Australia tour of India, Feb 17-March 29

[bigfluffylemon]

India cruising. Australia needed quick wickets to stand much of a chance, and they're not getting them. Not quite game over, but close.

Amazing that only Pujara and Rahul for India and Smith for Australia have averages over 40 for the series (and there aren't too many in the 30s either - Saha, Wade and Maxwell). Despite Renshaw and Marsh generally being considered not to have done too badly, they average 29 and 19 respectively, and Handscomb's played one awesome innings plus seven poor ones.

The corollary is that Australia's bowlers have been extremely good for touring bowlers. Any question marks over Lyon's inclusion in the squad should disappear for a long, long time. Not many foreign spinners perform well in the subcontinent.

[meninblue]

4 more by Rahul. Raced to 33 from 43 balls.

[alfie]

And now we see Cummins. Unless something remarkable happens I'd be letting him laze at fine leg today ...he slipped over on that first delivery : although it seems he actually induced a glove to the keeper - which no one noticed !

But my point stands : just sixty to make ; they won't be stopped now - shouldn't be taking any unnecessary risks with Cummins , he is too important to Australia. Two more overs for him , tops.

[meninblue]

Vijay out.

[bigfluffylemon]

Going to be a tough one for MotM for this one. It usually goes to a member of the winning side, but Smith's hundred has been head and shoulders above any other innings played by either side.

Although the game's been won by the Indian bowlers, they've all contributed. There's no standout performer. Jadeja's a possible, with 63 and 4 wickets, but he mostly bowled out the tail - he wasn't particularly instrumental in either Australian collapse.

Any other thoughts? Rahul or Pujara if one or both of them see India home?

[meninblue]

Jaddu imo would be the Player of the Series with his many five fers and enough runs in match saving and match winning innings.

[alfie]

Cummins does the trick for Australia. Too little too late I suspect but I guess it will ensure Pat keeps on bowling until he breaks down...

You can see why Smith wants to use him though : he's had an excellent couple of games

[meninblue]

Run out.There was so much pressure of runs on us to take that run.

[alfie]

Pujara run out !

Panic in the streets

[bigfluffylemon]

Surely not. India can't lose from here, can they?

[bigfluffylemon]

Jaddu imo would be the Player of the Series with his many five fers and enough runs in match saving and match winning innings.

To be sure.

[meninblue]

Smith is going to have a tough time. Michael Clarke is after his field setting.

[alfie]

Lyon on now ...and I do agree with Clarke this time : why the devil is he bowling with three men on the boundary in this situation ?

[meninblue]

Two consecutive 4's by Ajinkya

[alfie]

Surely not. India can't lose from here, can they?

I don't think they can ...but if they lose another one now the crowd will be getting a bit restless

Cummins giving it everything...and Rahane has come out smoking : great theatre