Marvellous Martyn
At 150 for 4 in the Aussies second innings, I thought India had the match sewn up. It required some dogged batting by Gillespie and Martyn's epic to turn around things for the Aussies. Though I knew Martyn had done this twice before in similar situations in SriLanka, I never thought that the man raised on the hard & fast Western Australian pitches could do it again , and that too against Jumbo & Bhajji. The pitch slowing down did help his cause. As for Gillespie, this is the second time he has halted India's victory march, even in the last series , it was his patnership with Katich which helped them save the 4th test.
Even without Mark Waugh, this must be the best spin playing outfit which the Aussies have ever brought to India. Hayden, Martyn, Clarke, Lehmann, Katich are the best players of spin in Australia. Pontings absence seems to be a blessing in disguise for the Aussies. With him in the team, we would always be assured of a cheap wicket!! HaHa!!
In Ponting's defence, in the 2001 series he batted at No6 , and used to come in when Bhajji was in full cry. This time at No 3 , he would have fared better, I guess.

Eric in Charge
The Proteas have a new coach, and he has already started imposing himself on the team, Cullinan has been approached about a possible comeback, and Boucher is being asked to shape up or ship out. I dont know wether the Proteas have a adequate replacement for Boucher, but I seriously doubt wether the 37yr old Cullinan (avg 50+ against India in tests), would be able to handle Kumble & Bhajji together. His hundreds in India came on good batting wickets in Kolkata. I doubt that the we will prepare similar pitches this time . Low-bouncing , dust bowls are going to be the flavour of the season.
Come to think of it, Kumble has a very good chance of surpassing Kapil & Hadlee, this season itself, 2 left against the Aussies, and 2 each against S.Africa & Bangladesh.6 tests in all; 5 wickets per match is not beyond him.