http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 – 2nd T20 – Match Preview
After a defeat in the opening shortened form of the game, the Indians will look to bounce back in the second T20 to keep themselves at arm’s length from another diminutive, in stature, but yet potentially significant whitewash at the hands of Australia at
the Melbourne Cricket Ground, February 3, 2012.
A change in format did little to reignite the tourists in their quest to gain some sort of supremacy Down Under. On paper, at least, the injection of new blood seemed the right move, giving a subdued skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028, an extra source of enthusiasm
on the field which was missing during the Test thumping.
However, it was again a dull affair in terms of batting performance, where the visitors were found wanting against the Aussie old hands in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Hussey-c1380 and Brad Hogg.
A poor mind set eventually brought their demise as the Indians were keen on hitting uppishly at the big Stadium Australia ground rather than dutifully grabbing the necessary twos and threes.
In the end, they left themselves a lot to do after the Aussies posted a healthy 171 on the board. Their bowling composition also somewhat backfired as the three-spinner policy was highly ineffective against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Matthew-Wade-c1933.
The BCCI and its selection committee finally showed incisiveness in playing a relatively young side and might not be disheartened with the eagerness they showed.
The missing element, considered by many, was the lack of a genuine all-rounder, and it is expected that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Irfan-Pathan-c1601 might finally get a game to fulfill dual roles. The other striking point remains the performance of the two ‘relatively experienced’ openers
(http://www.senore.com/Cricket/G-Gambhir-c1447) where both have been ridiculously ineffective abroad.
Another poor performance might not go unnoticed, keeping in mind what’s at stake.
The hosts had plenty to celebrate, individually and collectively, where they showed greater intent, hunger and youthfulness to triumph over their counterparts.
The first man to take comfort from the win will be captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/George-Bailey-c1480, who passed his first exam with flying colors. Much thought had gone into his surprising appointment, but he surely justified his selection by performing a proactive role.
Tough tasks might lie ahead, but another win will certainly prove central to his pursuit of guiding the team through to the World Cup T20 later in the year.
Also the rise of Wade could only be seen as an encouragement for the national team after Brad Haddin’s inconsistencies of late. Giving the left-hander an extended run would be fruitful in the longer run, especially after his Man of Match knock on Wednesday.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/George-Bradley-Hogg-c59047, the veteran spinner, also needs a special mention after his first bout in over three years. The left-armer looks eager than ever, and will certainly provide plenty of experience for the younger generation.
The team, for now it seems, are spoiled for choices, but the management will be reluctant to change a winning composition. However, the lads waiting in the wings are indeed reliable campaigners, so there might be a case of inclusion for the likes of Clint
Mckay and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Aaron-Finch-c881.
A crowd of just under 60,000 turned out for the first game, and another electrifying atmosphere is expected at the MCG, where the speedy nature of the track might entice the respective camps to tinker with their spin-oriented bowling lineups.
Nonetheless, one can expect a high-voltage encounter before the two teams lock horns again in the first match of the triangular series.
Tags: