INDIA VS. AUSTRALIA- 2ND TEST NEWS, ODDS AND PREDICTIONS

India take on Australia this weekend, in what has already turned into a gripping test series thus far.
With India retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a thrilling one wicket victory in the first test; this series is poised to be one of the most memorable in a long, long time.
India looked all but beaten on the fifth and final day of the first test, only for injured VVS Laxman to rise to the occasion, and take India home alongside a mammoth tailender effort by Indian bowler Irfant Sharma.
However, the overall team structure for the second test looks a lot different to the first, in that India has omitted both Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma following knee injuries.
The squad for that Test, announced hours after the win against Australia in Mohali, includes Tamil Nadu opener Abhinav Mukund and Saurashtra quick bowler Jaidev Unadkat, both of whom are uncapped.
With the last test played between these two teams in Bangalore back in 2008 petering out to a draw, many will be feeling that India might take a defensive approach in this test, already having retained the trophy.
This is echoed in the bookies odds with William Hill putting a Draw at 1.95.
India is set at 3.25, with Australia outsiders at 3.75
A good bet to be looking at in this match is that of the 'Highest scoring Batsmen' segment.
The ‘Top Home batsmen’ odds are rather appealing with the ever impressive Virender Sehwag heading things up at 4.33. Having equalled the world record for most consecutive test 50's in the first test, his consistency is clear to all and he is a good bet here.
Rahul Dravid is due a big innings and with him now set rather long at 5.5, one would assume he would be keen to get out there and dominate.
For Australia, Ricky Ponting takes his reliable reputation out to the middle with him, and is set as favourites to top scorer for the visitors at 4.33.
Shane Watson, fresh off a first test ton, is next up at 4.5
Michael Clarke, one who loves the spotlight, might very well be feeling the pressure and will be keen to get out there and assert himself against a team many are considering now better than the Aussie contingent
He is priced at 5.5- a nice little earner
On the India bowling front, and with the withdrawal of Sharma, things are looking a little slim with Zaheer Khan- India’s 5 wicket hero in the first test heading the race at 2.87
For Australia, Mitchell Johnson tops the list at 3.0, however on a deteriorating Bangalore pitch Doug Bollinger will prove tough to get away, and is a good look-in at 3.75
This test has the script to be an absolute classic, however one must wonder whether India have the attacking mindset to go for the kill, or do as what has been done traditionally, and that is play for the draw in order to retain the series
For the fans sakes...let's hope they go for it
Betting Tip: Clarke to top score for Australia at 5.5