How the batting stacks up

The world’s finest batting order is currently in disarray. Following on at home was not on the agenda before the tour began and there i...

The world’s finest batting order is currently in disarray. Following on at home was not on the agenda before the tour began and there is concern over its abilities ahead of the Second test. Here’s a look at how the batsmen have fared in the past 5 Tests (four in Kaif’s case) and what they can deliver at Chennai

MOHAMMAD KAIF
Pros: Has been in consistent form in ODIs and also in the pre-Test warm-up match. Also an asset as a fielder
Cons: Last played a Test in 2001
Matches: 4; HS: 37; Ave: 20.14

AAKASH CHOPRA
Pros: The quintessential opener. Perfect foil for Sehwag, will wear down the bowlers and lay platform for the middle order. Did just that Down Under
Cons: Where are the big scores? Just two 50s in his career, has been given a long enough rope
Matches: 5; HS: 48; Ave: 17.22

VIRENDER SEHWAG
Pros: Just one knock away from a big score. Has scored hundreds all over the world, so a knock in Indian conditions should be a piece of cake
Cons: Lacking confidence and runs. Losing battle with McGrath
Matches: 5; HS: 309; Ave: 74.5

YUVRAJ SINGH
Pros: Bangalore was his first failure in five Tests so the blip is out of the way
Cons: Form not in his favour. And he’s not an opener, the role he could play in Chennai
Matches: 5; HS: 112; Ave: 41

SOURAV GANGULY
Pros: Has good scores under his belt leading upto the series. Has looked the best of the lot, scored in Bangalore
Cons: Could fall to the pressure that is on him (and which he adds to with his poor running)
Matches: 5; HS: 77; Ave: 33.77

VVS LAXMAN
Pros: Australia’s nemesis in the past, could return to form with a push up to No. 4
Cons: Woefully out of touch in all forms of the game. And the Aussies don’t help by constantly singing his praises
Matches: 5; HS: 178; Ave: 48

RAHUL DRAVID
Pros: never out of touch, can be counted on for some runs, or occupying the crease
Cons: Now forced to play virtual opener’s role given India’s problems in that department, so he’s had to alter his game
Matches: 5; HS: 270; Ave: 71.14

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