Ground Report

Magic happened on Sunday. And now having drawn first blood, MS Dhoni’s Men in Blue are expected to go in for the kill on Tuesday in Brisbane. India might have won the World Cup, but it has never won the Australian One-day tri-series. In a tour racked by controversy and acrimony, a title victory would spark nationwide festivities. Pulling off two wins in a row won’t be easy. The Aussies are, indeed, the kings of One-day cricket. And like true champions, they always raise their game under pressure. But Dhoni’s new young India is also scaling peaks no Indian team has conquered before. Before Sunday, India had never won a single match in the tri-series finals — it entered the finals in 1986, 1992 and 2004 but lost all six games it played. But aided by a masterly ton by Sachin Tendulkar, that bridge was crossed at Sydney. A Brisbane win will seal the issue. But even if India lose at Brisbane, they can take another shot at glory at Adelaide on Friday. Indian cricket fans, though, would be hoping it doesn’t come down to a nerve-jangling decider. History shows that on four occasions visiting teams have surrendered their first-win advantage to lose the trophy: NZ in 1980-81, South Africa in 1993-94 and 1997-98 and Sri Lanka in 2005-06. But with an effective yet under-feted coach Lalchand Rajput in command and a forthright captain energizing the team, it is unlikely that complacency will creep in. India’s main worry revolves around the fitness of Ishant Sharma (finger) and Tendulkar (groin). Chances are both will play. There is another likely change. Despite an eye-catching spell and a great outfield catch, leg-spinner Piyush Chawla could make way for a paceman — Sreesanth or Munaf — in the horses for courses policy. That apart, one hopes that Yuvraj Singh plays a match-winning ODI innings. And that Bhajji doesn’t scratch himself anywhere in public even if the itch becomes irresistible.