[hemanth.anand]

Originally Posted by AltoLXI

Restricting India to 474 by lunch on second day is no easy feat for the team playing its first test - kudos to Afghanistan team.

That's mostly about it. Losing a wicket almost every 3 overs and 10 runs...AFG are now 59/6! At this rate, match may be over today itself or maximum by tomorrow. AFG would want to prove me wrong though

[msdivy]

India have enforced the follow-on. I would have preferred India bat again and get match practice ahead of English tour.

[harry10]

Originally Posted by msdivy

India have enforced the follow-on. I would have preferred India bat again and get match practice ahead of English tour.

Maybe players want to end this quickly as it can even happen today or the latest in Morning session. Though more batting practice won't have harmed us.

[NPV]

Originally Posted by msdivy

India have enforced the follow-on. I would have preferred India bat again and get match practice ahead of English tour.

Won't make much of a difference actually, as they're playing on Indian conditions and Afghan bowlers.

English conditions and their bowling will be much different.

I hope the Afghanistan batsmen can at least stretch it till lunch tomorrow, just a hope though.
*Spoke too early I guess, they're 9 down so it may be over today!

[PPS]

Ideal preparation for the tour of England by taking 20 opposition wickets in a single day!
Playing Pandya as the 5th bowler is flirting with danger. KL Rahul at no.3 was perhaps to tick off Pujara. Rahul needs to cement his place at no.6 instead as thats the only vacant spot in the team.

[Added_flavor]

The only good thing about this whole match is the final presentation. It was heartwarming to see the young players from a war-torn Country sharing the stage with the Indian team, who they look up to. They'll go back with a lot of learnings and experiences.

[NPV]

Originally Posted by Added_flavor

They'll go back with a lot of learnings and experiences.

And great memories with a lot of pride. I hope this will inspire more youngsters to take up the sport (or any other sport) and help the country come out of the war mindset. It must be incredibly tough for them to focus on things like education and sports (and in general a peaceful life) with all the things happening around them.

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by PPS

Playing Pandya as the 5th bowler is flirting with danger. KL Rahul at no.3 was perhaps to tick off Pujara. Rahul needs to cement his place at no.6 instead as thats the only vacant spot in the team.

I think Dhawan will be dropped and Rahul will open the innings. I think we're better off playing Karthik and 5 bowlers in England. I'm a little worried about Puajara- he still has to prove himself in English conditions.

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

I'm a little worried about Puajara- he still has to prove himself in English conditions.

I read somewhere that he's had a very good white ball county 2018 season... and an equally horrible red ball one !

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by Eddy

I read somewhere that he's had a very good white ball county 2018 season... and an equally horrible red ball one !

Yes, you are right!

Here is the analysis of three Indian players in County cricket: http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/...shwar-pujara-0

I'd still have Pujara in two test matches of five if he fails miserably (I hope he doesn't)

And yes, the team management should consider having Rahane at 3 and Kohli at 4 with Rahul opening.

[pratyush6]

I hope I am wrong but Pujara won't click. He hasn't in against any decent bowling attack at a place where there is seam and swing. 40 ball off 140 isn't going to cut it in England. Considering that Shikhar will most likely start the playing XI, we should play KL Rahul either at 6 or at 3.
Pandya, is too unreliable a player at No 6 and not a really good option as the 3rd seamer. Essentially he doesn't command a place either as a batsman or as a bowler - why are we even bothering? He might get a score but the cost would be higher - implying him playing and failing throughout the series.

[PPS]

Originally Posted by pratyush6

Pandya, is too unreliable a player at No 6 and not a really good option as the 3rd seamer. Essentially he doesn't command a place either as a batsman or as a bowler - why are we even bothering?

The team management seems to love him! Most likely he will play as the 5th bowler.
According to me, the 5th bowler is always underbowled in a test, so might as well have a proper batsman! Do not know what sort of pitches we'll get but Kuldeep should not be forgotten, English players struggle against wrist spin.

[vibbs]

Anybody following Eng Vs Aus one day match? It's pretty crazy out there. Seems England will cross 500 for the first time ever in 50 overs!

[jkrishnakj]

It's a relief for Australia that they chase only 482 and not a 500 plus score. I really thought Bairstow might hit a double ton. It was savage from ball 1.

[NPV]

to see England's score of 481/6 !
Wasn't following this series due to the ongoing Soccer world cup.

Let's see how much Australia manage to score in their chase!