Aussies to Mumbai -- No mercy this time
KUMAR SHYAM

MUMBAI, February 21: Hopes, if any, of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar changing his mind at the last minute to turn up for Mumbai for the match against the Australians were dashed when coach Ashok Mankad announced Jatin Paranjpe and Robin Morris as the replacements for Tendulkar and Ajit Agarkar (nursing injuries).

So, while the Ranji Trophy champions would be going into the tie minus two of their strongmen, the Aussies have decided to go full strength deciding to rest Damien Martyn, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz.

The absence of Tendulkar and Agarkar may have put a dampner for many who would have expected the former to explode once again. Tendulkar blasted his only first-class double hundred in the tour opener when Australia visited last time in 1998. Mumbai had then won with a handsome margin.

On the positive side, the visitors now can easily shrug off the ‘opening jinx’ and hope for a much better series this time around. Mankad was philosophical about the absence of Tendulkar. ‘‘This is an opportunity for others to prove their worth. But it is also a good challenge for us.’’ Skipper Sameer Dighe indicated that the team will have three spinners. In all probability, Sairaj Bahutule, Nilesh Kulkarni and Ramesh Powar should make the playing XI. It will provide a good chance for Tendulkar’s school chum Vinod Kambli and opener Wasim Jaffer to make a mark with Kambli having the added onus of guiding the side to a healthy total to make up for Tendulkar’s absence. If he does well, he could well be a hot contender for the upcoming five One-dayers.

Unlike the local side, Steve Waugh named his playing XI in keeping with his policy of giving all his 14 players a chance. With Kasprowicz finding good touch from a well-made 92 in the first innings at Nagpur, Steve could well afford to give him rest. But for the bowler, it would have given a chance to to go all out on a bouncy Wankhede wicket and stake his claim for a Test berth.

Mark Waugh, Shane Warne and McGrath will be playing for the first time and all the three will certainly be raring go. Assisting them, particularly the last two named, will be the pitch, which the Australian skipper felt was more harder than the one at Nagpur. ‘‘The wicket will give some more seam. We have been successful with four bowlers. We will stick to it,’’ said Waugh. Ponting and Mark Waugh can also bowl a bit so the skipper can certainly afford to do that. However, the Australians won’t be taking the match lightly. Mumbai, for sure, would also like to give a good fight. And perhaps, also prove a point or two.

Teams
Australians: Steve Waugh (capt), Adam Gilchrist (vice-capt), Michael Slater, Mathew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Damien Fleming, Colin Miller, Shane Warne, Glen McGrath.
Mumbai: Sameer Dighe (capt), Amol Mazumdar (vice-capt), Wasim Jaffer, Vinayak Mane, Jatin Paranjpe, Vinod Kambli, Sairaj Bahutule, Nilesh Kulkarni, Ramesh Powar, Rajesh Pawar, Robin Morris, Paras Mhambrey, Sriram Kannan, Swapnil Hazare, Kunal More

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.