India Vs. Australia - The second test

[Shaka]

Looks like curtains for the aussies...the only hope now is that Martyn, Lehmann and Clarke can put on around 200 runs between them, they need a couple of BIG partnerships.

[Maranello]

Originally Posted by Nikhil

IMO, the pitch is still not bad. Kaif and Patel proved it in the morning. It may bouce a little more unevenly, but still it's not an unplayable pitch.

True but crumbling pitch or not, Kumble is proving to be a much more effective proposition over the past two days than anyone else! If India make a couple of relatively early inroads, it will be curtains for the Aussies...

[fair_&_balance]

Originally Posted by Maranello

True but crumbling pitch or not, Kumble is proving to be a much more effective proposition over the past two days than anyone else! If India make a couple of relatively early inroads, it will be curtains for the Aussies...

Yep, Key is that next 6 batsmen of AUS dont put another 200 runs.If that happens then AUS will be also have good chance in this game. One thing is sure there is very less chance for a draw. There will be decision. Going into Nagpur with 1-1 tie would be good for India.

I think it is time for Parthiv Patel to go. He is there as a wicket and that is his primary Job. If he doesnt do that then let him go.It is time for him to debut in first class matches and learn from it. Let us see some of D Karthik and MS Dhoni.They cant be worst than this guy & they are definitly better batsmen than him.

[Ernest]

What a match, a real battle of the spinners, 6 wickers to go, India though favourites, will not have to be over complacent, they are batting in the fourth innings, my money is on India, though Warne remains a danger.
Good Game.

Ern

[Ms Anne Frope]

thankfully a decent game to follow after the tedium of Bangalore. Lehmann, for me is the key wicket. He cant buy a run at the moment but his doggedness, intelligence and guile on turners is too good to keep him down for too long. Kumble isnt unplayable on this track as long as the sweep shot is kept in the locker, and disciplined batting is adhered to.

Australia need to win this game bad if they are to break the voodoo of a series win in India. Laxman and Dravid are going to score runs at some point and could play Australia out of the series..

[Nikhil]

Originally Posted by Ms Anne Frope

thankfully a decent game to follow after the tedium of Bangalore. Lehmann, for me is the key wicket. He cant buy a run at the moment but his doggedness, intelligence and guile on turners is too good to keep him down for too long. Kumble isnt unplayable on this track as long as the sweep shot is kept in the locker, and disciplined batting is adhered to.

Australia need to win this game bad if they are to break the voodoo of a series win in India. Laxman and Dravid are going to score runs at some point and could play Australia out of the series..

Kumble is not the only problem. Harbhajan is also going to rack up wickets on a pitch like this. I agree about Lehmann. He's a very good batsman of spin bowling. If India can get him in and out before the hour mark, they will be in the driving seat. Interesting to see if Lehmann comes after Clarke now.

Well, Aussies would love to win this one, since not only Laxman and Dravid are due big scores, but Sachin is also likely to be back. He will certainly make a difference.

Still, I'm not writting off the Aussies. India have a poor history of last innings scores. First session today will be extremely important.

[fair_&_balance]

Originally Posted by Nikhil

Still, I'm not writting off the Aussies. India have a poor history of last innings scores. First session today will be extremely important.

Dont remind me those 120 runs in WI.

[Nikhil]

Originally Posted by fair_&_balance

Dont remind me those 120 runs in WI.

I keep reminding myself that inning, just to curb my excitement. Sometimes, I go out of hands .

[sanz]

How can we win this test match if we can't get Jason Gillespie out, Every runs scored now is a bonus for Australia and I think they are getting back into the game. Lead is about 44 runs. Any lead over 150 on the 5th day will be difficult.

[Shaka]

Australia are now 226 runs ahead with one wicket still to get. Clarke is still there with McGrath. I make Aussies favourites from here. Even if they don't score any more chasing 200+ batting last is a high pressure situation and India just haven't got enough batsmen in form to inspire confidence. That said, it only takes a couple of good partnerships and if India really apply themselves the game is there to be won. Fantastic fightback by the Aussies though.