Australia's tour of India, Feb-March, 2013
The announcement of the squad for the test series against Australia contained relatively few surprises. It did illustrate the Indian team's shortcomings very significantly. While the batting side showed no surprises, the bowlers provided a few.
Nobody expected Ashok Dinda to be retained but the man from Bengal somehow keeps his place despite having been carted around during the ODI's against England and Pakistan. Many expected him to be replaced by his state mate Shami Ahmed who has impressed during the ODIs. In my opinion, both Sreesanth and Abhmanyu Mithun had a better chance of being wicket taking bowlers as compared to Dinda. Ahmed, despite being in the Irani Cup squad, did not get a game and hence lost his chance. Dinda however, is not a bowler likely to pick up wickets in test cricket. His line is far too inconsistent and he does not have the pace or the height to genuinely trouble international quality batsmen. Injuries did not help the cause but picking Dinda could easily have been avoided. They could take a punt on a newer, younger bowler rather than somebody who has recently been dropped from a One Day team. The batting front showed a slightly more courageous approach.
The selectors here have gone with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay to battle for places alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. They have shown courage here in leaving out Gautam Gambhir. These two players though have a bit of the unknown about them. While we know Vijay has a test century against Australia to his name, his first-class form has been patchy at best and his performances will be hard to predict. Dhawan's selection on the other hand leaves the selectors playing where's waldo with the opening slot. The middle order remains settled and the spinners pick themselves.
The important thing for India to remember is that when choosing an 11, they will need to be aware of how these newer players like Dhawan and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will react to certain situations. There can be nothing to be gained from underbowling the young quick. The need is there to look to the future but there was a case to look to the past in Wasim Jaffer, who would provide a solid old hand. However, Dhoni must now make do with a horses for courses squad of players who should be able to thrive in spinning conditions against an inexperienced Aussie unit.
The announcement of the squad for the test series against Australia contained relatively few surprises. It did illustrate the Indian team's shortcomings very significantly. While the batting side showed no surprises, the bowlers provided a few.
Nobody expected Ashok Dinda to be retained but the man from Bengal somehow keeps his place despite having been carted around during the ODI's against England and Pakistan. Many expected him to be replaced by his state mate Shami Ahmed who has impressed during the ODIs. In my opinion, both Sreesanth and Abhmanyu Mithun had a better chance of being wicket taking bowlers as compared to Dinda. Ahmed, despite being in the Irani Cup squad, did not get a game and hence lost his chance. Dinda however, is not a bowler likely to pick up wickets in test cricket. His line is far too inconsistent and he does not have the pace or the height to genuinely trouble international quality batsmen. Injuries did not help the cause but picking Dinda could easily have been avoided. They could take a punt on a newer, younger bowler rather than somebody who has recently been dropped from a One Day team. The batting front showed a slightly more courageous approach.
The selectors here have gone with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay to battle for places alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. They have shown courage here in leaving out Gautam Gambhir. These two players though have a bit of the unknown about them. While we know Vijay has a test century against Australia to his name, his first-class form has been patchy at best and his performances will be hard to predict. Dhawan's selection on the other hand leaves the selectors playing where's waldo with the opening slot. The middle order remains settled and the spinners pick themselves.
The important thing for India to remember is that when choosing an 11, they will need to be aware of how these newer players like Dhawan and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will react to certain situations. There can be nothing to be gained from underbowling the young quick. The need is there to look to the future but there was a case to look to the past in Wasim Jaffer, who would provide a solid old hand. However, Dhoni must now make do with a horses for courses squad of players who should be able to thrive in spinning conditions against an inexperienced Aussie unit.
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