Chat: 'Aggression with a cool head, mantra to beat Aussies'

Mohali: CNN-IBN's Associate Cricket Editor Nishant Arora chatted with the readers of cricketnext from Mohali where India beat Australia by 320 runs on Tuesday.

Vivek: Hi Nishant! Will this victory be a special one in this decade after Perth win?

Nishant Arora: Both the victories were different. It was a comprehensive victory as India crushed Australia on a very good wicket. Australia were never in the game and struggled to match the Indian intensity. But Perth was different. That was about breaking myth, telling the world that we can beat any side on any track. First Asian side to beat Australia at Perth is special. I will put that higher.

Bhavin: Is Ms. Dhoni right person for MOM today?

Nishant Arora: It was a team effort and I thought about three names for Man of the match award. Mishra for his bowling, Gautam for hundred and fifty in the first innings and Dhoni for his two vital knocks. But I think Chris Broad the match referee opted in favour of Dhoni as his both innings changed the complexion of the match.

Abbas: MS Dhoni should retain as a Indian test captain in 3rd Test also.

Nishant Arora: No. If Kumble is fit he should lead the side

Ajith Kumar: Hi Nishant, what did India gain between the two matches, from just saving the match to crushing Australia? Is it because of some aggressive captaincy, or because of the addition of genuine spinner in Amit Mishra or just another collective effort of the team (which rarely happens)?

Nishant Arora: I agree with you third point, which says that collective effort, and its not rare, you don’t win a test match at Perth without team effort, you don’t win a T20 world cup without team effort and you don’t challenge a side like Australia consistently without a good team effort. Don’t be so negative about your team mate!

Seena: Hey Nishanth, I'm a big fan of Sourav Ganguly. In fact I have written a book about him. I wish to publish that too. How should I go about it?

Nishant Arora: Well done. Find a publisher who is interested in publishing your book. But once it’s released please send me one copy.

Ankit: Anil Kumble has a great record in Delhi. Do you think India will go with three spinners in the next match (if he is fit)?

Nishant Arora: It’s better to have problem of plenty then not having enough. Mishra has bowled well and Kumble has a great record in Kotla. Lets see how team management solves this problem. Kumble will be fit to play in kotla. I think either they will drop a batsman to bring in Kumble or Mishra will have to sit out.

Bijil: Is it better for India to maintain the aggressive approach in all Test matches?

Nishant Arora: Yes, aggressive approach with cool head. That’s is the mantra to beat the Aussies.

Bharathwajan: Hi Nishant, What do u think the Aussies need to do to comeback in the series? I don't think with the bowling attack they have considering the next Test is going to be played in Delhi (where India won last 10 test matches there) I feel India will wrap the series there? Do you see Australia by any chance coming back? I doubt very much?

My second question is about Lee. I haven't seen him bowling at 136 kmph ever before this series. Do u think he is carrying some niggle or something. I couldn't see the venom in his bowling that we used to see with Lee?

Nishant Arora: Very good observation on Lee. He hasn’t looked in very good rhythm and that’s a big worry for the Aussies. Their most experienced bowler is struggling for wickets. He just had divorce and his personal life is in bad shape. These things come to the field as well.

But he is champion cricketer and I am sure his pride must be hurt as any other member of his side. Apart from that you are right that the Aussie bowling attack looks quite flat. They haven’t moved the new ball, and they didn’t get much of reverse swing. And as well all know they don’t have quality spin bowling options. So that’s not a good recipe to make a comeback against a side, which is beaming with confidence.

Vaibhav: You don’t think that this is the right time for Kumble to retire from the international cricket and his performance in this year is also showing way to the home.

Nishant Arora: I think some one who has served Indian cricket with so much dignity and pride should decide his own fate. If Kumble thinks that he has few overs and spells in him, there is no reason we shouldn’t believe him. Let Kumble decide his future. I am sure he won’t overstay.

V.Bhushan: Hi sir, i want to know what is probability for Australia to come back into game?

Nishant Arora: Australia is a world champion side and its not easy to write them off. But one thing, which has really amazed me in this match, is that they were totally outplayed. And that is a very rare sight. Aussies some way or the other try to make come back. 320 runs defeat is a massive jolt to anyone’s morale, but they have few days to rest and recover. Let’s hope they come back hard to make this series very interesting.