Chopra might come in for Kanitkar

Australia, riding high after their brilliant back to back 3-0 Test series triumphs over Pakistan and India, were brought down to earth by Pakistan in the low-scoring first match in Brisbane and the World champions will have a point to prove when they square up with India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India are still grappling with their batting woes. Withrahul dravid’s lean trot a huge worry, the main batsmen have failed to inspire confidence on the tour and it could once again be an uphill task against the host pace attack.

India will look to avenge the defeat in the world cupsuper league and in the Colombo triseries in August last year, but their main batsmen will have to click to stem the rot.

Australia’s star leg-spinner Shane Warne, who tore a side muscle bowling against Pakistan, looks unlikely to take further part in the series. If pace spearhead Glenn McGrath is rested, Damien Fleming and Shane Lee, elder brother of young sensation Brett, are likely to come in.

India looked impressive in their bowling, despite the final hiccups, and their fielding was also quite sharp as all players responded well to skipper Sachin Tendulkar’s attacking placements.

But barring Saurav Ganguly, to top-scored with 61, and Robin Singh, who made exactly 50, none managed to stay long enough as the batting struggled once Tendulkar went for just 13.

The master batsman is expected to come at number four once again to strengthen the middle order.

The Indian management might look to replace left-hander Hrishikesh Kanitkar — who failed to score and did not bowl yesterday — by including off-spinner Nikhil Chopra, who is also a handy lower order batsman.

Both Tendulkar and team coach Kapil Dev said the defeat was demoralising but were determined to arrest the continuing slide down under.

The Indian skipper refused to be alarmed by Dravid’s continuing poor run and said, “It’s just a matter of time before he starts blazing again.”

Australia also failed to chase a low total at the Gabba and will be wary of their rivals’ potential in the limited overs version of the game.

The Indian team trooped in at this glamour capital of Australia more weary than ever for the day-night encounter. Tendulkar, who had said it will be a test of character after the defeat last night, and his team-mates landed here and immediately had a work out at the MCG practice wickets.

Tendulkar would be hoping the bowlers would not be devastated by the defeat against Pakistan and give off their best Wednesday, in particular, the seasoned duo of Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble.

India have their task cut out given their 22-32 win-loss record in 58 matches against Australia.

The MCG wicket is unlikely to be as bouncy as it was during the Boxing Day second Test which India lost by 180 runs and the hot and humid conditions should also encourage India.

Though Australia announced there would be no immediate replacement for Warne in the 13-member squad they originally named, the hosts could call up New South Wales leg-spinner, Stuart MaCgill, for Wednesday’s match.

Teams

India (from): Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Robin Singh, Nikhil Chopra, Hrishikesh Kantikar, Samir Dighe, Ajit Agarkar, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad.

Australia (from):Steve Waugh (capt), Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Michael Bevan, Andrew Symonds, Damien Martyn, Damien Fleming, Adam Dale, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MaCgill.