IND VS AUS - THE INDIAN SQUAD

The board took no half measures in making clear their infelt feeling about the pratice game against the Aussies. Announcing the test squad before the practice match is a direct indication to the players looking to make a mark that all their efforts, atleast for the time being, are futile and hardly necessary. Once you get over this shock, a look at the squad furthur confirms your belief of the declining cricketing standards in India. The fact that an out of form and a lacklustre Ishant continues to share the burden of opening the attack along with Zaheer is a testimony of the obvious. Sreesanth, a circius clown more than a cricket player, is the back up bowler!
Instead of criticism of the selction process (The board has made almost all the right calls),the squad further confirms the absence of a genuine all rounder and the dearth Indian cricket is facing in the bowling department.

For a change, the selection doesnt leave anything unfulfilled this time except the absence of a reserve wicket keeper. To be fair to the selectors, they hardly have any option but to select an extra bowler or a batsman which is why the selections appeal to you even more.A back up opener in Murali Vijay, a reserve batsman in Pujara, three spinners and three medium pacers to go along with the captain and wicket keeper Dhoni give a complete and balanced look to the squad.Guys like Badrinath miss out but in this golden era of Indian test cricket which comprises of,perhaps the best test batting line up ever in cricket, it is next to impossible to find a place for everyone.

Once again, cricket shall be played as it is meant to be when Dravid,Tendulkar and Laxman take the field.Watching them play is like eating a delicious ice-cream; you want more and more...and more!Once again, the majestic batting of "The Master", the commitment to the cause of "The Wall" and the almost illusionary effect of things being normal in crises of "The very very special" Laxman shall be on display.As a viewer, let us sit back and enjoy the game of cricket the way of these unparalleled jewels of the game.Perhaps, it is because of the nature and sportsmanship of such legends that cricket is still known as the gentleman's game.