India up for must-win tie

In the land of early sunrise for the penultimate one-dayer of the series against Australia,the Indians hope to end their nightmare soon....

In the land of early sunrise for the penultimate one-dayer of the series against Australia,the Indians hope to end their nightmare soon. The Hyderabad blues seem to be behind them as skipper MS Dhoni and his men hit the nets with their tails up. Watching the tailenders get an extended batting session,it was clear that the hosts were keen to learn from their mistakes.

If the late-order collapse after Sachin Tendulkars heroics was seen as the main reason for Indias defeat in the fifth one-dayer,the team didnt believe in brushing the problem under the carpet but opted to take it head on.

Looking forward was the theme of the day as Dhoni emphasised the importance of the game that will be played in the background of the series score being 3-2 in Australias favour. We have left the disappointment in the dressing room at Hyderabad . Now its a new game,a fresh start. We have to win our next two matches. With a lot at stake in the do-or-die game the series winner also climbs to the top of the world ODI ranking there is no room for error for the hosts.

Its not just Team India who are under pressure to defend their flattering ODI record. MS Dhoni hasnt lost a bilateral series for the last two years,but Ricky Ponting on this tour seems to be in a mood to change that trend.

Likely changes

There were a few hints at the net that suggested that India might make a few changes for the crucial game. Rookie pacer Sudeep Tyagi and leggie Amit Mishra were being closely monitored by the team management when the two had the ball in their hands. Chances are that India may spring a surprise by throwing the 22-year-old seamer from Uttar Pradesh in the ring. In that case,Munaf Patel will have to sit out. Replacing Patel with Mishra is another option. If the leg-spinner comes in,then Ravindra Jadeja,who has been criticised for his irresponsible running between the wickets,might make way for Virat Kohli.

The inconsistent show by the middle order might see a specialist batsman playing at No 7.

Though the Australians have been just a shade better than the Indians in this closely fought series,it is the visitors who are on a high. Tendulkar did give them a scare at Hyderabad,but since they emerged winners in the game that saw one of the greatest ODI innings,they have landed at Guwahati with an overwhelming air of superiority around them. Despite the spate of injuries,Ricky Ponting is just a game away from taking an unassailable 4-2 lead in the series and reaffirm their World No 1 status.

Rookie presence

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The Aussies may blood all-rounder Andrew McDonald,who along with fast bowler Burt Cockley is the latest inclusion to the squad. But the seniors in the side like Shane Watson have ensured that there isnt too much pressure on the replacements. With Brett Lee and Peter Siddle out,and Mitchell Johnson doubtful,Watson has become skipper Ricky Pontings Man Friday. His 89-ball 93 and 3/47 in 8.4 overs at Hyderabad saw Michael Hussey aptly call him two players for the price of a one.

As has been the case so far on this tour,Guwahati will once again provide a fresh set of challenges to the two teams. Though curator Ratul Das calls it a 300-plus wicket,the history of the ground shows that rarely does a team reach that score. Traditionally,pacers get good purchase and that means for the game which starts at 8:30 am,the toss will be crucial.

The morning dew and the moisture in the air can make batting difficult in the first hour. The early bird gets the worm in the land where late risers miss the crack of dawn.