I recall last last year how CA was pushing this as the most hectic 12 months in International touring history. That couldn’t have been farther from the truth, due in part to Pakistan’s terrorists inconsiderately using the wrong kind of bombs and the Aussie players preferring to play in the IPL for massive wads of cash.

Fortunately the Indian terrorists are cricket tragics, and only use the kind of bombs that permit Aussies to tour, presumably ones laden with rupees.

India have been granted their choice of umpires with Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson being dropped from the tour for a few bad calls in Sydney resulting in the biggest sub-continental hissy fit since Arjuna called for a runner.

Now we’re stuck with Damien Martyn’s favourite official Aleem bloody Dar who will be doing his best to forget the lbw law, again.

Australia’s preperation has ordinary at best. Fortunately the players who were rested injured for the Bangers top end tribute have all recovered in time, and some fool stuck a microphone in front of Hayden who is “seeking the runs”.

The great white elephant Nice Bryce McGain has been sent home for spending too much time on his facebook page leaving Jason Krejza with the spinning duties. Here’s hoping the young lad from Newtown can improve on his 43 first-class wickets at 45.46 from 23 matches. Fortunately Michael Clarke has a phenomonal record against and in India with the ball, if his back can hold up we’ll be hoping for another 6/9.

Our 2 day tour match with a near full strength batting lineup was a complete shambles. Surely we’ll lift from that effort.

Rick(y)’s been speculating that Anil might refuse his catching agreement! Who would have thought, just cause Ponting claims catches that bounce and Clarke didn’t walk, lets have a gentlemans agreement on catches.

Regardless, the Border/Gavaskar trophy is at stake and 2 test wins will ensure we keep the trophy. If we lose then maybe we get to choose the umpires next time.