WHAT TO EXPECT ON BOXING DAY?


Finally, the day is just round the corner. The start of the much awaited India-Australia Test series. Soothsayers could regale us with their version of what could happen. Cricket pundits would enlighten us with theirs. What actually will unfold on December 26 is anybody’s guess.

I’m not too sure, if the Indian team is thinking that way. Whether they contemplate success and failure before the real battle begins. India’s next full tour to Australia is in December 2014. For the big three- Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman, this could well be their swansong Down Under. Or at least, last one where we see them performing together there.  

Australia will always hold a special place in their hearts. It’s a place which has played a pivotal role in establishing them as leading batsmen. They have innings played here that have earned them the respect of their harshest critics.  But these are records at a personal level. For India, it is desperate to win a series here.

Tendulkar’s worth was proven when he scored a century on a difficult pitch at the WACA, in 1991-92. Laxman has resurrected his career here, and has always been amongst the runs whenever he has toured Australia. Having scored three centuries in as many Tests at the SCG. We still remember Dravid’s square cut at Adelaide in 2003, which sealed India a win. That test was special for him, for he had just scored a double ton in the first innings. 

This tour might be India’s strongest chance to win the series. The Australian side has never looked more mortal over the last two decades. With many new comers making the cut, the hosts look vulnerable.

India’s woes aren't over yet; especially in the bowling department. Zaheer, despite the matchwinner that he is, has been spending more time off the field nursing injuries, than on it. Ishant too, was seen limping in the tour games. Sehwag and Gambhir haven’t scored a century this year. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are trying to cement their place in the Test squad. For young rookies like Umesh Yadav, R. Ashwin, it will be baptism by fire. So it all boils down to the Magnificent Three. The rousing applause they received when they walked out to bat the last time there is still vivid in our memory.  

But this series isn’t just about these three. It’s about the spirit of the game. And there’s no room for Monkeygate this time around. This series is about celebrating cricket. Its trials and tribulations. The sweat and toil. The guts and glory.  

And this series could also be about India opening a new chapter. Discovering young talent. It could also be about Tendulkar scoring his 100th ton. Laxman carving a Very Very Special knock. And hopefully, Dhoni lifting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.




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