Videocon Cup: We?ll miss Adam, they'll miss Sachin
They are splendid to watch and their absence will be felt as India take on Aussies today, writes Brett Lee.
We had a great, energetic practice session at the historical city of Utrecht on the eve of our opening game in the Videocon Cup Super Challenge. For me the tournament provides an ideal platform to get back into the game at the international level after a five-month layoff. This is the start of a crucial season with the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy and the Test series in India lined up one after another.
I got in two practice matches in Chennai earlier this month, so I'm pretty happy with the way I have recovered. Playing India is always a great challenge because they have some of the best batsmen in the business. I am a little relieved and a little disappointed that Sachin Tendulkar will not be a part of the game on Monday.
This more or less equals what the Indians will be feeling about the absence of a certain Adam Gilchrist from our squad. Players like Sachin and Gilchrist are two of the most watchable players in world cricket, and their absence will be felt by the spectators on Monday. Having said that, it still promises to be a great contest since these two sides have been running each other close whenever they have met over the last few years.
The course the India-Pakistan game took on Saturday suggests that the toss will not be too crucial. I thought the wicket played the same right through the day though there was a little assistance for the spinners as the day wore on. There does not seem to be much in it for fast bowling, but on the positive side, it will be a good experience ahead of the tour to India. It's interesting to note that our bowling is back to full strength after a long time. It's been more than a year since Glenn, Jason and I have been fit together. We will know whether all of us will be playing on Monday, and if we do, it will be a great experience.
