HomeWith the seven-match series tantalisingly poised 2-2, India will have to vercome its batting shortcomings when they go into the crucial fifth one-dayer against a spirited but depleted Australia here on Thursday.
The Indians, seeking to dethrone Australia from the number one spot in world rankings, will be strengthened by the expected rerun of Gautam Gambhir, who had to skip last match due to a neck injury.
Gambhir’s presence in the line-up has become a crucial one as he brings in the virtue of patiently working the ball into the gaps and rotating the strike to the other stroke-makers in the team.
The Delhi left-hander can change gear as per the needs of the situation and has been the calming influence in the top-order while skipper Dhoni has taken over this job in the latter part of the innings.
What the Indians would be hoping for is explosive opener Sehwag’s longer stay at the crease as he has rocketed off with a flurry of boundaries but continues to lose way in the 30s and 40s.
India’s bowling has been a mixed bag with Ishant Sharma, in particular, blowing hot and cold.
The pick has been left-arm paceman Ashish Nehra whose display in the beginning as well as the end of the Australian innings has been outstanding.
The visiting team’s pace attack has lost a bit of bite after losing very impressive Siddle and they would hope Mitchell Johnson, who has been inconsistent, to put up an improved show.
Doug Bollinger has impressed in the absence of his seniors colleagues and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz has also done well though he lacks support in the middle overs.