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Following the cliche ridden thrills of the first test in Mohali. Can this one match up? Sadly, I think it has potential to be a bit of a damp squib but I hope I’m wrong.
There will be some key players missing but the big issue affecting this test might be the weather. It’s been peeing down in Bangalore.
The Aussies will be missing Baby Bollinger who is expected to be replaced by Peter George (yes really). George is 100 feet tall and is reported to have “Glenn McGrath type control” over the ball. I find this a little hard to believe or he’d be first choice for the side but he’s got a pretty good Shield record. Whether the wicket will be helpful to him remains to be seen.
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Peter George
The Indians will be missing Ghambir and Ishant Sharma – two losses that will potentially hit them hard. There are question marks over VVS Laxman who is still struggling with his back despite his unbeaten, match-winning 73 in the second innings at Mohali. If he does play, he won’t be allowed a runner that’s for sure. Ghambir and Sharma are being replaced by Sreesanth and Vijay.
Final decision on Laxman will be taken this evening (Friday 8th) but he hasn’t been practicing.
There were injury doubts over Harbhajan going into the Mohali test but these have now been put to bed.
Not that they really mean anything but the stats do not favour India – they have a very poor record in Bangalore against all teams but have not managed to beat the Australians there in the 4 test matches they’ve played against them at that venue.
On the other hand, this stadium has been the best venue in India for Australia’s batsmen in recent times. Ponting averages over 50 here (cf his average in India of 22.30). Katich, Watson and Clarke have also all scored big at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
However, the bookies have the draw at almost even money. Mind you, they did going into the Mohali test and look what happened there.
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