[Marauder]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

It is as likely we will lose the series as win it. If we lose, I only hope that the wrong messages aren't immediately sent to groundsmen to only prepare the boring wickets that have matches played to a set formula even where there is a result - compared to this series, every other of the season has been boring.

And only by being tested in this fashion can the men be separated from the boys; the men that will have us winning abroad, not just the boys that win test matches only in their own gallis.

More than the pitches, it's been the ability of the Australians which has made the series exciting as compared to the other series in the season. None of the pitches in this series have been difficult for the Indians.

This pitch has a bit for the fast bowlers but the Kolkata pitch against the New Zealanders was way more pace friendly.
The Ranchi pitch was similar to the flat-tracks we got against England in places like Chennai and Mumbai.

The Pune pitch was the only one difficult for batsmen but, it was a spinner's paradise, the Indian team's performance was well below par in that Test.

[Sawyer]

I don't agree; I think India also struggled at Bangalore with the pitch. And today has shown that India has struggled on this pitch as well. No complaints, indeed this pitch should be a bench mark for all Indian pitches, especially for the domestic matches. Then this nonsense that all eleven Indian batsmen have first class centuries, or that some have multiple triple hundreds on the domestic circuit will stop. And it is hard enough to be a fast bowler in the Indian heat; they deserve a better deal from Indian pitches for having the character to decide to be a fast bowler.

[PPS]

Looking at the way Aussies have bowled today on a flat pitch & in general throughout this tour, they deserve to win this series! Indian team has been completely lackluster this series. Perhaps they were overconfident & did not expect the Aussies to put up such a fight.
String of low scores by Karun Nair will only help accelerate Rohit Sharma's re-inclusion in the team. Ashwin has been a touch disappointing this series, Lyon comparatively has been very impressive.

[Sawyer]

The irritating thing is the probable excuse that will be trotted out now of too much cricket, long season and the like by the same cast of characters who will all come back to take part in the IPL circus with all energy and enthusiasm, watched by roaring, franchise flag waving crowds that can't be bothered with test cricket.

But who is to say...we could still win, with some focus and determination! To be an Indian cricket fan, one needs to be an optimist.

[Marauder]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

I don't agree; I think India also struggled at Bangalore with the pitch. And today has shown that India has struggled on this pitch as well.

Nobody is arguing that the Indian batsmen haven't struggled in this series. But, I think it is down to the quality and mental capacity of the Australian bowlers and their captain. I doubt that England or NZ would have troubled the Indian players this much, given the same conditions.

The pitches throughout this season have been great.

Originally Posted by Sawyer

The irritating thing is the probable excuse that will be trotted out now of too much cricket, long season and the like by the same cast of characters who will all come back to take part in the IPL circus with all energy and enthusiasm, watched by roaring, franchise flag waving crowds that can't be bothered with test cricket.

It's not an excuse, 13 Tests in 6 months is ridiculous. I doubt any team has had to endure such a run of continuous cricket. Ashwin is currently suffering from sports hernia and is unable to perform to his full potential.

T20 cricket and Test cricket are completely different games. Bowling 4 overs every couple of days is completely different from bowling 25+ overs in a day. To doubt their enthusiasm or drive for playing for the Indian team is belittling the massive effort required to perform at this level every day.

[Sawyer]

So let's see how many will take a break from IPL to recover to be fresh and ready to go for the next international tournament in India colours.

[libranof1987]

There's going to be a match and series result alright and there's a strong chance we're going to lose.

Should've got some more lead.

[harry10]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

There's going to be a match and series result alright and there's a strong chance we're going to lose.

Should've got some more lead.

On what basis?
As far as I can see we are on top right now. Yes, if we are chasing more than 200 then I will say it's tough to win but still do able. It's the Aussies who look in all kinda of pressure.

Ps- plz remember we took the lead without our best batsman and captain playing. For me it's a huge achievement.

[hemanth.anand]

Australia score is -1 for 3.
Game Nicely setup now in India's favour

[Eddy]

0 for 3 now ! And one batsman (Marsh) with a bad back

[Sawyer]

The problem we have will be runs on the board pressure with the series on the line. Even 170 may prove tough if the top order stumbles.

Testing times indeed, but a great series.

I really don't want to see any more swings of the pendulum!

[suhaas307]

106 to win.

Sometimes these low totals have proven to be a little tricky.

Vijay and Rahul will have to see off these 6 overs carefully. Just defend, leave, prod. They need to remember that they have 6 sessions at their disposal. There is no hurry.

EDIT: Rahul is clearly in no mood to hang around.

[Santoshbhat]

What a day of test cricket!! To get a lead of 32 was huge. Imagine if we had conceded a lead of 32 and we would be staring at a chase of 170

Pitch still has plenty to offer for the bowlers. The batsmen have to stay positive and keep the runs ticking over. If you get into a shell and lose 2 or 3 quickly game will be on again. The weight of the entire series on the players tomorrow. Gotta love test cricket!!

[searacer932]

What a spell of bowling by the Indian pacers!! They completed exposed the weakness of the the two Aussie openers.

David Warner is a home town bully. Scores only in Australia! Steve Smith's wicket will well turn to be the turning point of the match.

[Sawyer]

Even if there are any unwelcome twists to come, Rahane has made a name for himself for his captaincy. Both in its style and substance. Good to see that there is still space for a few gentlemen in the modern game. And Umesh Yadav too, for showing that one can be a fiery fast bowler and a gentleman.