The series between India and Australia will start soon. Indians, after conquering the world in the Twenty20 format would leave no stone unturned to clinch this series as well. A victory over Australia in these series would enhance the stature of "Team India’’ in the cricketing world as Australians are considered to be the embodiment of professionalism and aggression. It will also silence the critics who are sceptical about India’s performance in the longer version of the game.

It is, however, easier said than done because Australians have been literally invincible for a long time now. They are ruthless on the field and try to emerge victorious anyhow, by hook or by crook. They do not mind resorting to sledging and intimidation and use them as tools for their mental disintegration strategy. This theory has worked wonderfully for them till now and barring one series against England, they have lost to none yet.


The case of India-Australia rivalry is different, though. Saurav Ganguly returned them in equal measure and denied the great Steve Waugh the victory of what he called the "Last Frontier". India performed very well again when Ricki Ponting’s team had visited this country last time. Shane Warne, the legendary bowler was ineffective against Indians in India which resulted in less than satisfactory performance for them.

This Australian team is without the outstanding players like Shane Warne, Glen Macgrath, Michal Bevan and Damian Martin. All these combined factors render them vulnerable and India is likely to give them a very tough fight.

With the return of Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan singh, Indian bowling is well balanced now. Zaheer Khan, R.P.Singh, R.Powar and Piyush Chawla have performed very well in England. Piyush Chawla will miss the series due to injury but it should not affect the potency of India’s attack.