The Ashes is considered the most coveted bilateral series in the cricket calendar but it has faced a stiff competition of late. The quality of cricket and the ruthless intent on display makes an India-Australia series the most sought-after contest of the present era and leaves the Ashes way behind.
It all started with the Dravid-Laxman partnership in the famous Kolkata Test in 2001 where India turned the tables on Australia after being asked to follow on. It marked the beginning of rivalry between the two teams that matched the Ashes in every sense and sometimes went a notch ahead. What has been noticeable of late is that the rivalry has instigated individual battles, sometimes even leading to the courtrooms. Sledging, alleged racism, skirmishes, complaints, hearings have all been part of an India-Australia series on a very consistent basis.
Talking of individual battles, there will be a plenty on show in the upcoming Test series beginning October 9. Andrew Symonds – reportedly gone fishing – is going to be missed badly. Nevertheless, the script has many more characters who will be going after each other. I have tried to highlight a few of those individual battles to look forward to. Which one of the following you think is going to top the charts?
2. Tendulkar versus Lee
3. Hayden versus Harbhajan
4. Ponting versus Harbhajan
5. Ponting versus Ishant
6. Hayden versus Ishant
Your comments will decide which of these is the most-awaited contests of the series!
JS on Cricket 
