Symonds' absence leaves Australia vulnerable in India

With Andrew Symonds stuck at home and a generation of world-beaters now retired, India can regain the ascendancy over their rivals, writes Dileep Premachandran in his Guardian blog.

The common factor in Australia's solo wins in the 1998 and 2001 tours was Adam Gilchrist's attacking methods, feels the writer, and that is where Symonds' role would have been crucial in India.

With Gilchrist now part of Australian cricket folklore, it was Symonds who inherited the mantle of middle-order enforcer. It is a task he has warmed to, averaging a stunning 72.07 from 12 Tests since coming back into the side during the last Ashes. India have been his favourite opponents. In the hullabaloo over what was said or not said at the SCG last season, it was forgotten that Symonds' 162, with a little help from snoozing umpires, changed the game and series. It was also forgotten that his 410 runs and nine wickets (at 27.44, far better than the mouthy Harbhajan) made him the standout performer over the four Tests. Only once did he fail to cross 30.

Meanwhile the Times of India looks at what lies in store at the four venues which will be hosting the Tests.