Virat Kohli-India's steam train

Ok, pardon the horrible name, if Kohli is named after any train it'd be those top of the line train's that zip through Japan or Europe at amazing rates.  Or perhaps a Jet. Seriously what an innings.  Would have to rate as one of the best one-day international innings seen in Australia, up there with two titanic Bevan chasedowns and a record score by Mark Waugh at the time and some masterclass Symonds and Dean Jones innings.

India all tour have looked disinterested this series, like they can't wait to be home.  They've been snappy at umpires, disgruntled behind the scenes, just a rabble.  When Sri Lanka smashed 320 through a dashing Dilshan century and a sublime one to Sangakarra to back it up you could just see the Indians coming of the field asking for departure times to come back to the expensive comforts of the IPL.  The fact that India not only had to chase down that imposing score but within 40 overs to claim a bonus point to see them through to the final looked mission impossible.

Sehwag and Tendulkar started well and with purpose but Kohli looked in another sphere.  He chanced his arm and played his shots and got rewarded, not to mention the fact that he plays lovely cricket shots appreciatable in any form of the game not just the twenty20 slog is all the more power to him.  He averages over 47 in one-dayers with already nine centuries to his name and has looked India's best batsman on tour.  The simple thing to do?  Get him in the test side.  NOW.  Quality such as his the class of his shots needs to be in there, might just be the regeneration India needs (Not to mention the fact that he's a much better fielder than some of those old stagers)

And what of Sri Lanka?  A fine batting performance not backed up by any of the bowlers except Herath who was underbowled and Matthews.  Malinga was perhaps a tad unlucky that 2 of his overs were hit that blew out his figures but where were those on target, low impossible to hit yorkers?  Seemed to be serving up half volleys outside off or on leg stump.  After an encouraging series ably led by Jaywardene this was a sad way to go out.

Wading in on the Australian Wicketkeeper debate

There has been much conjecture recently about the wicketkeeping post which since the retirement of Adam Gilchrist after the 2008 Australian Home Test and One-Day series has been Brad Haddin's to keep(pun not intended).  But after poor series with the bat and gloves against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India and the up-and-coming Matthew Wade public opinion has swayed towards time for Haddin to hang up the gloves.  But is it that simple?

Brad Haddin without a doubt has been a great servant of the Australian side across all 3 facets after patiently waiting for his opportunity.  He has been an energetic keeper behind the stumps, a leader and most of all extremely unselfish with the bat.  Just like the keepers before him (Gilchrist, Healy) he sacrificed at least 5 runs off his average to get quick runs for Australia from dominating positions instead of digging his heels in for easy runs.  This is what people sometimes forget.  However despite what he might be saying to the contrary he has been rattled this summer; sledging has been much more aggressive (although with the "Indian's are fragile"  he was proven to be right) and in the test series against India he looked confused as a batsman, not knowing whether to attack or defend on occasions.

Perhaps a bit harsh-in Sydney after waiting over a day to bat after the 3 batsmen in front of him scored centuries he scored and enterprising 42 not out, but overall Haddin lately has been un-Haddin like nonetheless.  Haddin is still bogged down by the shot he played against South Africa when Australia were bowled out for 47.  At 5-18 Haddin charged down the wicket to an on-fire Philander.  Even for taking up the attack to the bowler it was a horrible shot, one you couldn't even see a Shahid Afridi playing. People bring that up as a sign Haddin is past it.  However everyone is allowed a rush of blood to the head sometimes.

Ultimately Brad Haddin is down as a Keeper, not a batsman.  Keeping-wise he has receded, though improvement was shown in the last 2 tests against India it was not odd to see Haddin spill a good-length delivery.  This is where he will be ultimately judged. Brad Haddin has served the Australian team with aplomb over his career and his effort can't be faulted and indeed he does deserve to be sticked with especially considering how many chances Johnson, Hussey, Hughes and Ponting got.  But is he the best keeper-batsman in Australia now?  Is he gonna be there for the Ashes series in England?  On those 2 accounts Matthew Wade should be in the side, so for Haddin sadly the selectors might say his time is up.