Without doubt the most encouraging news to emerge from Australia's visit to India so far has been the familiar sight of Nathan Bracken and Brad Williams not only stemming the initial run flow, but decisively making early inroads into the top orders of both New Zealand and India. They have been the stand-out performers so far, along with match-winning efforts from Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds.
Many believed that the absence of the big three -- Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee -- would see Australia struggle with the ball. Far from it! In fact, the bowling has been the stronger suit so far and much of the credit must go to the new-ball combination.
Both these guys keep evolving and refining their actions, techniques, and methods of operation. Bracks has rediscovered his natural away swing to the lefthanders, thanks to some hard work with Geoff Lawson and, significantly, the man who was destined for greatness before injury cut his career short -- Bruce Reid.
'Chook' (Reid) has helped Bracks modify his action, specifically the takeaway and follow-through of his bowling arm. It is much more vertical and helps Bracks stay upright at the point of delivery, enabling him to consistently swing the ball and consequently trouble all batsmen.
Master of a dying art: Nathan Bracken
Swing bowling around the world seems to be a dying art and anyone who can move it through the air will be a wicket-taker. The dearth of swing bowlers may be because of the pre-occupation with trying to hit the wicket hard, or bowl a yard short of good length all the time, or, quite possibly, as a result of the fad of bowling front-on, which can make it tough to gain movement.
Brad has also modified his craft over the years -- from being a tearaway firebrand in his youth before his body succumbed to stress fractures along his spine, to a still genuinely quick bowler capable of swinging the ball away. His repertoire is further strengthened by the sought after skill of putting it consistently in the right place.
Both have embraced the challenge thrust upon them, and have grown in stature and confidence as a result. It's great news for Australia, particularly as the other three are in the rehabilitation stage in their comebacks.
'Dizzy' Gillespie will be a certain starter for the Test series in Australia, which is great news because I feel that he and Muthiah Muralitharan are the two best going around at the moment. Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath are both racing against the clock to make the Brisbane Test, and knowing their resolve and work ethic they will give themselves every opportunity to make it.
There seems to have been a lot said about the scheduling during the current tri-series, with the belief that India have a favourable draw by not playing any day games and thus not being vulnerable to losing any crucial tosses. Well, all I can say to that is that every host country will always have some advantage when there are three teams involved, whether it be venue, scheduling, starting times, or plane flights.
During our one-day series in Australia, we never play back-to-back one-dayers like the other two teams, and this makes our journey through the tournament not as physically demanding. There is no use complaining about it, because it will not change. And, to be brutally honest, if you are playing well enough, schedules will not determine the outcome -- your attitude will.
The next Australia vs India match should be a beauty in Bangalore not only because the home team will be keen to avenge their last thumping, but also because this is a ground that produces monumental noise all game long, thus creating an intense atmosphere. Great players excel in these conditions, so expect a quality match with a tight finish.
It is inspirational to see Michael Kasprowicz back on the international scene after a long interval. He is a quality team man, always giving his best and, many say, in the best form of his career. I hope he plays a significant role whenever he gets a chance because he is a great role model for his fellow players and any up and coming sportsperson.
Good luck to all, and may the best team be victorious.
(Gameplan)
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