The battle lines have been drawn. The conches have been blown. The teams will go into battle in a few hours time in the grounds of the grand palace that is the PCA Stadium in Mohali. Hopefully, the crowds will flock in thousands to support this mother of all contests.
Last year while there was a historic, almost revolutionary display of warmth and hospitality by the Pakistani fans towards the Indian team they only supported the ODI series with much passion - not so much the Tests. I hope it is different this time around.
The first Test, first day, first session of a series is always crucial but this one will be especially huge because of the nature of the Mohali wicket. It could do 1 of three things:
1. If indeed there is a tinge of green and the pacemen can exploit it, it could decide the fate of the match very fast indeed. India were bowled out for 83 within a session or so against NZ in 1999.
2. On the other hand in the same Test it flattened into an absolute belter later with India coming close to victory (would you believe it ?) but settling for a draw in the end. It has also seen 2 other very dull draws in recent years.
3. It could assist the spinners like it did in 2001 - and by assist I mean provide additional bounce not slow low turn.
If either team (India in particular) can take advantage of this, they will sail through the series. If on the other hand it peters out to a draw, Pakistan would be very happy going into Kolkata.
Normally people bat unless they are sure of bowling out the opposition in 200; but here my gut feeling tells me that India should stick Pakistan in first if they win the toss. Might be a good toss to lose actually.
Fingers crossed. May the games begin
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