IN ORDER to extricate themselves from the pit that they have dug for themselves, the Indians will have to play out of their skins. Captain M S Dhoni has said that he would not go in for any experimentation – it would be up to the seniors at the top order to show that their combined presence can make a huge difference to the fortunes of the team.

It is not an impossible task because our batsmen can perform once they decide to prove their worth. The batsmen have to score runs, the bowlers will have to take wickets as well as restrict the runs and each and everyone has to make a determined effort to prevent the opponents from converting ones into twos.

No wide balls, no no-balls, no overthrows. No awkward sliding that pushes the ball towards the boundary ropes. The team of Michael Clarke can be beaten – the Sri Lankans have shown that the Australians can be beaten on their home grounds.

And – if Jayewardene & Co can do it, so can Dhoni & Co. It is all about believing in oneself, in one’s abilities. It is all about playing for the country. Minor differences must be swept aside and the players must gel as a cohesive team and outplay the Aussies.

As to the 100th century of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, there would always be another opportunity for him to show his brilliance. Right now, his focus should be to ensure two successive wins for India in the next two ODIs.