This is cricket

Greg Chappell, singed by association with the wonder that is the Indian cricket establishment, is giving his former charges something to think about. He has been enlisted by the Australians to assist them in their gruelling tour ahead in India. With his short, and spectacularly stormy, stint as India coach, Chappell will guide the Australian team on “just what to expect in India, conditions, weather, food — all those different things”, as he told an Australian newspaper this week. And, of course, on “the whole strategy involving bowling and batting in India”. The Australians are manic about mindgames, and this Chappell induction is so obviously one, that you have to wonder. Either the best cricketers in the world are losing their touch for the subtle psychological ploy? Or, in an illustration of all the talk flying around about the India-Australia rivalry being cricket’s big attraction, they have actually been, dare one say it, scared into seeking every last input, as is their other obsessive competitiveness?

Because what is there that Chappell can tell a bunch of cricketers as clued into Indian conditions and players as the Australians, post-IPL? After all, the Indianisation of the Australian squad is evident from Shane Watson’s chances after his success with the Jaipur team. By extension, maybe Shane Warne, with his unexpected but fairytale adoption as Jaipur’s hero, may have been a better versed guide. The point is, the Australians were so effortless in playing to the cricket league’s city loyalties, they gained so much exposure to India’s bench strength this summer, what more would they need to know?

So, those of you frightened that India’s secrets are up for revelation to the enemy camp, banish those fears. There are no secrets. And those of you looking for a season of keen contests, rejoice. When a man once picked by India for acclimatisation to the Australian way is, in turn, picked by Australia to know the India way, cricket has to be at an interesting juncture. Let’s enjoy it.