In a clear move that acknowledges the dearth of young spinning talent in Australia and one that also supports older but successful players, Bryce McGain comes to India with, believe it or not, promise, at 36. Unlike other spinners who spent themselves in the shadows in domestic cricket waiting to break through, McGain took a normal job, bowled a bit in club cricket and just played it a bit easy.

After a surprise call-up after all possible spin options for Victoria had been unavailable, McGain impressed so much that he not only became a regular at his state side, but was also rewarded with a spot in Australia's A side which toured India. Sensing that an Australian berth was there for the taking, he produced a good performance accounting for India hopefuls, Robin Uthappa, S Badrinath and Parthiv Patel

An entire invisible media contingent from Australia has tried to psyche him up as being the next big thing in spin. Leg-spinners always enjoy a bit of glamour and McGain is after all a successor to Warne and MacGill. But the question is: are they impressed because he is truly that good or is it because he is made to look good by the other spinners in his country?