It's been quite some time between posts here on STUmpcam, basically because I've been pretty busy with my fingers in too many pies, and the severe lack of Test Cricket (Australian) moments after stating I was re-badging the blog, to focus simply on that specific topic - way to go :-(
Well what a way to start a big 18 months or so in the Aussie rivalry stakes anyway.
The Aussies have headed off to India to defend the Suni-AB Cup, in what I suspect will be the toughest time they've had since they last lost the cup, in India, all those years ago.
Traditionally it has not been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies. Even the great Steve Waugh couldn't muster a series win on Indian soil. The last tour by the Aussie's was the first time in about 30 years they'd managed to do so.
The Indians are bouyant after a fair showing out here last year and I think sense, a slight decline in Australian stocks.
Ponting is after runs, dearly wanting to raise his batting average up above 13 in India. Harhajan will have plenty to say about that - well plenty to say in general really. I suspect we'll need runs from Hussey (as usual) and it will be interesting to see where any more runs come from. Hayden - has he still got it?
The spinning front will be very interesting too. McGain - the stop gap, has the chance to become the subject of trivia night questions for eternity by doing something special with this all so slim chance he has been given. What a place to have to do it though?
Where else will the wickets come from? That I'm afraid could be the undoing!
After that, the Kiwi's are coming - which is alway nothing if not competitive. While they struggle to beat the Aussies across an entire Test series, you can count of tough, spitied and often heated tests within Tests.
Then, in 2009, the Ashes beckon yet again and won't it be gripping to see what the POMS dish up after the stark contrast of the past two tours. 2005 brilliance versus 2006/07 mediocrity.
