India Down Under - Tour Preview

India’s tour of England earlier this year was like a typical Anurag Kashyap movie. The tests began, puzzling everyone (of course, the Indian highway like wicket of Nottingham!) and then there were the joyful moments of winning the Lord’s test. But like in Kashyap’s movies, the happiness was short-lived, and it was time for the Indians to get drubbed. Like the end of his movies, the test series too ended on a somber note for the Indians.

In between the KIA Oval Test and the Adelaide Test, the Indians were supposed to play three tests with the men from Caribbean, but leave alone the tests, the ODI Series too wasn’t completed as planned. In came Sri Lanka, a fitting ally of the “BIG 3”, but for a series of 5 ODI’s. The Indians led by the dynamic Virat Kohli whitewashed the Lankans, but that is least likely to help them for the Australia tests. Come Adelaide, and the rustiness within the Indians will be evident.

Unlike any other series, this series even before commencing has been marred by a remorseful event. The tragic passing of Phillip Hughes has demoralized the entire cricketing fraternity. As a result, the mourning players were given a bit more time to come to terms with the departure of Hughes. But as they say, “The show must go on”, and here we are at the Adelaide Oval!

Virat Kohli has fond memories of playing at the Adelaide Oval. His first test ton come at this very venue and it was one gem of an inning. That inning was the coming of age for Virat, who now returns at the venue as India’s 32^nd test captain. His counterpart Michael Clarke may not be 100% fit, but he will want to come out all guns blazing and win it for his “little brother”, Phillip Hughes.

There are several question marks which hover around the Indian team combination. For how long will they be persisting with Shikhar Dhawan, who averages just 29.5 outside the subcontinent.  His woes outside the off stump are well known. So is his shortcoming with the short ball. A failure in the first two tests, could mean Dhawan’s exit from the test side for a long time.  Cheteshwar Pujara, termed as the “modern day Dravid” had a poor run of scores to his name in England. His issue against the ball nipping in is obvious. However, being an excellent cutter, it will be easy for Pujara to adapt in Australia.

The last time India toured Australia, there were numerous technical glitches made by the Indian batsmen.   In Australia, it is crucial to play as late as possible. But that wasn’t the case on the previous occasion. The Indian batsmen drew themselves very early into the drives, and ended up giving simple catching practice to the slip cordon and the gully fielders. Another tactic successfully used by the Aussie pacers was of mesmerizing the batters with the chin music, and then pitching one full up. The Indian batsmen were stuck, and were neither forward nor backward. The end result- Catching practice for the slip cordon.

Every batsman in the Indian lineup has atleast one major technical shortcoming. With Dhawan, there is the off stump and the short ball issue. Pujara struggles against the ball coming in. Kohli’s angled bat woes were highlighted by James Anderson during the English summer. Ajinkya Rahane at times fails to keep the ball to the ground and ends up giving dollies to the fielders. Murali Vijay seems to be one solid batsman, and his wicket at the top will massively signify where India stand in the tests.

In the 2 warm ups, the Indian pacers got valuable match practice. In both the games, Varun Aaron stood out with his raw pace. This will be Ishant Sharma’s third tour to Australia. Ask a certain Ricky Ponting about tackling Sharma; and he will narrate about that sensational spell which Sharma bowled at the WACA in 2007/08. Umesh Yadav was among the rare positives for India in their previous Down Under annihilation. Mohammed Shami has been India’s best seamer in 2014. The talent in the pace battery is there, but now it is upto the pacers to transform the talent into actual match winning performances.

Players to watch out for:

MURALI VIJAY

Vijay was like a rock for India in the first two tests against England. His patience is terrific, and when he gets going, his graceful shots remind viewers of VVS Laxman. Apart from playing like VVS Laxman, Vijay would want to replicate Laxman’s success in Australia. The Tamil Nadu opener is often cautious against anything outside the off stump, so that shouldn’t be an issue. He did well in South Africa, and since the conditions of Australia are pretty similar to that of South Africa, expectations are high from Vijay. With his partner Shikhar Dhawan struggling in tests, the onus will be on Vijay to provide a solid start.

CHETESHWAR PUJARA

With conditions in Australia suiting his strengths, it will be Pujara’s role to replicate Rahul Dravid’s success of the 2003-04 tour of Down Under. It’s been two overseas tours, since Pujara has been lackluster. This time however, one can expect the Saurashtra lad to do well. Early on in his innings, it will be important for Pujara to curb his instincts. Once he is set, he can attempt the glorious cuts.

VIRAT KOHLI

A lot is expected from the only batsman in the top 6 to have played tests in Australia. Virat was like a cornered tiger the last time around in Oceania. His wild celebration after reaching his ton at the Adelaide Oval is stiff fresh in everyone’s memory. Virat needs to watch out where his off stump is, and should be content to leave balls outside the off stump early on. His aggressive captaincy along with his classy batting will set the tone for India in the first test at the Adelaide Oval. He is probably the only one in the squad who can match Mitchell Johnson’s aggression.

ISHANT SHARMA

This is Sharma’s third tour to this part of the world. Sharma has been India’s best pacer since the last three overseas tours. With the conditions greatly suiting the tall pacer, Ishant will do well this time around. He was lethal in 2007/08, and made the great Ricky Ponting his bunny. In the past, he has troubled Michael Clarke as well. It should be fun watching their battle this time around.

VARUN AARON

The Jharkhand pacer is India’s X factor at the moment. His raw pace is enough to send jitters in the opposing camp. It was nice to watch Aaron giving the English batsmen some chin music during the summers. His pace will be crucial in taming the aggression of David Warner. The short stuff rocketed down at 150 km/hr will set up a mouth watering contest. His ability to hit the deck hard will determine India’s chances in the upcoming tests.

As a whole, the Indian side lacks experience, but is full of confidence and resilience. It’s safe to say that  Australia are the favourites. This time, Indian fans should expect the team to give the Kangaroos some fight, unlike the previous occasion. Nonetheless, it will be great, viewing the two members of the Big 3 club battle it out.

Team KC

With exactly 100 days remaining for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the Indian selectors do not have a lot of time left. There are a maximum of 9 ODI’s, which the Indian team can play before the grand event of cricket commences. The selectors have a massive headache of selecting the best possible squad for the World Cup. A lot of permutations and combinations have been tried by the team management, to assemble the best team.

Being an ardent Indian cricket fan, I list down my squad of 15 for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. To name it, I would refer it as TEAM KC:

1.       SHIKHAR DHAWAN

Dhawan has been a regular member of the team since the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. His ODI record has been fantastic to say the least. His ability to cut the ball is gifted, and a lot will depend upon the explosive starts he provides Down Under.

2.       AJINKYA RAHANE

Having tasted success in England as an opener, and now a ton against Sri Lanka, Rahane is the ideal candidate to partner Dhawan in Australia. The Mumbai lad is technically one of the soundest batsmen within the Indian setup. As a consequence of his technique, Rahane can score at a healthy rate as well. His job in most cases will be to support Dhawan.

3.       VIRAT KOHLI

Undoubtedly India’s best batsman going into the World Cup.  With a towering batting average of 53.28 in Australia, Kohli will be the spine of the Indian batting. More often than not, when Kohli fires, the team gets to the desired result. There could be a similar situation lined up for the World Cup.

4.       ROHIT SHARMA

Sharma would have to come back to his original middle order slot for the World Cup. The signs as of now atleast suggest that. Sharma’s attributes of finishing the innings in a grand fashion may be another reason, behind keeping him in the middle order.

5.       SURESH RAINA

The team’s most efficient player will have to contribute in several ways. Raina has ironed out almost all his flaws against short pitched bowling. He would be expected to provide a strong finish towards the end of the innings. His handy off spin bowling is more than an asset for the side. With Raina in his ranks, skipper MS Dhoni will feel comfortable, as Raina’s bowling is pretty economical.

6.       MS DHONI

The phrase “BEST FINISHER” and MS Dhoni often go hand in hand. Dhoni has a terrific record in every nation and condition. Till MS Dhoni is at the wicket, Indians need not worry about chasing totals. His tactical moves in the field will matter the most in India’s World Cup campaign.

7.       RAVINDRA JADEJA

With the cushion of distant boundaries, expect Jadeja to be bowling freely in Australia. Skipper Dhoni has relied on Jadeja for the death overs. This may not be the case for the World Cup as spinners find very little purchase in Australia and New Zealand. However, his miserly spells and lusty blows towards the end may often turn the tide in India’s favour.

8.       R.ASHWIN

With just 8 wickets in 12 games in Oceania, Ashwin would be eager to redeem himself. And no better opportunity than the World Cup to do that. Ashwin has done well in several mega events, and another strong performance would be expected from the offie.

