The Fremantle Doctor arrived at the WACA on Monday afternoon at almost the same time as Anil Kumble's men for their first practice session ahead of Wednesday's third Test. Like so many other things, starting with the playing surface itself, the strong breeze named Doctor is unique to the WACA, and can have a crucial say in the outcome of any cricket match here.
Australia couldn't have charted the order of Tests any better even had they spent weeks pondering over the sequence. They couldn't have asked for a more conducive and pliant venue than the WACA as they seek a world record 17th straight Test, especially with only player from the opposition having had a taste of Test cricket at this ground.
So extended has Sachin Tendulkar's Test career been that he has graced nearly every Test centre in the world. The little man will have to pass on his experience of 16 years back to his mates, some of whom have appeared in one-dayers here, but many of whom are also on their first Australian tour, and will be playing on a surface restored to its fast and bouncy nature.
"Looking at the evidence this year at the WACA, it's been nice and pacy and obviously suits the faster bowlers," said Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, set to play a record 94th successive Test since his 1999 debut. Gilchrist added that for batsmen playing here for the first time, the pace and bounce could come as a huge surprise.
"It's more the pace and the extra bounce which can shock you a little," he observed. "A number of India's players played a one-day international here a few years ago on a pitch that had plenty of fire. They would've experienced it in some manner. We would be looking to open up any little scars or wounds they might've had from that day because we bowled them out quite comprehensively." India were dismissed for 203 in 2004, and Australia lost three quick wickets themselves before going on to win by five wickets.
Magnificent place
India are fortunate to be in a position to pick the brains of consultant -- and soon-to-be-coach -- Gary Kirsten.
"When you play here in a Test match, you are not coming here to lose the match," Kirsten asserted. "You give it everything you have got. You must play with a lot of courage and determination. Certainly, I have seen that within the Indian team, there is plenty of experience there. If you go out with a basically positive frame of mind, it helps you. It's a most magnificent place to bat."
Essentially, the former South African skipper is cautioning against losing the battle off the park, and in the mind, before even a ball is bowled. The days when India were frightened by the sight of express quicks on a fast track are over. The surfaces on which they generally play haven't equipped them adequately to immediately adapt to tracks of the kind the WACA provides, but in the courage stakes, they won't be found wanting.
As much as the batsmen, the bowlers too will find it an unique experience. Apart from pace and carry, there will be the Fremantle Doctor to contend with. The strong breeze that blows in from the east of the ground -- the hotter it gets, the less pronounced it is, and it really is hot here! -- helps bowlers bowling from the Lillee Marsh Stand End to tail it away from the right-handers.
There is also the pattern of the quicker bowlers bowling with the wind and the medium-pacers doing the workhorse's role running into the wind from the Prindiville Stand End, calling for versatility and adaptability from India's young and fairly inexperienced quick bowling attack.
Put that in perspective -- that India must win if they are not to lose the series, a tall order at the best of times against the World champions. You then get the picture of an acid test of skill, courage, technique and temperament.
