[AtheK]

Seeing the current status of the match, and with all the rain predicted, I am sure Australia will just use this as a batting practice day. If it is overcast with a lot of chance of rain, India should just hold back Bumrah and not tire him out.

Unleash Jadeja to quickly run through overs

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Virat and Rohit need to be "rested" in my humble opinion.

They should develop a "niggle" more like.

Oh well

[harry10]

Akashdeep has become my favorite newcomer this year.
The boy doesn't have pace like Shoaib akhtar and he knows it. He just sticks to line and length and beating batsman in seam movement. Just like Shami. Plus no over the top antics like Siraj. Just disciplined bowling. Was unlucky not to get Smith out in first innings while troubling him the most.

And now his batting. Everyone and their mother knows Akash is a good batter and hitter. Should be automatic number 9 after NKR. But, our dumb Captain and out of ideas Coach sends him at 11. They send Siraj at 9 knowing very well Jadeja sucks at batting with tail and needs someone reliable to Bat with. Jaddu promptly gifts his wicket away. Jaddu could have easily made a ton if Akash was batting 9. That 6 of Cummins once follow on was avoided was shot of the match.

Anyways, I don't see Aussies declaring tomorrow. Hazelwood is out of series and they can't risk Cummins and Starc getting burnt out as Mitch Marsh is already made of glass. So, a draw it will be. With Sydney too predicted to have same kinda weather I believe whoever wins at MCG will take home the BGT trophy. Boland has impressive stats at MCG so Hazelwood might not be missed much by them.

BTW, I have no issues with everyone celebrating avoiding the follow on. End of day it's a team game and no matter how much we want Rohit and Kohli dropped. We should not advocate for India losing the game for that to happen. I am happy we saved the game and series is still alive for us to win.

Also, there was a post mentioning Sachin vs Kohli here and how Sachin is miles above Kohli. Just see this chart. Sachin made 1500+ runs with 7 centuries in a year when he was 37. Average of 78. Leave Sachin, Kohli ain't even anywhere near Dravid when it comes to test match cricket.

[Asish_VK]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

Unless Aussies bowl out India within the first 30mins tomorrow and come out guns blazing setting around 350 in 70 overs, the match will be a draw.

Given the current situation of Indian batting, 40 overs without rain interruption is all needed for Australia to win this match

[NPV]

Originally Posted by Asish_VK

Given the current situation of Indian batting, 40 overs without rain interruption is all needed for Australia to win this match

But, the commentators have completely changed the narrative saying there will be no result and Aus will use the day for batting practice and maybe give India 10 overs late in the day, seriously?

Meanwhile Bumrah gets Khawaja out (yet again)!

[SoumenD]

Australians seem to be in no hurry. They indeed are using this last day as batting practice day. Whoever didn’t score in 1st innings is guven a go first which explains Smith moving down the order.

Mostly a draw after a long time, all thanks to our lower order and 12th man(rain). Ofcourse if we pull off a 50-60 all out, we can still find a result but that’s highly doubtful

[padmrajravi]

Originally Posted by Asish_VK

Given the current situation of Indian batting, 40 overs without rain interruption is all needed for Australia to win this match

Thats right. I wish they declare with one session to go. Our test side is basically a T20 team and they will surely have a go at the target risking everything. They might get all out or may even pull off a heist. Either way, it will be entertaining. That said our bowling attack suddenly seem threatening now that Akashdeep opens with Bumrah.

[NPV]

Australia 28/4 but me thinks the quicker we get the wickets, the risk is greater for us since we need to bat and that’s a forgotten art for our superstar batsmen!

[ValarMorghulis]

and 33/5 now. Smithy goes back!!

If we dismiss them under 100, can we dream? Can we? :P

[Carmine_pepper]

Miracle of gabba 2.0 loading ……
Now Only if that guy Head obliges

[DetectiveMiles]

Head gone. But I feel 250+ will be little more for us to chase down. Below 175 would have been something to try for, provided walking wickets don't get to bat early.

[Eddy]

Ok, all the ennthu of yesterday is now replaced by fear. We will have to survive 50-55 overs and will definitely under pressure.

Where is the rain?

[harry10]

274 in 54ish some overs.

We could have gone for it treating it as an ODI if everyone was in form. With Rohit and Kohli it's better they play for a draw. And if they want to go for it then Pant needs to Bat before Kohli.

Shout-out to our bowlers for again giving it their all and Pant grabbing 5 catches. That leg side catch of Smith was absolutely Brilliant.

[padmrajravi]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Ok, all the ennthu of yesterday is now replaced by fear. We will have to survive 50-55 overs and will definitely under pressure.

Where is the rain?

They declared. Now we are in real trouble. it is a win or loss from now on. I don't think draw is on the cards unless rain comes.

[Mumbaiker]

The rain is around the corner as per the radar. But we will still get around 40/45 overs to play out today. This is turning into a thriller !