Bobby Simpson has tried. And failed. So, too, have Allan Border, and Mark
Taylor.
For three decades now, India has remained the final frontier, for Australian
cricket. And now it is the turn of Steve Waugh and his record-breaking team
to attempt the seemingly impossible -- a series win against India, in India.
The series continues a rivalry that began with the inaugural one-off Test
for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy -- which India won. Then came a three-Test
series at home -- again, won by India. Then a three-Test series in
Australia -- won, handily, by the home team.
Much has happened since then. The Australians have gone on to weld
themselves into an all-conquering, seemingly-unbeatable team. Indian
cricket, meanwhile, has gone through alarming convulsions -- and, in the
process, changed in shape and character.
The rivalry resumes. This time, Australia have assembled its best possible
team -- spearheaded by the pace of McGrath and Gillespie and the spin of
Warne and Miller, backed by a seemingly endless batting lineup.
But is it enough to do the job? Will Australia be able to build on its
15-Test-winning streak? Debatable, that -- but one thing is for sure, the
series that kicks off later this month will be as hot as the weather, if not
hotter.
As part of our coverage, meanwhile, we bring you a dream feature -- Talk to
the Enemy.
Have you wondered whether Brett Lee's absence will make a difference?
Should Australia go in with six batsmen, or seven?
Is Kasprowicz worth his place in the Test lineup?
The Pavilion, our partner-site in Australia, is on standby to answer any and
all of your questions. Dash off an email, via the link provided below. Your
questions, and the answers generated by the Pavilion's team of cricket
writers, will be featured in these pages every day
Mail the enemy