Wicket and Toss holds the key by CricketArchive staff reporter

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Ground:	Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Player:	A Kumble, MS Dhoni, MM Patel, SR Clark, PM Siddle
Event:	Australia in India 2008/09

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DateLine: 16th October 2008

 

With rain lashing the city for the past one month the curator of PCA stadium in Mohali ,Daljeet Singh who is also the head of the pitches committee of the BCCI ,would have had a tough time preparing the wicket.Both teams seemed happy with the pitch as it always has a lot for the pacers,spinners and batters,being a true wicket.
With Anil seemingly doubtful with a shoulder injury,Dhoni will have his plate full in this all important second test of the series.He has already captained India in the absence of Kumble this year and won the test match against South Africa thereby squaring the series one all.Once again he might be asked to lead the side in his absence.Munaf the likely replacement for Anil.
Once again the weather may hold the key .With showers predicted over the next one week,hope this test doesn't go the way the first test did.Being in the northern part of the country, light can also be a factor this part of the year.
From the Australian side there is an injury concern as well with Stuart Clarke declaring himself unfit with a sore elbow.Peter Siddle will be the likely replacement.He will be thrilled to be wearing the baggy green for the first time .The Victorian fast bowler has already got the vote of his Captain for his no nonsense attitude and being a hard trier.He has already bowled to these Indian batting line up when he played them in Melbourne in a side game.The rookie fast bowler should be a handy raplacement for Clarke on this sort of a wicket.
Both teams would want to throw the first punch at each other after the usual war of words ahead of this test match.Lets see who wins on the field of play.