Mohali, Mar 14: When the opposition is in total disarray, it's important to drive home the advantage and deliver the knockout punch. Team India, 2-0 up in the four-match series, will be looking to do just that as they take on Australia in the third Test that gets under way on Thursday.
With the Aussies still busy managing the fallout from 'Home-workGate', the time is right for India to hit hard and seal the series.
The Indian team has been quietly watching the drama unfold in the Australian camp, but it is unlikely that skipper Dhoni and his men will take the opposition lightly, no matter how depleted they might be.
"We have to play good cricket even if it is a weakened Australian side. We can't take them lightly. It's important to maintain the momentum," said Shikhar Dhawan, who will be making his debut.
Dhawan's statement outlined the thought process in the Indian dressing room. In the absence of the discarded Virender Sehwag, Dhawan will be partnering Murali Vijay at the top of the order.
India's two-hour practice session on Wednesday, under the watchful eyes of Dhoni and coach Duncan Fletcher, was intense. The only other possible change in the playing XI may pertain to the choice of third spinner - will Harbhajan make way for Pragyan Ojha?
In contrast to the Aussie camp, the camaraderie in the Indian camp was in full view. "We are enjoying ourselves. The team is in good spirits and there is a healthy atmosphere in the dressing room. There are a lot of youngsters in our team who gel really well," said Dhawan, who also confirmed that Cheteshwar Pujara, who was struck on his knee while batting in the nets on Tuesday, had been declared fit to play. "Pujara is fit and ready to play," said Dhawan.
The India No. 3 batted in the nets on Wednesday before taking part in a catching practice session, dispelling doubts about his fitness.
The Aussies, on the other hand, have several issues to deal with. They not only have just 13 players to choose from, but also an injured wicket-keeper to worry about.
Matthew Wade, who twisted his ankle while playing basketball here, is still doubtful and skipper Michael Clarke said that the final XI would be decided only before the toss.
With the track at the PCA stadium likely to assist the fast bowlers early on, Clarke would have liked to play three pacers, but with Pattinson and Johnson suspended, he has no option but to field Starc and Siddle.
INDIA EYE RECORD
If they win at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, India will record three straight Test victories in a series against Australia for the first time.
If the hosts win the Test, or even if it ends in a draw, India will accomplish a hat-trick of series wins over Australia in India, having won 2-0 in 2008-09 and 2010-11.
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