Any fitting words? For India 2 - Australia 1 - Brisbane Victory Day Thriller– Re-live

Brisbane Victory Day Thriller– Re-live

Any fitting words? For India 2 - Australia 1

Jinks and young guns ensure India smiles last.

Well folks, ultimately it did happen. Our wish, hope, day dream whatever you call it was turned into very ambitious goal, defying history  by `Ajinkya` boys down under and conquered the ultimate ` final frontier`. Well it is very slowly sinking in even after more than 24 hours. Even the diehard Indian supporters knew that this wish would be extremely difficult to get fulfilled. But `Jinks` and his far too unknown, fearless young guns treated this as an ambition and challenge to overcome, without much fuss. 324 runs in a day, at Gabba, Brisbane fortress where last winning total chased by visitors 236, way back in 1951. What a thrilling final day of the Border - Gavaskar Trophy it was! Ultimate nail-biter. Ask those who witnessed it live on TV - have they left any nails? Fortunately no heart attack victim reported of any cricket fan. Indian tigers, rather cubs totally outplayed, outthought kangaroos in their familiar field.

Who would have thought after Rohit Sharma failed on 7 at start of the morning? With more than 6 hours to survive and 310 odd runs still to chase.

And king Virat was not there to follow, changing nappies of his newborn somewhere in India.

Ditto when Ajinkya Rahane got out with still 43 overs left and 161 more runs behind of the target – 167/3.

That India is going to be victorious by day end.

We did not. Nor the experts, ex-test players of either side. But Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar did and not only they just thought but actually achieved with their unimaginable, unthinkable performance. With rock-solid Pujara, Ajinkya making India`s intention clear in his cameo- 24 off 22. After Mayank also went for the ultimate, forged aggressive partnership with Pant.

Not to be settled for anything less - Just go for Win, Win and only Win. Was the mantra - was only one word, just one goal, one desire was there in every member of Team India`s mind and heart - backed up by great temperament, good skills and excellent attitude.  - Survival , match saving , drawn test all these words were thrown out of the window, out of brain , mind.  And boy how did they did it.

