how many bowlers does it take to draw a series?

...
5 apparently.

It’s a big call for India, as 5 bowlers will completely change the complexion of their side.

Last week in Perth the balance was perfect.

To fit Harbhajan in without losing another bowler the Indians need to lose a batsman.

No prizes for guessing Wasim Jaffer will be the man given the @ss, he is still waving his bat at passing traffic, even in Adelaide.

That means that Dravid needs to open again, but didn’t he just do that and hate it?

It doesn’t stop there, it also means Ganguly or Laxman to 4, and most importantly Dhoni to 6.

Dhoni batted like someone else in Perth & Sydney, he is obviously not in very good form.

India’s batting form this series really hasn’t been great this series.

They have only scored over 350 once so far, and with Dhoni at 6 that is really opening up guys who are good honest bowlers who bat. You can’t call Pathan or Kumble test all rounders would be stretching the friendship.

I’ve always thought handling 5 proper (kallis types don’t count) bowlers is tough for a captain, because someone always gets the short straw.

If India do pick all 5 bowlers, I’d lay money on Sharma being the one to get the short straw.

The Mantis does have a lot of potential and did bowl some great spells in Perth, but so far wicket taking hasn’t been his forte, so he is the logical choice.

Also he can’t bat, so you ain’t losing much there.

You could argue he gives more variety to the attack, but two left armers, a straight leggie and offie is a pretty varied attack I’d say.

5 bowlers may guarantee a result, but perhaps not the result the Indians want.www.cricketwithballs.com "the hooking & pulling specialists"