India tour of Australia, Nov 21 - Jan 18

[Arthur Crabtree]

NZ for example have a unique team standard of conduct

New Zealand dont play in any marquee series, so I dont think its comparable.

Last World Cup, particularly the final was marquee. In the final there was a big contrast in terms of sportsmanship. Particularly relating to Haddin.

Can't go too far back with the NZ examples of gamesmanship. They did admit they had a problem and had a year zero under McCullum.

[bigfluffylemon]

Starc breaks through in the third over of the day, and it's looking like we'll be done before lunch.

Assuming Australia win, this will be their first test win in seven attempts. They can't have gone six or more tests without a win very often in the past.

[bigfluffylemon]

Even if Australia win today, this will be their worst year in test cricket since 1996 in terms of matches won. And in terms of wins as a percentage of matches played, it'll be their worst year since the dark days of the mid 80s (it'll be hard to beat 1986: Played 11, won 0, lost 3, drew 7, tied 1).

[bigfluffylemon]

Well, that was over quickly...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks a useful toss to win...

[bigfluffylemon]

Lyon wins POTM. I was sceptical before the match of India's four-pacer no spinner approach, and in hindsight it looks like a tactical error.

But so far in this series win the toss, bat first, win the match.

India's record batting in the fourth innings has been atrocious recently.

[GarlicJam]

India really missed Ashwin. Their attack with him in it is so much more steady.

That and one steady opener. I though Murali was that?

Great win for Aus. This was a very hard, tough-fought, test match. For the inexperienced Aus side to beat, and beat well, the quite experienced and number one side is a part of the tonic that cricket in Australia needs. (CA needs it to, but that is less important) Although no Aus batsman has scored more that 72 in the series so far, there have been a couple of dogged, fighting innings that will stand a couple of them in good stead.


Ironic to see the Aus batsmen getting terrorised by Indian pace bowlers, and the Indian batsmen all tied up by spin.

[backfootpunch]

Puzzling selection not picking jadeja and that 100+ run opening partnership gave India a massive uphill task

The brilliance of bumrah, kohli and Shami kept them in the game for a while though

Bumrah looks a brilliant prospect, the best seamer India have produced potentially if he can stay fit

[backfootpunch]

Selection and kohlis poor captaincy haven't helped India away from home much in recent tours

Suppose ashwin playing half fit hasn't helped either

[sussexpob]

Puzzling selection not picking jadeja and that 100+ run opening partnership gave India a massive uphill task

The brilliance of bumrah, kohli and Shami kept them in the game for a while though

Bumrah looks a brilliant prospect, the best seamer India have produced potentially if he can stay fit

I can't see him staying fit with that action. I still a bit dubious about him chucking in all.honesty. while he might conform to rules, he certainty to the naked eye looks dodgy as hell.

[andy]

That hip will be a problem...clearly wasn't fit in England, and was rushed back to action, and now it keeps flaring up, not a good part of the body for a spinner to have a problem with...

[yuppie]

Just caught up with this result. Seems a very handy toss to have won and was probably won on the first morning where it seems the inexperienced Australian batters made the most of some poor Indian Bowling.

Has Lyon become the most important player in this Australian team?

[backfootpunch]

Just caught up with this result. Seems a very handy toss to have won and was probably won on the first morning where it seems the inexperienced Australian batters made the most of some poor Indian Bowling.

Has Lyon become the most important player in this Australian team?

Best spinner for all conditions in the world for me

[GarlicJam]

Has Lyon become the most important player in this Australian team?

Without a doubt, at the moment.

He is doing well as both an attacking and a defensive bowler. His fielding, especially off his own bowling is top-notch, and he is averaging 75 with the bat this series. OK, that is an anomaly with the batting average, but he is handy with the bat and makes a decent night watchman.

[Durhamfootman]

He does seem to be


nice to see you back, yuppie