It all started with young, promising, fluent Shubman Gill and indomitable rock Cheteshwar Pujara, who laid the foundation with 114 runs partnership, after Rohit’s departure. What a fluent stroke player this 21 year old young lad from Punjab is, just playing in his third test. Both were playing very sedate cricket. India was 83/1 at lunch - 38 overs – Gill 64, Pujara 8. But the first glimpse of Indian intention was visible at 107/1, post lunch, in 46th over, by Mitchell Stark.  Shubman suddenly went in top gear with breathtaking pull for 6, followed by upper cut 4, again a pull off no-ball 4 to Mitchell Starc`s and Pujara`s upper cut 4 in the same over.20 runs off the over. Shubman leaped from 74 to 89.54 more over and 201 to get with 9 wickets in hand. Aussies slowly started doubting their abilities. When Shubhman failed on his 91 with 8 glorious fours and 2 hits into the stand at 132/2, India had a foot in to the door. With 196 more to get from 52 overs. The possibility was nearing by. Though Captain Ajinkya failed on just 24. Well it was not just 24. It changed the momentum, gave the clear signal to opposition that we are going for the kill. He made the intention to go for win very clear with a 4 and a 6, in his 22 ball innings.167/3 - 161 more from 43 overs, at 3.74. Rishabh Pant  promoted at no. 5 ahead of Mayank, makes it clear to opposition that India thinking of win only. Aussies started to become bit more tense, as memories of 97 during previous test counterattack were quite fresh. Meanwhile Pujara was as solid as ever, holding other end intact. He really `put his body on the line`. With not just 1, 2 or 3 but as many as 10-12 blows on the body. From almost breaking his right hand knuckles to falling back strip of helmet on the stumps. But such an uncompromising fighter he is, never backed an inch. No 1 ranked Cummins, Hazelwood, Starc tried all the tricks and skills with their hostile bowling spells, short pitched stuff,  one after the other, but it hardly mattered apart from few grimaces and running physiotherapist visits in the middle. At tea India were 183/3- Pujara 43, Pant 10, 37 more overs and 145 to get @ 3.91 with 7 wickets in hand.  Cheteshwar Pujara stayed on made fifty in the process, with 7 fours. Facing 211 balls so @ 35 overs, single handedly, blunting the world class quality pace attack. Over after over after over.  It certainly tired the pacers - physically, mentally. And used excellent footwork to negate Naton Lyon, on a 5^th day pitch. Cummins got Pujara on second delivery off second new ball, after 61 runs partnership with Rishabh Pant. 228/4- with 19.4 more overs and 100 to get @ 5.12 runs per over. Pant was 34 off 84 then.23 year old took the charge of a breathtaking chase.37 runs partnership with Mayank (9) in next 6 overs. 265/5.Meanwhile Pant moved to 57. 63 to get in 13 more overs, at 4.84 runs per over. 21 year old debutant Washington Sunder walks in. New ball was just 7 year old. But it hardly made any impact on fearless Washi. After his 20 balls, hooked the most dangerous Cummins into the crowd, a la great Kapil Dev - Nataraja style. Followed by slice over slips for four.11 off the over. In the very next over, Pant kept scooping- falling on the back in the process and sweeping Lyon for consecutive fours.  15 off 94^th over. Pair scored 26 in just 2 overs.304/5.Hosts clueless! Target quite within reach - 24 to get from last 6 overs, with 5 wickets in hand. When Sunder left after 22 off 29 with 2 fours and a six, and partnership of 53 in 55 balls, victory was at the doorstep 318 / 6.Pant had moved to 80. 10 more to get from 4 overs. Shardul Thakur left on 2 off 3 balls while lifting Hazelwood, gave a bit off hiccup, adding to the climax, making Indian camp a bit tense.325/7.3 more to get , in 3 overs. But in the process Pant had got the strike for last 2 balls of that over. Hazelwood made Pant miss one at leg side, Pant fails to connect a one arm sweep. Last ball of the over, Pant should get one to keep Saini off strike next over. But as tense he was Hazelwood bowls a full toss, bit angling away to off. Pant connects and pushes firmly to vacant mid off area, kept running, only to realize that no fielder was in pursuit and the ball crosses the long off fence. India stealing 3 wickets win in Brisbane decider, there by clinching series 2-1, consecutive on Aussie soil. Such a tough, hard-fought series win. Man of the hour Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 89 off 138 balls with 9 fours and a six. And one of the finest chapters was written in Indian cricket history by Ajinkya Rahane and fearless young Indian boys, which would be definitely talked about for years and years, across generations to follow. Battle of Brisbane enabled to win the much dreamed of `final frontier`, for any touring Indian Team.

Thriller awaits? On Grand Final Day...!!!

 4^th n Final Test, Brisbane, Day 4:

Thriller awaits? On Grand Final Day...!!!

So awaiting for The Climax !!! Last day of the last test with series result hanging in balance 1-1.

With 324 more runs to win , chances of India for historic win possibility has marred by loss of 20 odd overs due to rain on the fourth afternoon. Or for Aussies not dared to declare at Tea in temptation of safety of 50 odd more runs?

We would come to know soon by Tuesday noon.

Rohit's flowing off drive off the Starc's 5 ball has raised the hopes for good Indian show. Can Rohit play the big innings , fully capable of? If stroke players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are able to bat tomorrow, for say couple of hours, in their natural style and yes the new sensation Shardul Thakur too then ...who knows? We may see a record being created at Gabba, Brisbane.

Earlier Siraj five-for and Shardul's 4 wickets hold hosts from running away with the game today. Not to forget Washington Sunder who removed very dangerous Warner on 48 in the morning.

So let's hope for a fitting final day. Series Decider literally. 

Shardul Thakur & Washington Sundar keep India in a game

4^th n Final Test, Brisbane, Day 3:

Shardul Thakur & Washington Sundar keep India in a game 

Well Team India found new heroes today, in most unimagined, unlikely names.

Shardul Thakur and Washington Sunder. Boys from - Palghar, Mumbai and nearby  Chennai.

They came together when India was 183 runs behind . They played like seasoned top order batsmen . And they won the hearts of million n millions of cricket lovers.
India 62/2 - All four - Pujara, Rahane, Mayank and Pant - who were supposed to bat well perished within 124 more runs. Sundar formed a 25 runs partnership with Pant.186/6.

And just like Sydney test last day another fairytale started.

No.7 Sundar and no.8 Shardul.

