http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 vs India – 1st Test – Match Preview
A fascinating Boxing Day clash pits Michael Clarke’s led Australia against Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 at the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 26, 2011.
Much has been spoken, in abundance, ahead of such mammoth battle between the two heavy weights of world cricket, looking to set the record straight. The four-match Test series will again start posing plenty of questions regarding the major strengths and
weaknesses of either camps and on a broader scale, the longevity of the pinnacle format of cricket. Hopefully neutral sake, it will end with many of the responses being answered.
With the hosts finally deciding their playing XI, the initial indication suggests that there is still life for their ageing middle-order which includes http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BJ-Haddin-c1170. With careers in the line due to a troublesome 12 month
period, the first Test will give a fair reflection on how far they have countered the criticism hurled at them and although their preparation is well documented by a three-day batting camp, the jury is still out on them.
The other worrying factor highlighted is the inexperience in the top three, comprising of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SE-Marsh-c2470, who have a total of 5 Tests among them. Cowan will be the 10th debutant this year and despite the trio in fine form,
the Boxing Day clash will certainly test their mettle.
Surprisingly, the bowling camp should have been the main cause of concern for hosts but with the rise of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BW-Hilfenhaus-c1204 (making his comeback since the Ashes beating against England) has given
skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 plenty of options in getting together a potent attack to counter an high profiled Indian batting cast.
However, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Daniel-Christian-c1308 a baggy green cap, the fifth bowling option might come to haunt the Aussies.
The tourists, who have never managed to claim a series win against their opponents, certainly have their best chance in terms of toppling the Kangaroos given their importance of preparing well in advance for a daunting challenge.
While the pedigree of their batsmen is highly undoubted, the bowling area remains a concern due to injury clouds hanging over their premier pacers, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/I-Sharma-c1566. After injuring himself during the first Test on tour of England, Zaheer has
not played an International match and recovered just in time to be included in the touring squad.
However, his bout in the practice game was nothing of note and despite him remaining the safest bet in overpowering the hosts; a breakdown during the MCG clash will be devastating. Ishant has also been nursing an ankle complaint, but is likely to be fit
despite not having the ideal of preparations after bowling a total of 9.3 overs in the two practice games.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/PP-Ojha-c2198 expected to miss out.
With expectations high, the Men In Blue simply cannot afford to slip up at the first hurdle and a good showing will allow them to forget the demons of their last away tour, which resulted in 4-0 thrashing at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013.
The Melbourne pitch will assist the seamers in the first few days but will flatten out as the game progresses. With crowds turning heavily for the Big Bash T20 league, the clash holds significance for justifying the spirit, associated with the pinnacle format
of the game.
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