Looking Ahead: India Vs Australia 2004 - 1st Test at Bangalore : Cricketfundas.com

It's a series that has developed its own charm and charisma, according to Australia's stand-in skipper Adam Gilchrist, and why not! To see two of the top Test playing teams in the world battle it out for the Border-Gavaskar trophy is simply a sight to see! After a disappointing summer at home, the Aussies are all set to lock horns with their no.1 opponent in today's day and age - India. India's so-called "ascent" to the near-summit in one-dayers has indeed been hampered by their recent ODI form, which is too inconsistent and too unimpressive to go ahead for a series against a side who defines consistency in its truest sense. Lets not forget the fact that the Aussies have landed in India after a once in a blue moon defeat against England, and will be only left to see as to how much that loss hurts them, although they have been often said to forget the past and show the future. So all is set for the show to begin at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium. Cricketfundas.com brings to you an exclusive preview of the first of the four test match series to be held at Bangalore.

A lot has been said about the pitch in the past 48 hours. With John Buchanan, the Aussie coach describing it as "terrible" and reportedly turning over his statement the very next day by calling it a "batting paradise" has certainly put some doubts in the minds of everyone concerned. The reported worries of the Aussies against spin would slightly tilt the balance of the pitch in favour of India, although one must not forget the way they handled the Lankan spinners early this year. The pitch is expected to turn from Day 1, but inconsistent rains could just add a bit of sport onto the wicket, and if the bowlers bowl well, anything could happen. All in all, this pitch is tailor-made for the spinners, understandably the Indian ones, although the Aussies have one man who could turn it miles - Shane Warne. Batting fourth will be difficult, but if the batters bat normally, we should see some runs.

India have been going through some tough times - both administratively and in terms of cricket. But having said that, one must be aware that they have the potential to raise their level of performance when it comes to playing against the Aussies. The batting has been coming under a lot of flack these days for the under performance. One has to only wait and see how much does Sehwag's 146 against India A translate into against Australia. Similarly for Yuvraj, whose role is yet to be defined. If there is one hole in the Indian batting order, its the absence of Sachin Tendulkar. The player who will replace him, must play to half the potential of Tendulkar to bail the side out of an undesirable situation, if it so happens. Surprisingly, the bowling has been something that has been grabbing headlines for India since the season began. One could see the combination of the Baroda Bombers in action as Zaheer's improving fitness and form along with Irfan Pathan's consistency could hopefully give the Aussies some tough moments. It will be an acid test for young Irfan, whose making his debut in a Home Test, and to fulfill the expectations of the millions at home, and that will by itself be a challenge. India will mostly play two spinners, Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble and if they can bowl to their potentials, they could use this track to good effect. The Indians look a well balanced side, but one must hope that they make better use of their opportunities and not let themselves down yet again. This will be an important Test for the duo of John Wright and Ganguly, whose tactics have been under intense media scrutiny these days. India should be able to play well under these conditions, but having said that, complacency is something that we have to guard ourselves against and if we can do that, I think gives a huge sign of optimism, which Indian cricket needs today.

Adam Gilchrist - Stand-in captain for Ricky Ponting

The Aussies performed considerably well against the Ranji Champs - Mumbai in the three dayer at the Brabourne Stadium. They looked as if they were acclimatized to the Indian conditions and were all set to take on the might of the Indians at home. Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer seemed perfectly fine against some raw and erratic Mumbai bowling, but the most important aspect of their knocks was that they spent time at the crease, which could be crucial in the Bangalore Test. Damien Martyn also looks strong to take the vacant No.3 spot for Ricky Ponting. Darren Lehmann, Simon Katich and Micheal Clarke could make up the middle order. Adam Gilchrist looked solid against Mumbai and could be one of the players to watch, as his record in India went from good to something to forget - so he could be back with a bang. The bowling line up could mostly consist of 3 pacers and a spinner. Micheal Kasprowicz destroyed the Indians in the inconsequential test in 1998 at the same venue and having been termed as a sub-continental specialist, he could play a huge and a crucial part in the outcome of the match. Glenn McGrath's accuracy and Dizzy Gillespie's consistency with pace could be something the Indians should watch out for. One area where the Aussies could make the Indians pay heavily is the fielding. The Aussies are exemplary to say the least and can restrict teams purely due to their attribute of fielding. If the Aussies are well in command of the Indian conditions and if they can play two of India's quality spinners with a good amount of confidence, I think we are in for a treat of a game between these two evenly matched teams.

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