Ind-Aus Test Match: Exciting Day 1

Over three hundred runs, the Aussies almost all out, a superb display of spin bowling by Kumble, a brilliant delivery from Zaheer Khan to get rid of Ponting, a fine century by Hayden, and some good catching by India sums up the first days play.

The biggest open question at this point is whether India can live up to its reputation of having some of the best batsmen in Test cricket in its ranks. After restricting Australia, if India can responds with a fighting total, this should make an exciting Test match. For the first time in a long time, Australia will be on the back foot, provided India can respond with a fighting total.

India’s weak link in the bowling department was Harbhajan Singh. He never really looked like taking a wicket. If India has to perform well on this tour, he will need to turn in a good performance.

On the batting front, India will be better off opening with Sachin (based on current form) as suggested by L. Siva. This will surprise the Aussies and take some pressure off Dravid, who seems to be struggling for form. The other wild card might be to open with Ganguly. In any case, the move to include Yuvraj in the eleven is a terrific move and should strengthen the middle order substantially.