The action moves to Sydney as Australia attempt a record equalling 16th win in a row.
Australia’s pace attack did well in Melbourne and Sydney should give them just a little more assistance. Which will not be to India’s liking but Sachin has a liking for the SCG so don’t be surprised if he gives the Australia some trouble.
The big difference between the two sides is that Australia always seems to have players who step up. It is rare that the entire team fails. You can always count on someone to step up and score runs or take wickets when needed. India just don’t seem to have that same ability though if the potential of their batting is realised then it will be a long day in the field for Lee and company.
I’m not convinced that Hogg is a long term solution to Australia’s problem of finding a decent spinner to replace Warne. But Sydney will give him a great pitch to push his case. As for India, if the continue to play Dravid as an opener, then they are doomed. Rumours are that the dashing Sehwag will come into the side with Dravid dropping back to three.
For a moment, it seemed that India may push Australian in Melbourne. But that glimpse of competition was fleeting. Australia ended up crushing India. But that glimpse may be an indication that if India get it together mentally, the Sydney test could be a very interesting game.
8 responses so far ↓
Shaun // Jan 2, 2008 at 8:41 pm
One of the best day’s cricket in ages. Australia were gorn early on but found a way back to be in a good position for day two.
Bring Back CL's blog // Jan 3, 2008 at 8:25 am
dreadful umpiring decisions and poor sportsmanship have led Australia into this poistion.
Given the bowling attack one didn’t expect a lot of wickets but yet again Australian batsman showed when the ball swings ( 2005 anyone?) they have feet of lead.
In football the leading nations always sem to get the big decisions in cricket Australia seems to get these decisions
Bring Back CL's blog // Jan 4, 2008 at 7:44 pm
what a joy to see first Laxman and then Tendulkar bat well.
It was a pleasure to show my boys where the feet should be when playing shots.
Is there a better batsman watch in full cry than VVS?
Shaun // Jan 4, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Can’t argue with you Homer. I missed both inning due to work but the highlights did help to fill me in.
And still an amazing test. Brett Lee has bowled well and turned to game only to find Harbhajan with other ideas.
Hopefully the weather boffins have it wrong about the rain tomorrow. I’d say there is still more great cricket to come in this game.
Shaun // Jan 5, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I missed today’s play as I had a game meself (Have a first innings lead in spite of a woeful batting performance).
But an interesting day ahead with more showers. I reckon Ponting will give the Indians 60 overs of batting if all goes well.
Bring Back CL's blog // Jan 6, 2008 at 7:43 pm
This game was won by Australia because of the umpires.
it has left a very bad taste in the mouth.
Shaun // Jan 6, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Unfortunately the umpiring was awful but they weren’t the sole reason for Australia’s victory.
While India may rightly decry some of the decisions, to focusing on the officials means that some glaring deficiencies in the Indian game are overlooked. Kumble’s captaincy was puzzling at times. And regardless of the awful decision against Dravid, India’s attitude already was likely to lose them the game.
Bring Back CL's blog // Jan 7, 2008 at 7:29 am
sorry but Australians are simply cheats.
ricky Ponting appeals for a ball that does not hit the bat ( trust me any close fieldsmanknows the difference between a pad and a bat) and then lets the ball hitthe gorund and think thatis okay.
He wants Indian batsman to take the word of a batsman who waited for the unpire when anybody in the groundsaw him snick the ball.
Adam Gilchrist ispossibly the worst. He cannot walk and then go up in appeal for when the ball clearly hasn’t gone anywhere near the bat,
Dravid’s wicket was crucial and the psychological one.
Symonds must have bribed the umpires. out three times and then getting some ‘interesting’ decisions.