He's also a very gifted player who has tremendous poise and grace when on song.
Tugga, get Stuey on early.
V. V. S. Laxman
I'LL never forget that 281 he scored in the second Test in 2001 to single-handedly steer the Indians to a sensational win.
It really was one of the great knocks of modern times. Since then he's been dropped, but is back in the team and one of the few tourists to show some early form with the bat.
If feeling good, he's as dangerous as anyone playing the game. And he doesn't mind the short ball because he like the horizontal bat shots, so he's a key for the Indians.
That said, he can be a bit loose outside off-stump and doesn't really cut the ball. He prefers a straightish bat square of wicket and that can be asking for trouble out here.
Dizzy is our man again - his relentless line and length, coupled with his ability to seam the ball, will cause real trouble for Laxman.
Virender Sehwag
ONE of my favourite players to watch. Has every shot in the book, except the hook, and is very exciting when in full flight.
Don't think he really likes the short, fast stuff straight at him, but give him some width through the off-side and he'll really hurt you.
"Bing" Lee and Dizzy could cause him trouble, but anything loose outside the off stump and the crowd could be in trouble. Sehwag hits the ball very hard. He goes for his shots from ball one, which makes him better suited to the middle order than opening the batting.
As a spinner, you always feel you're a chance to take his wicket because he's always after you.
But if it's his day, look out - your figures could read like one of my golf scorecards.
Zaheer Khan
WILL take the new "rock" and try to contain the top order, which will be no mean feat given no one has been able to do it recently.
"Haydos" (Matthew Hayden) is on fire and looks hungry for more. "Lang" (Justin Langer), on the other hand, has not hit the ball the way he would like and probably felt he missed the picnic against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Khan has the ability to take the ball away from the left-hander, which is obviously useful against these two. He has a surprise bouncer and can also reverse-swing the ball.
If India is to win, Khan will have to have his best ever series.
Doesn't show much emotion on the field, just quietly goes about his business, but will be a player to watch.
Harbhajan Singh
THE press have said we gave him the name "Turbanator", but no player knows where that came from.
No matter, Singh will enjoy the bounce in our pitches and should be a handful for us again.
Has struggled with finger problems since 2001, but seems to have found a bit of form lately.
Is not hard to pick, but has a good pace variation.
Our players will go after him early and try to hit him out of the attack.
Harbhajan had Ricky Ponting's measure in 2001. "Punter" had some revenge in the World Cup final with a brilliant 140, but that has probably just whet his appetite. This will be a good battle.
Anil Kumble
A GENTLE, but competitive giant, Kumble is close to his best form and will be fired up for the first Test.
A wonderful performer for India, he's had to bowl a lot of overs in tough times and will be looking for some prized scalps on this tour.
Donny.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
-
couragous cloke
- Posts: 2015
- Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2002 6:01 pm
- Location: melbourne, victoria, australia
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Donny
- Posts: 80336
- Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2002 6:01 pm
- Location: Toonumbar NSW Australia
- Has liked: 65 times
- Been liked: 28 times
Ganguly won the toss and sent Australia in.
They have sent in the best batting side in the world.
It's almost become a tradition for opposing captains to put Australia in at the Gabba. At least this time, the conditions suit, even if their attack doesn't.
The Aussies have not lost here, for 15 years. 10 wins and 4 draws.
It's certainly not out of the question for India to do well today but a wet outfield will not help them.
I see a big first innings total coming up.
They have sent in the best batting side in the world.
It's almost become a tradition for opposing captains to put Australia in at the Gabba. At least this time, the conditions suit, even if their attack doesn't.
The Aussies have not lost here, for 15 years. 10 wins and 4 draws.
It's certainly not out of the question for India to do well today but a wet outfield will not help them.
I see a big first innings total coming up.
Donny.
It's a game. Enjoy it.
It's a game. Enjoy it.