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[Mick]

Australia are looking for improved performances from their batting and bowling leaders in the third test to avoid a first series defeat since 2005.
Struggling opener Matthew Hayden, who has made just 42 runs in his four innings so far, has promised to counter-attack left-arm Zaheer, who has dismissed him three times in the series while paceman Brett Lee has been working hard since both men flopped in last week's second test.

Australia's shortcomings were crudely exposed by the swing bowling of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma in Mohali, and the tourists will also have to contend with fit-again skipper Anil Kumble after he sat out that test due to a shoulder injury.
Coach Gary Kirsten has made it clear that should Kumble be declared fit, Amit Mishra will have to pave the way for him despite an impressive performance in his debut test. Kumble has taken 55 wickets in six games at the Ferozshah Kotla ground, long regarded as India's favourite venue.

The 38-year-old has taken at least seven wickets in each of his Delhi tests, bowling India to victory each time. Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke said his team were unconcerned by India's formidable record at a venue where they have won the last seven test matches dating back to 1993. "I believe all the guys in the squad are in fantastic shape," he told reporters on Monday. "We are 1-0 down, we have to win, play good cricket. "We've taken the positives out of the last two tests. We're concentrating hard on this test, not looking too far ahead."

Australia, meanwhile, helped fuel speculation that they are a team in decline by their flat performance over all five days. Their biggest worry has been their batsmen's inability to combat swing while their own bowlers have failed to move the ball in the air. The team's inexperienced spin bowlers, who sought the help of legendary Indian spinner Bishen Singh Bedi, have also struggled to make an impression on the dry Indian pitches.
Australia have their task cut out, playing against an upbeat Indian side on a track strongly favouring the host side. An exciting contest in the offing.

Teams:
India (From): Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Saurav Ganguly, Mahendra Singh Dhoni(w), Anil Kumble(c), Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Subramaniam Badrinath, Munaf Patel, Rudra Pratap Singh

Australia (From): Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting(c), Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin(w), Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Peter Siddle, Cameron White, Stuart Clark, Doug Bollinger, Shaun Marsh

[blogger]

Great start by Indians and especially by Gambhir. He is a player with style and the future prospect of indian cricket. The six to complete his century shows his class, here's the video:

YouTube - Gambhir 3rd Test century Hits six to...