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.