Series flawed, but should be a cracker

Peter Roebuck writes in the Sydney Morning Herald that despite the series being only two Tests and beginning in a venue lacking the charm of India's traditional grounds, the India-Australia series should be a corker.

It's been a long time since these sides produced a dull day let alone a dull match. India's brilliant and apparently ageless batting order counts among the game's treasures. The Australians are renowned for their refusal to buckle. It is a clash that often turns into a confrontation, a battle of wills that draws the best from all involved.

Immense talent is on display. India's order includes arguably the finest attacking opener the game has known, a capable lefty, a staunch and skilful first drop, a champion, a dazzler, a dashing youth and a personable leader. Add an attack that includes a lefty as feisty as Clyde Cameron and two bowlers who have often troubled the visiting captain and the picture forms of a formidable host team that deserves and, regardless of the result, will retain its position at the top of the Test rankings.