Aus Vs India: Indian Playing XI will decide the fate of Brisbane

The 2nd test match between India and Aussies will be underway at Brisbane tomorrow. A bouncy wicket, I will stack with batsmen who will and can perform. India should consolidate this test match by scoring heavily and leave it to the Melbourne and Sydney where a familiar sub continental pitches awaits!

India should not look beyond this test match and thus the playing XI should be crucial for this match. This would also mean India should step back a bit, try to consolidate this match thereby playing it safe. This will have an overall effect on the series.

For this, I would like to have Murali Vijay and Rahane to open the innings with Pujara, Kohli, Rohit and Raina to follow with Dhoni to bat at No.7. This will open up the bowling attack where one of the 3 quicks in Ishant, Shami, Varun and Umesh would be selected. Since on both the occasions the late middle order failed to capitalize, I would be tempted to rope in either Ashwin or Jadeja.

For Aussies, with the win against India, their confidence will be very high and they will go all out for that extra kill.

I am happy that Steve Smith has been chosen ahead of Brad Haddin to lead the team in the absence of Clarke. I had reported earlier in my column that Haddin is not inform and that is the reason that this Aussies team should be lead by either Smith or Bailey. The bowling department looks awry with Hazlewood and Starc joining this team in place of Siddle and Harris. India should definitely able to capitalize on this and try to consolidate this match with a draw. 

India, thus, definitely needs to take small steps this test match and look forward for the kill the next 2 matches.