Rangeela
International Coach
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2003
- Online Cricket Games Owned
Test cricket is expected to be given a major shot in the arm later this month, when the schedule for Australia's much-anticipated tour of India is announced by the BCCI. Contrary to the recent trend towards limited-overs matches, it is believed that the series will contain four Tests and no one-day games whatsoever.
Currently, Australia and India are the two undisputed heavyweights of Test cricket, and that fact has been reflected in the epic nature of the past two series between the countries. In 2000-01, India came back from the dead, winning 2-1 thanks to VVS Laxman's never-to-be-forgotten 281, and a 32-wicket haul from Harbhajan Singh. And in Australia last winter, the series was tied at 1-1 after immense batting displays from all of India's top-order, especially Rahul Dravid.
The intensity of these matches is in stark contrast to the limp performances that have been served up in the one-day game. India were brushed aside by Australia in two World Cup fixtures, including the final, before losing heavily in the final of a VB Series that was devalued by the inclusion of Zimbabwe, who were unable to win any of their eight matches.
One-day cricket may be attractive to sponsors and TV companies, but the Indian board clearly senses that the tide of public interest is turning away from such matches, at least at the very pinnacle of the game. For South Africa's visit earlier in the season, on the other hand, it is anticipated that there will time only for one-day games and no Tests.
"We beat Australia in 2001 with just one bowler, Harbhajan Singh," said India's captain, Sourav Ganguly, whose team may start the series in October as narrow favourites, having not lost at home to Australia since 1969. "Now Anil Kumble is back - he is bowling the best I have seen. We have Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Lakshmi Balaji and we will have Harbhajan back in the team, so I think we will be in a better side."
? Wisden Cricinfo Ltd
Currently, Australia and India are the two undisputed heavyweights of Test cricket, and that fact has been reflected in the epic nature of the past two series between the countries. In 2000-01, India came back from the dead, winning 2-1 thanks to VVS Laxman's never-to-be-forgotten 281, and a 32-wicket haul from Harbhajan Singh. And in Australia last winter, the series was tied at 1-1 after immense batting displays from all of India's top-order, especially Rahul Dravid.
The intensity of these matches is in stark contrast to the limp performances that have been served up in the one-day game. India were brushed aside by Australia in two World Cup fixtures, including the final, before losing heavily in the final of a VB Series that was devalued by the inclusion of Zimbabwe, who were unable to win any of their eight matches.
One-day cricket may be attractive to sponsors and TV companies, but the Indian board clearly senses that the tide of public interest is turning away from such matches, at least at the very pinnacle of the game. For South Africa's visit earlier in the season, on the other hand, it is anticipated that there will time only for one-day games and no Tests.
"We beat Australia in 2001 with just one bowler, Harbhajan Singh," said India's captain, Sourav Ganguly, whose team may start the series in October as narrow favourites, having not lost at home to Australia since 1969. "Now Anil Kumble is back - he is bowling the best I have seen. We have Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Lakshmi Balaji and we will have Harbhajan back in the team, so I think we will be in a better side."
? Wisden Cricinfo Ltd
