This, That and Cricket: Boxing Day Test: Dravid to open?

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Boxing Day Test: Dravid to open?

The eagerly awaited Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is almost here and based on the team that they fielded in the practice match against Victoria, it seems almost certain that Yuvraj would play at the expense of Kartik with Dravid opening the batting alongside Jaffer.

While it may seem fair to Yuvraj who has been knocking the doors of the team for quite some time now, and has quite literally barged his way in riding on a masterful 169 against Pakistan, it is quite unfortunate for Kartik who excelled as opener in the series against England a couple of months ago. Agreed, Kartik didn't make any meaningful contributions in the recent series against Pakistan, but much of that was due to the enormous pressure exerted on him by the voices questioning the validity of Yuvraj warming the bench, and I think he deserves another chance.

And, Yuvraj's entry in the middle order means Dravid has to open the innings with Jaffer. One might argue that Dravid on numerous occasions has come in to bat at three within the first 10 overs and hence it isn't a far stretch for him to open. It isn't far but it is still a stretch! Being a team man, Dravid has said that he is willing to make the adjustment to be an opener, but again, I repeat, it is still an adjustment and it is not going to be easy. While it might be easy to move up and down the middle order, it is not easy to change roles - opener to middle order or vice versa. If it was easy, then he would have excelled as an opener much earlier in his career; Sachin would have excelled coming in at four in the 2007 World Cup. If it is easy, I would rather have Sachin and Ganguly open the innings, drop Jaffer and get a fifth bowler in! Now, that looks like a winning team on paper, and that's exactly what it is - a dream team in theory, but one that wouldn't work in practice. Also, the Indian middle order has revolved around the solidity that Dravid provides batting at three. Why compromise that in such a crucial and tough tour?

So, my choice of openers for the match are Jaffer and Kartik. As for Yuvraj, he is a fighting for a spot in the middle order and though very unfortunate, there just isn't any room for him in the team at this moment.

My Indian team for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG -