Battle between India's champions and Australia's grit will light up the Mohali Test
Battle between India's champions and Australia's grit will light up the Mohali Test
Although a two-match series has little to commend, this match ought to be a corker. Chandigarh may lack the charm, crowds, challenges and cricket detected in other centres, but with so much talent on display, the contest can hardly disappoint. It's been a long time since these sides produced a dull day let alone a dull match.
India's brilliant and apparently ageless batting order counts amongst the game's treasures. For their part, the Australians are renowned for their refusal to buckle. It is a clash that often turns into a confrontation, a battle of wills that draws the best from all involved.
India's order includes arguably the finest attacking opener the game has known, a capable lefty, a staunch and skilful first drop, a champion, a dazzler, a dashing youth and a personable leader.
Add an attack that includes a lefty as feisty as Che Guevera and two bowlers who have often troubled the visiting captain and the picture forms of a formidable host team that deserves and regardless of the result, will retain its position at the top of the Test rankings
It'll be superb to see the great Indian batsmen once again pitted against the game's most determined opponent. India can scarcely know how lucky it has been with its current batch of elders. Besides tormenting the Australians, they saved cricket in this country by stopping the team becoming the sort of rabble as happened across the border.
All the more reason to welcome the revivals enjoyed by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Long may they last. Of two seasoned orders, the Indians have lasted better. But, then, Ponting apart they belong in a higher class.
Wisely, India is not wasting its precious resource. Anil Kumble has been put in charge of emerging youth. Contrastingly, Australia lacks the champions of yesteryear and so relies on experience, sweat and grit. For them, it is a tough start to a significant summer.
It will be fascinating to watch the Aussies struggling against powerful forces intent on bringing them down, and no less interesting to observe Ponting negotiate a season that could bring renewal or retirement. Perhaps he can copy Tendulkar. Greg Chappell, Australia's new cricketing guru, thought the Indian was finished years ago. He was wrong about that, and much else.
Anyhow, the stage is set for a cracking contest.
Thankfully, the cricketers have not been complaining. Doubtless, they respect the old Australian custom of getting on with the job. By and large cricket is lucky to have a huge, growing and secular nation at its helm. Let the games begin.
