Australian Confidence

M.Taylor, M.Slater, G.Blewett, M.Waugh, S.Waugh, R.Ponting and Ian Healy (1997)

Hayden-Slater-Langer-M.Waugh, S.Waugh, R.Ponting and A.Gilchrist (2001),

Hayden, Langer, S.Katich, M.Clarke, D.Lehmann, R.Ponting and A.Gilchrist (2004)

Hayden, S.Katich, R.Ponting, M.Clarke, M.Hussey, S.Watson, B.Haddin (2008)

S.Watson, S.Katich, R.Ponting, M.Clarke, M.Hussey, M.North, T.Paine (2010).

These were the batting line up of Australians in last few series. Some of the greatest batsman of modern times featured in that batting line up. Only S.Watson and M.Clarke has experience of playing in Indian conditions at Test Level and rest of the line up looks completely new. D.Warner and wicket keeper Wade are a familiar face due to IPL but Cowan, Hughes are completely new and to go in against India with 5 regular batsman and announcing team 48 hours ago, is something which we can only associate with Australians. They are such a confident cricketers and that confidence is their biggest strength. 

They are going to rely heavily on experience of Watson and Clarke to play in the middle overs when India will be operating spin at their both ends. Series will be decided on how well, Watson and Clarke are going to play against Indian Spinners.

Another key confidence thing to notice about Australians is how they are ready to throw their inexperience at the first three batsmen and Wade at number 6. If India is without Dravid and Laxman, Australia is without R.Ponting and M.Hussey.

Playing in Chennai where opposition team has selected 3 spinners, to go with 4 fast bowlers is another confidence thing. Perhaps, they are out of option in that area as their back up spinner is not that good enough and hence they want to stick to their best playing eleven, ignoring the pitch and conditions.

It will be battle of two re-building teams and contrasting bowling line up but if India has advantage of home conditions, Australia is going to rely on their Confidence.