Test 1 - Day 3 : Pluses And Minuses, Pluses and Minuses of Test Match Day 3 Options

[p1j]

Pluses :


1. Batting Display by Indian Tailenders in the first two sessions :
Pathan, Parthiv and Kumble facing Aussie attack with a lot of grit and
showing a way to the Indian batting superstars, how to play..


2. Jason Gillespie : I believe he was underbowled by Gilchrist with
first ball (13 overs only out of 82 overs), and Kaspo was given a
bigger chunk with the first ball.. but Gillespie came back with a lot
of fire with the new ball.. First ball of the new spell broke the 31
run 8th wicket partnership between Parthiv and Kumble.. and the ball he
got Kumble was a beauty...


3. Irfan Pathan : He always prove he is one of the best finds in last
couple of years.. he has a tendancy to get an early victim.. this time
it was Justin Langer, who lasted for just four balls, courtesy an IP
incoming delivery.. Aussies None for one..


4. Kumble - Harbhajan bowling in tandem : Even after loosing langer
ealy, Aussies were going pretty good with 58 runs in just 12 over.. but
the introduction of Harbahjan and Kumble restricted the run flow.. and
the tight bowling spell by the two can give India a chance to draw..
had Aussies got around 180 in 42 overs, it would have left no chance
for india...


Minuses :


1. Billy Bowden : He got it wrong twice,in succession.. although one
can call it a poetic justice, but the umpire was wrong both the times.
He gave Pathan out caught behind while the ball was a little far from
the bat and then gave Parthiv not out while the ball was caught off an
inside edge clearly...


2. Darren Lehman : The way he played to Indian bowlers in both the
innings, puts a big question mark on his ability to play spinners..Was
his performance in Srilanka a fluke.. only time will tell.. but he was
a big disappointment in this test.. If his approach was part of a plan,
he couldn't execute it...


3. Harbhajan Singh's batting : A shoddy display.. only 30 runs away
from avoiding follow on with Kumble doing pretty good work at other
end, his approch and shot selection was very poor.. may be the coach
and captain needs to give him a long speech (provided he listens)


4. Parthiv BTW : another shoddy display.. his gathering was below par..


To watch for tomorrow :


1. Gilchrist's declaration point : What target he sets for India.. I
think Gilchrist would not be happy in less than 450 runs.. it would be
crucial how he and clarke contributes with the bat


2. Bhajji and Kumble bowling in tandem : Lets see if they are able to
restrict Aussies in getting another 100 runs in less than 25 overs


3. Rahul Dravid and Akash Chopra : If India opts to play for a draw,
these two will have to play the main anchors.. (and ofcourse the
rains:) )


4. Virendra Sehwag and Saurav : If and if atall India decides to play
for a win (provided they bowl out aussies in another 50 runs), Sehwag
and Ganguli will be the batters to watch for...
all eyes on tomorrow..


Pavan

[vivekpm]

Doesn't look like there is any chance of rains here in this city

With 4 wickets down, draw looks a distant dream... We should start thinking about next test match I guess...

[Anil4]

My views on Billy Boy's lbw decision against Sehwag is unprintable!

Anil

[p1j]

My views on Billy Boy's lbw decision against Sehwag is unprintable!

Anil

Would had it turned the course of the game.. I doubt...
lets forget this test.. anyone want some changes in the squad for the next test?

How about Kaif coming in for Yuvraj/Akash and Agarkar for Zaheer..
would it made any differece I doubt.. still yuvi deserves a punishment for the casual dispaly with the bat.. and poor akash chopra should go and play a few first class matches.. unfortunately we dont have many options to replace them till the third test..

p1j

[cinemaniac2]

watching kaif bat in one dayers i feel he is more suited for a test cap-ahead of yuvraj i second P1j on that

[vivekpm]

How about Kaif coming in for Yuvraj/Akash and Agarkar for Zaheer..
would it made any differece I doubt.. still yuvi deserves a punishment for the casual dispaly with the bat.. and poor akash chopra should go and play a few first class matches.. unfortunately we dont have many options to replace them till the third test..

p1j

I second that... Kaif for Yuvraj and Agarkar for Zaheer ( he is looking blunt after his injuries )

Cheers,

[Anil4]

Three cheers for Pathan, Harbhajan and Zaheer for the way they batted. Must have been some consolation for those fans in the ground to see those 4's and 6's.


Anil