The ideal 11 to beat Aussies

What should be the ideal 11 to beat Aussies at Mohali when India takes on Australia in the second Test starting tomorrow and why? Should Team India go for six specialist batsmen excluding or including MS Dhoni? Should Team India take three pacers and two spinners, or tow pacers and two spinners with no place go for a batsman, i.e. Gambhir? What specific strategy Kumble and Co. would adopt to take upper hand against the Aussies? Many more such questions would keep Indian dressing room busy on the eve of Mohali Test, if Team Indian has to beat the formidable opponent.

As the pitch may help fast bowlers due to rain for the last two days, winning the toss is the key. Putting the opponent bat first on this pitch would surely be an advantage, and if India wins the toss it gets the first hurdle crossed. And for this, Team Indian must play third pacer in the form of Munaf Patel and go all out to restrict the Aussies within 300 runs or less, depending upon how our pacers perform or how Australian handle the conditions.

If Team India opts or asked to bat, the strategy needs a change. With a formidable batting line up that includes Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly and Sehwag, a 300-plus runs would be good enough to put pressure on the Aussies. I would suggest five batsmen and five bowlers combination since on great many occasions India have won due to bowlers, rather than batsmen. Moreover, on home ground, and with Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly and Sehwag look in good nick, they will be able to put up a good score. This is an aggressive approach towards winning a game.

In case skipper Kumble prefers four bowlers, he needs to sacrifice Harbhajan, who did well in the first match. Kumble can not be dropped as he is the skipper though his current form is matter of concern. Munaf, who has been in great form these days, can add power to bowling attack led by Zaheer and Ishant. Due to his sheer accuracy like McGrath, Munaf can be as lethal as Zaheer and Ishant. Moreover, though Ricky Ponting had scored a brilliant century in Bangalore, he had some tough time handling Ishant and Harbhajan. Our bowlers need to hit those lines that irked Ponting. However, getting rid of Michael Hussey and Simon Katich would require Kumble to adopt different game strategy. Michael Clarke, who is a compact player of spin and pace, seems out of form, while Matthew Hayden, who loves to attack, can bounce back since their last outing was dismal. And Shane Watson, who has enough knowledge of Indian conditions and bowling strengths and weaknesses due to his stint with IPL, could be no less difficult.

In Test matches in India, getting the opponent out twice has been little tough but with accurate pace bowling like those of great Kapil Dev. Same is the case with Indian batting, and since MS Dhoni too has to shoulder the reasonability, Team India has the chances of building a good total. However, I am sad to exclude Gambhir if Kumble likes to include five bowlers that include Harbhajan. In that case, Dravid has to open the innings. Team India missed Piyush Chawla at Bangalore, who has become regular wicket taking bowler.

One important point: Ishant needs guidance at time with respect to where to pitch the ball and what sort of delivery to get rid of a particular Australian batsman. Lastly, Robin Singh must ensure better fielding performance, as we have dropped some vital catches at Bangalore.