The result of the 3rd Test starting tonight -- if positive -- have several important milestones. One of the achievements will be getting the highest ICC ranking of being the #2 Test team! This will mark a new era in Indian cricket and like I had said that when Ganguly took over as captain as the beginning of the golden era in cricket!
The body language of the team and the coach were upbeat as we have been seeing that in the press conference. This means this team will be relaxed but not complacent -- hopefully Will it be unleashing of great talent we have or the collapse of a dominance over a period and time leading to complacent play? Only time will tell and in five days the reality of this *dream* for Indian fans to be acknowledge as one of the top team in the world may be fulfilled.
There is no point in *predicting* the outcome of this game, because the hype, excitement and landmarks surrounding this game. After making so many changes, Ganguly finally lands with a combination that not many can argue about and the final eleven really pick themselves -- a rare moment in Indian cricket --
Like I had said earlier, I do not mind if the series ends in a draw because what we need to prove is if we can play outside India and the maturity of Gambhir, Dinesh, Balaji and Pathan plays an important role than winning with *spin* at home.
So what will it take for India to claim the #1 spot. The answer would be the retirement of McGrath! When India toured Australia and ended 1-1 without McGrath, the bowling attack was quite raw except Anil Kumble. India hd scores of 600+ without McGrath and over a period of time, India's dominance over the game will increase as the McGrath's and Warne's fade away in time.
Let us hope though we can play a full series with Australia home and away before they retire.
