Herein I stick my neck out.

This post is dedicated to Pan who actually set it off and to Scorpi (that's what I call him) who feels I am (we) unfair to Dravid.

 

Now to the interesting question, who or what should be our combination for the next Test. Obviously more capable minds are grappling with it, but here is my sixpence worth.

 

There is a general consensus that Dravid has failed as an opener. Similarly, Yuvraj has also been consigned to the dust bin of Test history.

 

However I am not in line with that thinking and as an antidote I suggest these measures.

 

Bring DK or let Dravid continue partnering Jaffer.

 

If it is DK kick out Dhoni. (Simple reason we don't need 2 keepers). Bring Irfan in for bolstering both our batting and bowling.

 

To make a really aggressive intent, this would be my eleven,

 

Jaffer

DK

Dravid

Laxman

Tendulkar

Ganguly

Yuvraj (He needs to be nursed)

Irfan/Ishant (I haven't seen Pankaj bowling)

Kumble

Harbhajan

Zaheer

R.P.Singh

 

If you are wondering why I am intent on bolstering the bowling, a dispassionate analysis will show that when we bat second our batsmen invariably chase totals in excess of 300. (There are exceptions.)

 

I declare the season open. J