WHEN THE last Indian wicket fell in the form of Umesh Yadav, the Australian team were all smiles and hugs, as they defeated India by 123 runs at MCG, a Test match that was well-attended by both the Aussie and Indian fans. Like India’s last tour of England, India’s batsmen were not able to deliver after the bowlers put up a spirited display during the first Test match at MCG. Questions are bound to rise regarding the quality of the Indian batting, which has been failing in their away tours regularly.

The Indian team, which is renowned for its batting exploits, has not been able to stand up against quality bowlers abroad. Players such as Gautam Gambhir have failed considerably, as he has amassed only 118 runs in the last four Test matches that he has played outside India, which does not even include a single half-century. It is a serious problem for the Indian team, as he is the opener of the Indian team, who needs to see off the new ball and provide the platform for the Indian middle order, which he has failed miserably in the recent past.

If similar kind of performance continues in the future, the Indian team may have to re-think their plans for an alternative player to replace him in the starting 11. Rohit Sharma would be the favourite to replace him, as he been consistent in whatever chances he has got for India. He also performed in the practise matches in Australia. But it would be difficult to replace a middle order player for an opener. Hence, Gambhir might be saved, as the reserve opener; Ajinkya Rahane has also not been in the greatest of form to replace an experienced batsman such as Gambhir.

The loss must have saddened the Indian bowlers, as they bowled their heart out and was able to dismiss the Australians for a decent score. Bowlers such as Umesh Yadav and Zaheer Khan troubled the Aussies a lot, with their variations and wise bowling. R. Ashwin put up a decent effort with the ball. It was the Indian batsmen who let all these efforts go in vain. Some rash shots, over-confidence, pressure led to the Indian team's down fall. While chasing a target of 290 odd runs, the Indians only managed an embarrassing score of 169 runs.

It is rare that the Indian bowlers put the Aussies on the back foot in their own backyard. There was no such innings from the Australian batsmen, where they tore into the Indian attack, which the players of the past, such as Hayden and Gilchrist, did regularly. It was the Indian batsmen who have to take the blame for their loss at MCG.

With the second Test match between the two sides scheduled to start from January 3, 2012, at Sydney Cricket Ground, the Indians need to step up on their game, if they are to put up a fight against the Aussies. The Indian batsman needs to be more determined to stay on the crease and play a long innings instead of going back to the pavilion in no time. Especially, the Indian middle needs to deliver; else the Indian team dream of winning the series could be decided even before we head to Perth for the third Test.