The Faisalabad pitch is the center of interest before the battle starts in earnest. There has been sunshine over the last two days which will have helped. The forecast is sunny for the next five days but visibility is rated poor for Saturday with winds at 5 miles an hour. The wicket will be a beauty for batsmen but should give more bounce to the bowlers. The fast bowlers can hope for more speed off the wicket and the pitch will provide turn on all five days. The spinners may become crucial if the pitch deteriorates on day five which I think is unlikely. In brief, it will have something to keep the bowlers interested but they will have to work hard. The bounce will be even and the batsmen should enjoy it.

Of  four tests played here India has lost one and drawn three. Of four tests played here since 2000 only one has produced a result. Inzamam scored two centuries here two months ago in the drawn test against England. I would keep the field up with 6 - 7 fielders close to the bat to deny him any singles early on and make him play the big shots early when he is most vulnerable. I hope Kumble maintains his record against him.

There has been a lot of trash talk after the first test. The series was preceded by some from Pakistan and Sehwag indulged in quite a bit of it after day four. Generally, I do not like it. It seems to me that the Indians were seriously offended by Afridi publicly admitting that the assault on Harbhajan was premeditated. It was a foolish thing to say even though true because it did not get him any extra runs but served to harden the resolve of the Indian cricket team. You should try to avoid belittling the opposition at all times. It always motivates the opposition and, if anything, makes them put in a little extra. Secondly, the comments may come back to haunt you. Javed Miandad had dismissed Irfan Pathan as a threat when India toured Pakistan the last time, saying that there were bowlers like Irfan playing in the 'galli's' of Pakistan. The rest, as they say, is history.

In fact, publicly, you should always make the opposition appear more formidable than they actually are, even if you do not believe that for a second yourself! If you are convincing enough, you may even lull the opposition into complacence, which is exactly what you want!

Anyway, judging by the comments from Rahul it appears we will see him open again. I would go into this match with 3 seamers and 2 spinners. Zaheer would be my second choice seamer after Irfan as I have said repeatedly. I was utterly disappointed with the bowlers at Lahore and will look for substantial improvement. Here is my eleven in the circumstances:

Sehwag, Dravid, VVS, Sachin, Yuvraj, Dhoni, Irfan, Zaheer, Harbhajan, Kumble, R P Singh / Agarkar. I haven't seen much of R P Singh to be sure. If I had, I would prefer him over Agarkar. Knowing the preference of the team, do not be surprised if Agarkar gets another outing.

Expect Sehwag to be treated to some hostile bouncers aimed at his ribs to start with. If I won the toss I would bat. As always, the first innings will be crucial, specially for the team batting second. I am off to make sure I have enough coffee. Enjoy!