" You Bat First, Steve . "

We're almost there. The first test is now only a few days away. With the pre-match drama being so exciting, one can only wonder what the series has in store for us. It is going to be one great series, with some very intense cricket to be played. Behind every move, behind every step there is going to be a specific purpose. Both teams seem to have done their homework very well. And both would be looking to gain an upper hand early on. In a series like this, it is the side that gains an early advantage that usually becomes a favorite to win the series. The 1998 home series between India and Australia stands testimony to that. With this in view, the first test holds great importance. The team that wins it would be tipped to go on and win the series. And with the ‘upperhand factor ', the first innings, rather the first session of play holds an even greater importance. What would we be better off doing in the first innings then? Should we, supposing that we win the toss, bat first or bowl first?

There is a school of thought that believes in batting first in the subcontinent, or for that matter in most parts of the world. Without doubt, it is a very positive decision and conveys to the opposition that we're ready. But do we need to give such messages? I mean, do we really need to go head on against the Aussies in the middle? It is said, ”discretion is the better part of valor”. Consider some facts. We've got an inexperienced opening pair, also Laxman and Mongia are on their comebacks. Would it be wise to put our fragile opening pair in the firing line straightaway? Against their experienced bowling attack? We wouldn't want Dravid, one of our batting mainstays, coming in at say 14/1, would we? You may call it being negative, but I’m only being practical. Being positive, attacking is one thing, going about it blindly is another. While batting first is a very attractive and tempting option when it comes off, it can be a disaster if it doesn't. And precisely, what if it doesn't? Our bowling though hugely promising isn't exactly top class, barring ofcourse, Javagal Srinath. It has got a lot to prove. A poor batting performance would put them under pressure, especially in the first match of such a big series.

Bowling first would be a good thing in my view. What it'll do is, it'll help ease our players in the big match atmosphere, especially our openers, on whom depends our batting success. It'll also put the Aussies directly in the firing line. Except Langer, Steve Waugh and Ponting, none of their batsmen have spent enough time in the middle in the warmup games. So we can expect a few nerves from them. And if we can make early inroads into their batting lineup, all the more better. While bowling first would mean batting last in the test match, with our batting lineup and in our own conditions, it shouldn't be a big problem.

Wouldn't We Be Playing For A Draw Then?

Ofcourse, with this approach, there is a greater probability of a draw. But a draw wouldn't be a bad option, particularly with the entire series in view. Whatever happens, we shouldn't let the Aussies win the first test. First of all, it'd halt their winning streak. After drawing the two warm up games and one test, the heat and humidity factor might come into play. With the second test in Chennai, where we'd also have a mental edge over them, a draw in the first test wouldn't be a very bad option. While it is not impossible to stop the Aussies' winning streak, it won't happen overnight. It has to be stopped first, and only then will the downslide start. The Aussies are desperate to win here. This could work to our advantage. Sometimes, when our craving reaches the point of desperation, it leads to disaster.

It is important that we think of the whole series and not just one match at a time. Come what may, the Aussies shouldn't run away with it even before we realize its gone. No doubt, we've to play positive, attacking cricket, but it has got to be calculated and meticulous. No matter what, the Aussies shouldn't get an early upperhand. It is we who should get it.

“Heads Australia, tails India, tails it is....

You bat first, Steve.”