Confident Shardul walked in in 67th over. Hooked his forth ball from Cummins to six. Hit one more boundary in the same over. And suddenly, rapidly the whole complexion of the game changed. Shardul and Sundar drove elegantly, cut fiercely,  pulled with ease. Defended hostile short bowling without much fuss. Batted 14 overs with the old ball. And more importantly. .rather surprisingly batted 22 overs together on second new ball. World class kangaroo pace trio found wanting. Also Lyon too playing in his 100th test with 397 wickets.
Shardul reached his 50 in style with lifting Lyon into the stands .The very way Rohit tried yesterday. With 2 sixes and 9 fours made 67. Sunder too made 62 with 7 fours and a six to long on off Lyon. Partnering for 123 runs pair brought down the deficit from 183 to 60 - 183/6 to 309 /7. Such a complete turnaround .Team India back in the match with full hope. With such a raised moral and body language as if they are in lead.  Aussies were hoping to get lead over 100 easily , had to satisfy themselves with 33 in the end. Such a moral lifting innings  by both in their 1st test innings. Still 2 days and minimum of 196 overs to go. Warner started fluently in second innings . Australia now 54 ahead with no loss at the stumps on day 3.

Who knows tomorrow we may find another Indian boy to stand up and count.

Let's see.

India 307 behind with openers back

 4^th n Final Test, Brisbane, Day 2:

India 307 behind with openers back

After effortless, elegantly playing for 73 balls, Rohit Sharma`s temptation, to step out and lift Lyon cost him his wicket on 44. That certainly dampened the spirit of Indian camp, at the end of the second day at Gabba in Brisbane. India was 62/2 at tea. Post tea session was washed out due to heavy rain. In reply of Australia`s 369 Indian openers failed today to put up good opening partnership today, unlike 70 odd in last two innings. Pat Cummins removed Shubman Gill on his second ball, on 7, in 7^th over. 11/1.Rohit started with patience waiting for loose deliveries to score off. With Pujara took the score to 60, and then suddenly on 44 with 6 fours, rush of blood cost his wicket. 60/2. Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara played out the remaining 6 overs up to tea time. Along with this not out pair, India is banking on the batting of Mayank Agarwal and Rishabh Pant to wipe out the deficit. And try to gain some invaluable lead, if possible .As it is going to be difficult to score runs on this wicket in 4^th innings. But still a long long way to go, 307 runs to be precise.

Earlier today morning India struck through Shardul Thakur to remove Tim Paine - 50.311/1.Washinton Sunder bowled Green on 47, immediately after that.313/7. Shardul struck again by removing Cummins - 2.313/7.Thereafter Shardul got too aggressive with Lyon, playing in his 100^th test. Leaked some runs in the process. With Stark duo added 39 runs. Attacking Lyon on 24 was bowled round his legs by Washington Sunder-354/9.Hazelwood was bowled by Natarajan on 11. Stark - 20 n.o. 369 all down. A test old Shardul Thakur and both debutants Washington Sunder and Natarajan claimed 3 wickets each. Small crack at centre near good length spot, at one end is a bit of concern for India while facing accurate Aussie speedsters. Let`s see how remaining Indian batting line up cope with the task on their hands. To recover lost time of almost 45 overs, next three days play would be starting half an hour early, at 5.00 IST.      

 

Can India restrict - Australia? 274/5 on Day 1

 4^th n Final Test, Brisbane, Day 1:

Can India restrict - Australia?  

274/5 on Day 1

So India had to go in with most inexperienced bowling attack as Jadeja, Bumrah and Ashwin either injured or unfit. Winning the toss and batting first Australia looking quite well placed at 274/5 on day 1 at Gabba, Brisbane, mainly due to century of in form Labuschagne. For India, Siraj with two tests is the most experienced bowler today. Saini and Shardul Thakur - just a test old. Natarajan and Washington Sundar are the debutants. Still India started quite well, Siraj sent back Warner on the sixth ball of the morning and Shardul Thakur too claimed wicket of Harris on the his very first ball. Openers back - 17/2.Ever reliable Labuschagne and Smith took it to 87. And Washington Sundar got Smith on 36.By now quite settled Labuschagne and Wade took the score to 200 and were playing quite freely. But Natarajan with double strike removed Wade 45 and then Labuschagne 108. 200/4 and 213/5. Earlier in Saini`s 8^th over - 36^th, India got double shock. Safe hands Rahane dropped Labuschagne on 37 at 94/3. During the same delivery Saini got groin injury and had to leave the field. Later Pujara also failed to grab a tough one when Labuschagne was on 48.Green too got lucky as Shardul failed to grasp, caught and bowled in 80^th over. Pain and Green carried Australia then up to 274/5. India desperate to remove these two and restrict hosts below 350/375, on the second morning. Indian batsman must rise to the occasion and score big in first innings, later. Otherwise with same inexperienced attack, it would be very difficult to comeback and dominate the game enough to even save the decider test.

