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Around the Wicket - 3rd Test Reviewed

Well, I guess we’re all wrong sometimes. I doubted Australia would have the nerve to hold on this test match, and I even suggested India would win sometime on day 4. In fact, what happened was that we saw a big momentum swing after day 2 of the test match. From day 3 onwards, Australia outplayed India. Unfortunately, what happened on day 1 and 2 was enough to ensure Australia couldn’t level the series, on what was a very sporting pitch, all things considered. Come to think of it, most pitches this series have held together much better than anticipated. Perhaps a sign of India’s new found confidence? Have they suddenly realised they don’t have to put out dustbowl pitches to be competitive? Whatever it is, it’s pleasing to see.

On to the good stuff/bad stuff part.

For India, they would be reasonably pleased knowing that they have a 1-0 lead going into the last test. They know they can’t lose the series, and all they need is a draw to win the trophy. If they bat first – don’t expect a declaration this time. That said, I didn’t think they played particularly well this test match. I thought that Kumble’s captaincy was too defensive and unimaginative, not for the first time this series – and the team responded better when Dhoni was captaining the side in Kumble’s absence. I like Dhoni’s captaincy – he’s not afraid to try things. A good trait to have when you’re playing on flat pitches. I also like Gambhir, and I take back what I said about him not being test standard and averaging no more than 25 for the series. Clearly, I was wrong. Ouch.

If I was Indian coach, I’d be worried about my players’ state of mind. In the last 3 days of the test they appeared consigned to the draw – and played without intensity, as evidenced by their fielding, and their second innings batting. They actually started to bat the Aussie pacemen into confidence. Brett Lee was up and about for the first time in the series in India’s 2nd innings, and I wonder if India will be made to regret the way they batted on day 4 and 5. I also wonder if their two pace bowlers are starting to feel the pinch of being the only two quicks in the side. Time will tell. I also wonder how they will feel after Kumble's retirement, Ganguly's last test, and possibly Dravid's last test as well...

As for Australia – make no mistake about it, they will be thrilled to leave Delhi with a draw, and will throw everything into the 4th test to try and retain the trophy. The batting was much more determined, and assured this test match, and all the batsmen got a start in at least one of the tests. The worry is the amount of batsmen getting starts, and not going on with it. I believe they switched off a tiny bit mentally when Sehwag was bowling (Michael Clarke being the exception), and they paid for it. The batsmen will be desperate to atone for that in Nagpur.

As for the bowling – well it never really looked threatening until India’s 2nd innings. Brett Lee finally got things going, Stuart Clark was tight, but not that threatening, and Mitch Johnson still has the Indian batsmen uneasy at the crease. He needs to convert that into wickets though. I though Simon Katich was underbowled in the 2nd dig (and the last two tests as well), considering his first innings efforts, and I think Cameron White will make way for Jason Krezja next test. He has to. He’s been ok, and hasn’t disgraced himself, but we need better than ok from a spinner to win a test match in India. Let’s hope they take a chance on Krazy, because they need to find out if he can do the job. I don’t think Australia can win the test with White as first choice spinner. And yes, it hurts me to say that about a fellow Victorian.
Mon 03/11/2008 Dave Bremner 55 views

4 Comments about this article

  • It all comes down to us taking 20 wickets. Hard to do that in India without a spinner. This Aussie side must be the first touring side to visit India without a specalist spinner playing. Krazy went 0/196 in a tour match which does not inspire much confidence, especially with Gumby, Shewag and ST in fine form. India will take a draw here & look for their 1st innings to drag on and on and on and on.

    Posted by Barry Mackenzie Mon Nov 03, 2008 06:14pm AEST
  • They may bat for 5 days if they win the toss...

    Posted by Dave Bremner Mon Nov 03, 2008 06:43pm AEST
  • well, gambhir ain't playing the last test

    and, murali chucks

    Posted by Udara Wis Wed Nov 05, 2008 03:42pm AEST
  • allegedly...

    Posted by Dave Bremner Wed Nov 05, 2008 05:37pm AEST

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