India is vulnerable with Ishant and Zaheer in the team

India is better served with one playing and another resting

Out of 5, two warriors are already wounded in India’s arsenal for the battle which is yet to begin. Both Ishant and Zaheer have always been subject of concern with their fitness in the past and early signs are, this tour might not be much different from the one earlier.

With all the probabilities, statistics, experts and experience indicating this series as the best chance for India to register their first ever test series win in Australia, is it worth the risk of playing two spearheads in the all important first test match? Australia have a vulnerable batting line-up, and it only gets better for them seeing the opponent down to just 3 or even to 2 bowlers mid-way during the first match.

Zaheer has bowled just 90 balls so far in this tour and the reports from the media indicated that Zaheer struggled with his bowling run-up, line and length throughout the warm-up match. If Zaheer’s case is worrying, then Ishant’s is alarming. He bowled just a shade over 50 balls so far, and spent more time worrying about the strapping on his ankle. In view of their fragility, it is better to bench them rather letting them breaking down in middle of the match.

If players fitness are worrying for India, then scheduling of the matches are not going to help them much. The gap between 1st and 2nd test match of the series is just 3 days; In-between those 72 hours, India need to pack-up their bags from Melbourne, catch a plane, travel more than 700Kms for next test venue, have net practice, organise team meetings and last but not least, spare some time to celebrate New year.

India will be best served with one of them watching from the stands than risk injury, by playing both in first two test matches. Ishant or Zaheer or both must be rested for the 1st test match at Melbourne by playing Vinay Kumar in the team. Vinay is like Praveen, who can bowl long spells. He can be used to build pressure, allowing the other two to attack the Aussies for prolonged period with a new ball. Also Vinay has the experience of bowling in these conditions earlier this year (took 12 wickets in emerging series) which puts him ahead of Mithun for 3rd seamer spot.

India should wait till WACA before fielding Ish and Zak. If they both get the nod on boxing, then Dhoni must get ready to roll his arms again.