Baroda, Oct. 23: Time to be done with the verbal jousting; there is cricket to be played. The seven-match ODI series between India and Australia that commences here on Sunday is much like an irresistible force approaching an immovable wall.

The tri-series in Australia in 2008 saw India playing their best limited-overs cricket in long time. Much water has flowed since then. India have improved but look a little jaded at present while Australia have won the matches that matter.

Some sparkling new talents emerged when M.S. Dhoni’s men won the VB Series. Some have hung on grimly while a few others have dulled. Facing Australia can be a tough test and the showing here can make or mar a player.

The premium positions have been retained. The others could be rotated according to the selectors. The inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja was a wise move. The youngster has the knack for the shorter formats.

Performance in domestic tournaments was given its due and that has sent the right signals. It is up to the fringe players to make this count. The ability to stand up against the Australians is a tough ask and this could be the examination that will hold the mirror to this young unit.

Selection for the series did meet its fair share of criticism. The axing of Rahul Dravid received mixed response and so did Suresh Raina and Ishant Sharma retaining their spot. Here is a look at the five players for whom the Aussie test would be more important than the others:

Ishant Sharma: Has fallen by some distance. Lacking in confidence and rhythm, some rest would have been the ideal medicine for this lanky bowler. A poor show here will only lead him further into despair. A length that is ideal for duration cricket is not working well in the shorter formats. Has also overused the slower delivery and that has made him predictable. It will be a huge challenge mentally for one of India’s rare talent.

Suresh Raina: A complicated technique is not working well. Whatever talent the selectors and team management has seen in him, he has done well to conceal it. Barring that solitary knock against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, he has done little of note. Raina is under the scanner without doubt and time for him to pull his socks.

Virat Kohli: It could be too early to put pressure on this Delhi batsman. With a player like S. Badrinath not anywhere near selection after years of high scores, Kohli should understand the value of the national cap. A supremely talented batsman with an improved work ethic, the 20-year-old is suddenly the toast of the team. The Emerging Players Tournament in Australia was his calling card. He has to hold himself well to pass this tough test.

Amit Mishra: A true trier and a leg-spinner with a big heart. For someone who never forgets the old virtues of classical spin bowling, Amit can find a permanent place on the team sheet with a good show. The visitors are not the best readers of spin authored from the wrist.

Praveen Kumar: A subtle mover of the ball and in a country where only a handful swing the ball either way, Praveen can be the one-day bowler India wants for all conditions. Sadly, he lacks consistency. It is no secret the captain has had a big role in Praveen retaining his place. The margin of error is minimal for the ever-smiling seamer against a set of marauding batsmen. It is not entirely beyond him though.