If You do not score, Australia will score

‘’India would have never been at six after nine overs had Sehwag been there’’

Basically, the commentators were describing Sehwag’s ability to take the bull by the horn after India’s very defensive start, which saw them make just six runs in first nine overs, while losing Jaffer’s wicket at the same time.

Worse, India would have been staring disaster at 6 for two, had Dravid been lapped up by Jaques, or been caught off a legitimate ball by Hayden.

With a player like Sehwag, fireworks are guaranteed, and that is the only sureshot way of putting Australia on the defensive. For records, Australia were 36 for none after ten overs while India were just six for one at the similar stage.

Sure, you have to eschew some strokes initially, as many players including great Tendulkar will testify, but that does not mean not making runs at all. Dravid would have been out without scoring off 19 balls and then 33 balls. His first runs, a two, came after he had played a good 40 deliveries just defending.

Sure, Sehwag is not in the best of form but if you have the confidence to take him to Australia, have confidence to have in the playing eleven as well. The Australian aggression can’t be met by defense alone.

Dravid is still best suited at number three. He looked so uncomfortable as opener. Even if he makes some runs, it will only be thanks to all the chances he got.