9.       BHUVANESHWAR KUMAR

His bowling average may not be the best, but his economy rate of 4.60 is surely worth applauding. He may not get the desired swing Down Under with the Kookaburra ball, so it will be crucial for Kumar to make the limited swing count in the first few overs.

10.   MOHAMMED SHAMI

The most successful pacer of 2014 will have to be at his best in order to enhance India’s chances at the World Cup. Shami has been phenomenal in the death overs. Though his economy rate is high, his quick wicket taking abilities are surely a positive. Shami’s overs at the death could change the complexion of the match in India’s favour.

11.   ISHANT SHARMA

Going into the World Cup, Ishant will be the most experienced pacer. Sharma’s record in Australia has been decent and his knowledge of the conditions will be handy. Sharma was brilliant in the Champions Trophy played in the UK. Optimistic expectations can be laid on  Sharma, who would play his first World Cup.

12.   UMESH YADAV

The  pacer from Vidharbha was one of the rare positives when India toured Australia in 2011/12. His outswingers in excess of 145 km/hr on lively pitches will be tough to negotiate. However, Yadav would have to take care of his line and length, as the batsmen will be severe on anything loose.

13.   VARUN AARON

Aaron recently clocked in at 152.3 km/hr on a flaccid Cuttack wicket. Just imagine how swift will Aaron be at the WACA? The most worrying sign for Aaron is his fitness. If he manages to stay fit throughout the endeavor, then Aaron will have a key role to play on the steamy pitches.

14.   KARN SHARMA

Wrist spinners have been highly successful in Australia. Be it Warne, Macgill or Kumble; all have found genuine success Down Under. With long boundaries supporting him, Karn will be an asset for the side. Karn is quick through the air, and therefore the batsman does not get the time to adjust his position against him.

15.   ROBIN UTHAPPA

Uthappa will be the backup keeper and the opener. Dhoni hardly gets injured, so Uthappa can even be played as a pure batsman. In case Dhoni is unfit, Uthappa can keep, as he is often used to it. Uthappa has toured Australia in the past, so his experience will surely count.

Tour Preview- India's New Zealand Outing

The New Zealand side has been as unpredictable as the roads of Mumbai. On a given day, they will be thrashed by Bangladesh 4-0; but on a certain day, they will beat South Africa in a World Cup quarter final! Quite unpredictable! Aren’t they? It’s this high level of inconsistency, which has always disappointed their fans. However, the Kiwis can never be written off with ease, and likewise, stating that India will have the upper hand in the series for sure, is a little premature.

New Zealand will begin this tour with a boost of confidence. Less than a week ago, they thrashed the T20 World Champions, with utmost ease. The recently concluded West Indies series was a major success for the Kiwis. They outplayed them in all possible departments. Whats more? In an ODI altered by rain, Corey Anderson, broke Shahid Afridi’s record for the quickest ton in an ODI. That was one hell of an achievement.

However, the Indian and the West Indian teams are poles apart. New Zealand will be hosting the world champions for the first time since mid 2009. In between, they toured India a couple of times, only to be left humiliated. They would surely want to return the favour back to India. In that 2009 campaign, Jesse Ryder, was the sparkling star for the men in black. He scored a ‘daddy-hundred’, a double in one of the tests, and Indian bowlers always found it difficult to contain the southpaw. This campaign against India too will be really special for Jesse. This will be his first full fledged series in more than two years. He surely would be itching to reiterate his heroics against India.

The tourists on the other hand will begin this tour, with hopes of positivity. The Indian team last won a test series away from home soil in 2011, against the West Indies. What followed ahead of them in overseas tests was nothing short of torture. This Indian team though looks determined and well settled. They gave South Africa a run for their money in the tests. The first test at Wanderers is branded as “epic” by several greats. The way fortunes fluctuated from one side to another was simply jaw-dropping. The second test at Durban, which India lost, could be blamed by India upon their luck. On the first day, they were well placed at 180-1 in 60 overs, when bad light ceased the play. The next day, the Indian batsmen were massacred by the ‘Steyn-Gun’. Had the bad light not occurred, then who knows! After the end of the first day, the score could have easily been 300 odd for 2 or 3 at most. The outcome would have been completely different then.

