9:09 AM
Editor
Shane Watson: Ever since the two-time Allan Border winning medalist metamorphosed into an opener, he has become a fearsome prospect. All his five hundreds have come as an opener and 19 of his 22 half-centuries have come there. Out of the 129 games he's played for Australia, he's starred in 92 wins and his average in winning games is 46.17 compared to his career average of 41.58. Add his explosive opening partnership with Brad Haddin and you know why India should be worried.
Oz Pace-Attack: The Indian batsmen will get plenty of short stuff from Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson. While batsmen with greater pedigree like Sachin Tendulkar shouldn't have a problem with it, it's the Yuvrajs, Kohlis and Yusufs who have struggled consistently against the delivery aimed at the ribs. The runs won't come that freely against that type of bowling and how they negotiate 30 overs of hostile bowling will decide the contest.
KEY CLASHES
Harbhajan Singh vs Ricky Ponting: This is one contest that gets the feisty sardar going. Nothing inspires Bhajji more than a contest against Australia and when he sees the Aussie skipper take guard, the adrenalin flows even more. Harbhajan terrorized Ponting in the Test series in 2001 and the Aussie skipper hasn't quite forgotten that. This is his chance of redemption.
Mike Hussey vs Indian Spinners: With the arrival of Michael Hussey the Australian batting has got more batting muscle. Mr Cricket is a world class operator against spinners and his ability to dance down the pitch and negate the turn can irritate the best. He has historically played Harbhajan well and has seen plenty of R Ashwin in the nets while playing for the Chennai Super Kings.
Sachin Tendulkar vs Brett Lee: Of the 50 Indian wickets he has picked in 29 matches against them, Lee has dismissed the great Tendulkar nine times. Bowling the fuller length has generally worked for Lee against the Master with his extra pace generally inducing the error early on in the innings. But on the occasions when the legend has been settled, he has put his great eye to good use. Upper cutting the short ball, driving Lee straight whenever he has pitched up and even pulling and hooking him when he has targeted the body. Their duels in Australia three years ago were arresting. The fare could be a tantalizing one on Thursday too.
Oz Pace-Attack: The Indian batsmen will get plenty of short stuff from Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson. While batsmen with greater pedigree like Sachin Tendulkar shouldn't have a problem with it, it's the Yuvrajs, Kohlis and Yusufs who have struggled consistently against the delivery aimed at the ribs. The runs won't come that freely against that type of bowling and how they negotiate 30 overs of hostile bowling will decide the contest.
KEY CLASHES
Harbhajan Singh vs Ricky Ponting: This is one contest that gets the feisty sardar going. Nothing inspires Bhajji more than a contest against Australia and when he sees the Aussie skipper take guard, the adrenalin flows even more. Harbhajan terrorized Ponting in the Test series in 2001 and the Aussie skipper hasn't quite forgotten that. This is his chance of redemption.
Mike Hussey vs Indian Spinners: With the arrival of Michael Hussey the Australian batting has got more batting muscle. Mr Cricket is a world class operator against spinners and his ability to dance down the pitch and negate the turn can irritate the best. He has historically played Harbhajan well and has seen plenty of R Ashwin in the nets while playing for the Chennai Super Kings.
Sachin Tendulkar vs Brett Lee: Of the 50 Indian wickets he has picked in 29 matches against them, Lee has dismissed the great Tendulkar nine times. Bowling the fuller length has generally worked for Lee against the Master with his extra pace generally inducing the error early on in the innings. But on the occasions when the legend has been settled, he has put his great eye to good use. Upper cutting the short ball, driving Lee straight whenever he has pitched up and even pulling and hooking him when he has targeted the body. Their duels in Australia three years ago were arresting. The fare could be a tantalizing one on Thursday too.
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