The last time Australia travelled to India, they were heavily bullied by the hosts and were effectively whitewashed in the 4-match Test series. It was a relief for India who had overcome the tough period filled with slight insecurity after their loss to England at home. Ms Dhoni, who earned the unwanted distinction of leading an Indian team to such a heavy loss for the first time in 28 years. He was a happy man, relieved to be precise.
However, the opposition camp was dealing with much graver problems. The inexperienced team had nose-dived in an important Test series – The Ashes – just three months away. The ‘homework-gate’ with coach Mickey Arthur at helm added more drama to the tour.
The series wasn’t memorable but was a huge learning curve for the Aussies. Steven Smith, David Warner, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, the only ones from the 2013 squad now return for the second trip to India along with a bunch of other talented names who have proved their credentials in the past couple of years.
Much has changed since that tour, especially for two players – Steven Smith and David Warner. Steven Smith, the 17th man in the squad, played two games eventually but is now the skipper of the side.
David Warner, the aggressive, brash but super talented left-hander, has grown into a mature head and is the deputy in charge of the team. To be honest, it would not be wrong to say that the success of the Australian team relies on the shoulders of these two men.
While Smith carries his own importance, the focus today, however, will be on David Warner. He has evoked a sense of excitement among Indian fans. It is quite obvious that the Indian s will be facing an improved version of Warner. Since that disastrous series, where he was able to muster only 195 runs in 4 Tests at an average of 24.37, the opener has collected 15 Test tons and averaged 53.3 while also taking the vice-captaincy along the way.
The question that arises in the mind is – Will he be able to make a difference?
Many feel yes. As Warner describes himself. He is all – in or a flop. This unpredictability is what makes him very dangerous. While he has almost mastered the art playing at home and against opposition like England, South Africa and New Zealand, his real Test of character will start just about a few hours from now.
His most recent trip to a place similar to India where the pitch was dusty and the spinners of great quality was Sri Lanka. Reminding him of his time there in the whites would certainly hit the morale. But what would raise his confidence will be his fighting knock in the UAE on similar sort of pitches against Pakistan bowling attack comprising of Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar.
In two matches, he finished with 239 runs at an average close to sixty. It was all about grit and grind on both the tours for him but the results varied differently.
Likewise, it is difficult to predict whether Warner would dominate India or would just fizzle out. But, his IPL title winning experience and a fresh mind and body after skipping the New Zealand tour obviously sends a few negative signals to the Indian camp.
As well know of him, one mistake and he can cost you a hundred runs in one session.