Australia Tour of India 2013 |Feb-Mar|

[SLICKR392]

What a lout! Where were these analysis and loud mouths when we played them at their turf !?

[indiaregulator]

Yeah, I think India should play Australia at Galle.

[rkt.india]

Maxwell facing axe after just one Test in favour of extra quick for Mohali Test

Sydney, Mar 9 (ANI): Glenn Maxwell is in line to get axed for the next Test match against India in Mohali, which is known for its pace friendly pitch, and the Australian think tank could play an extra fast bowler to make most of the conditions. Reprising their four-pronged pace attack would bring Mitchell Starc or Mitchell Johnson into the frame, leaving Maxwell or left-arm finger-spinner Xavier Doherty firmly in the firing line for the third Test, starting Thursday, News.com.au reports. Australian coach Mickey Arthur said Nathan Lyon was axed after the first Test partly because the tourists liked the variety of Doherty, whose stock ball turns away from India's all right-handed top six, and the conundrum is Maxwell, who made 13 and 8 with the bat, outperformed Doherty, the frontline spinner, in the second Test nightmare in Hyderabad. The Victorian all-rounder claimed 4-127, including top-order scalps Murali Vijay, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, while Doherty (3-131) had 0-124 from 42 overs at one stage before picking up three cheap tailend wickets. The selectors, however, are concerned at Maxwell leaking 4.88 runs an over in Hyderabad. Doherty was tighter, going for just 2.83, but his strike-rate was inferior. Arthur said they have got to sit down and determine how best they can take 20 wickets, adding Maxwell was probably a little bit too loose. Arthur added Maxwell has taken four wickets, and he has created opportunities, but he's gone at over four-and-a-half (runs) an over. Arthur further said Doherty did what they know he can do, adding he ran in, he went at under three an over and he caused problems when there was stuff for him to work with. The coach further added there is a massive amount of potential in Maxwell though, and if they go back to three quicks again, the conditions will determine that when they get to Mohali. (ANI)

http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail6/story102586/maxwell-facing-axe-after-just-one-test-in-favour-of-extra-quick-for-mohali-test.html

[carnish]

Just the right attitude ... Cant hate the guy even if he bashes the Indian side everytime he bats against us. Lovely Attitude and uses just the right words.

[G_B_]

Pitch may mess up Bhajji's homecoming

On a comeback trail, Harbhajan Singh couldn't have hoped for a better platform with the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy played in perfect conditions for spin bowling. Even though he has shown signs of improvement, it can't be said that Harbhajan has made the two big chances count. The Mohali Test, from March 14, comes at a crucial time, as coming into the third game of the series it can't be said that the off-spinner is a certainty in the side. Taxing times While most players are recharging their batteries before the second leg, Harbhajan has some anxious moments to fight during the long break. Whether he will keep his place in the playing XI is likely to be dictated by the conditions, for, so far he has played the role of the third spinner in the side. Off-spinner R Ashwin has been the spearhead of the attack and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has been the second choice for variety he brings. Considering the performances in Chennai and Hyderabad, there's no change in the order. Ashwin has the best strike-rate with 18 wickets, Jadeja has 11 while Harbhajan five. The three have been complementing each other well and in sub-continent conditions, favouring spin, the three will be automatic choices, but the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium can be a different ball game. Traditionally, it is known as the best venue in India for pace bowling, and both sides might have to rethink their combinations. Bet you didn't know As far as team combination is concerned, if the India think-tank decides to go with two spinners and three pacers, Harbhajan might find himself on the sidelines. Ever since he has been out of the squad, Harbhajan has been looking for that one match which will put him back as India's best spinner. During his Ranji stint as Punjab skipper, the PCA did not prove to be a happy hunting ground for Harbhajan. Not only did he struggle to bowl on the green wickets, he was also not effective in stopping the flow of runs. Experts differ With still six days to go for the Test, expert opinion is in favour of a pace-heavy bowling attack. Punjab bowling coach Harvinder Singh said he did not see spin playing a major role in Mohali. "The pacers will get assistance in the morning and evening. According to me, three pacers and one spinner will be an ideal combination. There is still sometime to go for the match but at the most India can gamble with two pacers and two spinners," said Harvinder. Former India spinner Maninder Singh also believed that it was becoming difficult for the off-spinner to cement his place in the squad. "I have my doubts if spin is going to play a major role in Mohali. Besides, a lot will be depend on what combination India go with. Dhoni has already advocated the need for having horses for the courses," he said. "No doubt Jadeja has done well but the conditions were also helpful. On better tracks, Dhoni will need good bowlers. We also have Ojha in the squad. "If the wicket column remains what it has been, it will be difficult for Harbhajan to hold his position in the team."

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Specials/Cricket/India-VS-Australia-2013/Chunk-HT-UI-IndiaVSAustralia2013-TopStories/Pitch-may-mess-up-Bhajji-s-homecoming/SP-Article10-1023466.aspx

[G_B_]

Looks like our groundsman have handed a boost to Australia.

[Texan]

Even though he has shown signs of improvement

There is a big fundamental error in this article - what sign of improvement has he shown????

[G_B_]

There is a big fundamental error in this article - what sign of improvement has he shown????

none if he still plays then Dhoni needs his head examined.

[G_B_]

Also, looks like unlucky Ishant will play and Dinda will come in.

[Texan]

If "unlucky" Ishant plays, then he will most likely have another "unlucky" match

[philcric]

With the squad at hand,, they should go with .. Bhuvi, Ishant, Dinda, Ashwin, Jaddu or Bhuvi, Ishant, Ashwin, Ojha

[rkt.india]

I want him to bowl like this. Where is this good old Bhajji. Look at the flight and dip. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joa1V24GPqI]RARE Harbhajan Singh FIRST WICKET IN TEST CRICKET!!! Greg Blewett the victim. - YouTube[/ame]

[NareshK]

It will probably assist spin from second day itself. :hysterical:

[rkt.india]

Last time, we played Australia here, Ishant bowled a fantastic spell to rattle Aussies, but this time, he is in horrible shape.

[Texan]

I want him to bowl like this. Where is this good old Bhajji. Look at the flight and dip.

these were the days long before success got to his head.

[Needforspeed]

I think the Bhajji PR machinery is in motion to find excuses for another crap performance from him.

[Crookbond]

Last time' date=' we played Australia here, Ishant bowled a fantastic spell to rattle Aussies, but this time, he is in horrible shape.[/quote'] That second innings spell to take out the middle order was LEGEN-wait for it till you see Ricky Ponting bowled-DARY.

[NareshK]

That second innings spell to take out the middle order was LEGEN-wait for it till you see Ricky Ponting bowled-DARY.

The problem with him is he bowls the occasional fantastic spell but he is not consistent enough to pick wickets regularly, especially in test format where you have to continuously exert pressure. To be fair to him, he has bowled mostly in dead pitches in India where there is little assistance to seamers and has also kept himself fit unlike other bowlers.

[Pagalpanti]

Ishant is due for a good spell. He does often have a match winning/changing spell once in a while. Just hope its in Mohali

[Needforspeed]

I hope India doesn't get complacent. One bad session is enough to lose a test.