Since arriving in Mumbai I have sensed that many people feel now that the Test series has been won or lost, depending on who's shoes you are standing in, this final Test is something of a 'dead rubber' match.
I have been doing my best to explain to my Indian friends that there is no such thing as a dead rubber game in Test match cricket.
Picture this: When Zaheer Khan runs in to deliver the first ball of tomorrow's Test match do you think he will be doing it with a smile on his face and bowling me a nice juicy half volley because the game is now seen as insignificant. Conversely, do you think Harbhajan Singh or Anil Kumble are going to be out in the middle smiling and relaxing and not giving it everything they have got because the series has seen a result.
Langer's previous columns
Sachin's return makes task more challenging
Now the challenge becomes even stronger
Clarke's footwork was like cricketing poetry
The simple answer is: I don't think so.
Regardless of what has happened in the past, come tomorrow the intensity from both teams will be as genuine as it was before the first Test in Banglore. The simple fact is that I have never played in a Test match that is less significant than another.
Sure, some are built up more or less than others, but when it comes to the crunch, every player in this upcoming contest will be playing like it is their last Test match for their country.
I have no doubt that one of the reasons the Australian cricket team has been so successful over the years is that we give every Test that we are fortunate enough to play in the utmost respect that it deserves.
When proceedings get underway in the morning, it should be understood that both teams have a lot to play for. India are not only a very talented team but they are also a proud and determined group of individuals, who will be disappointed and hurting at the way the series has gone so far.
Can you image the great Sachin, Raul or Anil Kumble letting us leave their country without reminding us of their awesome talents before we leave for Australia? We are sure they will be encouraging and firing up their teammates before this final Test is over. We are expecting them to play like tenacious tigers in an attempt to leave a lasting impression on us.
From our point of view we are equally as focussed to ensure this series finishes as it has started. For much of the first three Tests we feel like we have outplayed India and we want to ensure that this trend and momentum continues over the next five days.
When we return home we have a very busy schedule of cricket coming up so we are not willing to take our foot off the accelerator, as complacency can only lead to bad habits in the future.
The pitch looks as dry as a desert and it will be no surprise if it turns from the first ball of the match. I can't remember seeing a pitch that looks so dry before the match has even started. This should suit Indian world-class spinners, but we are viewing these conditions as just another hurdle to cross in this intriguing series.
The cold hard fact is that there is nowhere to hide in the tough world of Test cricket, so come the morning everyone should sit back and look forward to what should be another titanic struggle between our great nations.
From Mumbai,
JL
