Press Trust of India
Sydney, Jan 5: Emotions and the beginning of a new era will herald the beginning of the fourth and final Test between Australia and India here Tuesday at the SCG. While the gamut of emotions will run through the minds of Shane Watson, David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Brad Haddin as this will be the first time they will play at the SCG after the sad demise of Phil Hughes the Indians will start a fresh chapter under the leadership of Virat Kohli.
Down 0-2 in the series, India have already lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the third Test in Melbourne ended in a draw. But more than anything else, this Test will become interesting as the feisty Kohli’s captain will be under scrutiny.
For the start though, Kohli has selection problems while the Aussies have decided to field Mitchell Starc in place of another Mitchell – Johnson, who is nursing a sore right hammy. Kohli is in a dilemma regarding the bowling combinations. The wicket at the SCG has traditionally favoured the spinners but on the other hand records state that Australian pacers have done wonders for their side helping their team to win 10 of the last 11 games played at the venue.
Indications are that Kohli may opt for the more trusted three pacers – one spinner combo. If that happens, then Varun Aaron in all probability will replace Mohammed Shami who was guilty of bowling too many short balls in the third Test at Melbourne.
There is also a possibility for Bhubaneswar Kumar to come back. The medium pacer bowled a long spell at the nets Monday and did not seem to be in any sort of trouble. Suresh Raina is also expected to start in place of KL Rahul. But whatever, options he may opt for, this is the last chance for Kohli to salvage some pride for the Indians.
Australia on the other hand will start well relaxed with the series already decided in their favour. Captain Steven Smith will again lead the batting while Ryan Harris, in place of the injured Johnson is expected to head the Aussie attack.
India’s record at the SCG has been dismal, there only victory coming in 1978. But then Sir Neville Cardus wouldn’t have called the scoreboard a ‘donkey’ if stats always portray the correct pictures. India have come close to winning in this series and the SCG may just see them converting their chances. After all ‘fortune’ always favours a new skipper.
