E-Paper
Indians need to think aggressively
I'm hopeful of greater impact and bowling time for the Indian quicks and the team's part-time options, writes Ian Healy.
There should be no changes to either side for the second Test in Chennai. Under performed players must be given a chance at redemption and neither team needs to start again blooding new players. Form may have eluded the classic Indian batsmen but we all know how easily that changes with some good old-fashioned intensity and attitude.
Back-to-back Tests are physiologically unsafe, especially for bowlers, but are a thing of the future because touring teams wish to shorten tours so dramatically. This time the bowlers of both teams know that there is a seven-day break before Nagpur, so continued effort should sustain.
I'm hopeful of greater impact and bowling time for the Indian quicks and the team's part-time options. Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly, if fit enough, should be rotated cleverly. Not just to ease the burden on Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble, but for good effect.
Adam Gilchrist on the other hand was full of beans and directions. He was not afraid to play ugly defensive cricket at times but quickly pounced when the jugular was exposed as well. His cast was exceptional in performing for him though and the toss was his biggest masterstroke.
Many unknowns for this Test go back into the melting pot. What would a contest between these two be without excessive speculation and debate?
Will (Shane) Warney and Kumble discover some bounce, so their accuracy can be truly rewarded? Possible batting lineup changes for India; tactical changes to look out for as bowlers possibly admit they were wrong in the first instance.
New plans, new body language and positive thoughts for a new day as players convince their own brains that they can do it. One week of massive effort and a break can be had. It is all worth the strain to go 2-0 up or to claw back to 1-1 for India, surely.
