Aussies guardedly optimistic

The Australian rotation policy seems to apply not only to team selection but also to press conferences. Speaking to the media before a key match, such as a series decider, is usually the prerogative of the captain. Steve Waugh however, marched right past pressmen and into the ground even as deputy Adam Gilchrist emerged from the change rooms to the press conference.

"With the series tied at 2-2, there's everything to play for," said the Aussie, overstating the obvious. "With the selection for the Ashes tour just around the corner, all the guys will be keen to do well and catch the eye of the selctors. I'm sure the selectors will be following this series closely," said Gilchrist. Although most members of this team are automatic selections, Gilchrist was quick to add, "after all, last impressions often stick more firmly than earlier ones." The selection for the Ashes may be just around the corner, but this series is not quite over yet. "Of course, the focus will be on winning here," said Gilchrist.

The wrecker-in-chief for the Indians in the Test series was offspinner Harbhajan Singh. However, in the One-Dayers, the lad from Punjab has had a mixed bag. Adam Gilchrist too was quick to acknowledge this, "In the Test matches, Harbhajan Singh persisted with bowling from over the wicket. In the One-Dayers however, he seems to come around the wicket as soon as he starts bowling to a left hander," observed Gilchrist. "He's done well in a couple of games and we've been able to dominate in the other two. To be honest I really haven't played enough of him to make a judgement," conceded the Aussie stumper.

When the series began, both Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist were neck and neck, having great success against the Indian bowlers. As the tour progressed however, Hayden stood tall while Gilchrist seemed to struggle in alien conditions. "Obviously I would love to exchange places with Hayden. The form he's been in is pretty amazing. But I can't really say I've done badly," said Gilchrist. The aggressive southpaw went on to add, "In one of the games a few things went against me and there's nothing I can do about that. After that, there were occasions when I got set and then got out playing ambitious shots," explained the Australian vice captain. "I feel in good nick and don't see why I cannot do well."

Unlike on earlier occasions, the visitors were guarded when it came to naming the playing eleven. "We haven't decided on that yet. I don't really want to comment. I haven't even had a look at the pitch, just came right over to talk to you guys," said Gilchrist with a smile. Whether the rotation policy will come into effect for the decider or not remains to seen. The Aussies are not giving anything away.