It has been three days after the Sydney Test. Much has been written and spoken about, and millions have read and heard about the Test. India went down against the Aussies by 0-2 in the Four Test series. And Ponting equals the record 16-Test win of the former captain Steve Waugh. But this test will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Honestly speaking, the Australians did not deserve to win the match. The so called champions hardly showed any signs of professionalism which they boast of every now and then. Leave alone professionalism, they failed to carry a good spirit which every sportsperson or sports team is supposed to display on the field. For all the things that have happened, the result has gone in the hosts’ favour and the Indian team has been taken for a tough ride in many ways—-Atrocious umpiring with several decisions favouring the Australians; Harbhajan being punished with a three test ban for allegedly passing on racist comments against his Australian counterpart with little evidence found. The Indians have decided to stayback in Sydney and are waiting for BCCI to act in a way which helps Harbhajan get rid of the punishment.

While the BCCI has to take issue forward to the ICC, the Indian team has to draw some points before they go to Perth where they face the mighty Australians on a pitch that is supposed to suit the hosts better. Anil Kumble has to get his plan and strategies right for there is a tough ask ahead to level the series. Umpiring decisions apart, Indians have a few things to settle down. Yuvraj doesn’t seem to be in good nick and it is high time he is replaced with Sehwag thus help Dravid play his natural game at No.3 position. The pace bowling seems vulnerable with lack of experience. Bringing in Irfan Pathan would be a better idea, if not a great move (he has played against the Australians earlier). Whoever comes in and/or whoever goes out, it all depends on how the Indian team bounces back in the next two tests and saves their pride by levelling the series 2-2. Let us hope the Australians play the next two Tests in “True Spirit” and umpires do their best to stay away from controversies.

Good Luck Team India.