It’s that time of the year when sporting action heats up in Australia. The Aussies are pulverising the Indian challenge Down Under, the first tennis major is fast approaching while Miami Heat are bracing themselves for a challenging road trip.
INDIAN TRANSITION
India’s abysmal show in the first two tests has illuminated the need of an influx of young blood into their test side as the old-guard cling onto a protracted downward spiral. Staring down the barrel of another whitewash away from home, the Indians are clutching at straws as they vie to overturn the matters. In the long run, they need to look at the trio of Laxman, Dravid and Tendulkar, and one by one phase them out of the side. The former should be the first one to bite the dust, as Dravid is still the best test batsman that India have and Tendulkar – well, if the team were to perform the blasphemous act of dropping him before his hundredth hundred, it could spell out the return of the Indian mutiny. Nonetheless, the safe money is on Virat Kohli – 234 runs in six test matches; 43 in four innings in Australia – to be dropped ahead of Perth, and Rohit Sharma might be brought in. Even so, considering Laxman averages 20 in his last 12 overseas innings, and the fact that Kohli was touted as the ‘next big thing’ not so long ago; the Indians might want to think hard before they pull out the axe.
MURRAY’S AMBITION
The world number four, Britain’s Andy Murray, has been gregariously straightforward about his New Year’s resolution: he wants to become the world’s top ranked player in 2012. As far as expectations go, Murray has had a cumbersome load resting on his shoulders for a while; hence witnessing the Scott further augment the weight is peculiar to say the least. Of course, women’s tennis might suggest otherwise but the odds are that to be any way near the proximity of the number one ranking Murray would have to break his Grand Slam duck. As things stand, he should focus on vanquishing his maiden major title, before bringing the rankings into play – especially with the Australian Open just a week away. The Brit has been the losing finalist in the last two editions of the tennis season’s first major, and there is no reason why he can’t go one better this time round. As has been expounded in this space quite a few times, Murray has the game to down any opponent, on any given day – it’s the mental fortitude and dealing with the pressure of the biggest stage that has come under scrutiny in the past. Hence, in lieu of further upping the heat on the pressure cooker, he should look to take things one step at a time. The good news for the Scott is that he may have found the ideal man to drag him out of the fix of Grand Slam disappointments in Ivan Lendl. Lendl’s coaching role should be more of a mental training regime as Murray already has an on-court ensemble. At 24, Murray is at the same age as his would-be coach was when he won his first of eight majors, after enduring – like Andy Murray – a continuum of Grand Slam final disappointments.
CZECH SENSTATION
Having made her mark at the biggest stage last season, jumping from the 34th spot in the rankings to now being the world number two, Petra Kvitova is being touted to stamp her authority on this season and announce herself as the next superstar in the women’s game. With Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters – the only three Australian Open winners among active players – having injury setbacks of varying scales, the gauntlet has been thrown towards the Czech sensation to truly cement herself arrival by winning the year’s first major. Kvitova has also toppled the current number one player Carline Wozniacki in Perth, furthering shortening the odds of her being the prognosticated Aussie Open champion. When juxtaposed with Wozniacki, one sees why Kvitova has more of an arsenal to conquer more meaningful silverware than the Dane. Wozniacki’s game is conservative, and she lacks intimidating weapons like the serve and the forehand that the Czech possesses. Kvitova’s power game is her strength, one that can guide her to new heights. Nevertheless, with four different major winners last year, Kvitova might be leading the pack, but the crown of tennis’ queen is still up for grabs.
MIAMI’S EXPEDITION
With the agony of losing out in the finals against Dallas still fresh in their memories, Miami Heat are quick off the blocks in their quest for redemption. With an NBA best 7-1 start – the latest coming sans Dwayne Wade and LeBron James – the Heat have made their intentions pretty conspicuous. However, with four away games against the Nets, Warriors, Clippers and Nuggets, Heat’s first real test is on the horizon.
Against the Nets, the two rosters are going to be a total mismatch, even though New Jersey have an advantage at the guard position with Deron Williams having the clear edge over Mario Chalmers. Chris Bosh will be massive against Sheldon Williams, especially if one – or both – of Wade and James is not passed fit. Nonetheless Miami should have too much for the Nets today. After three days off, Miami take a trip to Golden State, and Wade and James should be fit for that game. Coping with the duo would be too big an ask for a weak Warriors defence, and they would find it hard to earmark the guard for LeBron James. Again, Miami have the wherewithal to overcome the Warriors even in second gear.
The game on 11th January against Los Angeles Clippers is the one that is the most intriguing. It’s undoubtedly, Clippers’ biggest game for a while, as they’d be vying to prove that they belong with the Who’s Who of NBA. The most telling matchup should be the battle at the center position; Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan against Heat’s duo of Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem. The match hinges on the performance of one Chris Paul. If he brings his topmost game to the floor, he has enough support around him to overcome Miami.
On paper Miami have a stronger starting five than Denver. But in the first eight games of the season, with a surprising 6-2 record, the Nuggets have flaunted their ability to sermon team performances. Also, with Miami potentially worn out after so much traveling, expect Denver to have too much energy for a lethargic Heat lineup. Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson will be pivotal for Nuggets chances; and also, Nuggets’ bench strength is something the Heat should be wary of.
The follow-up games against Saint Antonio Spurs isn’t going be a mean task as well; but if Miami have a lucrative road trip this week, the clamour of the Heat conquering all before them this season would further resonate. And of course, the return to fitness of Dwayne Wade and LeBron James will have a big say in that.