Sriram, Mongia and Gambhir performing on the domestic level definitely doesn't mean that they will immediately do well against the Aussies. Although they may deserve a place in the team, the three of them cannot just be initiated into a big series like this. Besides, all three have got a chance with the Indian team before.
Sehwag, Yuvi and Chopra can't make a match-winning difference? This is the most obsolete thing I have heard this week. :P Tell me, did 309 make a difference in the Pakistan tour? Apart from turning the whole thing upside-down, maybe not. Sehwag is the type of player who can just turn his form in one session. Since it is a test match, there is no scope for him trying to push the run rate.
If he simply bats out the first session, the Aussies could be looking at a different complexion to the match. Regarding Yuvraj, I personally don't think he deserves a place in the team yet. However, there is no one to fill in the gap for Sachin so he may get a place anyhow. Wait, I think there is another batsman's spot anyway. As for Chopra, he is not expected to blast away 150 runs by tea. At tea, on average 360 balls have been bowled. If Chopra (rarely) faces 180 of these balls, he should be expected to make a maximum of 90 (that is a strike rate of 50--remember these are test matches).
Chopra is not in the team to smash the bowling--he is there to play out the new ball. If Kaspa, Gillespie and McGrath don't pick a wicket in the first hour--that makes a huge difference in the context of the game. And additionally, it means Dravid is protected against the new ball. Which means he can pretty much come out and play on a flat wicket.
What else is there? My ideal India line-up would be:
Sehwag, Chopra, Dravid, Kaif, Ganguly, Laxman, Parthiv, Pathan, Agarkar, Harbhajan, Kumble. The bowling may seem a little weak with the two spinners...but I doubt that there is much scope of seaming that we need to play three seamers. The aussies weakness is spin, not seam. As for Kaif's inclusion, I think he should have been initiated into the team long ago. He has shown he has the temperament to play testing cricket--he is not an overtly quick scorer of runs. Not only will he improve the running of the whole team--the fielding will also be given an upheaval.
As for the Aussies, I think Michael Clarke gives them a very good edge. Clarke is a quick scorer, good runner and great fielder. He can also toss it up with the ball. If he gets a good match in here, one of the top order may be fearing their position!
That's all for now.
