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The domination of Australia has ended well and truly with the retirements of Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting. Once world beaters, the Australian team’s reputation has sunk down to the deepest pits. Yet, all is not lost. They have been rebuilding in a lucid fashion, presenting the talented youngsters with deserving chances. That is not all. They have acquainted themselves with some new policies and training methods to groom new talents and have a dynamic skipper at the helm.
India might not be the champion side. But they do have enough attrition to get the better of Australia come 22nd February. Australians are fighters as well. They know that their job is on the ground rather than the paper. Their strength is the belief and the kind of mental toughness that they possess. They wouldn’t give away anything till the last ball is bowled. Australia does have their own trump cards and they are certainly ahead of Team India when it comes to on-field executions.
Here are few of the players who would be crucial to Australia’s chances in the Border-Gavaskar trophy:
The double W’s:
Shane Watson and David Warner opened the innings together in the shorter formats. It is a pretty sight once they get going. Having diverse techniques, they can put any bowling attack to shame and can unsettle them in a jiffy. In the current scenario, Australia needs them to fire, though they might not partner each other anymore.
Remember Virender Sehwag in Sri Lanka? When the whole team was struggling to come to terms with the mystery spinner, he was immensely successful. His success could be hugely attributed to his theory of playing the ball before it does its trick. He stepped up and hit the ball and paved the foundation to break the spell of Mendis.
It is a similar situation here. India has a variety of spinners in the ranks. Once the batsmen let them get settled, they could really be a thorn against any side. That is where the combination of Watson-Warner comes to the fore. Warner with his unique hitting ability could unsettle Ashwin and that could prove beneficial in the course of the match. His switch-hits are the only thing that Ashwin fears as a bowler. They could come in handy, but Warner should be ready to grind against the fast bowlers successfully to have a date with the spinners.
Watson, on the other hand, is a complete cricketer. He could play the role of anchor to perfection. If Australia loses two early wickets, Watson could play the role of sheet-anchor and set the innings up for the likes of Michael Clarke to take over. Watson is adept at setting up an innings for he has been the opener for more than three years now. Watson could go after the bowling in case Australia is chasing a huge score. His technique and execution is mind-blowing that he could walk into any team purely as a batsman.
Having played in the Indian Premier League consistently, Both Warner and Watson would have an idea of the conditions in this part of the country. Warner has four centuries in T20 cricket in India which would hold him in good stead while facing up to the Indian bowlers.
Clarke could do a Cook:
Cook is an opener while Clarke is a middle-order batsman. Cook relies more on his defense while Clarke possesses a unique flair in his batting. They are different as chalk and cheese in their approach. But with the kind of form that Clarke is in, he could be the perfect go-to man for Australia. His versatility as a batsman would prove advantageous in the sub-continent. Having played here before, he could lend his thoughts and experience to the youngsters. He could build humongous scores, playing around his less experienced team-mates while guiding them as well.
Nathan Lyon, the wily off spinner:
The first impression won’t be the best in his case. He seems to be a regular bowler who bowls traditional off-spin. But that is how a Graeme Swann originated as well. Therefore, it would be absurd to count him off. The strength of Lyon is his unswerving line and length of which he has got complete control. His pace variations are subtle and could deceive the best of batsmen on his day.
Mitchell Starc, the bowler in “The Akram mould”:
The Indian batsmen will have to be wary of Mitchell Starc
Wasim Akram was a master of swing. He could bowl toe-crushing yorkers at will. Well, Mitchell Starc is in the same mould. If he could carry on in similar way, he could easily give Akram a run for his money. Starc’s bowling depends on his accuracy and pace variations. He could swing the ball at a good pace. His strength is the impeccable control over his deliveries, even with a brand new cherry. He can bend his back and that is a telling attribute for any fast bowler.
It is a litmus test of sorts for him. Success here could mean a permanent spot in the Aussie line up. Therefore, Starc would be raring to prove his mettle.
The disciplined fielding:
Australia is credible as a fielding unit. They have an athletic side that could put in the dives and throws. In Test cricket, if a neatly executed shot is impeded by the fielder, the batsman grows impatient and tries something silly, thereby putting his wicket under the hammer. Fielding could be a vital aspect in this series.
Phil Hughes and Ed Cowan, the dark horses:
Ed Cowan may just prove to be the X-factor for the Aussies
Ed Cowan is a complete Test match player. His temperament is on par with Simon Katich’s and could build substantial innings at will. Phil Hughes at number three is going to be critical to Australia’s chances in the series. He is a gifted and knowledgeable player. His expertise of playing slow-bowlers would come in handy. Being the number three batsman, he shoulders huge responsibilities. Clarke has trusted him to come up with the goods and that is a good sign. He would consider this as a chance to cement his place for good.
The utility players:
Moises Henriques has been granted a berth to fill in as the fourth seamer in the line-up. While Nathan Lyon would be the lone spinner featuring, the assistance of utility players of the likes Warner, Henriques and Clarke in the bowling department would be welcome. Clarke would be looking to repeat the six-wicket haul ‘magic’ of the past.
He could team up with David Warner and keep the Indian batsmen in check. Warner might not be a Test bowler, but he could bowl some crucial overs in the middle. He could surprise a batsman or two if lucky. Both of them could be vital assets in partnering Lyon since they do not have the second spinner backing up.
Australia are go-getters. It would be foolish to write them off. Undermine them at your own risk!
