Around the Wicket - 1st Test Preview

Australia v India - 1st Test Preview

The first test of a highly anticipated test series is just about upon us. Australia take on India at Bangalore starting tomorrow, and despite Australia being the real underdogs to many eyes in Australia – they will still start favourites with the bookies. Australia are at $1.72, India are at $2.00. A drawn test is a $2.26. Interestingly, bookies are still offering a drawn series at $4.00 – that might be worth a sneaky $20 on.

Why would Australia start favourites? We have nothing to speak of in the spin department (apologies to White and Krezja – but they just aren’t test match standard) and we’re playing in a country notorious for producing big Bunsen burners, that crack up from day 1. Michael Clarke is struggling to be fit, Shane Watson is recovering from Delhi Belly, and Matthew Hayden is struggling with form.

Here’s the interesting part. India have not won at Bangalore in their last 6 test matches there, Australia have won the last 2 times they’ve played there. Out of all pitches in India – this one at Bangalore is the least likely to be a big dusty turner. Recent history shows that it has had a little bit of bounce and carry, and the big quicks have been able to do well there. Maybe the Aussies will be tempted to play 4 quicks? Who really knows? I suspect even the Aussie selectors won’t be sure – and will not make a decision until the morning of the test.

Likely Australian team:
Hayden, Katich, Ponting (c), M Hussey, M Clarke, Watson, Haddin, White, Lee, Johnson, Clark, Bollinger

Possible Indian team:
Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, Dhoni, Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh

For me, there are a couple of players who need a good start to the series.

The first is Mitchell Johnson. I’m certain he will be feeling the pressure that’s coming from Bollinger and Siddle – and I’d be backing him in to have a huge test match (and series). He has troubled the Indians in the past, and I reckon he will do it again.

Matthew Hayden is one of the keys to the Aussies success. He’s coming in under a form slump, and like Johnson would be feeling pressure to perform. Really needs runs, and time at the crease in Bangalore.

Ricky Ponting will always have a question mark about him until he can perform well in India. This is his tour. I detect a certain steeliness about him in recent weeks – and he should put his demons to rest with a big tour here, starting with the first test. It’s very important to get off to a good start – and I’m tipping he will.

Sourav Ganguly is retiring at the end of this series – look for him to hold nothing back in this first test. He will be feisty, annoying, and skilful. But will he be brave?

Gautam Gambhir is the weak link in the Indian batting line up. Don’t expect him to average more than 25 for the series. The Aussies will be planning to get into his head early, and I expect double failures this test match from him.

Sachin Tendulkar is under a fitness cloud coming in. Will we see him at his fittest? We won’t see him at his best – because that’s behind him – but he’s still brilliant if fit. Get him early or not at all.

I’m tipping Australia here. It’s the venue they are most suited to, and there are some Indian players under fitness clouds.