EVEN BEFORE the first ball was bowled during the current India-Australia Test series, many cricket pundits said that India had a great chance to win the series. These predictions fell flat as India lost both the Test matches, which were played at MCG and SCG. Hence, the Indian team at the most can only, level the series, which also might be difficult if they continue playing the same way they did during the initial two encounters. The third Test match would be challenging for the Indian team, which starts on January 13, 2012 at Perth.

 

After their failure in the Test matches, the Indian team might not be in the right frame of mind. It is essential that they erase defeat memories from their minds and hit the Aussies hard at Perth. Their body language does not seem to be on the right track after the drubbing they have received from the Australians.

 

The Indian team has looked out of sort in all the departments of the game. The bowlers have given their best but still they could not take wickets at crucial junctures and Australians were able to score big partnerships, which made the situation worse. The Indian team has been let down more by the batting then the bowling. Batsmen have had good starts but they have not been able to capitalise on it. But, they cannot think of giving their wickets away in the Third Test match, if they manage a good start. There have been calls from several corners of the sport, questioning Dhoni’s captaincy skills. So, he will also be under huge pressure when he walks for the toss at Perth.

 

Players such as Sehwag and Gambhir would be playing an important role, as the Indian team has not been able to get a good opening stand. Hence, the middle order was exposed to the new ball. VVS Laxman, who has been the best player against Australia in the past, has also failed to put up any impressive display. There are chances that Virat Kohli might be replaced by Rohit Sharma in the middle order. The Indians need to bat out of their skin, if they are to put up any strong fight against the confident looking Australian side , who may be eager to win the series 4- 0.

 

The Australian bowlers would be licking their hands as the pitch at Perth is said to be the fastest in the world, though the pace of the pitch has changed over the time. The Indian batsmen are always troubled by pitches, which are green and offer bounce to fast bowlers. Australian bowlers such as Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Pattinson could trouble the batsmen. Experienced batsmen such as Sachin, Dravid, Laxman and Dhoni need to show their class; else it could be another Test match, where India draws a sorry face for their fans.