Revival of a rivalry ...

It's not the Ashes. It's the Border-Gavaskar trophy that has all the characteristics of a great sports rivalry that all cricket fans from all over the world relish.

It has drama, passion, ugliness, kindness, fighting spirit, limits and marvels of humankind -- it's a cauldron of all emotions and skill that humans have to offer.

Less than two years ago, the venue was Australia. Now it is India. Essentially a similar core of the Indian crew is still standing tall, led of course by Sachin. Australia, on the other hand, is a new side. The hunger to win is the same, on both the sides.

The first test is at a very interesting situation. India need to get 161 with 5 (Err. 6, but Laxman's back is bad) wickets in hand. Sachin is unbeaten on 10. We are going to have a high drama on the ground. Australians are going to use all their skills. The game plan must be clear to close-in fielders by now -- be alert and be talkative with those oohs and aahs.

It's going to be a sleepless night for me. Good luck, folks, it never gets any easier.