In the land of early sunrise for the penultimate one-dayer of the series against Australia, the Indians hope to end their nightmare soon. The Hyderabad blues seem to be behind them as skipper MS Dhoni and his men hit the nets with their tails up. Watching the tailenders get an extended batting session, it was clear that the hosts were keen to learn from their mistakes.

If the late-order collapse after Sachin Tendulkar’s heroics was seen as the main reason for India’s defeat in the fifth one-dayer, the team didn’t believe in brushing the problem under the carpet but opted to take it head on.

‘Looking forward’ was the theme of the day as Dhoni emphasised the importance of the game that will be played in the background of the series score being 3-2 in Australia’s favour. “We have left the disappointment in the dressing room (at Hyderabad ). Now it’s a new game, a fresh start. We have to win our next two matches.” With a lot at stake in the do-or-die game — the series winner also climbs to the top of the world ODI ranking — there is no room for error for the hosts.

It’s not just Team India who are under pressure to defend their flattering ODI record. MS Dhoni hasn’t lost a bilateral series for the last two years, but Ricky Ponting on this tour seems to be in a mood to change that trend.

Likely changes

There were a few hints at the net that suggested that India might make a few changes for the crucial game. Rookie pacer Sudeep Tyagi and leggie Amit Mishra were being closely monitored by the team management when the two had the ball in their hands. Chances are that India may spring a surprise by throwing the 22-year-old seamer from Uttar Pradesh in the ring. In that case, Munaf Patel will have to sit out. Replacing Patel with Mishra is another option. If the leg-spinner comes in, then Ravindra Jadeja, who has been criticised for his irresponsible running between the wickets, might make way for Virat Kohli.

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