Maverick Pant, Rock Pujara , Vihari - Ashwin Incredible Blockathon n Clueless Aussies

 Aussies Clueless Vs

Maverick Pant, Rock Pujara ,Vihari - Ashwin Incredible Blockathon

Unbelievable turnaround by Team India - Sydney test final day.

It`s still sinking in, what an incredible turnaround in the modern day T20 - IPLised cricket era. On fifth and final day of the Sydney Test. India lost Captain Ajinkya Rahane in very second over of the fifth and final day morning. Indian cricket lovers all over the world became bit tense. As only Pujara and Vihari were left to survive the day to save the match. Pant had a hit on left forearm and was doubtful, Ravi Jadeja had dislocated left had thumb. Then the tail of 3 fast bowlers - Bumrah, Saini and Siraj. But to everybody`s surprise Rishabh Pant walked in at no.5. He had a rough time during wicket keeping, the previous day, so was not much high on the confidence, so thought everybody. At 102/3 - 96 overs more to survive, target still 305 runs away. Pant started with very mature, patient manner with just 5 runs off 33 deliveries. Then suddenly went in top gear, scoring all around park lifting Lyon for effortless sixes, into the stands, over long on and long off fielders on the boundary line - 5 at times. Almost as if the hell broke down on Lyon. Pant jumped into his 40s ,50s. Got 50 off 64 balls. 23 year old maverick continued his dominance and suddenly the whole atmosphere especially in the Indian dressing room, around the stadium changed. Suddenly self belief was back. Also the mood in crores of Indian drawing rooms in front of TV was suddenly upbeat. Not to forget the same about millions following the match live on internet .What a counterattack, by this 23 year old maverick. Paine had to remove Lyon from the attack. Pant continued in his aggressive manner, got hit on body, helmet. Again continued in the same manner. And suddenly the remote possibility of Indian win was on the cards.  The ex-Australian cricketers including the ones who had predicted 4-0 whitewash had to eat their words. The target for India kept coming down and down rapidly from 305 to 250 to 200 to 160.  In his company rock-solid Cheteshwar Pujara`s batting also flourished. Unfortunately Pant fell just 3 short of his hundred. End of Rishabh Pant Grand Show!  But the innings was worth more than gold. More valuable than any 100/150/200 for that matter. 250/4.What a partnership of 148 runs it was. In the process 72 year record tumbled. And the target was brought down to 157, with around 52 overs to go. Second new ball was a matter of concern now as Hanuma Vihari joined him. But Pujara played freely and aggressively. Even his nemesis Cummins was hit for 3 boundaries, in an over. He was condemned for his slow batting especially by Ricky Ponting and co. (Another Aussie mind game?), in the first innings. Now for India, everybody suddenly wanted him just to stay there at the crease and kill the time and overs to save the match.  But Hazelwood bowled Pujara on 77 in 9<sup>th</sup> over of second new ball. 272/5. In walked Ravichandran Ashwin to join Hanuma Vihari. 135 more runs to win. Now India had to think in terms of honorable draw rather than risking going for win and loosing the plot in process. As this was the last batting pair. Meanwhile had Vihari got in trouble with his right hamstring, was really struggling but continued with strapped up thigh. (And now scan reports show he has a grade 2 hamstring tear, which means he batted for around 3 hours with a intense pain). Ashwin too was having a backache problem. So much so that he was standing even during tea break to withstand the pain.  Around 43 overs were remaining for the day. 43.4*6 = 262 deliveries , around 3 hours to play for. Against world`s best quality pace attack of Cummins, Stark and Hazelwood. There was a bit of a double bounce, so it was difficult to negotiate pace attack, the ball was going up and down. Not to forget Lyon - one of the best off spinner today, on the wearing fifth day track. Looking at the recent batting form of Vihari and Ashwin, even the devoted Indian cricket lovers had lost the hope of a draw. But what happened next was beyond anybody`s expectation and imagination. As if to celebrate wall Rahul David’s birthday, the resilient, determined pair just blocked, blocked and blocked. Cummins and company tried everything - from yorkers to bodyline sharp rising bouncers, they gave it all especially, since the start of the last session, post tea. Ashwin suffered blows on his arm, shoulders, chest and abdomen. But `bruised and battered` the defiant duo just hanged on and on and on, ball after ball after ball. In the process, twice played more than 5 maiden overs in a row. Brave as they were lady luck smiled on them in the form of few dropped catches, half chances.  Pair broke loose, played few strokes freely only in the last hour. Australia tried their best in the field, cordoning the batsman with 4, 5, 6 close-in fielders around the bat, during last hour. Ultimately gave up the hopes with one over remaining, against Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin`s unbreakable partnership. 334/5 - 131 overs - India successfully negotiated 97 overs on the day with loss of just 3 wickets. This was longest fourth innings in 40 years. (Anybody remembers, knows Sunil Gavaskar`s marathon innings of 221 at Oval in England way back in 1979 on final day?  Where India just failed short by 9 runs to win of 438 runs target). Such a courageous effort! No wonder the pair was `numb and blank ` even to celebrate towards the end. What an epic test match. This drawn test would be remembered and talked for years and years, even more than many test wins. Team India lived to fight another day, series decider starting on Friday, 15^th January at Brisbane. SCG test - 5^th, final day heroes - Rishabh Pant - 97 (118), Cheteshwar Pujara 77 (205), Hanuma Vihari - 23*(161) and Ravichandran Ashwin - 39* (128). In the end wounded Indian tigers roared to jog kangaroos away.   

