The Survival of The Fittest: The Honour Series Begins

India and Australia clash once again. Yepe, over the past couple of years, the sides have met each other a touch too many times. Further, this series has 7 matches, all being one-day internationals. No Twenty20s, no tests. While tests are now just supported by traditionalists, the T20s have gained immense popularity. Between both, the ODIs have started to loose their own integrity as a game’s format. Hence, this series is also a factor which will later decide the fate of big and huge ODI series like this one. Both teams seem to be the potential contenders. With Australians having won the champions trophy, India too have not lost a series in India since 2007. Co-incidentally, only after India lost to Australia in 2007 4-2, India’s winning streak at home begun. Therefore, the Oz’s would like to end that streak.

The ICC rankings too are on stake. The team winning the series will get the #1 spot and if India does that, it would be for a longer period this time round. Anything more than a 4-3 win for India, will take them to number one, whereas, if India looses 6-1 or worse, they drop to number three, gifting South Africa the number two spot.

Well, as far as this match is concerned, the match is the only day fixture and will be played at the IPCL sports complex (the Reliance Stadium) in Vadodara. Both teams have duly arrived in the city and gearing up rapidly for the first game. India has a few major problems to look at. Already, a couple of players have injury niggles and further, the batting and bowling coaches have been sacked just before the series. On the other hand, Australia has been looking good as a unit, but with Michael Clarke injured and the New South Wales players having just returned from the Champions league, Tim Nielsen fears players burn-out. It is quite a fact that a few players, who played in CL final, will play another fixture just 33 hours later.

Nevertheless, the Indian camp is boosted up. Playing on home soil is a real big advantage and line-up has just got rejuvenation with Virender Sehwag’s return. It is likely that Yuvraj Singh will warm the bench to serve a finger injury and hence the potent Virat Kohli and the local state boy Ravindra Jadeja will play. After Rahul Dravid’s mysterious dropping from the side, it is quite certain that MS Dhoni plays the sheet anchor role. The bowling for India will be mostly taken care by pacers Nehra, Munaf and Pravin Kumar, whereas Harbhajan is a regular!

For, Australia, with Micheal Clarke injured, Ponting and Hussey will have to take care of the middle order more responsibly. The problem will be the opening combo decision. Australia will have to do a think-tank to as to decide whom to open with, Shaun Marsh or Tim Paine along with the in-form Watson. Moreover, Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee, both are in great form and will take care of bowling department along with Hauritz and most probably Bollinger.

With only 4 Oz players surviving after the 2007 series and Indian team too troubled by injury and coaching woes, the series is going to be a one spectacular watch. Only the fittest will survive and hope the fittest survives.