India tour of Australia, Nov 21 - Jan 18

[sussexpob]

Ballsy declaration. I'd have flung the bat

Not much point continuing - the last three can't bat. I think it was a good call ; might easily have had a wicket in those half dozen overs and I doubt they'll miss a possible extra twenty five or so...

Must say I was beginning to wonder if Kohli was planning to bat on into day three : took ages for Pant to try and cut loose and Rohit was very restrained. It isn't an easy pitch to play strokes I guess. But you'd think unless Australia self-destruct they'll achieve a safe draw...even if the occasional ball keeping really low makes batting a bit dodgy by Saturday

The main effect of this match may be which side's bowlers are more worn down for Sydney. I think Australia are already very glad they included M Marsh for this one ...even if he makes a pair he has justified his selection with some economical donkey work - and saved Starc and Cummins from being carried off in a box...It was hot enough sat watching so I feel for those fast bowlers !

Yeah, I posted that but didn't realise so many overs had been lost in the day. Considering only 6 got bowled after, it was a sound decision. Assuming it was more 15, I'd have asked the tail to slot out for 5-10 overs.

Bat for two whole days, you want at least 500 on the board to force a three innings game. I think if you are coming out to bat on day 4, regardless of the lead, you are always struggling to beat time

[backfootpunch]

Bad start for the Aussies

Really is a very weak batting line up, you don't fancy them getting 400+ on any wicket

[sussexpob]

Indian bowlers instantly making it look harder out there. I said in first test Harris looks bad under the shorter ball, copped one there, just didn't watch it

No surprise. The indians have realised now and targettting him. He looks hapless when the balls at his body. Any review doing their homework will just bowl short all the time. I'd drop him, he won't make it.

[meninblue]

Sledging with help of IPL.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1078208138606632960

"It has been a toss up for me between Royals and Indians. If Rohit hits a six here, I am changing to Mumbai," Paine said to Finch who was the close-in fielder.

"Too many Poms at the Royals," Paine said, referring to
Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler playing for the Rajasthan franchise.

"You've nearly played for every team now," Paine continued. ..

"Except Bangalore," Finch replied.


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7 down and Aussies are still behind by 305 runs. Will India give a follow on if it is an option. With just 4 bowlers (only one spinner who can bowl big spells) i don't think Virat will give it. Also it's already 62 overs by now, so the follow on is less likely given bowlers will need rest.

[Arthur Crabtree]

As you say Adi, India batting. India giving the Aussies a fearful pounding.

[mikesiva]

Cricket Australia warns the Australian crowd over verbal abuse of Indian players and spectators which cross the line.

[yuppie]

What a score to wake up to.

I guess the pitch did not turn into a road.

[alfie]

Stuck at work all day so I can't say how much was down to pitch playing up and what was just bad batting ...and some pretty handy bowling , from reports.

But certainly you'd think this ends tomorrow - weather permitting - unless the Australians can summon a lot more discipline in their second knock. India have lost a bunch of wickets and I think this reinforces the fragility of their batting when the top couple of bats fail ; but they presumably have ample runs anyway...the bat again choice being purely down to wishing to give the bowlers a rest - fair enough given the hot conditions.

Not sure this absolves the pitch from criticism ? If it has turned feral overnight , it seems a bit of a case of win the toss , win the match...which is hardly the ideal surface to provide. Be interesting to see what the match ref has to say after it's all done...

[sussexpob]

Credit to Cummins for steaming in and at least refusing to give up. After bowling on every single day so far, in searing heat, that takes something. Although you have to think without.a miracle, it's just for pride.

[sussexpob]

That bumrah slower ball to Marsh senior....

[Durhamfootman]

Oh dear

Australia must be wishing they were playing England instead

[meninblue]

Such a huge lead from first innings.

The highest Australian total this series is 326 so far. 291 in second innings is highest.

Think the declaration will come before lunch if we are not all out by then. Even if there is a collapse the target will be 370 at least. Australian team needs miracle innings like Usman Khawaja played in UAE recently.

[GarlicJam]

Christmas is over, the season for miracles is finished.

India will win by at least 150, probably more than 200.


As disappointing as the capitulation was (and praise to India, especially Bumrah), at least Cummins provided some excitement yesterday afternoon. Good to see him get some reward for a personally great series so far.

[bigfluffylemon]

Why wasn't the follow-on enforced?

Interesting article here:
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/au ... 50ol0.html

Despite the myriad failures of the Australian batting (one ton in eight tests, bloody hell, even England are doing better than that!), it's interesting that their bowlers haven't got much reverse this summer compared to last (where they were reversing it and getting wickets even when England were batting well, such as in Perth).

And it is somewhat coincidental and curious that since sandpapergate both Starc and Hazlewood have had their worst year in test bowling (stats wise) since they became regular fixtures in the team. Starc's figures aren't too bad, as he manages to continue massaging them with cheap tail-end wickets (he does still bowl fast and has a bloody good yorker), but anyone who's watched him bowl in this series will know he's not bowling well. Neither is Big Josh.

Just saying...

[GarlicJam]

Well, we've seen Agarwal cement his position for the start of India's next series, at the very least.

A fine debut, away from home, in a very important series for his team.