The Indian think-tank has devised a plan whereby they will pepper Gayle with short-pitched deliveries and force him to go for the attack early on.
Another twist in the tale was that there were some undercover Pakistan intelligence officials who were sent to keep an eye on the players as the side has suffered badly because of spot-fixing and match-fixing in the past few years.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq chose to impress upon his players to take a lesson from rivals -- India.
'Controlled aggression is my mantra' 'I am telling myself to stay at the wicket'
If the innings against Pakistan showed he was still capable of what his ODI average of 45 exhibits, then his comeback was complete on Sunday at the MCG with the century against what's often termed as one of the best attacks in the world.
Both Australia and South Africa, says former Australia captain Mark Taylor, have a lot of firepower in their bowling department. Besides, the two sides also have a lot of depth in their batting.
The former Indian captain was upset on learning about media reports that a support staff meeting was held without Fletcher being present.
Following reports of three senior Pakistan players misbehaving with fielding coach Grant Luden, it is learned that opener Ahmed Shehzad may be sent home from the World Cup.
Since the 76-run defeat to India at the World Cup gloom has descended on the Pakistanis. It seemed as if the team had left the Inter-Continental hotel in Adelaide after the match.
However, if aggression was the buzzword during the Australia Tests, the Kohli that was on show against Pakistan was a different version, a restrained one, and if one may say, after the Border-Gavaskar series, possibly a more matured one.
The raucous chants Jeetega bhai Jeeetega Hindustan Jeetega was met with the counter Jeetega bhai jeetega Pakistan Jeetega.
Pakistan will open their innings in Sunday's World Cup match against India with Younis Khan in an attempt to accommodate leg-spinner Yasir Shah, and also include talented youngsters Umar Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood in the final eleven.
With tempers expecting to reach the ugliest limits during the India-Pakistan World Cup match, the Adelaide administration has issued a 85-point "code of conduct" for spectators - one that specifically bars religious messages and anti-national chants.
All focus at the India's training session was on Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan.
'They need to click as a group, not as batsmen or bowlers.'
© 2025 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances