Sourav's omission comes as surprise

The 2-1 score-line ensures that we have plenty to play for in Adelaide starting tomorrow. True, we have already retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but we would like to ensure that we win this series with a win here.

Perth was my first loss as captain in Australia, and my first loss in Test cricket since the 2005 Ashes. I would be lying if I said that I am not disappointed at the way things went in Perth, but as Matthew Hayden put it, one Test loss in three years does not make us bottom dwellers.

I regard the Indians highly, and as far as rivalries go, they come a close second to England, and ahead of South Africa as the team we consider archrivals. I suspect it is the same for India, who would place us just behind their neighbours Pakistan on the rivalry meter.

India has had the occasional success against us, but that happens when you play a team often - the opposition can pop up with a surprise. I still think we have dominated India in Tests and one-days over the past few years, and, while they have challenged us, we generally win the big moments.

The Indians announced their one-day squad on Sunday, and the notable omission was the name of Sourav Ganguly. He has been a terrific one-day player for India, and looks in superb touch. His omission certainly came as a surprise, because he has done well in one-dayers in Australia in the past.

However, I hear that the selectors are now looking ahead, which is why they have decided to opt for Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma instead of Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

These youngsters are also impressive players, and it remains to be seen if they can fill the vacuum left by their great predecessors.

Coming back to tomorrow’s Test, Adelaide is one wicket the Indians will be excited by – it’s a great batting strip that takes turn from the third evening.

They must have fond memories of their win here in 2003-04 and would seek inspiration from that success. However, Indians must remember that we pulled off an improbable win against England only last year, which pretty much ensured our whitewash in that series.

It will be a huge plus for us to have Hayden back at the top of the order. He has been instrumental in a lot of the success that we have enjoyed for the last decade, and must be one of the great openers in the game.

Hayden is an imposing figure at the top of the order, and has the game to counter any swing or movement that the Indians get off the wicket.

This has been one of the main reasons for his success against India over the years. He is not afraid to cut, pull or drive no matter what the ball is doing, and his attitude can put opening bowlers out of rhythm.

We will also be going with Brad Hogg in this game, which helps with the over rate and more importantly gives our bowling some variety.

The Indians will be having some hard selection decisions confronting them. Their seamers bowled exceptionally at Perth, but one of them must make way for Harbhajan Singh.

I don’t see them playing five bowlers, so it will be interesting to see what they decide.

There might be a change at the top of the order again, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Rahul Dravid walks out to open with Virender Sehwag once again.

On my own batting, I would be the first to admit that I have been disappointed with the way things have gone. I have been getting starts in the last two games, but have not been able to kick on.

I was particularly disappointed at not being able to do well in our run chase at Perth. I was pinned down at one end by Ishant Sharma, and got out when I knew that it was a question of getting through just one more of his overs.

I have consistently averaged over 50 in every series over the past two years so scoring at around 20 an innings is disappointing.

However, I have always enjoyed batting at the Adelaide Oval, so hopefully I will get a few runs here.