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The first Test at the Gabba, which starts tomorrow will mark the start of the Australian cricket season, actually heralding the cricket summer Down Under.

Let's admit one thing - the Australians at the moment are the undisputed champions, be it the Test matches or the shorter version of the game. But then, India, too, have a tremendous track record when it comes to playing the Australians in India. India has defeated Australia in the last three tours of India. The one played in the 2000 season was the most exciting and satisfactory for India. I am sure, the Australians are itching to settle the scores.

Yet, there is no doubt that the advantage lies with the Australians on the eve of the match. While the record book clearly suggests that the Indians have never done too well in their previous tours of Australia, the present lot of Aussies are no doubt more experienced and perhaps shade better when it comes to comparing the man to man strength.

And finally, they have the home advantage. But still, I am hopeful of a better result since I know this Indian team well. They are not only well prepared, but also have an extremely positive attitude. The overall success in the last two years has brought this change of attitude in the team.

Though no one can doubt the resilience - personified Steve Waugh's ability to play the game for a couple of more years at the highest level, his decision to quit, I have a feeling, is a result of the resolute system of Cricket Australia (CA) than his won choice. The Australian cricket culture has already set such a high standard that it sometimes compels the best to make way for someone equally good every though the former may be his best.

Coming back to Indian team, it may not have done too well in the first two tour matches, but the object of match practice has been served. With Sachin, Laxman and Ramesh getting runs, the batting line up for the first Test has almost been decided.

Veeru opening the innings along with Ramesh will probably leave out Aakash Chopra. With the wicket keeper Parthiv Patel occupying the number 7 spot, the team can only accommodate four regular bowlers.

With Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra sharing the major work in the bowling department, Ajit Agarkar should be the ideal foil as the third seamer. The choice will be hard to make between Anil and Harbhajan. If experience is the criterion, then Anil should get the nod, but going by the success rate against the Australians, turbunator is likely to get the captains' favour.

The Australians will certainly be missing both MacGrath and Warne, but they have found suitable replacements in Nathan Bracken and Andy Bichel. Stuart Mac Gill automatically comes in as the only spinner.

The main reason behind Australia's elevation to number one spot is the depth in their bating. Adam Gilchrist coming in at No. 7 clearly indicates the nightmarish time that they could pose to the opponents. And the presence of world record holder Mathew Hayden, Steve Waugh, Ponting and Damien Martyn speaks volumes about the indomitable Aussie batting line up.

Longer hours:
Indian will have to really play well to keep the Aussies at bay. Sachin and Rahul should occupy the crease for longer hours to allow the rest to contribute their bit in building up the innings.

Individual brilliance cannot win Test matches, as it is imperative for few batsmen to come to from in time. The opening batsmen have a major role in seeing the new ball off. The judgement of leaving the right delivery to the wicket keeper is also a key factor. India, I feel, can also cash on the fairly inexperienced Australian attack.

Indian bowlers know well enough to keep the ball up to the batsmen. And finally to the media coverage. It is a common and regular feature to see some of the critics filling their pens with blood to write the players off before a tour begins.

The pundits, who comment on the game, will use equally sharp words to the same effect. This destructive criticism might play havoc in the minds of the youngsters and could be detrimental to playing their natural game.

I am extremely confident that the Indian team will put their best efforts to match the might of the Australians. On such an arduous tour, let's get behind our team and lend full-hearted support to the boys.

Javagal Srinath
Courtesy: Star of Mysore