A fter some very dull test match series like the India-SL series or the very controversial series involving Pakistan, at last we can now look forward to the prospect of some good quality test cricket. First there is the India-Australia series in India, which should be quite an exciting series considering that the Aussies are currently rated No. 4 on the test rankings. They would spare no effort to change that ranking. But they have arrived with a very weak bowling attack, I think. Their batting is also not tested on these types of wickets. Indian selectors have done a pretty good job with the team selection by bringing in Pujara in place of Yuvraj. The kid deserved an outing. If Ishant and Zaheer can get into the rhythm, and the spinners in form, I guess we have a good shot at the series.. Since this is only a two test match series, I am predicting an India win.
Immediately after that is the Ashes series in Australia. I am a little sad that my friend Harp scuttled the plans to go and watch the Ashes live in Australia, but this series promises to be a very engaging duel since England seem to have a decent team and Australia is on the wane. The two teams are equally balanced if you ask me.
As an aside, it is sad to see so many talented fast bowlers from Pakistan wasting their careers on (alleged) betting money. Despite very tough conditions (economically, politically and quality of life in general) in their country, they manage to spot the right talent and have produced some very good bowlers in the recent past. Unfortunately, they have not been able to mould these players into good sportsmen. The result is that there are frequent scandals and stories surrounding this team. Betting, drugs, ball tampering, you have them all.
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