Will the Indian batting line up be able to prevent a 4-0 whitewash?
Over the years, the “Border Gavaskar Trophy” has become one of the most watched test match contests. In 11 editions played so far, only once has a visiting team drawn the series (India- 2003-04) and only once has a visiting team won the series (Australia 2004-05).
Blast from the Past
The one time that India managed to draw the series in the Australian backyard took a humongous effort by the entire Indian contingent. Ganguly’s 144 in the first test at Brisbane set the tone for a tough competitive series. With his determination and fierce stroke play, he announced that his team was not to be considered as the underdog.
Dravid, with his patient and technically correct innings of 233 and 72 in Adelaide gave India a rare away victory. The moment when he kisses the Indian emblem on hitting the winning runs is a moment no Indian fan will ever forget. Though India lost the third test at MCG, Sehwag’s 195 was a proof of the fighting spirit. It clearly showed that India had not yet given up.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 241 and VVS Laxman’s 178 at the Sydney Cricket Ground were the main highlights of the fourth test along with Anil Kumble’s 8 wicket haul. Agarkar with a 6-wicket-haul in the second innings of the Adelaide test also played a part in the famous win.
In the 4-match series, the top 6 Indian batsmen scored a cumulative total of 2435 runs. The bowling unit bent their backs and got the Australian wickets when it mattered. To sum it up, Ganguly and his team toiled hard, played some exceptional cricket and for the first time ever drew the series in Australia. It was indeed a special achievement by the seasoned campaigners.
Expectations from the current lot
The current crop of batsmen has some really great names in there. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, among others have some extra ordinary records to their names. In India’s last away Test series against England, the top 6 together scored 1532 runs. India lost the series 3-1. The number is by no means a reflection of their capabilities but it does goes to show the impact of an in-form and heavily scoring batting line up.
The last time India toured Australia, Kohli, who captains the current side, was one of the younger guys. He got into the groove in the latter part of the series and scored a gritty 80 and a classy century (116) against his name. This time around he is expected to lead by example and put the right foot on the pedal from the word go. The batting line up of the present team is probably not the strongest in the world but each of the top 6 have been around for a while now and know what it takes to beat a mighty Australian side.
It would be unfair to compare them with the lot of 2003-04 but having said that, it would also be unfair to say that they lack experience. All of them are accomplished internationals and are expected to prevent a whitewash which has been the trend in away tests. If 5 half centuries by Indian batsmen in a practice match is a sign of things to come, then it is a positive start to the tour.
The effect of the shorter format on Test cricket
The Indian players are world class and that has been seen time and again in the 50 and 20 over format. Flashes of brilliance have also been seen in the longer format. There is no doubt that the current Indian side has quality in abundance. Then, what is the problem when it comes to test matches away from home? Why someone, who is beyond exceptional in one format, puts up a less than ordinary show in the longer version of the game?
Owing to T20s, the pace of the game has quickened. 300 + scores in one day matches is no longer a novelty. People are scoring 30/40/50-ball centuries. The problem lies in playing too much of the faster and shorter formats. The mind is so accustomed and tuned to thinking quick that when it comes to a 5-day match, sometimes players fall short of ideas.
The recent test match form of both India and Australia has been quite dismal. Thrashed by England and Pakistan in their previous test series, both teams will be eager to taste success. Australian great Glenn McGrath has already predicted a 4-0 whitewash for India. Not many will dare to have an opinion otherwise because of the past history, but as long as the Indian team is determined to set the record straight and retain the prestigious trophy, we can expect a tough competition.