Michael Clarke needs to rethink leadership strategy.

Whatever happens at the MCG tomorrow, one thing is clear. Their batsmen would have gone through a litmus test which will decide which way the series will go. With or without India’s top pace bowlers on show, Australia’s green openers and creaky middle order will have to make a statement in Melbourne that drastically changes their opponents’ minds, and those of neutral viewers if only temporarily, about the vulnerability of their so called unpredictable batting line up.

India’s tour of Australia: A Preview

On Boxing Day, the Melbourne Cricket Ground will host its traditional Boxing Day Test. A year ago, the MCG Boxing Day Test was the game in which England officially thwarted Australia’s advances on the Ashes, and their convincing innings victory allowed them to retain the Ashes for the first time since the 80’s. With Australia managing to avoid plunging to (many more) such depths since that landmark Test, the Australian public will very well look to the upcoming four Test series against a confident (and at times cocky) Indian outfit as a chance to win back some lost confidence as well as reputation.