**Official** 4th Test at Melbourne, 26-30 Dec 2024

[Arachnödouche2.0]

Match is alive all three ways. Won't count us out just yet; could've been a lot better chase-wise but could also have been hopeless.

 

[silentstriker]

I'd be really surprised if India allowed the draw to happen, especially with the lower-middle order they have. They'll go after it regardless

If Australia are right and the top order scores like 60 runs the first session, it kind of reorients the rest of the day, even if they have some wickets.

 

[cascade]

Dunno, I think there’s a chance of a draw still. Not super likely but it’s hard to score 300 in a day, especially as either side can try to shut up shop if the other side is getting close.

Boland is probably going to be more effective if India try to block him out anyway.

 

[Spark]

Ludicrous tactics

 

[morgieb]

Build the man a statue!

 

[silentstriker]

Now of course if they’re gonna be scoring this many runs, clearly india would want the wicket

 

[Spark]

Honestly what have they seen in Boland's batting that makes them think "hmm, let's pretend Nathan Lyon is actually a guy with a top score of 240, not 40"

 

[Qlder]

Need to declare after next over if they want 20 minutes at India tonight

 

[halba]

So basically instead of a top 6, india is playing with effectively 2 specialist fast bowlers, 1 military medium pacer in Akash, and a top 8 stacked batting /and part time bowlers. A strategy to surely backfire over the long term.

 

[kyear2]

Sooo, would it be a bad idea to just declare at this point and get a few overs at India tonight?

 

[GotSpin]

Need to declare after next over if they want 20 minutes at India tonight

Bat until tomorrow if you can

 

[GotSpin]

Sooo, would it be a bad idea to just declare at this point and get a few overs at India tonight?

Yeah

 

[Johan]

did the pitch break?

 

[Spikey]

Sooo, would it be a bad idea to just declare at this point and get a few overs at India tonight?

boland needs to face another 70 balls before he's faced more than mmarsh this series. so give it until then

 

[silentstriker]

Bat until tomorrow if you can

After how much Australia have dominated this series outside Perth, it would be insanity to go into Sydney 1-1.

 

[morgieb]

Sooo, would it be a bad idea to just declare at this point and get a few overs at India tonight?

The way I see it is that a draw guarantees a shootout at Sydney, a loss means India retain the BGT, and a win still means we need to avoid defeat to win back the BGT. So I don't mind going defensive even if India end up 8/250 or something.

 

[GotSpin]

After how much Australia have dominates this series outside Perth, it would be insanity to go into Sydney 1-1.

India will have a crack tomorrow for sure. Rather put the pressure on them with less overs available

 

[Niall]

Honestly what have they seen in Boland's batting that makes them think "hmm, let's pretend Nathan Lyon is actually a guy with a top score of 240, not 40"

Maybe they think Lyon is more "destructive " with the bat than Boland who is predominantly a blocker? I am reaching tbf.

 

[KungFu_Kallis]

Not a bad result for India giving a few more slow runs here and facing less overs tonight. They have been so tight today apart from the catching it's been impressive

 

[Spark]

Maybe they think Lyon is more "destructive " with the bat than Boland who is predominantly a blocker? I am reaching tbf.

I mean it's true but he's also pretty bad and more likely to get out trying to play a shot than anything else.