The first test between these two rather awesome cricketing nations was a cracker. Not sure about the best test ever, because it didn't involve anyone that really tickles me that way - for the record, Inzamam ul Haq would. Anywho, it was a fantastic test match that was still in the balance an hour or so out from the end of day 5 which, when you throw in to the mix that there were multiple hundys and a bamboozling performance from Nathan Lyon, perfectly topped it off.

Consider the following a bit of a viewing guide for the second test, from an excessively brilliant yet disturbed cricketing mind...

• India is for real, but I'm not sure that they are. Virat Kohli epitomises the new breed of Indian cricketers who are well and truly up for the challenge and I don't think I've ever seen an Indian side bring the fight to Australia like this before - hence they're for real. But they head to the Gabba, with Australia able to call upon a wealth of fast bowling talent and I'm not sure if the Indian batsmen, who largely under-performed will be able to handle it. Cheteshwar Pujara at 3 is the key, so keep an eye on how he goes because if there's a solid platform laid down, the Indians have plenty of stroke makers/power in their middle order.
• I expressed my love for this Indian pace attack because they're the quickest, most aggressive group I've seen. Somehow though, they have to skittle the Aussies. I was going to single out Varun Aaron, but on the whole India has to bowl better as a unit. Sure guys like David Warner and Steve Smith can score rather freely but the Indians have to serve up the same pressure from each end, then strike.
• Spin, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ravi Jadeja get a run. A bit of extra batting plus reliable leftie tweakers will go down nicely at the Gabba.
• Steve Smith (C). Skip! Smithy. Steve. How will he go? He's got many a wise head supporting him so I think he'll be fine and it's a wise choice to give Smith a sniff of captaincy in comfortable surroundings.
• Lyon stole the show in Adelaide, but the Aussie quicks despite toiling hard, largely underwhelmed. Josh Hazlewood is in, so is Mitchell Starc which is exciting to see especially as Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle look more and more alike every game they play. Hazlewood offers some variety with his height, as does Mitchell Starc with his left arm giraffe's. Lyon was great in Adelaide, but Australia's pace-men will be super important in the second test.
• It's a great challenge for Hazlewood and Starc, they represent the new generation and this is the first step in their quest to keep the older heads out of the attack.
• I like Shaun Marsh, I really do but somehow he continues to struggle with nailing a consistent spot. There's a spot up for grabs, will he take his chance? Peep if he and younger brother Mitchell spend some time at the crease together.
• Violence, aggression, over-exuberance, verbals, sledging, send off's - fucking keep it up! How about those commentators taking the moral high ground when things kicked off, when Aaron gave Warner a send off, pricks. No one over stepped the mark, it's just a very intense environment with grown men who don't want to show weakness. It's all good, let's see more ... especially if it's a tactic from India to ruffle a few feathers.
• I like that idea, India should really try to get under the skin of the Aussies. Return fire, which would have been a bit of a douche move in Adelaide, but why not now? The Indians have to find an edge somewhere, so I'd be chirping away ... how about a collective 'Cummmon!' when Warner comes out to bat? Or tell Shane Watson that he's a big baby, I dunno just do something.
• Simply put, the key thing to watch in Brisbane is India's batting. If they can put in a solid team effort then they'll be in the fight. If they whimper in the hostile environment, then good luck.

• Oh, and that bloke named Dhoni. India's up a very weird path, led by Kohli who was exciting as skipper in Adelaide. Dhoni's return will be a huge boost to their batting line up, but will anything change in terms of the way the team is led? Who knows, Dhoni might just decide not to play and enjoy the show from the balcony.