'If India have to get in Sehwag, this is the time'

Seeing a rampaging Sehwag in action, that was the opinion of Ian Chappell. Sehwag was on 46 then and, and just to vindicate the past master, reached his fifty in a most authentic way, with a four.

His half-century had come off just 37 deliveries.. Contrast this with Karthik’s sedate knock at this stage, when he had barely reached double figures.

But as part of the opening combination, he played his role to perfection, also laying a strong claim for the opener’s slot. The choice right now looks to be between Sehwag-Jaffer or Sehwag-Karthik Combo.

Ideally, considering the way he has performed against the real Australian attack in the first two tests, Jaffer may not be the best choice for Perth, and a fresh approach with new pair of openers could be the need of the hour.

Interestingly, when asked during the second day’s play about Sehwag, Chappell had said that despite Sehwag’s 24 to Jaffer’s 92 in the 1st innings, if he had to choose between the two, he would still love to go in with Sehwag.

This is because the Nawab of Nazafgarh has the potential to make the Australians ‘nervous. He can change the complexion of the game in no time, said Chappell.

At the time of writing this post, Sehwag had completed his hundred, with the next fifty coming in 36 balls – one less than his first. The partnership, at the time of his century, was 145 runs and still going strong.

But even if Sehwag had not made a hundred, he would still have been an automatic choice for Perth simply for the way he played today. He did appear at his very best.

Whether Sehwag will succeed there or not, that is another matter. But for now, he looks to be the one who will surely open at Perth.