India have tough choices before the first Test

Indian cricket has gone through a week of many changes. They have had very little time to collect their thoughts before the first Test. However, the fact that Sachin Tendulkar is staying on as captain for the two Tests makes things a little easier. The captain along with the coach met the Press at the Wankhede stadium, but refused to get involved in any contentious issues. Steering clear of controversy, they went through the motions of the pre-match press conference.

When the two teams take the field tomorrow, it will be after much contemplation and selection dilemmas. The South Africans will find it very hard to go into the Test without a full time spinner. Clive Eksteen's five wicket haul in the second innings of the warm up game has made his inclusion in the side almost certain. At the same time, Nantie Hayward bowled with genuine pace and troubled the Indian batsmen. He has the definite psychological advantage over the Indians. Hayward will trouble the top order and make short work of the tail if he is given a chance. The South African batsmen will be wary of the Indian spinners. However, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Pieter Strydom and Gary Kirsten have all had a good stint at the crease. They seemed to handle the spinners with confidence.

In contrast, the Indian team selection will be a tricky exercise. For the opening slot, Nayan Mongia, VVS Laxman and Wasim Jaffer are in contention. If Mongia does open the innings, it opens up the No 6 slot. It also allows India to go into the match with three spinners. Murali Kartik bowled well in the warm up game and looks to be a good prospect. Nikhil Chopra has been deadly accurate in the One-Dayers and will do well to carry that with him to the Test matches. Once again, Kumble will be in the centre of all attention. A lot will rest on his shoulders if India are to win the opening game.

Ajit Agarkar had a reasonably successful tour of Australia as a bowler and is likely to get the nod ahead of Kumaran who promised a lot but did not really live upto expectations in the match between the Board President's XI and the South Africans.

Whatever the combinations, the two teams are both raring to go. For a change, a team visiting the sub continent is not on the back foot. A positive South African side will take on a tentative Indian side at the Wankhede Stadium from tomorrow. The first day's play will be crucial to the series. Whichever team gets the momentum going will have a big advantage in the series.