Apparently, Team India believe that retaining the same batting line-up is the best advertisement for a positive approach as they bid to stop the Australian juggernaut on the verge of a record-equalling 16th straight Test win.

On the ground, the Barford & Perkins machine, in operation since 1924, has rolled some fantastic pitches, especially for the Indians, who have had a good run here. Ask Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored a double hundred here. Ask VVS Laxman, whose 167 as opener in early 2000 gave him another lease of life in international cricket before he followed it up with 178 in 2004. Or Dravid, who got an unbeaten 91 at No. 3 three years ago. Or even the entire line-up that raked in 705 the last time they played here.

Traditionally, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) wicket is flat with a bit of turn towards Day Three.

This time, it’s a virgin track, relaid with some amount of grass that has been watered till late to maintain its freshness. The result could be good carry for the bowlers initially, before tradition takes over beyond 180 overs.

For India, the feeling of having returned to a happy hunting ground is a nice environment to build their confidence. Besides, the team’s most confident batsman, Sourav Ganguly, who had been a bit under the weather, has recovered completely.

But India’s injury worries are now centred around another key player—Zaheer Khan—and his suspect ankle, which underwent an MRI scan here. On standby are Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan in the final 13 that was announced today. Apparently, a decision on Zaheer will be taken at virtually the last minute, depending on the doctor’s assessment and the bowler’s rhythm.

... contd.