***Official*** Australia in India 2017

[honestbharani]

This is a great idea. Nothing to lose.

Think it might work better wtih Saha as he has more shots all around the ground against both pace and spin. Jadeja as a hitter can be pretty one dimensional and therefore more likely to throw it away real soon. I would have actually opened with Pujara and Rahul, let Saha bat 3 and kept Mukund at 5 so that the left handers can be spaced out better to ensure a challenge for Lyon as he gets into the game more.

 

[Burgey]

Think it might work better wtih Saha as he has more shots all around the ground against both pace and spin. Jadeja as a hitter can be pretty one dimensional and therefore more likely to throw it away real soon. I would have actually opened with Pujara and Rahul, let Saha bat 3 and kept Mukund at 5 so that the left handers can be spaced out better to ensure a challenge for Lyon as he gets into the game more.

Nah, Jadeja. Still reckon it's an easier deck for lefties than right handers..

 

[anil1405]

Australia aren't going to bowl like they did in first 10 overs now. India need to get their act together and not let a wicket or two lose their minds. Partnerships are key.

 

[honestbharani]

Nah, Jadeja. Still reckon it's an easier deck for lefties than right handers..

Oh I agree its easier for lefties and that is one of the things where the luck works out for Australia in this test. But I just dont think Jadeja has the game or the nous to manage a game breaking innings here. Saha has more of both and has more shots to both spinners and seamers than Jaddu. So overall, I would back Saha to play such a role better than Jaddu, even on this track.

 

[Zinzan]

Deficit below 50, India with all 10 pegs in hand with Aust having to bat last, yup India should be favourites from here. Way to pull it back.

 

[Arachnodouche]

I've never been entirely sold on Jadeja's prowess as a pinch-hitter/slogger, etc. Times are when it seems he's struggling to get the ball off the square, but you guys are more updated with day-to-day happenings around the teams. I'm not averse to sending Nair up at 3, and just have him play his natural game. He's confident, in obvious good form, and has a fluency to him right now that might work better than gambling on Jadeja.

 

[Burgey]

Oh I agree its easier for lefties and that is one of the things where the luck works out for Australia in this test. But I just dont think Jadeja has the game or the nous to manage a game breaking innings here. Saha has more of both and has more shots to both spinners and seamers than Jaddu. So overall, I would back Saha to play such a role better than Jaddu, even on this track.

Don't disagree, but right now a quick 30 or 40 is a game breaking innings. If he did that, the others can bat normally and accumulate a lead.

It's just something I'd do right now if I was in India's shoes. I don't see a down side to it tbh. If he goes cheaply, he's your number nine anyway, albeit a good one.

 

[honestbharani]

Australia aren't going to bowl like they did in first 10 overs now. India need to get their act together and not let a wicket or two lose their minds. Partnerships are key.

There was a period just before tea on Day 1 when Karun and Rahul were batting. They were so fluent and easy on the eye. That is how you have to make your partnerships tick here. The ball keeping llow or beating your edge or bouncing higher will keep happening. Gotta put that behind you and try and rotate strike and put away the bad balls and play percentage cricket. Being stuck is what will be the killer blow for either batting side.

 

[African Monkey]

Haven't seen a lot of this test so far but was shocked to see Mukund back in the side. Completely forgot about the guy. Didn't look test standard when he has last in the side but was only a boy back then.

 

[mr_mister]

yeah was murali injured or a casualty of the first test thrashing? feel they should have perserved a bit longer with the bloke he had a great 2016

 

[OverratedSanity]

Australia had the luxury of having virtually no scoreboard pressure because they shot India out in the first innings. With the pitch getting progressively worse we definitely can't afford to have the same approach Australia adopted. Need to look to score whenever possible.

 

[honestbharani]

Don't disagree, but right now a quick 30 or 40 is a game breaking innings. If he did that, the others can bat normally and accumulate a lead.

It's just something I'd do right now if I was in India's shoes. I don't see a down side to it tbh. If he goes cheaply, he's your number nine anyway, albeit a good one.

Yeah.. guess we both agree sending in someone to up the tempo is a good idea but we will have to agree to disagree on who will be the best for that role.

 

[vcs]

Oh I agree its easier for lefties and that is one of the things where the luck works out for Australia in this test. But I just dont think Jadeja has the game or the nous to manage a game breaking innings here. Saha has more of both and has more shots to both spinners and seamers than Jaddu. So overall, I would back Saha to play such a role better than Jaddu, even on this track.

Saha has done **** all to inspire any confidence with the bat in international cricket so far.. I know he recently played a gun knock in FC cricket. Just looks completely clueless out there when the conditions/bowling are remotely challenging. I mean, you knew Dhoni was fairly mediocre technique wise, but even in conditions completely unsuited to his technique (England/SA etc.) he'd find ways to grind out the occasional 50. Miss him so much.

 

[OverratedSanity]

yeah was murali injured or a casualty of the first test thrashing? feel they should have perserved a bit longer with the bloke he had a great 2016

Injured. There's no way they're dropping him.

He didn't have a great 2016 tbh. Was a bit up and down. But his 2014 and 15 were genuinely elite.

 

[Son Of Coco]

India to get bowled out for 95. Australia to get the runs 8 down.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Saha has done **** all to inspire any confidence with the bat in international cricket so far.. I know he recently played a gun knock in FC cricket. Just looks completely clueless out there when the conditions/bowling are remotely challenging. I mean, you knew Dhoni was fairly mediocre technique wise, but even in conditions completely unsuited to his technique (England/SA etc.) he'd find ways to grind out the occasional 50. Miss him so much.

Harsh. Saha made a couple of small but vital contributions in tough conditions in the SA series and the SL tour as well, as I love pointing out. He has the game for it imo, but he's really skittish, especially early on.

 

[mr_mister]

ah just checked his scores for the year. i just remember the steady stream of 100s but it looks like he scored nothing in between those knocks

 

[vcs]

Harsh. Saha made a couple of small but vital contributions in tough conditions in the SA series and the SL tour as well, as I love pointing out. He has the game for it imo, but he's really skittish, especially early on.

Yeah a bit harsh I know. Also a couple of useful contributions against NZ in the 2nd game. And he has kept pretty well in this match.

 

[OverratedSanity]

ah just checked his scores for the year. i just remember the steady stream of 100s but it looks like he scored nothing in between those knocks

Yeah he's had a few injury issues too. Still managed to make two great tons vs England mind. And his credit in the bank is massive after how good he was in the previous two years.

 

[Burgey]

Haze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!