Men in blue back to day job

BANGALORE: Lights, camera, action...Cut. Change the sets, switch the props, and prepare for new roles. That’s the biggest challenge that lies ahead for both India and Australia as they face-off in the first ODI of the seven-match series that kicks off at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

The challenge for the two teams is to switch off the run-a-minute slam bang of the shortest version of the game and mix prudence with aggression going 50-50.

The transition may be especially difficult for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men as the frenzy of their triumph refuses to subside. The team members have been making appearances around the country for various felicitation functions, been hounded for their take on every little nuance of that dream final at Johannesburg and then basking under the adulation of an adoring Mumbai where they were paraded around for four hours in pouring rain.

The Aussies, who are a wounded lot after the 15-run loss to India in the semifinals, would be eager to snap at any weakness perceived or apparent. The inclusion of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, the big three who didn’t feature in T20, might then be a boon. They after all know the importance of not letting the win go to the heads of their younger mates as ODIs are a new-ball game and the opposition is mighty Australia.

On the flip side the trio has been tested and every move of theirs scrutinised by the men from Oz over the course of several years. They themselves will also be under pressure to prove that they deserve the place made for them by dropping some of the nation’s latest heroes.

Rahul Dravid, praising the team’s achievement said, “Like for cricketers of my generation, 1983 was a huge inspiration, for today’s young kids Dhoni and men are the stars. The images of India’s win will carry into the next generation.” On a cautionary note he did add that the team needs to keep the momentum going.

News from the Aussie camp confirms that Ricky Ponting will not play in Saturday’s match. Stand-in captain Adam Gilchirst said his side is more prepared for the ODIs than it was for Twenty20. “I think the cricket is going to be very exciting. We were caught short before the Twenty20 World Cup. But this time there are no excuses. We are back in to regular cricket, had a lot of practice and are ready and raring to go.”

While the Aussies have lost three of the four matches that they have played at the venue, the Australian captain spoke of having fond memories of the ground. He had blasted 111 in November 2003 when Australia amassed the highest total at the ground — 347/2.

The stand-in captain said that the wicket looked a good batting track and the glee on his face as he said that is an ominous sign for India. On the big threats in the India side, Gilchrist said, “There are more than a couple of threats in this Indian side. They are high on the success of Twenty20 win, so they will be confident. But I also think there will be added pressure on them because as the Twenty20 champions they will be expected to win.”

“Now India are no longer the hunters, in fact they are the hunted and we would definitely want to beat them tomorrow and do well in the entire series.”

Gilchirst didn’t fail to stress how the Aussies “are a very, very good cricket side, as we have proven over all these years. There have been six changes in the side since the World Cup, because of retirement, injuries and personal issues. I don’t think there are any advantages and disadvantages really to talk about. But we are strong and fit.”