First of all a tribute to Philip Hughes.
We are on a dangerous territory named Australia. This territory is abundant with wild and poisonous creatures. viz.-Crocodiles, red-back spiders, sharks in the jungle. And deadly Johnson, Pattinson, Siddle, Starc, Harris on the cricket field. These fiery and aggressive species spit venoms of bouncers, have sharp teeth of in and out cutters, and sting of sledging. Our not-so-experienced chaps would be surrounded by these wild and poisonous creatures, on the cricket field. When we retrospect/look back, it is evident that Australian team does not let the visiting team breath easily. Their fiery fast bowlers keep attacking relentlessly with the intent of making thrust in the batting order. In the last Ashes series, we have witnessed vandalism of England team by that fear factor, especially by Johnson's juggernaut.
On the Australian soil our sole best performance in the test, where we squared the series 1-1, was in the year 2004. We had successfully confronted the mighty Australian team, led by Steve Waugh, mainly due to fab-four's magnificant batting display under Ganguly's leadership. Sweet, but that is the past. We have also experienced bitter taste down under in the disastrous series of 2011. Sadly, since then our performance in test matches abroad has descended from worse to worst.
Our sustainability in the longer version of the game is already under scanner. Pujara, Kohli, Dhawan, all have failed miserably in the recently concluded series in England. The recent performance of our top order batsmen indicates that they have been under the phobia of pace bowling and dark green wicket. How could Australia let go this ideal scenario! They would be desperate and in attacking stance for the vengeance of the last series played in India, which they unexpectedly lost by 4-0. Glenn Macgrath and Siddle have already ignited the war of words by predicting India's whitewash.
But, if India manage their resources and energy with some cunning ploy, they could show a better performance. On Gaba, Brisbane, known for its green wicket and uncertain weather, pace battery of Varoon Aaroon, Umesh and Ishant can be utilised with optimum effect. On Adelaide and Sydney, which show some affinity for spinners, our inherant weapon, spin bowling may give us some hope. One thing India has to keep in mind,
under any circumstances 'attacking strategy' is the best option against Australia in Australia . But the question is- how Dhoni will handle the procedings? If he continues with his stale and defensive tactics.
