couldnt happen to nicer bloke, page-117

Hi Folks

A few thoughts;

Symonds has had a lot of luck this series. In all fairness he needed it. He is one player that could average 35-40 with the bat and still be considered valuable. His fielding is that good. Bowling is ordinary. Yes he gets wickets but hes no 'serious' allrounder.
Very important to Aus at the moment. Im a fan.

India on paper have a much better batting line up imo. But this is just opinion.
Dravid/Tendulkar/Laxman/Ganguly/Sehwag all average probably better than the Aussies 'over the long term'
3 of them near or over 50. They are proven performers. ALL of them against Australia.

Ponting and Hayden are the over 50 average guys in that category. Hussey has only played 20 odd Tests, but imo is in the top 3 bats. Michael Clarke is a good player..gives you a chance though. Gilchrist is brilliant 'of course' and is the same.

I am reminded of the Windies in the early 90's looking at this team..probably a bit later than that.

The Aussie ego has been hit here. Yes we didnt have Hayden. But they didnt have Singh or Zaheer either remember.

We have older players. Indians have fresh faces as evidenced by their fast bowlers, in this last Test 3 were 23 or under.

Australia were challenged imo by England and inparticular Pietersen who I thought 'finally' broke the untouchable and at times unplayable status that Warne and McGrath had over many of their rivals.

With Warne and McGrath long gone this team is still very very good and deserves to still be 'rated as' the best in the world.

But is it...and by how much?

Aussie cricket has the depth. Theres no question about that. But we dont have a Warne and we dont have a McGrath.
We introduce our players closer to 30 than 20. Thats why Hussey is so hungry.
David Hussey, Hodge, Rogers, Katich are all 30+

The swinging ball has been Aussies demise.

Ashes 2009 should be an excellent series.

Adelaide should be a beauty. I know theres talk of Hogg coming in to Adelaide. I think Vics McGain is a chance.

I like Hogg, but is he good enough at Test level?

If Australia are looking to win they might need to 'surprise' the Indians with a new leg spinner.

Must be tempting to play Tait at his home ground, but barring injury to another bowler, he wont play.

Whoever is considered to be the 'best' (longer form of the first class game) spinner in the country must play at Adelaide...even if that player hasnt played a Test.
I'm not sure its Hogg.

The Indians have taken some risks this series with Sharma, Pathan inparticular and playing 2 spinners in the first 2 tests.
That was the right option. I never liked the look of Jaffer. No footwork and negative body language. Yuvraj hasnt impressed me. Sehwag is amazing. No footwork most of the time, not in top form, but his 'aggressive approach' is needed and he must be persevered with. He bats with intent which is more than you can say for Jaffer.

3 seamers, 2 spinners, and Dravid opening with Sehwag is my team.

Aussies will be reeling. Indians will think they can win and level the series.

Lets hope its a cracker!