3rd Test Match: Chance for India to makes amends

The remaining results of the Test Match is not going to take away the fact that this series will be MS Dhoni's last stint as Test Captain. I would never be surprised that he retires from Test Cricket all together 'to focus on ODI and T20 cricket'. And that is where his strength lies.

To me, this test match could see the return of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Suresh Raina. The next 2 matches are sub-continent tracks. Also, India could mull the idea of having Jadeja in the playing XI. To me, India should go ahead with 2 changes - Bhuvaneshwar Kumar replacing Arun, Suresh Raina/Jadeja replacing Rohit Sharma

I reckon this test match will see a more positivity from the Indian Team. I wont be surprised if Indians could pull of a win here.

3rd Days Predictions: Smith will stand between an Indian win and defeat

India has failed to capitalize on the good start provided on day 1 and instead has put the pressure on the bowlers to get the Aussies within 310 to make a match out of this.

As mentioned in my column yesterday, the 1st hour was the key for the 2nd days play and India lost both the overnight and the set batsmen very early. In the process, India lost the remaining 6 wickets for 97 runs this morning. 

The key point of discussion - Rohits talent Vs Attitude. In most of his cases, it is his attitude that has over taken his abilities. And in this series, he has never understood the match situation and instead played some reckless shots putting his team in downfall.The start that he has had created, just withers away.

Now that Aussies trail by 187 runs, the onus is on India to shut the door with 100 runs lead. For this, they need to create opportunities to have Smith dismissed early. If India is able to manage this, here is a chance for India to win this test match. So, even if India scores 250 runs in the 2nd innings, Aussies will find it difficult to chase the score of 350 runs.

But on the other hand, if India bowls out Aussies with around 50 runs or lesser lead, then match is surely shifting towards Aussies.If India can muster only 200 runs, Aussies should not find it difficult.

The match is even-stevens now but Smith stands between an Indian win and defeat.

2nd day pre-analysis: 1st hour of day 2 holds the key for Indians

A resolute and fighting century from Murali Vijay backed up by a resilient unbeaten half-century from Rahane has helped India to a 311/4 at the end of 1st days play at Gabba, Brisbane.

India needs to consolidate the position they are in today and the 1st hour holds the key. If India loose more than 1 wicket in this session, then all the good work done on day 1 will be squared off. All India can then do is face another defeat at the hands of Aussies.

Hazzlewood and Marsh have injured themselves and as mentioned in my earlier column, India needs to take the advantage of this awry bowling attack and consolidate the position by scoring a heavy 1st innings total. To do this, we have the two set batsman plus Dhoni and to a great extent Ashwin. To me, a score of 500 + should be considered safe for India.

Shikhar Dhawan has again failed inspite of the long rope given by the team management. He should be considered lucky to be in the team and he has done no good for his selection. Also as mentioned in my yesterdays column, Umesh Yadav and Ashwin have been selected for this match, which is a good move. 

Aus Vs India: 2nd Test Match: Indian Playing XI will decide the fate of Brisbane

The 2nd test match between India and Aussies will be underway at Brisbane tomorrow. A bouncy wicket, I will stack with batsmen who will and can perform. India should consolidate this test match by scoring heavily and leave it to the Melbourne and Sydney where a familiar sub continental pitches awaits!

India should not look beyond this test match and thus the playing XI should be crucial for this match. This would also mean India should step back a bit, try to consolidate this match thereby playing it safe. This will have an overall effect on the series.

For this, I would like to have Murali Vijay and Rahane to open the innings with Pujara, Kohli, Rohit and Raina to follow with Dhoni to bat at No.7. This will open up the bowling attack where one of the 3 quicks in Ishant, Shami, Varun and Umesh would be selected. Since on both the occasions the late middle order failed to capitalize, I would be tempted to rope in either Ashwin or Jadeja.

For Aussies, with the win against India, their confidence will be very high and they will go all out for that extra kill.

I am happy that Steve Smith has been chosen ahead of Brad Haddin to lead the team in the absence of Clarke. I had reported earlier in my column that Haddin is not inform and that is the reason that this Aussies team should be lead by either Smith or Bailey. The bowling department looks awry with Hazlewood and Starc joining this team in place of Siddle and Harris. India should definitely able to capitalize on this and try to consolidate this match with a draw. 

India, thus, definitely needs to take small steps this test match and look forward for the kill the next 2 matches.