Sometimes, faced as we are by dizzying changes, we tend to believe that is the solution. It is merely an alternative path and one that we must assess with care. The end of this series against Australia might be a good time to pause and reflect on the path that the selectors need to choose. The last two games will be very interesting. But it isn’t only the seniors there is a buzz about. This series has been played with extraordinary rancour and some strangely holier-than-thou statements have surfaced. The best sound in this game is still that of one object on another; willow upon leather; bat upon stump or pad, ball hitting palm. The moment the lip starts dominating, the game loses something and there is no doubt this series has been the poorer for the dialogues, largely inane, on the field and in print.

You can see why India came out firing and into Aussie domain. It is not always that those that give can take in equal measure, and by turning the heat on Australia India wanted to see if the pressure got to the visitors. It did, but sadly India’s verbal aggression wasn’t mirrored on the field and maybe India need to do it differently, be a little more selective, a little shrewder. And there is no greater aggression that an outswinger beautifully bowled, or a pull shot jauntily played or a catch easily taken or the stumps scattered from an acute angle. The high ground in a high stakes game belongs to he who is calm in the mind.

... contd.