**Official** Australia in India Thread

[Dydl]

I don't get how people are merely saying India have edged ahead in the game, they're big favourites to win as far as I'm concerned. There's only Martyn, Lehmann and Clarke left and most people are of the opinion Martyn doesn't do it (very much) when it counts and you wouldn't put much money on Lehmann scoring a fifty or more.

Martyn handled Kumble and Harbhjan quite well IMO, especially wacking two consecutive boundaries off Kumble. He could be a big threat against the spinners tomorrow.

 

[Spetsnatz]

I really hope tomorrow that ganguly does not give easy singles to Martyn just to have a crack at Gillespie.

He needs to attack both batsmen with full vigour.
India need to restrict Australia to a maximum of 250 ideally.

 

[Spetsnatz]

Martyn handled Kumble and Harbhjan quite well IMO, especially wacking two consecutive boundaries off Kumble. He could be a big threat against the spinners tomorrow.

The 2 consecutive boundaries he hit were off Harbhajan.

 

[Dydl]

Unless of a total batting collapse, if Australia all out for 250, History would repeat itself.

 

[Dydl]

Harbhajan, Kumble whatever.

I knew it was one of them.

 

[SJS]

I really hope tomorrow that ganguly does not give easy singles to Martyn just to have a crack at Gillespie.

He needs to attack both batsmen with full vigour.
India need to restrict Australia to a maximum of 250 ideally.

Any target above 150 will be tricky. I wonder who will open with Sehwag. That may become a crucial decision. A good opening partnership could make things much easier for India and vice versa.

If Yuvraj opens ( I hope not), I hope who proves me dramatically wrong

 

[Swervy]

I don't get how people are merely saying India have edged ahead in the game, they're big favourites to win as far as I'm concerned. There's only Martyn, Lehmann and Clarke left and most people are of the opinion Martyn doesn't do it (very much) when it counts and you wouldn't put much money on Lehmann scoring a fifty or more.

yes India are favourites..but...with martyn,Lehmann and Clarke still to come in,the potential is there for Australia to set a tricky target (in my eyes another 180 to 200 runs)..in order for this to happen at least two of these players needs to get in and stay in.

And then there is the Indian batting which has been a bit dodgy for a while now...one or two quick wickets (which is the norm these days) and India are under a lot of pressure again (assuming Australia have set a half decent target)...who else would you rather have bowling to win a low scoring game than McGrath,Gillespie,Kaspa and Warne.

If India were to win from that position , it would be a record breaker for that ground..

If anyone can get out of a position like this, its Australia (remember how Australia played in Sri Lanka)

There are a few Indian batsmen who are looking over there shoulder at the moment, the pressure of chasing a smallish total (which can in some ways be tougher than chasing a larger total) and wanting to not be the player who puts his team under pressure could all conspire to the game result not being so straight forward as it would currently appear

 

[Swervy]

I really hope tomorrow that ganguly does not give easy singles to Martyn just to have a crack at Gillespie.

He needs to attack both batsmen with full vigour.
India need to restrict Australia to a maximum of 250 ideally.

that is a good point, the number of times this happens in cricket is surprising.Those little singles would accumulate,and aid both Gillespie and Martyn getting their eyes in.Gangulys aim tomorrow has to be to get Martyn out as quickly as possible.

 

[masterblaster]

My report for CW is completed, I'm really sleepy now, its been a big day.

Read it here: http://www.cricketweb.net/articles/EpAZAklAFltKIRqfSN.shtml

Cheers,

MB

 

[marc71178]

In terms of technology, is there a strong argument against using them for nicks behind (ie snickometer)

I don't trust snicko yet, but liked the idea of Billy about the mikes.

 

[Jono]

If Ganguly gives Martyn free singles tomorrow I'll fly over to India myself and run on to the ground and slap him. He made the same mistake in Sydney with Katich and Katich took full advantage scoring a great ton. This is even more vital where every run counts.

Surely he won't do it, please don't do it Ganguly, use your brain

 

[marc71178]

Hopefully Gillespie won't get out like Gilchrist in the 40s if he gets that far.

I think Aus would bite your hand off if you offered 49 for Gillespie.

 

[Sehwag309]

My folks are still there, I visit every year..Pali Hill

 

[Sehwag309]

If Ganguly gives Martyn free singles tomorrow I'll fly over to India myself and run on to the ground and slap him. He made the same mistake in Sydney with Katich and Katich took full advantage scoring a great ton. This is even more vital where every run counts.

Surely he won't do it, please don't do it Ganguly, use your brain

..don't bother, u will only be in a queue of Ganguly Slappers

 

[Slow Love™]

If Ganguly gives Martyn free singles tomorrow I'll fly over to India myself and run on to the ground and slap him. (

Your airfare could be covered by all the Aussies willing to pay for the privelege of seeing Ganguly getting a good slapping, live on Foxtel.

 

[Slow Love™]

You could also slap Patel. Not that he's done anything wrong, I think I'd just like to see him slapped.

And Martyn, for being such a *****.

 

[Spetsnatz]

Was anyone a tad surprised that instead of Harbhajan in the final overs -- ganguly didn't use Pathan ?

Zaheer was starting to reverse swing the ball so I though Ganguly might have opted to use Pathan to attack atbthe opposite end to Kumble.

 

[Swervy]

Was anyone a tad surprised that instead of Harbhajan in the final overs -- ganguly didn't use Pathan ?

Zaheer was starting to reverse swing the ball so I though Ganguly might have opted to use Pathan to attack atbthe opposite end to Kumble.

you have to think as a captain 'what would the opposition least like to face now'..I dont think there is any doubt that Gillespie would have prefered to face pathan (new spell etc..takes time to get back into a rhythm ) than Harbhajan..I think Ganguly made the right choice

 

[Scaly piscine]

yes India are favourites..but...with martyn,Lehmann and Clarke still to come in,the potential is there for Australia to set a tricky target (in my eyes another 180 to 200 runs)..in order for this to happen at least two of these players needs to get in and stay in.

It can certainly happen but considering the scores in this match so far the odds are stacked against them. I think Australia would have to set a target in excess of 200 to be definite favourites, and that's somewhat unlikely. My point that India are big favourites stands.

And then there is the Indian batting which has been a bit dodgy for a while now...one or two quick wickets (which is the norm these days) and India are under a lot of pressure again (assuming Australia have set a half decent target)...who else would you rather have bowling to win a low scoring game than McGrath,Gillespie,Kaspa and Warne.

Those bowlers would certainly put pressure on India because the first 3 aren't likely to give easy runs away. I do think they'd need someone like Katich to get 3-25 off 15 overs or something along those lines with Warne doing well to bowl India out cheaply however.

 

[Arjun]

When the Indians bat again, they should open with Sehwag and Yuvraj, since they're not far worse than the next best choices. However, Rahul Dravid must bat at #3, followed by Laxman or Kaif, then the other of Kaif or Laxman, then Ganguly, followed by Pathan.