The We-Can-Win section

Someone had to play optimist and tell those doubters a thing or two. Sandeep Dwivedi volunteered to tell them five reasons why Sydney can be...

Someone had to play optimist and tell those doubters a thing or two. Sandeep Dwivedi volunteered to tell them five reasons why Sydney can be different:

HAPPY HUNTING GROUND: The SCG’s always been lucky for India, even on this tour. Australia just about drew the Test and just about won the last ODI here (remember Brett Lee’s six?). Call it law of averages or the impartial rub of green, an Indian victory is overdue here

THE PHOENIX FACTOR: The tour began with ‘whitewash’ written all over it. Much has happened since then and the bottomline is that the Indians have demonstrated an unerring ability to play contrary to all expectations. This is as good a time as any to defy the odds again

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BETTER BATTING: It’s not everyday that India’s batting line-up can be reduced to 76/6. Given their performance on this tour, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see Melbourne as a collective bad day at office. The top six have won matches on this tour. Why not another?

NO-FEAR ZONE: Pathan and Balaji belong to the generation for whom the Aussies aren’t invincible. Yes, they’ve been battered but there is a fire in these two youngsters that suggests they will not give in without a fight (and, ego permitting, the seniors can learn from them)

SECOND WIND: India lost Melbourne before Australia won it. Ganguly’s a shrewd captain, he has a backup of keen students of the game. If between them they can’t set things right for Sunday (e.g., Pathan and Balaji swapping bowling slots), we have a serious problem.