The Indian cricket team need to shake off two things before they get to the stadium in Guwahati - overcome the awe of Sachin Tendulkar and euphoria pouring in and also, get over their near miss defeat in Hyderabad.
Team India do not have too much time to waste. That is because Australia are leading the India Australia ODI series 3-2 with two matches to go and there is little doubt that Ricky Ponting and his men will be looking to seal the deal at Guwahati, if they can help it.
India would still be reeling from letting slip victory from close range, especially with Sachin Tendulkar giving double reasons for celebrations. That such a majestic effort has gone in vain would have been disappointing as also the fact that India could have gone into the sixth ODI leading the series. Instead now, India will have to win this match, that is an imperative if they are to stay alive in the series and take the big battle to the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai for the seventh and final ODI.
But there will be work to do. The general surmise is that the Guwahati pitch will also holds runs and therefore, spectator interests. In that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to drill into the bowlers the need to keep it as tight as possible, knowing that runs will be guzzled at the slightest opportunity.
Australia have not looked particularly scarred despite the number of injuries that have taken their toll. And that will be the worry factor because the Indian team has looked bereft at times when Australia seemed to hold the aces.
If the series has been anything to go by thus far, it should be another humdinger and another tight finish for the early risers in Guwahati.
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We are in for some terrific cricket over the next few days!
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India-Australia ODI Series - Results, Dates, Venues and News in the Run Up!
