Foggy Kotla, Foggier Aussies

Reports of Aussies training hard and seeking advice about leg spin and reverse swing from the Indian past masters of these sublime arts are out in the media. Captain Ponting also claims that Aussies have trained as never before and to perfection and he says his views are backed by those of Steve Waugh. Both Border and Steve Waugh have out out saying that the leggie Krejza must be included in the squad to play in Kotla. Ponting seems to have asked Brett Lee to notch up his speed a bit, and as Brett is already clocking 145KM in nets, a notch up will mean 150KM. But again in Indian conditions without much bounce, just speed will not help the Aussies, they need to swing, both conventional and reverse.

While Bishen Bedi is openly seen coaching Krejza, it seems Manoj Prabhakar has been consulted to help in the reverse swing department. Aussies had special fielding practice aimed at adjusting to the morning and late morning smog that is seen to engulf Kotla, this will especially be critical as the match starts the day after Diwali. All in all it seems Aussies left no stone within reach, uncovered, to tackle the Indians.

This test is not just a series decider for both teams, but much more. If this test ends in a draw then both teams will be disappointed, with much more disappointment in the Indian camp. If India wins, Aussies will be truly disheartened and mostly will end up losing the 4th test. If Aussies win here in Kotla, it will not just be because of Aussies being supreme, but because of mistakes made by Indian players - this Aussie team, let what the preparation be, is just not strong enough to beat India in Kotla. An Aussie win will leave much disappointment in Indian camp; especially it will reflect badly on Kumble.
This test in a way will tell the world if Aussies can remain NO.1 test side for long. If Aussies lose here, with bad performances from Lee, Hayden and Ponting, then they will lose their crown for sure - how long that will remain the only question, given their great big lead in the points table.

While it is understandable that Lee is trying to pick his life back together after a divorce and it is reflecting on his game, the biggest disappointment so far, is from Hayden. Mathew Hayden's game has been built aorund, him dominating the bowlers early into a innings. Over past many years, with strong batting and best bowling to support and justify his recklessness, he has been able to take the fight to the other team. Now with the bowling attack a mere shadow of its past, with Ponting not having answers to Bhajji-Sharma, with Lee down in tatters, with Symmo missing, Hayden's game has been exposed. Hayden's strength always has been his ability to attack without doubt - he tried that in Mohali but became an easy prey. If Hayden needs to be seen as a great fighter and not just a good one, then he has to deliver now, under adversity. Some how I don't see that happening.

Coming to Pointing - its a different story, Ponting is a class act. He has to find his rhythm and get to 30 and then his wicket won't fall cheap. But to get to that 30, Ponting will not only have to counter Sharma and Bhajji, but also the demons of doubt that will be plaguing him. Saying that he is the greatest bat around is futile if he can't deliver when it matters; well he has done that in past, but always in the cosy company of equally gifted mates. Now he has a chance at greatness, if Ponting can win this series with his performances, then he has a chance of his name featuring among the best of the game.
About Lee - straight and simple, he will bounce back. He did not get wickets, but neither he was ever dominated. Ponting did a BIG BIG BIG mistake by not believing in Lee and handing over the ball to the likes of Michael Hussey ahead of Lee. Let what he may say after that, Ponting has disrespected and not supported his best bowler in the time of team's and Lee's personal need. I mean what did Lee do wrong? Not be the match winner he is for one I mean, ONE test? Gimme a break, if that has to be the case, let Ponting bat at 5 and let Clarke bat at 3 and Matt Hayden at hmmn.. 7?
Steve Waugh would have never done this to McGrath - not just because McGrath is McGrath but because pace bowlers are a breed apart and the likes of McGrath and Lee are still rare. On Lee's shoulders rest the fate of Aussie bowling for years to come and you manage to affect the self belief of such a guy for a single bad test? Man I thought Ponting would know better. Ponting should know that, recognising his teams personal needs and combining them into the game plan is the pinnacle of professionalism, well if you can't do that, at least don't slight your ace card.
Lee will come back and he will come back strong, but no thanks to Ponting for that.