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The Waugh has just begun...

So we find ourselves on the verge of a new Test series, a fact we have stressed at our team meetings this week -- that this is a new contest, a fresh challenge. We can’t dwell on the fact that we won the first three Tests of our summer, against Pakistan, because that part of the season is over.

Another recurring theme at our meetings has been the opportunity we have to even out the score after our last series against India, back in early 1998. We were outplayed two Tests to one then, but we’d like to think it will be a different story this time, on our home turf. We’ve always liked playing in Adelaide, and the wicket this time looks really good.

>Of course, it’s not always possible to safely predict how a pitch will play, but if my assessment is right, there will be something in it for everyone. There will be runs to be had for the batsmen, but only if they work hard, and I reckon the quicks should have some joy in the first couple of days, when there should be some life in the wicket. But towards the end of the match, the pitch will certainly take some turn and there might even be a little uneven bounce.

The Adelaide track for a Test in December is probably not quite as good for batsmen as the ones we played on when the annual Test here was played in late January. At that time of year it is absolutely perfect for batsmen. Right now, though, it’s showing a few signs of a little wear and tear -- there has been quite a bit of cricket played in Adelaide already this summer -- and is probably not as batsman-friendly as it has been in the past.

But such is the skill of the ground staff, that I’m sure it will be an outstanding wicket for all concerned. The good players will do well in this Test match.

We haven’t settled on our team as yet, and won’t make a decision as to who will be 12th man until the morning of the game. The choice will come down to who our fourth specialist bowler will be -- Michael Kasprowicz or Colin Miller -- and will not just depend on what the wicket looks like. We’ll also consider the weather forecast. The weather is pretty overcast at the moment, and we had a bit of rain on Wednesday. At present, predictions are for mild conditions, which is unusual for Adelaide. It can be a lot hotter here, but the next three days are apparently going to remain relatively cool.

From a personal point of view, I’m looking forward to this series immensely. I haven’t scored a Test century against India; in fact, I haven’t played too many Tests against India. So I see this as a big challenge, for myself as well as the team. If we want to stay on top of world cricket we have to keep winning series against all opposition. And if we want to win this series, we can’t afford to slip up here. The first Test is always a crucial one in a three-match rubber. Few sides which lose the opening encounter come back to win a series.

I love playing in Adelaide. It’s a beautiful ground, with a great wicket and the best outfield in the world. Throw in the cathedral in the background, the old wooden scoreboard and the grandstands that blend so well into the ground and you have an environment with a really nice feel to it, and a true sense of character and history about it. I couldn’t think of a better place to start what could prove be one of the most interesting and entertaining Australia -India series of recent times.

I wouldn’t read too much into India’s performances so far on their Australian tour. Lead-up form can often be misleading, and quality players with Test-match experience -- men such as Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Kumble and Srinath -- always switch on for the big games. I’ve already noticed how focussed they’ve been during their two training days here. I’m sure we’ll find this Indian side well-prepared, come the first morning of the Test.

Gameplan

Steve Waugh