Rishabh Pant - 97 (118)

                                                    Cheteshwar Pujara - 50 (176) n 77 (205)

                               Hanuma Vihari - 23*(161) and Ravichandran Ashwin - 39* (128)

Australian Captain 

Kangaroos Hunting Wounded Tigers

   Sydney Test Day 4:

Kangaroos Hunting Wounded Tigers

Well at the end of the 4^th day at the SCG, above title looks the 1^st possibility. Second is draw - if Pujara and Rahane can play out full day.  Very remote third possibility is Indian win. As still 309 runs to get with 8 wickets in hand. Literally it is just up to 3 specialist batsmen, i. e. Vihari after this pair and allrounder Ashwin. Not sure injured Pant and Jadeja would be able to bat. And moreover even if they do, can they contribute? As expected Aussies dominated first two sessions and declared at 312/6, at tea. Target for India 409.New opening pair of Rohit and Shubman started fluently. Played some exquisite strokes all round. Put on almost same 71 runs opening partnership. But just when Indian supporters` expectations started growing, Hazelwood removed Shubman on 31, making him nick to keeper.71/1. Rohit was as elegant and effortless as always, completing half century, with 1 six and 5 fours. Just before 3-4 overs to the close of play, he almost casually, involuntarily  pulled one from Cummins to backward square leg boundary, just bit left to Starc. Did Rohit failed to notice the fielder in the shadow of stands? He made 52. Again perished after such a promising start, without converting into real big one. He must be the most disappointed person for this. Just like the day two, Pujara and Rahane are at the crease - 98/2. 

Sunday morning started with the disturbing news of Jadeja`s dislocated thumb. Aussies went on to accumulate runs as expected.79 in first session for two wickets, by Saini. India had an awful start of the day with Vihari dropping Labuschagne on the very second ball from Bumrah. He made 73 from overnight 47. Smith once again got out to Ashwin –LBW after 81.But Bumrah continued to suffer with couple of more dropped chances notably one was by Rohit off Tim Paine. This helped Aussie batsmen to go in top gear post lunch session. Scored 130 runs. Cameroon Green top scored with 84 hitting some huge sixes, total 4. Was out just before tea that followed the declaration.

Yesterday after the play Siraj has complained about facing racial abuse, while fielding at boundary. Same thing got repeated before tea. So the play was stopped for few minutes and suspected youths were removed from stands by police. The incident condemned by players of both sides. Later in official statement Cricket Australia also condemned the discriminatory behavior and assured to prosecute the matter to its fullest extent.

