India vs. Australia test series 2017: Which team has the advantage going into third test?
The
Indian Cricket team made a strong comeback in the second test at Bengaluru
winning it by 75 runs to level the series at 1-1. It was a special performance
by the Indian side though the captain Virat Kohli failed again in batting. Despite India conceding 87 runs lead in the
first innings they were able to bundle out Australia for just 112 to win the
match by 75 runs. This victory ensured that Indian team is guaranteed of the number
1 rank position in test matches even if they lose the remaining two test
matches.
In
the first two test matches the Indian batting did meet the expected
performance. Except for KL Rahul who contributed in three of the four
innings, Pujara in two of four innings,
Rahane in only 1 innings, while other two openers Vijay in the first test and
Mukund in second, also the captain failed in all four innings. Lower order
batsmen who had created a sense of confidence in contributing runs and setting
targets have failed so far.
The
Indian pacers Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma have bowled excellently in all four
innings beyond the anticipated performance of Indian pacers both in terms of
restricting the run rate and taking wickets at crucial times. Between them they
shared 11 key wickets in the 2 matches so far. Pacers have been living up to
their reputation. Ashwin took 15 wickets and Ravindra Jadeja 11 wickets so far.
Both of them took 6 wickets in one innings each of second test match.
Fielding
in the first test match at Pune was average. But they improved in the second
test match. The pitch in both Pune and Bengaluru has favoured spin and pace
bowlers alike. Ashwin, Jadeja, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will play a key
role in the third test match at Ranchi also. If India decides to rethink their
team combination then an additional spinner might in place of a batsmen.
Ranchi
is hosting a test match for the first time. As this is the first time Ranchi is
hosting its debut test match, the quality of pitch must maintain standard as
the first two test matches have been played on substandard pitches. Therefore
the bowler’s from both sides will be looking forward to trouble the batsmen.
The toss will play a crucial role in the outcome of the match. JSCA Stadium has
hosted 3 international matches so far. In One day internationals, the par score
is 250.
One
can see the struggle of batting skills of both sides. For India the
contribution of openers is long awaited. Captain Virat Kohli has to recover his
form and silence the critics. The other middle and lower order batsmen also
have to put their acts together.
With
Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh being ruled out of test series, Australia
have Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis who could replace Mitchell Marsh which
make their chances of winning bright. Nathan Lyon and Steve O Keefe have bowled
well so far in the series. If they want to win the third test match, then these
two spinners need to bowl well as they did in Pune.
The
DRS controversy in the second test match at Bengaluru will have an impact on
the test match as match referee have decided called them before the Ranchi test
. It might keep both the teams on guard to not to get into any controversies.
The 3rd test match at Ranchi promises to be a cliff-hanger.
The
Indian team will be high on confidence after an excellent comeback win in the
second test while Australia should play with positive intent like they did in
Pune.
David
Warner, Steve Smith and other Australian players need to play the Indian
spinners well if they are post a competitive total.
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