India Vs Australia, Team Selection the Key

India play Australia in a virtual quarter-final match today, but the struggling Indian side faces two major blows before going head-on against the leaping Kangaroo's. Ajit Agarkar out with a hair-line fracture on the thumb and Yuvraj Singh out with an injured knee.

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None of us have forgotten Nagpur (2004) I suppose, where the Indians looked on a home disadvantage, as the Australians had rolled them over a green top. The pitch at Mohali (venue for today's game) looked the same, it was a green top and the Pakistanis struggled to face the South Africans just a few days back. The pitch curator's want to put the Indians in no disadvantage this time so the grass from the pitch has been cleared, making it batsman friendly and more prone to spin bowling.

The team selection will be crucial today; I hope the Indian team management doesn't make the same blunders they made in the last game against West Indies. I know Chappell and Dravid will have their own pick and my thoughts will hardly affect them, but I would definitely want to share my thoughts with you guys. I think with Yuvraj missing Mohd. Kaif should get a chance; Suresh Rina is not in the thick of things he's struggling to contribute with the bat, Dinesh Mongia should find a place instead, his inclusion would be an extra benefit as he could also roll his arm over. And the final change would be Ramesh Powar finding his place back.

If the pitch on examination looks favorable for spin bowling, which is most likely, then the Indians should go in with three Seemers and to frontline spinners. But the formula for victory rests on the Batsman; if they click India wins, or else like the other sub-continent teams India will also find itself kicked out of the Champions Trophy.

Via: cricketnext, cricinfo