After our demoralizing defeat in the second test match, this test was always going to be one of the great challenges of our cricket careers. Fighting back from such an inglorious defeat only three days ago, will be a test of courage, character and stamina.

Having discussed this challenge over the last two days, every player in our touring party has been asked to dig deep and find something special for the next five days. Today's performance was exactly what was required, as we executed the perfect counter-attack at our confident and determined opponent. Winning the toss was certainly a promising start to the day. With India opting for three spin bowlers they would have been desperately keen to win the toss and bat first on a pitch that is sure to take more and more spin with every passing minute of this game.

Continuing his sensational series form, Matty Hayden played the innings of his life. It was as though he felt compelled to emulate VVS Laxman's incredible innings of the second test. His power and confident body language suggests he is keen to punish the Indian bowling attack and play a major part in the result of this test. After spending the last two days in bed with the flu and a terrible cough, Haydos's effort becomes even more special. He is going from strength to strength as a test batsman, as he shows the world why he has been such a prolific run-scorer in first class cricket.

"After spending the last two days in bed with the flu and a terrible cough, Haydos's effort becomes even more special"

The first session this morning was a fascinating assault on the Indian bowlers. When the clock ticked over for lunch, we had scored 140 runs. A part of our game plan going into today, was to go all out to win this game of cricket. We came here to win the series and today we played accordingly. The Waugh twins played a major role in partnering up with Matty Hayden, and at stumps, it would be fair to assess the situation as a win in all three sessions of the day.

With only four days to go before a long break from test cricket, tomorrow provides the perfect opportunity for us to take a second step towards winning this game. Nothing will be taken for granted, as a major lesson was learned during our last match. We let India off the hook last week, but if the attitude of today is anything to go by then we will be fighting like wounded lions for the remainder of this series.

Off the field and the big news of the day was the David Beckham hairstyle adopted by our leg spinning superstar over night. To say it was a big decision for 'Warney' is something of an understatement. Known for his pretty long, blonde locks of hair, Warney decided to go for the Commando style look for this important test match. 'Funky' Miller continued his second profession as team hairdresser, shaving not only Shane's hair but also Michael Slater's and Jason Gillespie's. Let's just call it male bonding, and I might add, I have never seen so many Australian cricket players looking at themselves in the mirror in one day.

From Chennai

JL

PS: Our resolve was strengthened further for this test when we heard that a couple of the Indian players 'flew the bird' at our loyal Australian supporters, during their lap of honor in Calcutta. It was an ordinary act, which is another motivating factor in this game.

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