Chance for Fab Five to script a dream

Standing on the final frontier, it is in all probability the last Test for all five; and except one, the others are ready for the final bow as well. At this cricket venue, there8217;s this overbearing temptation of looking back, but this Indian team8217;s primary responsibility lies in leaving a lasting impression for the future. The Pontings and the results will then be taken care of automatically.

The sun has been harsh in the morning, but the day ended with a thundershower, and there are predictions for more tomorrow.

The breeze has been somber this week, but the fourth Test will usher in a storm from tomorrow. The secrecy around the playing eleven is only adding to the allure of the contest. There are chances of a little spin in the team combination.

And to say the least, both Harbhajan Singh and Brad Hogg are charged up and waiting for action. However, it is clear that the burly figure of Matthew Hayden will be in action, a straight swap with Chris Rogers. The Indians are still pondering on their choice, but have made up their mind to leave out Wasim Jaffer and have kept Dinesh Kaarthick interested in the announcement of the final XI.

If Kaarthick doesn8217;t get a mention and Harbhajan does, this whole debate of opening the innings gets a fresh whip. Dravid, surprisingly but sensibly, isn8217;t among the candidates this time and Irfan Pathan may be tried in the company of a more assured Virender Sehwag. To his benefit, or for that matter any other new person, the environs to bat will be comfortable.

The wicket looks flat, which may become a bit rough as the match progresses and the Indian team is looking to modify its plans with the ball.

It8217;s India8217;s turn now to count more on the reverse-swing as they look to contain runs as well as pick up wickets.

Winning the toss and batting first will grant the best use of the surface, and also allow to bowl at the opposition in the fourth innings when the surface is drastically different.

This match is as much about India leveling the series as it8217;s about Australia reminding the world that an aberration has been neatly rectified. The hosts haven8217;t lost twice in-a-row in the last six years but nothing short of that will suffice for the visitors. One man can surely change all that, and commit something bigger than donating his pullover to the Bradman museum.

Tendulkar needs to pull himself up to alter his poor record at this ground8212;a big hundred is a perfect way to knock at the home of Don Bradman.

Towards the end of practice, the autograph hunters had a field day: Dravid, Laxman, Kumble and even Ganguly, with a pronounced smile on his face today, were only too obliging. From tomorrow, the fans would be expecting signature cricket from them.