India tour of Australia Nov'20-Jan'21

[SaiSrini]

Well definitely they don't have a strong batting line-up. But I think if Australia had Warner with them India would've been in pressure. This is one guy who always dominated India in this country. If I remember apart from Smith's unbelievable form Warner actually was one of the reason why we lost 2-0 during 2014-15 tour.

And I must agree that will Shami and Ishant we would've had a real chance to win this series.[DOUBLEPOST=1608831033][/DOUBLEPOST]I just heard the venues for the 3rd & 4th Test are interchanged. So I am slightly more worried now.

Why? There is news that MCG could host an extra test (apart from the Boxing Day one, that starts in a day). There is also another news that SCG has offered to host the 3rd and the 4th tests. Gabba (Brisbane) could lose its test if SCG hosts two tests. And this is where India's toughest challenge lies, as Gabba is traditionally a ground where fast bowlers have reigned supreme (after WACA, Perth of those days).

Both MCG and SCG shouldn't make India worry much. If they get the 36 out of their minds, they are still in this though the Aussie ex-cricketers and India haters keep playing mind games about how this team will be humiliated.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

First of all, I need to get this off my chest-

Some ex cricketers and journalists are waving the patriotism wand with Kohli leaving and I knew this disgraceful crap would happen if India lose. T Natarajan has not gone for the birth of his first child because it's his choice. Siraj didn't go for his father's funeral because it was his choice. Kohli is going for the birth of his first child because it is his choice. The people mentioning his fathers passing and saying his success has resulted in this are devoid of humanity and emotion. Kohli is not 18 anymore and he has lost enough in his life to not lose more. Whatever his captaincy and arrogance etc etc etc, he has done a lot for the tricolour. The least we can do is be respectful to someone that has done so much for us. Would we be having these debates if Shaw was going for the birth of his child? Kohli has nothing to prove in terms of his patriotism or passion for playing for the country or his batsmanship in Australia. At least not to me and some people you just can't please till you become a martyr on the border so that they can forget a week later and lead their lives as per normal.

These same ex-cricketers then give lectures and moral science lessons on how the management needs to "manage each individual differently." Pot calling the kettle black in my book. At least the people here are more civil and one plain about views. Hope our country grows up. The future for our kids looks so polarised it is absolutely scary!!!

Coming to the cricket, of course we could roll over 4-0 and it has happened in the past. But there are a bunch of hungry Indian cricketers with a lot of pride and self esteem with a lot to prove and they have more talent as a side than any current world XI put together. Rahane, Rahul, an angry and returning Rohit, a Jadeja who will feed off this negativity to make the headlines, someone like Ashwin who just needs newspapers to mock his team to do something historic and that Pujara fellow who is made of steel. I have a very strong feeling these guys will do something. We might not win, but there will be a fight!!

EDIT- If KL does something on this tour which I feel he will, I will BRAG about it and how. "I told you so."

 

[SaiSrini]

First of all, I need to get this off my chest-

Some ex cricketers and journalists are waving the patriotism wand with Kohli leaving and I knew this disgraceful crap would happen if India lose. T Natarajan has not gone for the birth of his first child because it's his choice. Siraj didn't go for his father's funeral because it was his choice. Kohli is going for the birth of his first child because it is his choice. The people mentioning his fathers passing and saying his success has resulted in this are devoid of humanity and emotion. Kohli is not 18 anymore and he has lost enough in his life to not lose more. Whatever his captaincy and arrogance etc etc etc, he has done a lot for the tricolour. The least we can do is be respectful to someone that has done so much for us. Would we be having these debates if Shaw was going for the birth of his child? Kohli has nothing to prove in terms of his patriotism or passion for playing for the country or his batsmanship in Australia. At least not to me and some people you just can't please till you become a martyr on the border so that they can forget a week later and lead their lives as per normal.

These same ex-cricketers then give lectures and moral science lessons on how the management needs to "manage each individual differently." Pot calling the kettle black in my book. At least the people here are more civil and one plain about views. Hope our country grows up. The future for our kids looks so polarised it is absolutely scary!!!

