Peter Roebuck, in the Sydney Morning Herald, previews the India-Australia Test series and finds himself writing that Bryce McGain’s loss is the most significant – a difficult thing to imagine a year ago. He also believes there is no room for the kind of bitterness that affected the last series between the two teams.

Some thought the Australians behaved like boofheads. Others were convinced the visitors had stirred the possum. Regardless, it cannot be repeated. Nor can the rude catcalls heard last time around in India.

More than either side might care to admit, though, last summer's campaign was a battle between brothers. Australia's cricket history tells of an egalitarian nation determined to advance by its own lights. From Fred Spofforth to Ricky Ponting, the Aussies have played an uncompromising game.