India tour of Australia, Nov 21 - Jan 18

[Arthur Crabtree]

This India squad looks a red herring.

Maybe not. Ishant is injured and Ashwin isn't definitely fit.

[bigfluffylemon]

Early reports are that Finch is dropped, and Ashwin isn't going to make it.

Win the toss, win the match? It's been the pattern for most of 2018, especially matches involving India.

[bigfluffylemon]

Here's the article. Statistically 2018 was the most successful for teams winning the toss since 1976, and second overall, and for teams winning the toss and batting first, the win/loss ration was 29/7
http://www.espncricinfo.com/review2018/ ... 70327.html

[bigfluffylemon]

And right on cue, India win the toss and bat.

Is that the series?

Kuldeep in as expected for India.

Finch and M Marsh dropped for Australia, with Khawaja moved up to open, Labuschagne to bat at 3 ( ) and Handscomb back in at 5.

Khawaja has a good record at Sydney, and he's due, but I can't help but feel that moving him up the order puts him on a bit of a hiding to nothing. But with one fewer fast bowler to face, maybe it'll be a little easier for him if he can weather the opening spell.

[meninblue]

Just what I expected at Sydney and the team I would have played. Spinner comes in for Ishant which is a good move. However, disappointed that Rahul gets back as opener but it is mostly due to he has a test ton at Sydney on previous tour. Having won the toss and bowling last I am happy that we are having two specialist spinners bowling in last innings. So things as expected apart from the Rahul chance that we have taken.

[backfootpunch]

Bit of grass on the wicket

Little bit of seam movement on offer

Big first session for India

[bigfluffylemon]

So much for Rahul

[meninblue]

This Rahul wicket was due, just matter of whether Starc would claim it or Josh. Josh seizes the opportunity. There was no point in getting him back.India 10/1.

[backfootpunch]

Starc is bowling too full for me

He's bowling long half volleys most of the time

Needs to find that top of off length as it's not swinging

[backfootpunch]

Think India have found an opener

Agarwal looks useful

[meninblue]

Just what I expected at Sydney and the team I would have played. Spinner comes in for Ishant which is a good move. However, disappointed that Rahul gets back as opener but it is mostly due to he has a test ton at Sydney on previous tour. Having won the toss and bowling last I am happy that we are having two specialist spinners bowling in last innings. So things as expected apart from the Rahul chance that we have taken.

Vihari, Mayank, Chet, Virat, Ajinkya, Rishabh, Hardik would have been better . Then the 2 Pacers + 2 spinners combo. Rahul was a bad move.

[backfootpunch]

Agarwal will be getting a lot of short balls in his career judging by how he is playing some of these

[bigfluffylemon]

No centrury for Aggarwal, but he's definitely looked the part.

Pujara keeps on truckin'

[bigfluffylemon]

Horrible over from Labuschagne. No turn or flight, just medium paced filth that rightly got put away.

108/1 in 28 overs that session, and India are already well on their way to securing their first ever series win in Australia.

It goes almost without saying that Australia's over rate is poor. They're already 8 behind - even with the extra half hour it seems unlikely that we'll get the full 90 in today. Especially if they can't bowl Labuschagne much on account of being rubbish.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Aussie Tim was saying Labu's bowling had improved so much he was an all rounder now.

Immense series for Pujara. 176 ahead of the next best scorer, King Kohli. 231 ahead of the best scoring Aussie, Travis Head.