But fielding is just one part — the main story was always about the batting. The fresh legs have to prove they are not here to just run around, but also to stand in the middle and score. They have been given a platform that will seldom ever come again Down Under. This is the last ever tri-series being hosted here — hereafter it will be just bi-lateral concepts — and if they can emerge best, defeating Australia and Sri Lanka, it will be the best possible show of their prowess.

Also, it could start a fresh phase in Indian cricket, generating a core group for the next set of five years. And their time starts, playing against the hosts in the inaugural match, from tomorrow 1.15 pm Brisbane time.

This city has a historic appeal yet exudes a unique modernity unlike any other Australian city — chic cosmopolitanism and urban sophistication that makes this place a perfect getaway from Melbourne. For India, having landed here under the shade of gray clouds and sharp showers, it could help wash away the bad memories of Friday night.

Showers have very rarely held the Gabba to ransom. The sand base and the great drainage system has allowed a game here in many such desperate situations before.

It rained here in the morning, it rained in the afternoon and it rained here in the night. It still allowed three hours to India to knock around in the outfield and get a feel of the ground, though they haven’t really had a good look at the wicket.

The big iron machine was out to do its duty and it has rolled out a rock-hard pitch with a greenish tint. The grass has been mowed right till its bottom though — so it’s just the colour rather than anything, but it should still carry pace and bounce. With the toss expected to play a big role in these heavy conditions, it’s time again for India’s swing sultans to take their place under the lights.

India are expected to field the same bowling combination of four pacers, including Irfan Pathan, and Praveen Kumar doubling up as an all-rounder with a spinner in Harbhajan Singh tomorrow.

There will be a couple of changes in the batting order, with Sachin Tendulkar back to open the innings with Virender Sehwag, while Gautam Gambhir drops a position down. The team management is contemplating bringing in Suresh Raina in place of Dinesh Kaarthick in the middle order while Rohit Sharma looks the other man out from yesterday’s batting card. The final decision will be tomorrow morning, though.

Indians have the luxury of choosing from 17 players with Munaf Patel and Manoj Tiwary also joining the team, but Yuvraj Singh is unlikely to be tested tomorrow.

For Australia, Matthew Hayden’s right thigh is playing up again, and looks a doubtful starter, though Ricky Ponting is likely to be ready to call the coin. Michael Clarke is expected to fill at the top of the order if Hayden doesn’t pass the fitness test, while Adam Voges will get a place in the middle order.

Stuart Clark has not joined the team because of ‘private family reasons’, but still Australia have a good four fast bowling options in Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and James Hopes with Clarke, Symonds and Voges — if he makes it to the XI — possible spin options for Ponting.

Remember, India won the only game this series when Hayden sat out. Different format, different day, and hopefully different result too.