How about favoritism and politics? How could that be left out?

Bring it all out people, because this Indian team can take all the cannons fired at them right now. That is one area where their  experience really counts. Although, It won't really affect their fortunes on this Australian tour. The more flak they face, the more immune to it they will be.

That said, let us attempt to understand some ground realities: 

Man-for-man Australia is a better team than India. They have better openers, a stronger middle order, an equally strong 6 and 7 and the world's most stubborn tail. Their batting is based on attack and still more attack. Several of them click in partnerships.Hardly a defensive bone in that line-up. 

Australia 5, India 1 

And that was just the batting...let's move on to the bowling strengths:

Australia has faster bowlers, consistently more accurate bowlers, more experienced bowlers and a good test-class spinner. India has one world-class fast bowler and one legend of a legspinner.

Australia 4, India 2. 

Now fielding:

Australia has at least 9 world class fielders. India has 2? I could be off on that count and beg to be proven wrong. 

Australia 9, India 2

I must say I am  liking this little exercise of mine. The scores are adding up nicely. Very good indeed, let's go to the fitness sector and see how the teams fare: 

Australia are fitter than India. Goes without saying. I will spare the details because I don't know them. It is evident however, that the Australian physique is hardier than the Indian one and to achieve it, they have worked harder at it than the Indians. Age is just a number.

Australia 11, India 2 (being very generous here) 

Finally, my favorite yardstick of measure - Effort.

Australia put in 100% effort in all 4 sessions  of a days play. India's effort is seriously lacking in sessions when it really needs to be cranked up. Like England before them who played with complete effort only in certain sessions, The Indians are giving up when they are required to press harder. There is a serious lack of effort that is spreading like a virus in the Indian batting order. I don't know why; perhaps the reasons are similar to Milkha Singh's who missed out on a bronze at the Olympics( because in his own words, he held back to leave something in the tank for the finish). 

Whatever it is, I don't really care. I want to see effort. I saw little of that. The Indian cricketers know it to be true.  If anyone of them is reading this, I would suggest they watch a tape of a physically sick Leander Paes beating Goran Ivanisevic in 5 gut-wrenching sets during a Davis Cup game. 

On effort alone:

Australia 10, India 3

Let's add up the total scores:

Australia - 39

India - 10

Based on this little study of mine, I would conclude that it is inevitable for India to lose this series. Nothing wrong in losing to the best. Let us therefore, accept the truth and stop beating our chests on India losing. However, in the world of competitive sport, there is no greater crime than an excuse for lack of effort.

To those Indian cricketers who are holding back, I say to them, leave now and do not disgrace the country further. I would rather see more fight and less talent in this Indian line-up than a galaxy of stars who shine with past glories.

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