New Delhi: There was a break from playing cricket not from cricket news, since the last day of the Mohali Test. And if no one is flinging balls or cover-driving them, there is always a book to stir people up; a book that few; if any have read but which has polarized cricket culture.
Some record will waited on Kotla
One catch needed by Sachin Tendulkar (99) to complete a century of catches and to become the fifth Indian to achieve the distinction. Rahul Dravid (177) is the leading Indian fielder, followed by Sunil Gavaskar (108), Azharudding and VVS Laxman (105) each.
Four wickets needed by Brett Lee (49 wickets in 10 Tests) to become the leading Australian wicket-taker against India. Richie Benaud, at present, hold the record for claiming 52 wickets in eight Test against India.
Fifth Test played by India and Australia at Ferozeshah Kotla, India winning two - both by seven wickets in 1969-70 and 1996-97 and Australia one by an innings and 127 runs in 1959-60. And other two were draw.
Last seven Test India won at here. Three against Zimbabwe, two against Pakistan and one each against Australia and Sri Lanka.
300 with just one wicket, Harbhajan Singh is all set to claim 300 wickets or more in Tests after skipper Anil Kumple (616) and World Cup winner captain Kapil Dev (434).
India | Australia | |
Coach | Gary Kirstan | Tim Nielsen |
ICC Ranking | 3 | 1 |
Key Player | Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Ishant Sharma, Anil Kumble | Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee |
Drawing Board | Win the toss, bat big and make the second innings redundant. Spinners can then come into their own. | Delhi always offer spin friendly in last two days. Australia no specialist spinner in squad. |
Weather | Glorious weather is forecast for all five days of the Test. A maximum of 29oC and minimum of 16oC is predicted. Mornings will nice and cool and fast bowlers will able to run in hard and bowl spells. | |
Pitch Report | The pitch at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium is arguably one of the most spin friendly turfs in the country. First three days pitch batting friendly | |
Chance | 2/1 | 11/5 |
Scoreboard |