After the high,the blows

The Indians have called in Dinesh Karthik as cover for the injured players,but will still be hoping that at least one of either Sehwag or Gambhir make it to the playing eleven. India have the momentum on their side,having won two games on the trot against a disintegrating Australian side,but a slip in either of their weak links — bowling or fielding — could easily change the storyline. Ponting has won the toss in each of the three games but his horses-for-courses decisions hasn’t really come off.

With Yuvraj Singh back in form and Dhoni shedding his inhibitions at No 5,the Indian batting looks strong. On the other hand,Brett Lee’s absence due to injury has taken out whatever sting the Australian bowling had. But without Sehwag and Gambhir,the Indian batting at the top will be considerably weakened and,to some extent,restore parity between the teams.

Either way,despite Saturday’s defeat,Ponting will want to bat first every time he walks out for the toss,and deny the Indian strokeplayers first use of the conditions,irrespective of what effect the dew has while bowling under lights.

Sachin milestone in sight

One man who would want to turn things on at the PCA stadium is Sachin Tendulkar,despite a sluggish start to the series,and the pitch here might turn out to be more to his liking. It should play true,with even pace and bounce,allowing batsmen to hit through the line. There is also a light covering of grass on the wicket that should keep the fast bowlers on both sides interested — depending on how much of it remains on match day.

The last time Tendulkar walked out to bat here,he got past Brian Lara’s Test-match run-record,and he’d be happy to get the 47 more he needs to become the first batsman to reach 17,000 runs in one-day cricket. Another good game at Mohali will also leave India on the doorstep of a series victory with plenty to spare,and the hosts would be keen to make full use of home conditions.

For Ponting,the task is cut out. With injuries niggling his team and being forced to play without Michael Clarke or Brad Haddin,the captain and his deputy,Mike Hussey,will need to put up enough runs on the board and give the depleted bowling led by Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson enough to defend.

Police complain to PCA after Dhoni,Yuvraj ignore security

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh police have asked the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) to take action against India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni,Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh after the trio ventured out of the team hotel in the evening without security cover.

“It’s a blatant violation of rules,we have provided them a list of do’s and don’ts and their going out is a serious breach of security. The players are also required to inform three hours in advance if they are need go out,and just cannot venture out without security,but they flouted the rules and went out without informing. We have asked the PCA to take appropriate action,” said HS Doon,Superintendent of Police,Traffic.

“When it comes to security,we just can’t take any chances,” he added. — ENS