The Gabba Gambit

Australia's tactics over the past decade haven't exactly been subtle. Soften up touring teams - usually underprepared - with a fast pitch in Brisbane, and then apply the finishing touches in front of the raucous hordes at the MCG. If that doesn't work, there's always the WACA in Perth, though the pitch there now bears little resemblance to the greased-lightning one on which Roy Fredericks smashed 169 (145 balls) against the fearsome pace of Lillee and Thomson.

The Sri Lankan itinerary is, to put it mildly, a disgrace. A warm-up game at Adelaide, a tough encounter against Queensland, and then straight into the jaws of the lion for a two-Test series that ends almost as soon as it begins. And they start at the worst possible place. As impregnable a fortress as Sigiriya in the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, the Gabba is a venue where Australia haven't lost since the days when teenage girls fancied Jason Donovan.

Queensland have set the stage for the national team, with Ashley Noffke, perennially on the fringes, knocking over the Sri Lankan top order in both innings. Andy Bichel then snuffed out a Sri Lankan fightback, while showing why he's probably the most under-rated allrounder of the past decade. Only Mahela Jayawardene stands between Queensland and an emphatic win, and it'll need far better batting from the big names if Australia aren't to blow them away.

The locals have an additional reason to be happy. With Shaun Tait pulling out injured, Mitchell Johnson will almost certainly be given the baggy green cap next week. Ben Hilfenhaus, the swing bowler from Tasmania, has been called up to the squad, but won't be risked in the first Test of the home season. Despite his recent heroics, Brad Hogg also looks set to miss out, with Australian cricket's great and good throwing their weight behind Stuart MacGill.

Comments

[Dileep]

Thanks, Tim. I think he has two Tests to save his career, given Hogg's recent hot streak and his own dismal record against Indian batsmen. That the Indians can't pick Hogg only puts more pressure on him.

[Tim]

Dileep,

Great stuff, which I linked to on my blog.

This should be a cracking series: I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how MacGill does on his return.

Cheers

[Airbus]

Dear Dileep,
I've been a long time admirer - and sometimes critic - of your writing, and must say that you've outdone yourself with this blog.
Looking forward to reading more.

[beowulf]

It's just going to be the other way round with the Indians this time, so by the time they get to perth for the 3'rd test they should be in fine shape.