[NPV]

After losing 2-1 to England in the Test Series, MSD & co. are now 2-0 up against the Aussies. While the batting and bowling seems to have come together well so far in this series, is there another element that has helped the team succeed - did the groundsmen finally understand what kind of pitches MSD has been asking for ? (there was a lot of talk in the media about this during the England series too)
Whatever the reasons, it is good to be on the winning side, just hope we do a 3-0 or 4-0 against Aussies, would be a dream series win!

[M35]

Shewag dropped from the Test squad.
S.Dhawn could be opening with Vijay.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by M35

Shewag dropped from the Test squad.
S.Dhawn could be opening with Vijay.

Well if Dhawan gets a game now, it would be a wasted exercise to drop Sehwag. I can't see someone getting runs at test level who struggled against the West Indies A team. He is just not test material, God only knows why he got picked at first place.

High time we give Rahane a go. We are really better off with Sehwag than Dhawan. Also, when Sachin retires, we can try Sehwag in the middle order.

[esteem_lover]

It's time to give up on sehwag. He looks so listless and lost not just in batting, even in the field. Time somebody pushed him over. Thanks to Sandip Patil & Co for the nudge.

My guess is the choice would first be offered to Rahane to find himself a place in the opening slot, if he is reluctant, then Dhawan will open and Rahane will have to warm the benches for some more time. I don't think Rahane will pass up this opportunity, he WILL open.

[NPV]

Originally Posted by Oxy

Well if Dhawan gets a game now, it would be a wasted exercise to drop Sehwag. I can't see someone getting runs at test level who struggled against the West Indies A team. He is just not test material, God only knows why he got picked at first place.

High time we give Rahane a go. We are really better off with Sehwag than Dhawan. Also, when Sachin retires, we can try Sehwag in the middle order.

Agree, Rahane has good talent and better than Dhawan just hope he gets that push from the selectors.
Also feel Dinesh Karthik has been unlucky not to get a chance.

[esteem_lover]

http://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-aust...sourav-ganguly

Dada cannot help putting his fingers into everything. Somebody give him a job in BCCI fast please.

[srishiva]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/...311-2fw9i.html

They seem to have gone bonkers

[Oxy]

What has the world come to?

Now four Aussie players: Watson, Pattinson, Johnson and Khawaja will not be considered for selection for the third test because - hold your breath - they did not jot down three points, which their coach had asked them to, explaining their poor performance at Hyderabad, and how it can be improved.

Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-...ry/624494.html

[Oxy]

^^ And now, Watson decides to fly home as a result.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/...311-2fw9i.html

[addyhemmige]

So now these cricketers should be skilled in making presentations as well apart from playing good cricket. If players can decide/ascertain what they bring to the team, what is the coach needed for?

[neofromcapone]

Originally Posted by addyhemmige

So now these cricketers should be skilled in making presentations as well apart from playing good cricket. If players can decide/ascertain what they bring to the team, what is the coach needed for?

One of the best Responses on Twitter

"To many wrong people are picked for jobs who give a fancy presentation!!"
Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn

If cracking the whip gets the team galvanized and in a competitive mood, this step will work wonders for the Aussie's. They looked totally listless and one article on espncricinfo comparing the team from the Madras Tied test, to this team. Maninder Singh said that team never let the pressure off.

Cricket would be a loser if the Australian team does not get back to its "never-say-die" way of playing.

[NinadJoshi]

The punishment meted out to these players may be a bit extreme, I agree, but it is probably more about setting an example than anything else, at the cost of not losing much in the bargain.

It may surprise us to read that a woman with a burnt tongue was awarded millions after she sued McDonalds for not writing on their cups that the coffee inside is hot (!). But if you see the big picture you realize that the punishment to McDonalds is more of a warning/learning note to the entire industry.

The despair that the Australian leadership (captain, manager and coaches) must be experiencing from the utterly demoralizing defeats in the first two Tests is completely understood. The players had a lot of time to scribble a few words to indicate that they were showing some attachment to the team in its dark hours, but some chose not to comply. It may be far from a full on mutiny, but even simple non-compliance like this one can go against a player in a desperate situation. People are making a big hoo-hah about the presentation, but the underlying issue is the players' (probable) lack of attachment to the team and lack of focus, which should be penalized (to what degree depends on how grave the punisher thinks the offense is).

From the coach's seat, the series is already as good as gone. If the battle is already lost why not try to put on 'lost but still proud of principles' show? The guy is a good diplomat if not a coach.

[NinadJoshi]

Let me add, I am rather having fun reading the twitter rhetoric from all over the world to this homework fiasco with the Australian team. A few ex-cricketers seem to have fantastic sense of humor

[msdivy]

Originally Posted by NinadJoshi

The players had a lot of time to scribble a few words to indicate that they were showing some attachment to the team in its dark hours, but some chose not to comply.

Some like written goals, some don't. Why couldn't the coach take the inputs from players either in private or in a team meeting? Are players shy to speak in group discussion?
This appears like a deeper issue and most likely has the board's backing. Otherwise its plain ridiculous.

Originally Posted by NinadJoshi

Let me add, I am rather having fun reading the twitter rhetoric from all over the world to this homework fiasco with the Australian team. A few ex-cricketers seem to have fantastic sense of humor

Flintoff has the best comment - he feels compulsorily making those 4 play in the 3rd test is the best punishment

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

http://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-aust...sourav-ganguly

Dada cannot help putting his fingers into everything. Somebody give him a job in BCCI fast please.

If Dhoni and his proteges can get a long rope, why can't other players?

[manolin]

Originally Posted by msdivy

If Dhoni and his proteges can get a long rope, why can't other players?

Because Shewag and Gambhir got the longest rope of them all (and they don't bring anything other than batting to the table); except that every rope ends somewhere.

Ganguly's comments were mischievous, and when he got called out, he immediately started covering up. There was no reason for the comments - the writing had been on the wall for Sehwag for a long time - somewhere one has to accept that he is not the player he was; and if he wants to be, then domestic cricket is where he has to pull up his socks - he is not a newcomer to the side who has to be persisted with and given leeway for a year or two so that they can adjust to international cricket.