Burning issue open

The two have opened before — the last occasion being in the practice match before this series, where they put on 38 runs. Laxman has been in good nick in the warm-up games, sticking around in the middle and displaying his ability to play quality fast bowling.

Indeed, that latter quality is what first drew Chappell to the stylish Hyderabadi, during India’s tour of Australia a couple of winters ago. Laxman’s current form would also be the best complement for a stuttering Sehwag, who hasn’t been among the runs of late. ‘‘It worries me that he has not been able to find form yet’’, Chappell said today. ‘‘That may come even if he has a couple of good shots in tomorrow’s match. But that has to happen.’’

Sehwag, in his own way, is also trying to shoulder the responsibility of opening with a new batsman each match. The Delhi batsman showed promiseagainst the West Indies but didn’t last too long .

Where does that leave Ganguly? The displaced captain may feel at least this much is due to him — and he’s a more familiar opening partner for Sehwag — but Chappell has been guarded in his comments. ‘‘This is a good opportunity for him to get some runs under his belt,’’ he said.

The stand-in skipper has been more forthright, for what it’s worth. After the match against the West Indies, Dravid mentioned the possibility of having Ganguly open, talking of the southpaw’s success in that position and how he looked forward to Ganguly doing it once again.

Either way, this is bad news for Venugopala Rao and Suresh Raina, at least one of whom is likely to sit out. Chappell’s enigmatic statement today — ‘‘some players have earned the right to get more opportunities by virtue of their performance’’ — could be construed as a nod to Rao and Raina, who have prosperedin the two matches. But second-guessing Chappell is not a wise proposition.