The quest for 17_Ian chappell
The big difference between the Indian line-up and others that have toured Australia lately is that the Indians know how to make big scores. They have the skill and the experience to battle through the tough periods they will undoubtedly face
In 2001 India stopped Steve Waugh's record-setting team dead in their tracks at 16 successive Test wins. On that occasion Sourav Ganguly's team delivered the knockout blow, a punch the Australians didn't see coming.
Now Anil Kumble's side, with a star-studded and experienced batting line-up, is the only thing standing between Ricky Ponting's team and that much-sought-after record. Ponting's side is on 14 successive wins, but the Australian attack has a big adjustment to make in order to achieve victory in the first two Test matches.
They have been feasting on a New Zealand top order that is closer to first-class than international standard and will now have to raise their sights against the potentially powerful Indian batting line-up. In good form the Indian batting order, even with an opening dilemma, as they have at present, is more like world class, and will provide a stiff test for the Brett Lee-led Australian attack.
India has two choices as opening partner for Wasim Jaffer: the technically correct and run-hungry Rahul Dravid or the flamboyant flayer, Virender Sehwag. It would be a gamble to pick Sehwag but his attacking instincts, if successful, could provide India with the perfect start and the Australian bowlers with more headaches than a New Year's day brunch party.
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