Bring on the Aussies

For once, the Indian team has a problem finding a place for Sachin Tendulkar.

Who do you drop?

Virender Sehwag, a terror in his own right, even more so than Tendulkar, who seems to have matured as a batsman. Sourav Ganguly, the captain, undoubtedly India's best batsman in the one-day internationals. V V S Laxman, with scores of 47, 99, 0 not out and 66 in the last four matches seems to have finally found his bearings in this form of the game. Vice-captain Rahul Dravid has, at long last, come to terms with the basics of the ODI game. And his scores show. Since the ICC Trophy, he has not been dismissed below 49 even once. That speaks volumes for his ability in the middle overs.

Mohammed Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, youngsters, but match-winners in their own right. Their brilliant partnership against England in the final of the Natwest Trophy will not be easily forgotten. Sanjay Bangar has shown he is truly adaptable. In Tests, he loves to graft, because the team wants him to. In the fourth ODI against the West Indies at Ahmedabad, he showed just how destructive he can be if he is let loose. Added to that, he can always bowl a few overs. I think it spells curtains for Agarkar. The Mumbai allrounder has had his share of opportunities and wasted them all.

Then come the bowlers.

Harbhajan Singh, undoubtedly India's best spinner at present. If he gets an early wicket he is deadly. This man feeds on confidence and if he has enough of it he will destroy most teams. Anil Kumble seems to have finally outlived his utility. A bad fielder, losing his edge as a bowler and not exactly a batsman to write home about. It's time he stepped aside and let Murali Karthik take his place in the side. You ask any senior cricketer or coach in India and he will tell you Kathik is one of the best spinners in India. It's about time, that talent is brought to the world stage.

Javagal Srinath, India's old warhorse, still gives you his ten overs. But for the time being India cannot seem to find a suitable replacement for him. Zaheer Khan, the spearhead of the Indian attack, stands head and shoulders above the rest of the bowlers. The tour of England has helped him mature immensely and it shows in his performances. He does not shirk responsibility; on the contrary, he rises to a challenge.

This team is indeed on a 'high'. The kind of high that only comes from winning consistently. Nothing is impossible, no total is any longer safe. India may lose Sehwag early, may even lose Ganguly and Laxman early, but it still has batsman capable of finishing off the match.

The warrior spirit in the team is a revelation in it's own right. Credit for this huge tansformation is due to Ganguly. He likes to take people on; he lays down the rules. The team just follows. For once, it cannot be said that this team lacks pride. It fights for every inch, every run and never backs down. And that makes one proud of it.

Most teams watching India's performance would really wonder what would be the ideal winning total to set it. Australia, even with their mighty bowling attack, would never be at ease against a batting line-up such as this. And they have Kolkata to remember as well.

A Test series against Australia is what most fans would crave for right now. The best bowling attack in the world against arguably the best batting side. The Test series against Australia in 2001 was the best in recent memory. With the Indian team playing so well, it could well challenge the Australians for world supremacy.

Imagine McGrath, Warne & Co. coming up against Sehwag, Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid & Co. Yes, that would be real cricket. That kind of cricket would do the sport real good. Unlike the one-sided contests we have seen of late.

So bring on Australia; the crown rests uneasy.

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