1st test AUS V IND

[fair_&_balance]

Originally Posted by Shaka

So f&b, you must be disappointed with Indian batting and bowling. I haven't been able to see any of the matches as it's PPV, so what's gone wrong? is it just good bowling by Oz or could Indian batsmen have played better? I think India need a back up spinner too as I don't think Harbajhan is effective any more. Like Saqlain his doosra has been worked out by the top players at least that's the impression I get.

Disappointment will be understatement. Proper word is **********.
No..I couldnot see it on TV as That DAKU dishnetwork is asking $140 for the series. It was free yesterday.

Talked to some friends at work who watched the game and there observation was this.

Simple reason is these Indian batsmen are totally out of form and loss of Sachin is not helping either.On top of that those 2 beauties by Macgrath in his first 2 over almost killed Indian morale. With Sachin being, out Indians banked heavily on Dravid but boy that ball came in like 6 inches.

[Nikhil]

Well, I have nothing to say today. It's a shameful performance, least to say.

McGrath once again proved, why he's still a top-notch performer. Will he ever be old ?

The match is a goner, as far as India are concerned. Thank God, I'm not in India and watching this %%^#$.

[Zainub]

Chear up Nikhil - each day is a new one , a lot of cricket still remains in this test match, and you can still not completely rule out either of the 4 possible results.

[Nikhil]

Impossible to be cheered up after the tosh, which happened y'day.

There is only one result possible realistically. India are out of it. Aussies will not enforce the follow-on. They will play tomorrow and will set up a target of about 500 odd for India, with two entire days to bat. The only realistic possibility of the match ending in a draw is if it rains and rains down hard.

Oh, I just realised, what a sad way to get to double ton .

[Zainub]

Not to say that I disagree completely - but I always try and encourage optimism where ever I can and hence told you to cheer up I can completely understand your frustration though, has happened to me all too often.

At least you can take heart out from the fact that Aus won the first test last time around as well.

[Nikhil]

Thanks for your encouragement, Zainub. Well, I do not expect any other result now. Miracles do not happen every day.

Looking forward to the next match and will try to concentrate on studies till then .

[Zainub]

Good luck then!

[Shaka]

Looks like India have had a better 3rd day but I think the damage has been done. They finished on 246 and Australia are 127-4 in reply. 355 runs ahead with 6 wickets in hand. Clarke is 11 no.

I think India will bat better next time round but it'll be damage limitation. Zaheer Khan needs to come to the party here and give his team a wicket or two. His contribution has been minimal so far.

[Nikhil]

For some reason, I think this test match is going to be close. I have no reason why I'm feeling like this all of a sudden, but I really think it's going to be close.

Harbhajan has bowled really well and will hold the key again. In the second innings, I think the Aussies will depend on their fast bowlers again. Warne did not look that effective in the first inning, but he's always a threat. But, McGrath and Gillispie in particular will be the main threats.

First session tomorrow again will hold the key.

[Rachael]

This is the sort of situation in which great batsmen flourish.. guys like Kirsten, Steve Waugh and Mike Atherton routinely upped their game when in no-win situations and it's time for some of these Indian batsmen to do the same. I doubt there will be any huge benefit from Laxman playing a swashbuckling innings at 4 or more an over.. but if Dravid can just sit there like a limpet (in the way we know he'd capable of batting) then I don't see this game as anything other than a draw.

It's still India's game to lose rather that the Aussies' game to win....