Monday, February 26, 2001

It feels like time is flying at the rate of the space shuttle as day one of the first Test match is approaching like a Concorde on a runway. The pre-Test hype has begun and although it has been relatively low key, the atmosphere indicates that Test cricket is not far from our doorsteps. Leading up to the first Test of any series, there is always so much expectation and speculation on what may occur. The truth is, no-one really knows until the first ball is bowled and until the two teams have had a chance to lock horns and survive the pressure of the battle.

Paper talk and theories are cheap when it comes to the contest out in the middle of the ground. The true test is not about who can make the boldest predictions or who can 'talk' the best game. It is about who can maintain the most consistent pressure over the course of five days.

When we arrived in India our captain addressed the team and asked us to be ready when the first Test commences for a tough contest of Test cricket. He wants us to be the mentally and physically the toughest team in the battle. He asked us to always focus on those things we can control and display a hunger for success through the way we conduct ourselves both on and off the field.

The talent within our team is unquestionable as is the team spirit and comraderie. All we need to do now is to adapt to the varying conditions and play to the best of our ability. By doing this, there is no reason why we won't have a successful series against the experienced and extremely talented Indian team.

This morning at the ground it was interesting to see a well-grassed pitch for the game. My spies tell me this afternoon that after we had left the ground the clippers were out and we would be surprised to see too many blades of grass left when we arrive in the morning. The Indian camp have been talking up their desire for dry, turning pitches so it won't be all that surprising to see the first ball bowled on a pitch exactly like India request. This is not unusual, or unfair, as the home side should have an advantage and play on the type of pitch they are used to. In Australia, our opponents have to adapt to the faster and bouncier surfaces, so we are expecting to play on traditional Indian 'turners' while we are in India.

The news is positive on the fitness of Mark Waugh and more specifically the torn webbing on his left hand. While he may not spend too much time fielding in the slips, we are all hopeful he will spend plenty of time in the middle when it comes his turn to bat. After a solid workout in the nets, he looks likely to play tomorrow.

On the bowling front, our tour selectors will be enjoying a tough meeting, probably as I type. The decision to be made will be whether to stick to our original plan of three pacemen and one spinner or to opt for two seamers and two spinners. Whatever way they go, the bowler/s who misses out can count themselves extremeley unlucky.

The feeling within our camp is very positive although there is always pre-Test, pre-series jitters. The tension is good as it symbolizes the need for our best performances. There is no hiding the expectation that this series will be a tightly fought competition. It will be a series played between two teams who have plenty to prove, and plenty to play for, over the next four weeks.

From Mumbai

JL

You can also read:

Sunday February 25, 2001: A breadcrumb in an Ant’s Nest!
Friday February 23, 2001: It is not as glamorous as it looks!
Thursday February 22, 2001: A day of casualties
Wednesday February 21, 2001: Slats turns 31!
Tuesday February 20, 2001: A sad reality check
Monday February 19, 2001: Invaluable exposure
Sunday February 18, 2001: A tough day in the field - Day 2 Vs India A
Saturday February 17, 2001: Kaspa or Kimbo?
Tuesday February 13, 2001: Pre-tour preparations
Sunday February 14, 2001: Getting the run-down
Tuesday February 11, 2001: Leaving Home