A quick analysis into the squad and a look at the newbies, the big names, the injured personnel etc.
The injured warriors: Shane Watson and Ryan Harris are out of the first Test due to fitness problems. These two men at opposite ends of the lineup are highly influential to their side’s cause. Watson is expected to be fit for the 2nd Test at Sydney.
The newbie: Ed Cowan. Following his century in the tour game against the Indians, this southpaw from Tasmania has earned the baggy green. Some of his big scores in the domestic season for Tasmania are 91* 134*, 145, 65, 145* and 109 in the tour game against India. He would be opening the inning along with fellow left handed pocket-dynamo David Warner. Warner has been among the runs in all forms of the game and is finally living up to his name.
The dropped troopers: Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja. They were part of the squad in the previous thriller against the Kiwis which the Aussies have lost. Hughes must consider himself a bit unlucky. He was given the axe following the arrival of Cowan. Khawaja on the other hand has been “more talk, less noise”
The uncertain spots: Shaun Marsh at no.3 provided he proves his fitness (back problem) or Daniel Christian at no.6 and Mitchell Starc or Ben Hilfenhaus. Starc is a young 21 yr old kid who played the two Tests against the Kiwis and picked four wickets. Ben Hilfenhaus has regained form this season and he provides a strong and reliable bowling option.
The old warhorses: Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey continue to keep their spots in the team despite their uninspiring form. Their experience and big stage prowess have tilted the scales in their favor for this high profile series.
The comeback: Ben Hilfenhaus is back in the squad to provide some cover for the injured bowlers. He was pretty pedestrian in the Ashes, and he had some problems with his action. But, following a strong domestic season (particularly in the T20s), he is back in action, and his experience would serve the side well.
The squad does look much weaker than the invincible Aussie team of the past. The Indians are firm favorites among the bookies and the fans alike.
Australia will be lead by Michael Clarke from the front and the likes of Brad Haddin have to do the bulk of the work in the lower middle order that lacks a solid experienced name. Peter Siddle will be expected to inspire the bowling attack with his pure energy, passion and aggression (on the lines of Craig McDermott). 18 yr old wonder kid, Pat Cummins is unfortunately missing the action. Afterall, his debut Test heroics can’t be forgotten that easily.
On the whole, the Aussies are entering a home series as clearly the 2nd best team. Apart from Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, the Indian bowling does not have the big match experience. “Agneepath” might be a cliched word but, it suits this series well.
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