Story Australian Int Season - RETIREMENT

[MWaugh]

Agarkar Strikes Early - Australia 1/2

Ajit Agarkar found the perfect start as India look to try and assert dominance in the 3rd and final test at Hobart. Agarkar to the scalp of Justin Langer for 2 as Australia slipped early in their reply to be 1/2. The wicket coming in just the 2nd over of play, 2 appearing to be an unlucky number for the Western Australian.

Langer strode along way forward but only managed an edge which flew quickly to V.V.S Laxman who was fielding in the gully region. It will be a huge confidence builder for Rahul Dravid as his side attempts to beat the weather, time and the Australians to win the final test.

 

[MWaugh]

Hayden Trapped In Front - Australia 2/36

Matthew Hayden joined fellow partner Justin Langer in the pavilion early on day 3 of the test as Australia stumbled at 2/36 after Hayden was adjudged LBW to the bowling of Zaheer Khan.

Khan had Hayden hit plumb in front of leg stump after attempting to leg glance the ball to the vacant square leg region.

 

[MWaugh]

Ponting Follows Suit - Australia 3/36

Australia slipped into early trouble as they stumbled at 3/36 after Ricky Ponting was also adjudged LBW, this time at the hands of leg spinner Anil Kumble. Ponting was trapped only an over after opener Matthew Hayden was given his marching orders, Ponting attempting to play back and across was struck high on his pads.

Fortunately for the Indian spinner, this wicket is not giving alot of assistance to turners of the ball and the ball merely straighted to hit Ponting in line with off stump.



Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey will now have to consolidate the Australian innings in the lead up to lunch and the post lunch session.

 

[MWaugh]

Hussey Falls To Agarkar - Australia 4/56

The Australian top order collapse continued as the home side slipped to 4/56 after Michael Hussey fell for only 8 at the hands of Ajit Agarkar. Hussey fell in the same way that fellow Western Australian Justin Langer was dismissed. Edging a catch to V.V.S Laxman at gully.

 

[ashu2411]

India is looking really good. All Indian bowlers are on fire.

 

[MWaugh]

Symonds Falls To Spin - Australia 5/67

The Australian rot continued on the third day of the third test at Hobart. Andrew Symonds was the last wicket to fall after being cleaned up by Anil Kumble for 5. The Australians struggling at 5/67 and looking down the barrel of an embarassing first innings total.

 

[Cricket_60]

What's happening?

 

[Short Leg]

The wheel's have fallen off already. Pull your finger out Australia or your going to lose the series.

 

[MWaugh]

India On Top - Lunch - Australia 5/82

The Indian bowling quartet of Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan have worked over fragile Australian top order to leave the home side in a delicate position at 5/82 at lunch on day 3. While the Indians have the weather, the time and their opponents to manage in an attempt to win the final test, they have started extremely positively.

Ajit Agarkar 2/25 (10.0) and Anil Kumble 2/24 (8.0) have starred with the ball on a wicket that is producing alot early on a seamers deck. Michael Clarke 25 not out, looking the most confident of the batsmen.



Currently trailing the tourists by 240 runs, much will now rely on the 2nd test heros Clarke (25*) and Adam Gilchrist (6*) to get Australia past the follow on point and look to bat as long as possible to put an Indian victory out of reach.

 

[MWaugh]

The Task Gets Tougher - Australia 5/126

An unbeaten 59 run partnership from Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist made Indias task so much tougher as the Home side avoided the follow on mark. By crawling to 5/126, the pair ensured that Australia would bat last in this test. With 2 days and 1 session of play remaining under overcast skies, winning this test appears to be a tall order. However if the lineup that includes Tendulkar and Sehwag can fire, along with some superb bowling from Khan and Kumble, India may still count themselves a chance.

 

[MWaugh]

Kumble Traps Gilchrist - Australia 6/131

Anil Kumble made a vital breakthrough for the tourists with the dismissal of Adam Gilchrist for a well made 36 as Australia fell at 6/131. Gilchrist made the foolish of playing back against the spin of Kumble, Gilchrist misjudging the pace of the ball, which hit him high on the pads.

While falling for 36, Gilchrist made a crucial contribution as Australia passed the follow on mark which will force India to bat again next in the test match.

 

[Cricket_60]

We needed something more from Gilly

 

[MWaugh]

Kumble On A Hatrick - Australia 7/131

Anil Kumble pressed Indias case even further with the dismissal of often tough tailender Shane Warne first ball as Australia stumbled further at 7/131. With a great piece of leg spin bowling, Kumble forced Warne to defend on the front foot, an edge then carrying to Mahendra Dhoni for his first test dismissal. The Australian tail end of Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Glenn McGrath must now combine with Michael Clarke to peg back Indias lead.

 

[MWaugh]

Clarke Contributes With 50 - Australia 7/142

Michael Clarke continued his good run with an unbeaten half century to guide Australia to 7/142. Clarke showed that he has the grinding qualities necessary to be a successful test cricketer with a 105 ball 50. Clarkes contribution has been invaluable in Australia passing the follow on mark after a very ordinary start from the top order.

 

[MWaugh]

Agarkar Snares Lee - Australia 8/162

Ajit Agarkar set about continuing the Australian rot with the dismissal of Brett Lee for a hard fought 10 as Australia stumbled again, this time at 8/162. Lee looked to drive a good length ball from Agarkar, which found the edge that flew comfortably to Anil Kumble at 2nd slip.



Stuart Clarke will now make his debut innings for his country.