The narrow loss to Australia must not lull India into thinking all is ok with the team.If at all, it has exposed the brittle middle order, sans Yuvraj and less than meioccre pace attack.Only bowler who was impressive was Nehra.
Ishant seems to be a hopeless case after showing great promise.Praveen Kumar at best is unpredictable.Zaheer’s absence is keenly felt.Even among spinners, Harbhajan is yet to come to his rhythm.Support part time Ravindu Jadeja just about manages.
Of real concern is the pace department.Unless new talent is unearthed and nurtured,India is not going to remain at No 2 in ODI rankings.
Story:
If the best way to spark interest in a seven-match ODI series is to stage a brilliantly tense opener, then Australia and India achieved their goal in Vadodara. Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey set up what looked like being a comfortable Australian win until a lively, crowd-lifting partnership from Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar threatened to snatch victory for India.
In the end, nine were required from the final over and Peter Siddle held his nerve to confirm a four-run margin in Australia’s favour. The key moment came when Harbhajan (49) was bowled from the second ball of the 50th, trying to launch a boundary off Siddle. Six from the last ball was too much for Ashish Nehra to produce.
http://www.cricinfo.com/indvaus2009/content/story/431045.html?CMP=NLC-DLY
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