India vs Australia, 4th Test, Day 3
The 4th Test is turning out to be a cracker. Australia, with a draw not an option, are behind the 8-ball all the way but managed to keep themselves in the game on Day 2 largely thanks to Jason Krejza:
Many are asking where was this guy before and why wasn't he selected earlier? The answer to both questions is a warm-up game before the Test series where he conceded 200+ runs without taking any wickets. So you can see why the selectors were wary in playing him.
But now he's in the side and only the 2nd Australian ever to take 8 wickets in his first Test innings, one wonders what is the significance? Much of the reason for his success is two-fold: the Indians weren't familiar with his bowling and they deliberately attacked him. When a spinner gets attacked, they either go for lots of runs or they take lots of wickets. In Krejza's case, both. Conceding 215 runs is a lot but the only number that will matter to him is the 8 wickets.
Everyone is speculating whether this is the spinner Australia were looking for and how he'll fare in future Tests, particularly the 2009 Ashes. But all I'm wondering at this point is how he'll go in the 2nd innings. India's approach will be interesting. Will they once again attack him, test his mettle? I think not. More likely, they will close shop, bat defensively and attempt to grind out a draw. This will make it harder for Krezja to take wickets but will also allow Ponting to attack the batsmen and grant Krezja long spells.
But first things first. Australia are still in the game but they're still 300 runs behind India. To have a chance of winning the game, they'll need to score a lot of runs today and quickly. If they collapse, the game and series is over. So here's hoping Katich can finally convert a start into a century and Mr Cricket can also put on a big ton. That'll set up the middle-order batsmen to come in and score fast runs late in the day. Shane Watson knows about scoring quick runs in India - here's hoping for some fireworks late in the day with a declaration and a few quick wickets before stumps! Live score courtesy of Cricinfo
| Posted by JC on Sat 8 Nov |  6 comments |
Posted by JC on 2008-11-08 15:30:43
Posted by Gobbog on 2008-11-08 16:10:20
I havent seen the Aussies play this slow ever. Is this a new record?
Posted by Mahesh on 2008-11-08 19:50:00
Posted by purush on 2008-11-08 21:39:09
Posted by purush on 2008-11-08 21:41:13
Posted by Zapper on 2008-11-09 00:38:59
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