It is going to be interesting to see how much character, skill and determination would be shown by Pujara, Rahane, Vihari and Ashwin in fighting out the last day, against world class quality Aussie attack, world no. 1 Pat Cummins being the most lethal, who removed the not out pair in first innings.

 

 

Hosts in commanding position

  Sydney Test Day 3:

Hosts in commanding position

So 3rd Day fully dominated by hosts, in all three departments of the game. With 197 ahead and still 8 wickets in hand. Australia is in a very strong position. Their inform, best batting pair of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith unbeaten at the crease. It would require out of skin performance from Team India to reverse the fortunes.
Overnight 96/2, Rahane and Pujara struggled against world class Australian attack. Aussies were quite hostile with using short pitched deliveries sparingly. Indian Captain Ajinkya Rahane raised hopes by hoisting Lyon for six, after a difficult let off at forward short-leg. In very next over dragged one from Cummins on the stumps - on his 22. Ball was too close to cut - couldn't avoid temptation to cut waist high in coming delivery. Actually he was hoping for a steep rising bouncer to guide it over slips. 117/3. Pujara and Vihari were unable to break the shackles. Under pressure Vihari misjudged single and paid for it on 4, by a brilliant diving throw from Hazelwood at mid off. 142/4. Rishabh Pant started in his typical natural aggressive way, the very reason he is preferred over better wicket keeper Saha. But got hit on left forearm on 35, mistiming to Pat Cummins, made just 1 run after that.195/5. Pant had to go for scan so Saha kept wickets later in Australia's second innings. His 53runs partnership with Pujara was the highest for India today.
Pujara also failed to snorter from consistent Pat Cummins, after registering slowest fifty, on the same score.195/6.
Within 10 overs with second new ball Aussies turned the match fully in their favour.
Last hopes relied on Jadeja-Ashwin pair. But Ashwin was too slow off the blocks, kept watching the ball and fielder, instead of trusting Jadeja's call for single and ultimately found quite short of crease. Jadeja also received blow on his left thumb , likely to affect his bowling. Jadeja with Siraj added 28 for the last wicket and denied 3 figure lead to Australia.94.
Indian bowlers struck early blows at start in Australia's second innings. Siraj got Pucovski and Ashwin trapped sweeping Warner with his very second ball. 35/2. But Labuschagne and Smith carried on till the day end without any difficulty.103/2.
It remains to be seen if Rahane and boys show some character by putting up some fight, instead of surrendering meekly further on 4th Day.

 

Australia 338 , India 96/2 -Day 2 SCG

 Sydney Test Day 2:

Australia 338 , India 96/2

Ravindra Jadeja - 4 wickets and run out 

New opening pair of Rohit  Sharma and Shubman Gill were playing with quite ease, positively. Put on 70 runs for the first wicket. Just when Rohit  Sharma was appearing as set for a big one, hardly looking rusty due to long absence. Hazelwood got him with a simple  return catch, on 26.70/1.Quite a soft dismissal. Shubham Gill  kept impressing one and all. Completed brilliant 50 and nicked one to gully immediately after that. 85/2.With openers back , India still 242 runs behind. Australia's 1st innings total of 338 , at stumps on day 2.With test specialists Pujara and Rahane at the crease.India expecting at least one of them , to play a big innings to cross Aussie total and try to get ahead with some lead.

Earlier as feared Smith played a brilliant innings of 131, getting out last.But it was Jadeja's all round brilliance that kept host from getting big total in the region of 350-400.First he removed overnight not out Labuschagne at 91, through Rahane's brilliant slip catch. After exactly one more century partnership.206/3.Then got Wade skying to mid on.238/4. Bumrah then struck 2 major blows in the form of Green and Tim Paine,  with second new ball.255/6.Jadeja again struck 278/7.Centurion Smith added invaluable 60 more runs to the total, with last 3 wickets.Saini removed  Starc after attacking 24 - 310/8.Jadeja then trapped Lyon.315/9.Smith was playing very aggressively and scoring freely.That is when Ravindra Jadeja showed why he is rated as one of best fielder in world cricket.Smith tapped one to backward square leg,wanting desperately two to keep strike.But Jadeja came running like a Cheetah  for more than 10/15 meters.In just one action, picked up and threw at the base of the stumps , while still in motion , making diving Smith short by a feet or two.It was such brilliant piece of fielding. Outstanding.Jadeja ended with 4 wickets. Bumrah and Siraj with 2 each.

