How many times has Sachin Tendulkar played second fiddle to his emotions on the cricket field? How many times has he allowed his anger to sneak into your sitting room during the course of a match? Probably never.

On Thursday night, in front of a packed stadium in Hyderabad, however, he showed that he was human too: after diving forward to catch Cameron White, off the last ball of Australia's innings, he slammed the ball into the ground and walked away in a huff.

Instantly, you knew that somebody was going to be at the receiving end that night; that something special was cooking in his ageing willow. But then, Australia had already amassed 350 runs; a victory looked beyond reach, so you turned towards Sehwag for redemption.

As expected, the maverick played a cameo and perished even as hope flickered in the stands; Tendulkar shook his head, almost imperceptibly, and continued his vigil; four overs earlier, he had already expressed his state of mind.

He clips Hilfenhaus for three runs to go past 17,000 runs but there is no sign of joy or achievement; as the stadium roars in salutation, he merely takes guard for the next delivery. It was a monk-like Tendulkar, oblivious to the celebration and noise around him: he was on a bigger mission, a higher goal.

Two deliveries later, he makes room and lofts Hilfenhaus for a boundary: he hadn't played this shot in a long time. Maybe, in the deeper recesses of his non-thinking mind, the pressure had lifted, the smoke had cleared up; or maybe, he was just spurred on by a familiar Read more...

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Let’s be honest: the England side that recently won the Ashes is a very modest one. Dispute this? Well ask yourself this question: who from the 2009 English side would make the 2005 English side? Matt Prior for Geraint Jones.

Graeme Swann for Ashley Giles, while Strauss the 2009 batsman would dead heat the 2005 version (remembering he faced higher quality bowling in 2005). And that’s about it.

Or have a look at where England are in the ICC’s test rankings: 5th, a long way behind the 4th-placed country (which shall not be named!).

So if Australia lost to this mob of Poms, then surely a radical shake-up of personnel is warranted, yes?

I’d like to argue that it’s not so simple.

I have been a trenchant critic of the current Australian selection panel, and in particular its chairman, Andrew Hilditch.

However, for once I am going to express sympathy for them, and admit that they are now confronted by a very unclear picture. While there are many changes they could Read more…

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Finding the right pace combination for Edgbaston will be tough, but Mitchell Johnson deserves a chance to regain his form

This is one of the toughest XIs the Australian selectors have had to pick in a long, long time. There are so many issues and there will be long discussions. Should Mitchell Johnson get another go? Will Stuart Clark be recalled? And what about Shane Watson? All I can say is I don’t envy them.

I do have faith in Australia’s bowling attack despite what happened at Lord’s. The main problem in London was only one of the quicks did well. While Ben Hilfenhaus - he’s the find of the tour, I reckon - has been so consistent, Johnson and Peter Siddle have been leaking runs. At Edgbaston Australia must control both ends for long periods, and that is what Clark does. He’s a proven performer at this level over 22 Tests and he would provide the team with some much-needed stability.

I’ve been a strong supporter of Johnson and I’d like him to get one more opportunity. He’s come under some heavy criticism and we all know he hasn’t been performing. But Australia won’t want to drop him from go-to man to the team’s No. 4 choice in a couple of matches. He’s got a good record over the past couple of years. Give him another chance. Read more…

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