The buzz around the upcoming Australian leg of the Border-Gavaskar trophy is quietly building up, unlike its pompous usual self. Dhoni is absent in the initial phase, Clarke’s participation is unclear and the forthcoming 50-over World Cup is taking some sheen off this marquee test series. India is currently retaining the celebrated bilateral trophy, but barring the 2003-04 series India has not managed to hold onto its possession after a trip Down Under since the incarnation of this prize! Both teams are coming off excellent ODI form and many expect the contest on this occasion to break the uncanny pattern of whitewashes from the last 3 encounters. The recent form guide (last 5 tests) viz. India: DWLLL, Australia: WLWLL, doesn’t speak of domination in either case and margins for wins & losses have been massive for both teams. To some extent, India & Australia are within a transitional phase; Australia probably wears a more settled look, which is visible in the success perc...
Cricket from the spectator's point of view.