India’s mantra: back to basics

Team India are looking to enter the crucial third ODI with a simple approach — play straight and play forward. Skipper MS Dhoni tapped on the wicket to check the hardness and returned optimistic that it would behave better that its recent slow,low nature. But the thinking within the camp,despite hopes that the track will hold true,is the oft-repeated cricketing mantra: stick to the basics.

Dhoni placed one of his wicketkeeping gloves on a good length area just outside the off-stump for Harbhajan to aim at. The off-spinner hit it,and his delivery landed into the other glove that was still on Dhoni’s hand. The batsmen at the other net,too,seemed to be reliving their first batting lessons,checking their backlift positions and honing their defensive skills.

If the first two matches of the series highlighted the one-day format’s ability to wow crowds with big scores on batting beauties,the third match will be about tactics involved in winning a 50-over game. More than their strokeplay,it will test the technique and temperament of the two line-ups. Little wonder then that horizontal bat shots were few and far between even in the Australian team’s optional nets on Friday,with the batsmen playing inside the V.

How the match unfolds will depend heavily on what happens before it starts — first with the choice of the playing XI and then with the toss. While spin options Cameron White and John Holland got their fair share in the nets,even Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra seemed to be a serious contender for the hosts. There is always the temptation to play spinners on a track where they can restrict scoring and take wickets,but strangely,it’s been the seamers who reaped richer dividends in the recent Champions League matches,in which the ball was sometimes shooting past at shin-level.

One of the standout bowlers of the tournament,Brett Lee,is set to return home because of his elbow injury,harming Australia’s chances of returning with a series victory. All-rounder James Hopes will sit out on Friday,and Doug Bollinger might get a shot ahead of the relatively more experienced Ben Hilfenhaus. Wicketkeeper Graham Manou,fresh off the plane,will replace injured Tim Paine but Moises Henriques might have to wait,with Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson expected to be retained in the first-ever day-night match at the Kotla.