Coming to the cricket, of course we could roll over 4-0 and it has happened in the past. But there are a bunch of hungry Indian cricketers with a lot of pride and self esteem with a lot to prove and they have more talent as a side than any current world XI put together. Rahane, Rahul, an angry and returning Rohit, a Jadeja who will feed off this negativity to make the headlines, someone like Ashwin who just needs newspapers to mock his team to do something historic and that Pujara fellow who is made of steel. I have a very strong feeling these guys will do something. We might not win, but there will be a fight!!

EDIT- If KL does something on this tour which I feel he will, I will BRAG about it and how. "I told you so."

Thank you for posting this here! I have been wanting to talk about it (about the whole discussion on the Kohli paternity here) but somehow other discussions sidetrack me and take me into talking about them.

It is absolutely ridiculous that people interfere/poke their nose so much into Kohli's personal decision to be with his wife at the time of his child birth. I have read things ranging from "national duty" (Oh my dear MS Dhoni - why in the damn world did you romanticize this notion of "playing cricket for India is equivalent to performing national duty"?) to "in India, dadi/nani can give birth to child and father does not need to be there" to "this is a woke trend where Kohli has been brainwashed by his company of A-List Bollywood druggies celebs" to "the media has overhyped the struggle of a woman that these men think they need to indulge in this senseless shit". MIND YOU, these are not my comments, just a sample of what I've read.

Coming to the Gavaskar-Natarajan topic - this so-called legend is shooting off garbage from his mouth without knowing the real thing. He doesn't even know if Natarajan applied for leave or asked for leave to the BCCI (when BCCI asked him to tour Australia as a net bowler). Natarajan is not a contracted player for the BCCI, and so the question of granting him leave does not arise. Even if the BCCI has some arrangement with him where they approve his leave, did he apply/ask? No one knows and no one will likely know. Siraj was offered by the BCCI to return back to India for his father's rites but he chose to stay back (Kohli was just reported to be supportive; Kohli didn't ask Siraj to stay back - these ppl twist reports). Also Natarajan's daughter was born during IPL, when Nattu was with SRH. Again we dont know if Nattu asked SRH to return home. Being a newcomer (and also from the background that he is), Nattu like any other upcoming player decided by himself to prioritize his dreams of representing India over his child birth. It is his choice.

If you ask me, I wish Siraj came back to India for his father rituals, I wish Natarajan came back to India for his child birth... I so damn wish Dhoni came back to India for Ziva's birth. Nothing would have happened. They are representing the BCCI and just playing a sport. They are **NOT** performing national duty. National duty is when there is a war situation between India and another country and a soldier is asked to fight in the war. This all ties to the perennial disease that India (possibly as an extension, even Pakistan) has about establishing patriotism and creating wrong tie ups about what constitutes patriotism. This won't change easily and will take a few generations possibly. But I am happy and proud that Virat Kohli has not backed down and has pressed ahead and has come back to India. As an Indian captain, his actions can have a bearing over his generation and the debate that he has lit fire to, can have a positive impact of atleast some parts of the youngsters that follow him.

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

Why? There is news that MCG could host an extra test (apart from the Boxing Day one, that starts in a day). There is also another news that SCG has offered to host the 3rd and the 4th tests. Gabba (Brisbane) could lose its test if SCG hosts two tests. And this is where India's toughest challenge lies, as Gabba is traditionally a ground where fast bowlers have reigned supreme (after WACA, Perth of those days).

The 3rd Test was scheduled to be played at SCG but because of outbreak in Sydney they have moved that match to Gabba is what I heard. So in that case Gabba may get to host 2 matches. Hence a little worried.

 

[asprin]

India have announced their XI.

Pant -- Saha
Jadeja -- Kohli
Siraj -- Shami
Gill -- Shaw

2 mandatory and 2 necessary changes. Of the 4 changes, Pant would be the one under most pressure as he is expected to be the 'X' factor in the lineup.

This does raise a question though - should Rahul consider himself unlucky to miss out?