For India, the only issue could be the experience issue. Barring MS Dhoni, no one in the top seven has played even a single test in the country. The conditions too will be a little different than South Africa. The bounce may not trouble the Indian batters to a great extent. But the swing and seam movement may surely do. The windy conditions that prevail in New Zealand are a delight for every seamer. The ball sharply nips on and the late swing witnessed may adversely affect batting. With the red ball in question, the swing offered for the pacers will be much more. To counter this swing, the Indian batsmen would have to apply themselves really well, and make full use of the appropriate technique. Leaving a few balls outside the off stump, wouldn’t be a bad option. To jeopardize things for the Indians, a few of their batters are quite tentative around the off stump. The one positive that would be present for the Indians would be the ground dimensions. Most of the grounds, like the Mclean Park in Napier and the Westpac Stadium have the square boundary at a mere distance of 60 meters. So, please don’t be startled if even the nicks and the edges carry all the way to the boundary for a maximum! That’s pretty common here in New Zealand.

The men in blue will be starting their tour with 5 ODI’s. The last time they played an ODI series in New Zealand, they won 3-1. The ODI’s are likely to be highly entertaining, with the short boundaries coming in the fray. A score in excess of 400 will not be a unique thing in the ODI series. On their previous tour, the Indian batters posted a colossal total of 393 in the third ODI. So, this time 400 or even more, seems well on the cards. The battle that is about to take place would be between the batsmen of both the sides. Neither of the teams have bowling attacks worth bragging. The Kiwi batting line up too is burly, like their counter-parts. And the effectiveness of the Indian bowling attack is well known. A pessimist will say that the ODI series will determine which team has a worse bowling attack. But an optimist will counter that by saying the battle is to determine which batting attack is more ferocious.

However, New Zealand’s test bowling attack is much better, with the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner getting in. Boult has been a sensation for them in the months gone by. Doug Bracewell hasn't disappointed either. Their control over the red ball is exceptional. But the Indian team has that X-factor, to match fire with fire. The test batting line up of the Indians too is highly rated, and it’ll be fun watching the Indian batters take on the Kiwi pacers in the tests.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE TOUR:

SHIKHAR DHAWAN

After going through a horrendous tour of South Africa, Dhawan would want to make amends as soon as possible. To get back into his groove, Dhawan has been rigorously training in Mumbai. With short square and third man boundaries, Dhawan may well score most of his runs in fours and sixes. His ability to cut venomously and his brawny bottom hand to go with the petite dimensions of the grounds will make Dhawan a man to watch out for in the upcoming tour. He needs to be careful around the off stump though. To be fair to Dhawan, a lot of batsmen are tentative around the off stump mark and he is no exception. After a mediocre tour of South Africa, one can expect Dhawan to come out all guns blazing.

CHETESHWAR PUJARA

Termed as India’s next Wall, the onus will be on Pujara to counter the new Kookaburra ball in the tests. Pujara did exceedingly well in South Africa and as always, scored a ‘daddy-hundred’. Cheteshwar would want to make a mark in the tests, to once again make his presence felt. In an interview recently, Pujara admitted that his dream was to be a part of the 2015 World Cup. With the World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand, this tour will be highly significant for Pujara to leave an impression.

VIRAT KOHLI

Having achieved success in almost all aspects of his career, Virat would want once again want to do well. Its his first tour in this part of the world. Like Pujara, he too did exceedingly well against the likes of Steyn and Company. Kohli would want to carry off from where he left in Durban, and boy, when he gets going; there is no stopping what so ever. He is likely to do well and along with Pujara, Kohli forms the spine of the Indian batting.

MOHAMMAD SHAMI

Shami has been a sensation for India with the new ball. He made a dream debut at his home ground, Eden Gardens against the men from the Caribbean.  The reverse swing which Shami got reminded many of Waqar Younis. Having the ability to bowl in excess of 140km/hr, Shami will be a priceless asset for India. The conditions too will assist his style of bowling. In South Africa, Shami was successful in both, tests and the ODI’s. In 3 ODI’s, Shami picked up 9 scalps and had a productive outing in the tests too. With the windy conditions favouring him, India’s ability to take 20 wickets in the tests, will rely greatly on the Bengal seamer.

As said earlier, it will be really premature to predict the precise results. However, the Indian team will be the favourites and they should do well in both the formats. Nothing like a test whitewash win for the Indians! As of this moment, the Indian team is poised to do well, but New Zealand too may spring up a surprise or two.

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