[Eddy]

Originally Posted by NomadSK

With three fielders at third man, fine leg and deep square leg, clearly Aussies had a plan for him for this particular shot only and he fell into their trap, so clearly it was either him being stupid or lack of match awareness or the machoism backed by IPL contract. It’s simply embarrassing when at that level you fell in the trap of the opposition team which was clear to everyone and Gavaskar rightly vented it out.

Earlier it might have worked for him on many occasion but that doesn’t mean he will keep risking his wicket for some weird shots atleast in test cricket format, with a trap set for him. Past performances are no Gurantee of future outcome. Now in hindsight, Jurel would have been best bet in this series as a WK/batter, but we play heroes and at times talent is wasted in the dugout.

Pant has been our best test batter in the last 4-5 years. Even in this series, he is in the top 4 run scorers in our team. He was going for a six, like he does always. So the fielders don't matter. Sehwag was similar. And remember, tests is Pant's best format batting wise.

And what is the reason you think Jurel would have been better? He played one test and did not do anything at all.

As far as Gavaskar is concerned, criticising is ok but it should come with some context. The worse thing was his tone and words - "Go back to the Australia dressing room". That is absolutely stupid. The real reason he lashed out at Pant is this - https://www.hindustantimes.com/crick...998065431.html

Has Gavaskar used a similar tone or such words for Sachin, Kohli or Rohit? I dont remember him being this pissed at them in the commentary box. Pant was a soft target.

[It's Magic]

I guess today's match highlight would be that we confidently batted the whole day and still have a wicket left. Although we started the day with 5 wickets down, we played through all three sessions today, losing only 4 wickets.

Given our current batting form, it seems like an achievement.

[NomadSK]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Sehwag was similar. And remember, tests is Pant's best format batting wise.

I think we are digressing from today’s match shot selection to everywhere. My point is with respect to the shot he played today, which was irresponsible and let his team down, clearly showed lack of match awareness. And if a player thinks trap/plan doesn’t matter to him, then sorry to say you are just riding your luck, specially against competitive teams like Australia. I would be scared to enter the dressing room after letting the team down like this. Well I had the problem also with the reverse sweep which NKR played today at 50/60 may be, why let the opposition get on top of you with a loose irresponsible shot selection.

Also, he had been at his best in the past, because of Pujara who toiled for sessions after sessions and blunted the Aussie attack making his job a bit easier. Not taking anything away from his efforts, but Pujara played an important role same as washy played today for NKR.

And what is the reason you think Jurel would have been better? He played one test and did not do anything at all.

I said in the hindsight, because now we can’t play him. He scored 81 in first innings for India A and followed by 68 in 2nd innings in tough seaming conditions, when Padilla/eshwaran were struggling, IMO all players should get a fair chance to play, whoever are there in the team and not warm benches whole series, specially when you have few deadwood which can be replaced easily. For sure they are there based on their performances. What if today Gill was in the team and NKR dropped, we wouldn’t have a different story to talk or no story.

As far as Gavaskar is concerned, criticising is ok but it should come with some context. The worse thing was his tone and words - "Go back to the Australia dressing room". That is absolutely stupid.

Agreed he went a bit overboard with his oratory and emotional outburst, but that doesn’t mean Pant played a very classic test shot to be clapped about. It was hilarious as Harsha looked damn scared.

Has Gavaskar used a similar tone or such words for Sachin, Kohli or Rohit? I dont remember him being this pissed at them in the commentary box. Pant was a soft target.

I never saw Sachin play a shot which was wreckless over and over again, at max he ramped the short balls, but definitely won’t take chances if a trap has been set, Kohli has a weak technique outside off, a compulsive driver, even a club level cricketer can bag him, Rohit, well he doesn’t belong to test arena in first place. All in my opinion and experience.

Meanwhile Pak vs SA, 148 to win for SA, they have already a foot in the WTC.

Edit - SA 27/3 at stumps Day-3, keeping their tag of chokers alive !!

[NPV]

An innings to treasure and one in gold for India by Nitish Kumar to save us from the follow on!

I remembered a lone, fighting 104 not out by Praveen Amre on debut against South Africa, but I think we lost that game.

[careind]

Hopefully, Smith's wicket signals the return of Siraj's Second innings luck in this match.
The ball that took Khwaja's wicket was sure good, but the one that took Smith's wicket was 90% luck, and that is just what India, and Siraj, want at this moment.

And just as I was typing, Bumrah heads Head off! Aus 85/4.
That is going to be interesting!

[rx100]

Now the danger man Head is gone, Oz at 85/4. Oh man, please don’t give hopes. That was a good captaincy to keep a fielder there and set it up.

Edit : Australia’s walking wicket Mitch Marsh gone now, it’s 85/5.

Now its 91/6, Jassi bhai you beauty! Now it’s our match to lose.

[Revvatron]

We have this in the bag now. Get Marnus and this match can be closed by the end of the day.

[Asish_VK]

Melbourne is set on fire, Boom Boom in action. Time and again he's showing why he's the best in the world. What a player.

[creative420]

Thanks for making Test match more exciting again, Bumrah! Hope this inspires the kids the next generation of bowlers. Thank you, boomboom!

[careind]

Originally Posted by Revvatron

We have this in the bag now. Get Marnus and this match can be closed by the end of the day.

Love the all out optimism. But remember, what is good for the geese is good for the gander!

[AtheK]

Originally Posted by Revvatron

We have this in the bag now. Get Marnus and this match can be closed by the end of the day.

The optimism is amazing!! We only have 4 batsman.

Bumrah - The first ever Bowling superstar in a country obsessed with batting, everyone is a fan. No disrespect to other bowling greats, but Bumrah is once in a lifetime player.

[Asish_VK]

Ah! The same story continues. India's achilles heel - the lower order wickets.
It's getting frustrating seeing Cummins scoring so many runs. That dropped catch by Jaiswal is going to hurt big time.

[SoumenD]

Originally Posted by Revvatron

We have this in the bag now. Get Marnus and this match can be closed by the end of the day.

Spoke too soon?

Remember we have 2 issues plaguing us for quite sometime now:

1. Inability to wipe out the tail quick.
2. Lack of proper specialist batsmen(we have more stars). Can’t win matches riding on 2 batsmen and 3 all rounders

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Australia will bat 2 & a half sessions and leave us with an almost impossible 350+ target.

As predicted, Australia played two sessions and will step on the gas post Tea. Already the lead is ~250, if that swells past 300 we are doomed.

[Revvatron]

Originally Posted by Asish_VK

That dropped catch by Jaiswal is going to hurt big time.

Agreed. But that reaction from our captain was not needed on thay drop catch. I don't remember Kohli or anybody else reacting that way when they were captain.

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Spoke too soon?

Remember we have 2 issues plaguing us for quite sometime now:

1. Inability to wipe out the tail quick.
2. Lack of proper specialist batsmen(we have more stars). Can’t win matches riding on 2 batsmen and 3 all rounders

I still think it is in our grasp completely. Aussies bowlers look tired and I think we are capable of chasing 300 like last time. All we need is two good quick innings.

[Shumi_21]

Those two straightforward chances that Jaiswal dropped off Marnus & Cummins were frustrating. We might have been batting now if he took them. Hope we can keep the eventual target under 300.

Yashasvi has to now make up for the drop and score the bulk of the runs. He will be up for it. I'm also backing Rohit to come out firing from ball 1 like he does in white ball. A quick 60 from him will set up Jaiswal, KL & Kohli to take us home. Virat would also be raring to go after his horrendous first innings brainfade.

Our chances of winning are increasing day by day.