India tour of Australia, Nov 21 - Jan 18

[GarlicJam]

I see the Jekyll and Hyde wrangle within the soul of the Indian captain has been roused from its troubled slumber. Or V.irate vs. King Kohli.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/ ... rit-bumrah

It was quite the non-article in the end. Media needing a story, but not managing to quite manufacture one.

I have no problem with Kholi's behaviour yesterday (except maybe he should have taken his "out' with more grace, but that is minor). He is using what is at his disposal to gain advantage - be it a collection of good hostile pace bowlers, a seemingly endless supply of enthusiasm and energy, a strong away crowd on his side, or a willing group of team-mates ready to stir up the Aus batsmen at any opportunity.

Go for it.


However, over the past decade, I have read (more than several times) of behaviour very similar to India's close-in fielders' being roundly criticised by media of all flavours. Terms like 'baying jackals', 'wolf pack', howling hyenas" were common currency.

[bigfluffylemon]

How many do Australia need, do we think?

I reckon they'd want a lead of 250 minimum, and closer to 300, to feel comfortable, although unless Finch bats again I doubt they'll get there (and even if he does).

It's an enthralling game, again. For the sake of the series, I do hope Australia pull it off. All too often series in Australia are over by Melbourne, and certainly by Sydney.

Handscomb looks likely to be dropped. Terrible dismissal, again. He has some real technical weaknesses. Unfortunately it appears that the most likely replacement will be Mitch3

[Arthur Crabtree]

Sounds like 250 will be tough.

[bigfluffylemon]

And we're off. Confirmed that Finch will be fit to bat again.

You'd think that if Australia are still batting at lunch, the match will be theirs.

[GarlicJam]

Whatever target Aus set India for the win, India will need to hit a record score for victory.

[bigfluffylemon]

Whatever target Aus set India for the win, India will need to hit a record score for victory.

Ground record, I assume you mean?

Khawaja slowly but surely grinding out what should be a match winning lead in tricky batting conditions. He hasn't been in good nick so far this series, but well done here.

[bigfluffylemon]

My stat of the day - since the start of 2016, teams batting second have overcome a first-innings deficit to win on just 3 occasions, or 7.5% of victories of teams batting second. Teams batting first have overcome a first innings deficit to win on 13 occasions, or 16% of wins.

Of 81 occasions when the team batting second has conceded a first innings lead, they have won 3, drawn 8 and lost the rest - 86% of matches are lost.

On the other hand, on 55 occasions when the team batting first has conceded a first innings lead, they have won 13, drawn 9 and lost the rest - 60% of matches are lost.

Just goes to show how hard it is batting last.

[bigfluffylemon]

Two quick wickets after lunch, as Finch's return lasts all of one delivery. But the lead is 235 and growing, and Khawaja is still there.

[andy]

What a spell from Shami! 6-41 tore through the aussies line up... 9 down lead of 260

[andy]

India need 287 to win! Dont see them getting that on this wicket...

Adi if/when Saha is fit, does he get his place back? For me he should...Yes Pant is a good batsman, but Saha has done a good job for India and is easily best gloveman in India...Pant concedes far too many byes...

[bigfluffylemon]

Saha for me.

India 1 down already, and Rahul has had a shocker of a game. Good ball from Starc, but not great. There's a lot of swing out there, though.

Who makes way when Shaw is fit? Both Indian openers are horribly out of form - Vijay will need to take advantage of Rahul's departure to press his claim.

I reckon India will make just over 200 - lose by 80.

[mikesiva]

Hazlewood strikes! Pujara out.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks like the sort of collapse you get at Perth when the ball reverses. Five wickets in the blink of an eye before Haze and Mitch2 added a useful few. A vital 33 for the last wicket. That must have hurt India.

Down to King Kohli then.

[andy]

India won't get near this IMO, especially with Pujara out early.....

[Arthur Crabtree]

India have only ever chased to win once in Australia- Adelaide, 2003.