Over the Top
Adam Gilchrist
Team India might find it tougher at the MCG
February 01, 2008
My decision to retire from the game has quite surprisingly made me more enthusiastic about tomorrow's game as well as the tri-series that follows. I am extremely happy and comfortable with my decision, and am convinced that this is the right time to call it a day. It also gives me a sense of satisfaction to sign off my international career with a high-quality one-day series, because it was this version of the game that gave me my launch pad in international cricket, and also some of the stand-out moments of my career, including Australia's three World Cup wins.
The resumption of cricket will also ensure that the focus is once again on on-field activities rather than off-field controversies. The teams are quite keen to put all that has happened in courtrooms behind us, and focus ahead. Both sides know that the only way is the way forward, and the attempt would be to play hard, competitive cricket.
I would have to admit that a bit of reserve and strain has crept into the relations between the Indians and us. This is true at all levels, players, administrators and supporters. That said, the ovation I received from the Indians at Sydney was truly special, and eventually I think both teams have enough respect for each other to overcome the events of the past month.
Ricky Ponting is a doubtful starter for tomorrow's game due to his back. He did train today, and since the game will be played late evening tomorrow, a final call about his fitness remains to be taken. I am really looking forward to this T20 game, because it will be my last for Australia. I must admit that I had reservations about the format right till the World Cup.
However, once I saw the games in South Africa, I was convinced it was a complete entertainment package that would attract new fans to other forms of cricket as well. T20 also requires great skill levels as well as a good temperament because one has to keep one's wits in high-pressure situations. India has got the better of us in the last two games, but they might find it tougher at the MCG because we will be playing them on home turf for the first time.
The one-day tri-series that starts this weekend will be a great contest too because it features the World Cup finalists and India. On paper, Sri Lanka look strong because they have had the most settled side in the past year. Australia have had a spate of retirements, while India too have rung in changes in their one-day squad.
India's new ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has shown a lot of maturity and calmness in his leadership so far. However, his form has not been very good with the bat in the Tests, even though his wicket keeping was exemplary. It will be interesting to see whether he is able to focus on his leadership role while searching for runs. Dhoni is a competitive individual, so the coming weeks will be a challenge for him.
The Indian team has a lot of young exciting talent. Robin Uthappa will be an interesting player to watch, as would be Sreesanth. However, the one player I would really watch out for would be Ishant Sharma. He was exceptional in the Test series, and according to me his spell to Ricky Ponting turned the series around for India. The Indians would be hoping that he takes this form into the one-dayers as well.
For Australia, the only surprise in the squad is Shaun Tait's decision to take a break. Hopefully he will not be away for long, but right now, he wants to get away from the stress of injuries, the expectations and the build up around him. I am sure he will be back soon, because he has the potential to be a crucial player for Australia. (Gameplan)
The resumption of cricket will also ensure that the focus is once again on on-field activities rather than off-field controversies. The teams are quite keen to put all that has happened in courtrooms behind us, and focus ahead. Both sides know that the only way is the way forward, and the attempt would be to play hard, competitive cricket.
I would have to admit that a bit of reserve and strain has crept into the relations between the Indians and us. This is true at all levels, players, administrators and supporters. That said, the ovation I received from the Indians at Sydney was truly special, and eventually I think both teams have enough respect for each other to overcome the events of the past month.
Ricky Ponting is a doubtful starter for tomorrow's game due to his back. He did train today, and since the game will be played late evening tomorrow, a final call about his fitness remains to be taken. I am really looking forward to this T20 game, because it will be my last for Australia. I must admit that I had reservations about the format right till the World Cup.
However, once I saw the games in South Africa, I was convinced it was a complete entertainment package that would attract new fans to other forms of cricket as well. T20 also requires great skill levels as well as a good temperament because one has to keep one's wits in high-pressure situations. India has got the better of us in the last two games, but they might find it tougher at the MCG because we will be playing them on home turf for the first time.
The one-day tri-series that starts this weekend will be a great contest too because it features the World Cup finalists and India. On paper, Sri Lanka look strong because they have had the most settled side in the past year. Australia have had a spate of retirements, while India too have rung in changes in their one-day squad.
India's new ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has shown a lot of maturity and calmness in his leadership so far. However, his form has not been very good with the bat in the Tests, even though his wicket keeping was exemplary. It will be interesting to see whether he is able to focus on his leadership role while searching for runs. Dhoni is a competitive individual, so the coming weeks will be a challenge for him.
The Indian team has a lot of young exciting talent. Robin Uthappa will be an interesting player to watch, as would be Sreesanth. However, the one player I would really watch out for would be Ishant Sharma. He was exceptional in the Test series, and according to me his spell to Ricky Ponting turned the series around for India. The Indians would be hoping that he takes this form into the one-dayers as well.
For Australia, the only surprise in the squad is Shaun Tait's decision to take a break. Hopefully he will not be away for long, but right now, he wants to get away from the stress of injuries, the expectations and the build up around him. I am sure he will be back soon, because he has the potential to be a crucial player for Australia. (Gameplan)
