5.00 P.M.
With the Aussies, intent on denial and the Indian’s intent on running up a large score the post lunch session was a boring one. Gambhir fell shortly after completing his double century. Ganguly and Dhoni fell in the quest for quick runs as Laxman continued unperturbed
After a point the sight of the Indian’s grinding the Australian bowling to dust became monotonous. It was monotonous mainly because the Australian bowlers could extract nothing out of the pitch and Laxman went about piling runs without any undue flourish.
One got the impression that Kumble held back the declaration to let Laxman complete his double century. Nothing wrong there but it unnecessarily prolonged the affair and was a big turn-off as one was eager to see the Aussie batsmen go about the task of overhauling the Indian total.
As expected India declared at 613/7 as soon as Laxman got his 200. The interesting question now is how will the Australian batsmen fashion the chase?
If one expected Hayden and Katich do a Mohali, i.e., try to take the attack by the scruff of the neck, then one is disappointed. Katich appears more aggressive of the two. He in fact slashed a couple of boundaries. Kumble is evidently trying to get the batsmen on the back-foot and pitching it just short of length in the hope the pitch will do the rest.
Australia has safely negotiated their way to stumps on the third day and they are 50 without a loss.
11.42 A.M.
Laxman - Gambhir duo completely dominated the morning session. Laxman eased his way to his sixth century (104 n.o.) against Australia and Gambhir (191 n.o.) is on the threshold of scoring a double century – a feat if completed will be a first. Records show that no left-hand opener has ever scored a double century against Australia.
The Australian’s appear stuck on following the path of least resistance. They continue employing the strategy of pressurizing the Indian batsmen by denying the boundaries. Doubtless, this strategy fetched a series victory last time. However, this time around the Indians have bested them by showing equanimity and milking the bowling for runs.
Stuart Clark is one bowler who has bowled well. He bowled well and was miserly too (26 over's/51 runs). Unfortunately the other bowlers (Lee 26 over’s/92 runs and Johnson 25 over’s/95 runs) dissipated the pressure.
It appears Australia face another mammoth challenge.
India 393/3 at lunch on the second day of the third Test between India & Australia.
6.25 A.M.
If we continue yesterday’s good work, then the Australian’s will have to do all the running. Firstly, any score in excess of 450 will be tough to overhaul. Secondly, Kumble and Mishra will be enthused by watching Simon Katich turn a couple of deliveries.
In short, it will be engrossing and the proceedings will determine the result of the match.
Gautam Gambhir sums it up well.
"The way Katich bowled, a couple of balls really spun. Whatever cricket I have played at the Kotla, the bounce starts getting inconsistent from the third day on, once it starts breaking," Gambhir said.
"We have got two quality spinners in our side, and the condition that we are in - at 300 for 3 - and the way Amit Mishra bowled in the last game, Australia are going to be under pressure. The kind of batting they have shown on the turning track in Mohali, it's not going to be easy at all for them here."
5 comments:
now ponting decided to actually take thinks on his hand... :)
Pan,
Pity he is reduced to bowling.
if some of the deliveries from kumble and mishra are any indication...we are into some interesting times...they will need serious effort to negotiate draw...
Pan,
Couple of balls that pitched outside the left handers off-stump took off.
As you said interesting day ahead.
The move could have paid dividends if Bowden had got that simple one right...delay or no delay.
I say, steal the hope from within the Aussie breast, let tiredness settle in like sand in water, and then declare them to play their hand!
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