Thanks to the current controversy brewing in the Australian team, India has a fair chance of making history in the ongoing test series between India and Australia. India is already in the driver’s seat after convincing victory over the Australian side in the last two test matches played between both the teams.
As if the humiliating losses were not enough for the Australian side, the formidable Australian team has been struck a deadly blow by the expulsion of four key players from the team.The Indian team has been whitewashed by the Aussies on few occasions, however the Indians have got only minimal chances to make history.
If at all India is able to make it 3-0 in Mohali, this would be the best ever performance by the Indians against Aussies. India was thrashed by 4-0 in Australia, the last time around when the two teams met. Mahender Singh Dhoni must be wanting to make history by winning the third test in the series as India has never been able to win more than 2 test matches in a series, whenever they have come across Australia.
This time around the situation has been different though and Australia was convincingly beaten by the Indians by eight wickets in the first test in Chennai and by an innings and 135 in the second test match in Hyderabad.
Australia’s decision to drop four key players including Watson, Pattinson, Johnson and Khawaja only adds to the Aussies increasing confusion and makes it easier for the Indian side to make history by defeating the three time world champions in a series.
If this challenge of inflicting a series defeat against a formidable side as Australia becomes a reality, things will brighten up for Mahender Singh Dhoni who has always come under criticism, given the impulsive decisions he takes at times.
However, critics are of the view that one should keep the fact in account that it was under Mahender Singh Dhoni’s captaincy that India was able to win the coveted World Cup. Things are looking a little difficult for the Indian side though as the star batsman Cheteshwar Pujara suffered an injury during the practice session. He was hit in the left knee while practicing and had to leave the nets immediately. His left knee was strapped and he was unable to take part in the practice session from then onwards.
Australian team though need not to celebrate much as if the reports are to be believed, Pujara will be available for playing and will create significant hurdles for the Australian team that is already facing numerous problems and is low in morale owing to its loosing the first two test matches.
Virender Sehwag’s departure from the team has created hopes for Shikhar Dhawan and the Delhi batsman will be eyeing for a position in the playing eleven.
Much eyes will be on Mohali now and both the teams have reached Chandigarh for the test that begins on Thursday. Weather gods have kept everyone guessing though and rain can play a spoilsport in the test.