Ponting?s absence gives India the edge

Having suffered a setback at Champions Trophy and then losing a major player to injury, Aussies' resolve will be tested, writes Ian Chappell.

The strong rivalry that has developed between India and Australia is about to provide another rare tight series in a competition that has had more than it's share of lop-sided contests in recent years.

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Before the Champions Trophy tournament I felt Australia was poised to redress the imbalance in series results in India since 1969-70 but a couple of significant events have changed my mind.

The loss of Ricky Ponting for two Tests is a big blow to Australia even though it will be balanced to a degree if Sachin Tendulkar is absent from the Indian line-up.

It'll be ironic if Tendulkar's absence forces India to use the correct opening pair as this may be just what Virender Sehwag needs to rediscover his match-winning form.

Akash Chopra's solidity and excellent running between wickets is the ideal foil for Sehwag's aggressive style and they should only be separated because of poor form not the desire to fit another batsman into the line-up.

Yuvraj Singh is a good, aggressive batsman and adds a lot to the Indian side with his slick fielding and left-arm spin but he has to force his way into the side at the expense of a middle-order player and not by splitting a highly efficient opening combination.