It's nice to see that people are optimistic of a good show by India but personally, I cannot see anything less than a 0-3 score. The 36 all out surely plays a part in this.

The general consensus is to forget that day and move on but it's easier said than done. Of course, it is highly unlikely that we will see a repeat performance.

And I do not understand the logic behind annoncing the XI before the toss. Surely the opposition will gain tactical advantage when choosing their XI, don't you think?

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

And I do not understand the logic behind announcing the XI before the toss. Surely the opposition will gain tactical advantage when choosing their XI, don't you think?

I think even other teams around the world are doing the same. In Ashes, both England and Australia announced their playing XI one day prior to the match. Even during the West Indies series and the Pakistan series atleast England did announce their playing XI one day prior to the match. As far as I remember, both New Zealand and India did this when we toured New Zealand.

Even I do not understand this logic of announcing the playing XI so early when the opposition can clearly plan against you.

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

This does raise a question though - should Rahul consider himself unlucky to miss out?

After we got bowled out on 36, I wouldn't mind playing Rahul either because he couldn't do any worse. So definitely I would consider him unlucky to miss out. And I don't understand where all that talk of Rahul to be in the playing XI have disappeared all of a sudden. Just a week ago there were reports that were circulating saying that Rahul would definitely play at the MCG. Maybe it was some media gossip or BCCI/ team management making some last minute changes.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

I think this is a good team. I don't mind it although I would have picked Rahul ahead of Gill. I am delighted they did not drop Vihari for Rahul. That would have been serious nonsense. I don't agree with Saha being replaced for Pant after a test. It is not fair on Saha but I also hope now that they are not planning to do this consistently to Pant. Pick one, keep the other as back up. It really is as simple as that.

 

[SaiSrini]

Expected changes, though I did think they will play Rahul ahead of Vihari. Its a positive decision to go with 5 bowlers and put more price on each batsman's wicket considering that we are playing one specialist batsman less (no offence to Jaddu). I would personally not bat Pujara, Rahane and Vihari all together. Rahane should bat No. 4, Pant should bat No. 5, Vihari should bat No. 6 and then Jaddu/Ashwin at No. 7 and 8 depending on situation.

Anyways, all set for hopefully an exciting test match. Hope the 36 has lit the fire in the boys and with these changes, hope they come out firing

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

I am delighted they did not drop Vihari for Rahul. That would have been serious nonsense.

Yes I do agree with this. It wouldn't have been a like for like replacement and also it was slightly unfair to not give him enough chances to prove himself. Although I am a little disappointed with him off late. This guy is seriously a good player and one of those consistent performer. I would he is say a modern day firefighter to pull the teams out of troubles. But he seems to be struggling a little with his footwork since the time he has toured New Zealand. I just hope he doesn't become like Shaw. He should work a little on his trigger movements or else a bowler like Starc would fancy him getting out with that full length inswing.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

India Australia on the big screen and Pakistan New Zealand on the other! Go both the Asian team.


I am just happy we have cricket! Two good solid games.

 

[Aalay]

Some things I want to point out:

(1) Rahane will captain this team much better than Virat. It's a pity, he doesn't have Shami at his disposal.
(2) Umesh and Siraj will need to support Bumrah if we want to do well in this test match.
(3) I am happy that they have stuck with Vihari after all he just got a century in the practice game.
(4) I think Pant came in because they decided to pick Jadeja instead of Rahul. So they have chosen batting of Pant over Saha. If Pant performs well here and can stay fit, I believe Saha has played his last test match for India.

 

[QB1]

Good start by Aus.

 

[QB1]

India Australia on the big screen and Pakistan New Zealand on the other! Go both the Asian team.


I am just happy we have cricket! Two good solid games.

View attachment 241200

Which channel has the NZ?

 

[Aalay]

Interesting to see the use of leg gully by Rahane. Again, this is not the leg slip that we usually see, but it's a leg gully. He has had that position for Wade and now for Smith.

One more wicket here, and we put real pressure on Australia.[DOUBLEPOST=1608943438][/DOUBLEPOST]Ashwin you mother****ing beautyyyyyyyyyy