By Justin Langer Australian Test batsman

It will be tough for our selectors to make any changes to the team after our first Test triumph.

There is no doubt Tendulkar's absence from the Indian team is a huge bonus for us

The interesting speculation going into the second Test here in Madras is whether India will settle on the same XI or whether imminent changes are brewing on the horizon.

The biggest question echoing throughout the whole of India surrounds the fitness of master batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

He is travelling with the team, joining in training sessions and sitting as a spectator in the Indian team changing room, but as yet we haven't seen him with a bat in his hand.

There is no doubt that Tendulkar's absence from the Indian team is a huge bonus for us in our quest to win our first series here for 35 years.

He is a superstar who has scored runs against every opponent, including heavy runs against Australia over the years.

Not only do India miss his extraordinary amount of runs but they also miss his leadership and the aura and confidence which he seems to naturally exude.

After last week's perfectly executed Test match in Bangalore, we have learned, or at least reinforced, the game plan which we believe can help us conquer the demons that have haunted Australian touring teams in the past.

It feels like there is enormous pressure mounting on Sourav Ganguly and his Indian team as people from all over seem to want to express their opinions on their recent form, or lack of it.

The Australian team has attracted a lot of attention in Madras

Imagine what it must be like to have over a billion cricket-loving fans expecting nothing less than outstanding performances every time they walk onto the field.

Hopefully this mounting pressure can only benefit our already confident squad.

After a fantastic celebration in the Bangalore changing rooms on Sunday afternoon we have clicked back into professional mode over the last two days.

Our training has been full of energy and intensity as we strive to keep the momentum flowing our way.

With Ricky Ponting making constant phone calls and promises about his imminent return to the team, we will all be on our toes and looking to play at our best so that the captain returns to find his team is in as good a shape as when he left it.

Sad news

The death of the great Keith Miller will also be an added incentive for us over the next five days.

Obviously, I never saw him in action, but when my father or grandfather, and people of their vintage, talk of him, they all seem to get that nostalgic look in their eyes as if they are remembering something of greatness.

His legend is folklore in Australian cricket and society.

Ironically the last time we were in India Sir Donald Bradman passed away, leaving a legacy of profound significance.

Keith Miller's legacy to many will be equally great.

Miller honoured by state funeral

He was an entertainer, a hero and a man who seemed to play the game the way the game should be played.

Recently I read a book about the CCI cricket ground in Mumbai.*

In it Miller was quoted as saying "it was the most complete ground in the world; a cricket paradise.

"At night a complete dance floor is carried out and put down on the playing arena. There under the soft Indian night with millions of stars twinkling overhead, you can waltz to the strains of a carefully concealed orchestra.

"When you feel like the need for refreshments you walk a few yards to a perfectly equipped bar. In the morning you get out of bed and look down on the pitch where a few hours later you will be playing."

If only the game was like that today.

Keith Miller will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

From Madras,
JL