Now its upto Rahane, Pujara, Pant and Jadeja to make the most of, still quite batsman friendly pitch on the 3rd day.

Steve Smith 131 - 8th Century against India

                                       

                                       Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 70

Australia looking good at 166/2

 Sydney Test Day 1:

                                         Australia looking good at 166/2

Riding on young debutant Will Pukovaski and Marnus Labuschagne`s half centuries, Australia is well placed on day 1 of Sydney test at SCG. On a placid, dry, unresponsive Sydney Cricket ground Australian Captain Tim Paine did the first thing right in the morning. That is to win the toss and bat first.

Still Siraj managed to send big fish David Warner back in the pavilion for just 5 runs.6/1.Though appeared fit while, stealing singles, Warner appeared bit rusty and bit too eager to get on with the things. Chased bit harmless angling, wide delivery outside the off stump, Pujara managed to grab the catch easily at first slip, making it look simple. But rain struck at 21/1 - 7.1 overs. Considerable amount of first day`s time was lost, 35 overs precisely.

Debutant young Aussie opener Will Pukovaski continued to grow in confidence. Sloppy wicket keeping by Rishabh Pant helped him by dropping at 26 and again at 32, with score just around 58/1. Pukovaski managed to cross 50.It was Indian debutant speedster Navdeep Saini, who trapped him in front in his 3rd over, on 62 - 106/2. India bit lucky here that the youngster didn't went on to score a big hundred.

                                                            Rishabh Pant failed to hold catches.

                                                           Navdeep Saini gets his first Test Wicket

                                                        Ashwin verses Smith battle continues

Struggling Pant behind the wickets - India need to find a solution. This not only gives the opponents more edge but also results in dropping bowlers` morale. Who knows with a wicket in his pocket Ashwin could have been a different bowler all together, thereafter. Marnus Labuschagne also settled nicely and remained not out for 67.Steve Smith appeared far too positive right from the word go. Was eager to come on top, especially against his nemesis this series Ashwin, with aggressive approach. Which certainly paid off and post tea, hosts scored quite freely, denying any advantage to India. With both batsmen playing quite freely, Indian bowlers have got quite a task on their hands for the day two.

Can `Ajinkya` India continue the momentum?

 SCG-Third test curtain raiser - 

Can `Ajinkya` India continue the momentum?

Its 1-1 in Australia now with 2 more tests to go. India bounced back to level the series. Now can Team India continue to remain Ajinkya? Can Indian bowlers continue to dominate Australian batting? With hosts still struggling to cross 200 in any of their completed innings so far. Bumrah and Ashwin have managed quite well so far to keep the totals in check. This leading duo, managed this with excellent support from debutant Siraj and Jadeja in Melbourne, even without Shami after first test and Yadav in the last innings of second. Speedster Navdeep Saini is getting opportunity in place of injured Umesh Yadav, ahead of Shardul Thakur and T Natarajan. Rohit Sharma is replacing out of form Mayank. With K L Rahul`s injury in the nets, Vihari has retained his place in the playing eleven. Batting is revolving around Captain Ajinkya Rahane. India is hopeful to strengthen the batting with Rohit`s inclusion, though he is totally without any match practice for more than a month now. Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari`s form is still a bit concern. Shubman has shown a great promise with his positive approach in his first test as opener. India again hoping to get good support from lower order of Rishabh Pant and Ajay Jadeja, to raise a good competitive total, against this high quality Aussie bowling attack.

Australia is also struggling to cope with their opening batsmen in the absence of David Warner. So rushing with his fitness to include him in the third test. Australia need confidence in top order with Smith and others are still struggling with scoring runs. Young Pucovski is likely to make debut, though he is bit susceptible against short pitched bowling. With innovative, tight leg-side dominated field settings, by Rahane and middle and leg stump attack by Ashwin and Bumrah, Aussies are still struggling to find a way to score freely.

So let`s again hope for a thrilling encounter at SCG - Sidney Cricket Ground, Thursday 7^th January morning onwards.