India tour of Australia Nov'20-Jan'21

[abhi_jacko]

I don't quite think the pitch has had anything much in terms of sideways movement.

It has disintegrated though - see Steve Smith's dismissal. Same length delivery is keeping low and rearing up on different occasions. It would be foolhardy to actually write off an Australian win here with the kind of attack they have - they would be the favorites going into the fifth day with 300+ to defend and wicket misbehaving.

Thakur and Sundar's (Pant before that) heroics are laudable, but they came under circumstances where we were almost down and out - there was almost nothing to lose. Tomorrow, we will have scoreboard pressure as well as PLENTY to lose and it will be a real test of skills and nerves for this young team. The experienced batters will need to do the bulk of heavy lifting if we need to stand a chance for a draw (rain could help a bit if we are lucky)

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

It has disintegrated though - see Steve Smith's dismissal. Same length delivery is keeping low and rearing up on different occasions. It would be foolhardy to actually write off an Australian win here with the kind of attack they have - they would be the favorites going into the fifth day with 300+ to defend and wicket misbehaving.

Thakur and Sundar's (Pant before that) heroics are laudable, but they came under circumstances where we were almost down and out - there was almost nothing to lose. Tomorrow, we will have scoreboard pressure as well as PLENTY to lose and it will be a real test of skills and nerves for this young team. The experienced batters will need to do the bulk of heavy lifting if we need to stand a chance for a draw (rain could help a bit if we are lucky)

There is nothing in the world that the Australian bowlers can't do. But don't forget even they are humans and their bodies tire down after a long series. There would be equal pressure on Australia since India have never come so close to winning a series against a full strength Australian side in Australia. This wouldn't play against the Indians but in favour of them. A decade ago we had a similar situation in South Africa and we just somehow managed to draw the match. But this time we even have an X-factor in Rishabh Pant. It is all about the first half of the day tomorrow.

 

[blockerdave]

Regardless of the result tomorrow, I'm really pleased as a cricket fan with the competitiveness of this series. Too often the home side always wins easily, and in Australia especially. It gets boring. So seeing a side really rock up and give them a fight has been great. With all the injuries and the Covid quarantine stuff it would be so easy to grab excuses and fold, but even if India get rolled tomorrow they've really helped create a great series.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

What do you think our full strength XI is among current lot

Same as yours. Just the armband would be on someone else.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

Everyone saying India is capable of playing out a draw is delusional. This Indian team will try to win tomorrow. If Sharma Ji decides to have it his way, it will be over by tea.

I think India will win tomorrow if the rain stays away. Watch for Pant and Gill.

 

[Targaryen]

It is like if they do it, we criticise. But if we do it, we praise our players for it. Expecting some criticism for this too:

 

[asprin]

This Indian team will try to win tomorrow

I beg to differ. With rain forecast for tomorrow, scoring 300+ on a 5th day pitch is a monumental ask, they will have to score 4+ an over (assuming we lose 20 overs). Yes, we have free scoring options in Rohit and Pant but it would be a far greater risk if India were to attempt it. My money's on Rahane asking the batsmen to play safe - not necessarily a block-athon though.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

I beg to differ. With rain forecast for tomorrow, scoring 300+ on a 5th day pitch is a monumental ask, they will have to score 4+ an over (assuming we lose 20 overs). Yes, we have free scoring options in Rohit and Pant but it would be a far greater risk if India were to attempt it. My money's on Rahane asking the batsmen to play safe - not necessarily a block-athon though.

We will see.

Post automatically merged: Jan 18, 2021

It is like if they do it, we criticise. But if we do it, we praise our players for it. Expecting some criticism for this too:

View attachment 242210

There is a vast difference in the career story of Rohit and Smith. One is a renowned cheat while the other has never ever been involved in any nonsense. This is more of a dig from Rohit's side than some form of foul play. I can show you from this series itself how Steve Smith's head works. He's just compulsive.

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

I completely agree with @LiveLoveABD , India would try and win this one for sure. I would be surprised to see them capitulate after what happened at MCG & SCG. Even the first innings of India tells the same. Whenever the odds are against this side they would find a way to comeback. I wouldn't be disappointed to see them lose either. But my gut feeling is we are going to win.

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

Same as yours. Just the armband would be on someone else.

Jinx as Captain

PS- Need a red heart emoji without which my post looks incomplete

 

[wasteyouryouth]

India 22/1 seems very generous and I shall be having a nibble on that (despite the weather forecast).

India has the batters that can win it and I do hope they go for it.

The strength in depth India now has is very impressive. Their seam bowling is perhaps as deep as England's and their batting strength is easily deeper than any other team, certainly in terms of genuine options.

 

[Sherlock Holmes]

India 22/1

Back from the future?

 

[LiveLoveABD]

India 22/1 seems very generous and I shall be having a nibble on that (despite the weather forecast).

India has the batters that can win it and I do hope they go for it.

The strength in depth India now has is very impressive. Their seam bowling is perhaps as deep as England's and their batting strength is easily deeper than any other team, certainly in terms of genuine options.

England has the biggest riches of them all. So many all rounders of such high quality.

 

[qpeedore]

India should push for the win. Barring a few early wickets, this is really a perfect opportunity to cap off an excellent series.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

I would definitely like India push for a win and have some strategy in place. Like let Rohit play freely and Gill rotate strike. A wicket falls, Puji guards! Something on that line. Go for a win but dont give the series up. If for Australia a series win plus wtc is on the line, for us its the same. A draw will help us retain the trophy and with home series coming up, will not hamper wtc.

Sydney test did come into play here today. Aussies would have declared earlier but they know they cannot do that even with Rain in the forecast. I feel Aussies missed the opportunity and should have declared 20-30 runs short. I know we lost 24 overs last night but having a go at this Indian team on an uneven cracked pitch for 50 overs would have been an awesome contest.