Indians need to forget history, make their own: Hadlee

Make your own history

The Indians need to dismiss history and make one of their own. The important thing is not to lose the first Test. We managed to do that a couple of years ago (New Zealand held the Aussies to a 0-0 draw during the three-match 2001-02 Test series)

Bowlers need field support

They need to toil away, keep running in and be very accurate. But they should be well supported in the field. Because Australia pose a very, very difficult challenge. They know how to win and they expect to win. Every time. The Indians will have to take it to them. They always dominate and quicken their game. The Indians need to slow the momentum down.

Challenge for Zaheer, Nehra

It’s a tall order for them. They need to bowl equally well to the left and right handers. Be tight with their line, actually swing the ball and make the ball to stand up. They will have to plan that magic length.

Bruce Reid’s help

There has been quite a lot of interest and speculation (on the appointment of Bruce Reid). He brings a lot of resources from his experience. That to me is wonderful coaching.

Back the team men

As a selector picking a squad for an Australian tour, you look for players who are in some sort of form, fitness and those who make up the team balance and promote team culture. You also follow your gut feeling that he’s got the potential to do well. You look for the basic principals — the attitude, those willing to play hard, those who will make most of the opportunity, those who will maximise the skill and the talent. It is just the whole package that complements each other.

Spread out batting duties

The Indian batting hasn’t changed much. Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman are experienced players. But you cannot rely on one player to do the job. Bowlers will also have to work overtime.

A superhuman effort

I would back Australia. They are a formidable team. It would require a superhuman effort from India (to beat them in Australia).