The curator, who lives in a two-storey 1930s style building located within the Oval, has been a bit confused with all this controversy of a possible boycott and the mystery of whether this tour game is a two-day or three-day match. And so he prepared a wicket that will remain good for four days.

The Indians warmed up with a little fielding session, and had a session at the nets. Yuvraj Singh batted long — monitored by a camera and the hawk eye of Sachin Tendulkar, who chipped in with his piece of advice to help the stylish left-hander. Yuvraj sounded cynical though. “I have not come here to score zeroes.”

With two no-scores in four innings, Yuvraj is suddenly finding himself without form and the pressure of hanging onto the number six slot has been too much for him to handle.

Tomorrow’s opposition is a bunch of boys trying to make an identity of their own, and Yuvraj, along with the likes of many others in this Indian team, would want to put up a eye-catching show before the Test at Perth.

With Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar and RP Singh expected to sit out tomorrow, the focus will be on Virender Sehwag who will pad up and wield the willow for the first time in a match situation on this tour.

Sehwag has been expected to be India’s answer on the bouncy Perth pitch, and a good show here will throw up options and reopen debates for the team management.

... contd.