What a shame for the neutral. If Indid got a score and possibly broken even with what the Aussie's had got it would have been such a good couple of days ahead of us. Now I fully expect the Australians to rack up about 300 odd and lead by 400-450, batting comfortable on a track thats getting better for the batsmen.
Jaffer again showed what a frustrating player he is. He has all the talent in the world and the raw materials but massively lacks the brain and the desire to be a top class player. I hope for India's sake in the long run he has a bad series so they can get in Bandrinath, who seems far, far too good not to be in the side but has been incredibly unlucky with selections.
It was a big gamble opening with Dravid, and as much as he said he didn't mind in the media, it really didn't look like he wanted to be out there opening. His body language was awful, he didn't seem confident and he just looked dreadful. I've never seen him so out of form. Big shame as he's a massive trump card in Australia. Perhaps a move down the order would help him?
Laxman looked like he stuck around and lookd good before he got out. Signs of promise, hopefully he can kick on and be a thorn in the Australians side throughout this series. I love watching him bat and he was playing very fluently. Needs to get in the nets against some short quick stuff though.
Tendulkar looked in sublime form. He's going to be the major run provider in the series I feel, for India. Can't really say much other than he really did look good.
Ganguly - Pretty much the same as Sachin. These two are going to be huge for the next tests.
Yuvraj - The young, in form strokemaker. Really missed out. Could have been a great chance to totally cement himself. He leaves himself a little vunerable now, considering the whole side has totally lost its composure and balance to fit him in. Lots of pressure on him in the second dig.
Dhoni - I can't say I saw him bat, but his runs down at 7 will be important. Either cementing a good score or aiding a recovery. Big series for him I feel.
I won't say anything about the bowlers batting because it's essentially irrelevant.
Lee again spearheaded the newish Australian attack very, very well. He's going to be the big bowler in the series in my opinion. Troubled the Indians a lot.
Didnt see much of Johnson, but purely on figures he's clearly bowled well. Likewise with Clark.
Hogg went for a few runs, but he always does. Goes for runs but takes wickets, a decent start on a pitch not amazing suited towards him against great players of spin.
