Change the order for Yuvi and Pathan

[Rahul Khan]

It was another tough day at the office for Indian cricket team, and the real difference was the Australian team's ability to pick up wickets. India, on all three occasions have tried to block the opposition line-up, but in vain - because they have not really tried to take wickets. This is where Australians have been good. They obviously have a superior bowling attack, which is varied and full of class, and they tend to pick up wickets. India has to ask their bowlers to do the same otherwise it could be a gone case. The top order of India was once again rocked by the Australians. And, if you have technical problems, like for example, [Robin] Uthappa, who locks his front foot far too early, even before the ball is delivered. In fact, when the ball is in the air he is already in a locked in position, so he has to play the ball across the line; or Gautam Gambhir, who has got the tendency to play across the line, as well. Then, expect Australians to exploit that weakness. Their athleticism in the field makes every total fat by 25 runs and that can be another nasty proposition for any opposition. India may also need to promote Yuvraj Singh up the order, because he is aggressive. Remember, it is aggression that can tease Australia, so why not introduce an aggressive player up the order before it is all too late for Yuvraj Singh. Today he played a fantastic innings but there was no-one around him to seriously target that total that was put up by Australia. Also, there is a case for Irfan Pathan to open the bowling. He has been in great wicket taking form, he has shown big heart, he is aggressive and when he has been asked to bowl at No.3 position he hasn't been able to swing the ball. So, maybe giving him the new ball would enable him to pick up wickets up front. And remember if India are to win this series, or come close to winning it or even competing against Australia then they need to pick up early wickets and Irfan Pathan can provide them with that great platform. Sreesanth has been tried and tested, and I think Australians have conquered him both technically and mentally. So overall, another tough day for the Indian team, but if they play their cards well, then who knows they can come close to Australia and compete quite seriously with them.

Rameez Raja