Dead games8217; tales

8226; Since 1999-2000, Australia have lost just seven Tests, of which three have been to India; all in live games too. But Australia have sometimes in the recent past lost dead rubbers, which might be cause for the Indians to hope. These came against England 2001 and 2002-03, South Africa 2001-02 and the West Indies 2002-03.

8230;AND THE PILE AGAINST

8226; India have never won a dead match after losing the series, as is the case here.

8226; This is the first time since 1983-84 that India are in a dead rubber at home, since West Indies won 3-0.

8226; The only two previous occasions when India and Australia have played a dead rubber 8212; since 1983-84 8212; the result has gone Australia8217;s way. These were in 1991-92 and 1999-2000.