The ICC World Test Championship 2023 Australia vs India Day 3

by | Jun 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

By Dennis Heath & Leon Francis

At the start of Day 3 play, India took the field knowing that a Herculean effort would be essential if they were to turn the table on the Australians.  When Bharat departed without any significant addition to the overnight score, India looked to be on the verge of complete humiliation.  Well, Rahane and Thakur may not be Hercules of old, but they sure put the willows to the Australians.  Yes, the Australians must take credit for their sloppy play.  Dropped catches and LBW wicket overturned by no ball delivery that resulted in a welcomed century partnership (109 runs) between Rahane who scored 89 and Thakur 51. The follow-on was avoided, and India had seemingly turned the table. Final score for India was 296 runs, a deficit of 173.

Another exciting day’s cricket. Spectators, whether in the stadium or on their digital platforms, will undoubtedly remember these plays with great fondness, not the least was the magnificent catch taken by Green to dismiss Rahane.  A catch for the play back reels. Some may call this match, test cricket at its best, although other adjectives may have to be used by the end of play on Day 5.

 At the Close of play on Day 3, Australia had scored 123 for 4 wickets.  India’s bowlers, Siraj, Yadav and Jadeja have the Australians on the rack. Hostile pace attacks had Labuschagne jumping and dancing, as if he was at a graduation ball.  Labuschagne is still there on 41 not out and Green 5 not out, Australia’s lead by 296 runs with 6 wickets in hand.

As usual, the question for today is this, Can India restrict the Australians to a score of 400 or less by Lunch on day 4?  This very likely could be a winning score for India.  We will see.

On a note of appreciation, it was a joy to witness the innings of Rahane. Batting looked easy to him, despite being ruffled and battered by the Aussies pace bowlers. His timing and shot placements were exquisite and delightful to see. During this Test match we have witnessed elements of stroke play and athleticism that is more commonly seen in the white ball formats of cricket. Run rates have improved and the future of test Cricket looks bright.

The ICC World Test Championship 2023 Australia vs India Day 2

by | Jun 9, 2023 | Uncategorized

At the close of play on Day 2 of ICC 2023 Test Championship, Australia who were dismissed for 469 during afternoon session, Is once again in the driving seat. Travis Head scored 163, his fourth 150 plus score  in test cricket. Smith scored his 31st century, he was dismissed for 121 runs.  Siraj 4-108, with Thakur and Shami 2 wickets each.

India in their first innings reply is struggling due to early setbacks. India’s early batters faced a fiery Australian attack.  The pace was quick, the line was precise and accurate, with plenty of movement off the wicket.  And the bounce inflicted pain at times.  This was, indeed, a clear signal to England of what is to come, and very likely to cause a lot of concerns for England when they face off in the Ashes series at home this summer.   Jadeja has top scored so far with 48 he edged a Lyon delivery that was easily taken by Steve Smith in the slips.

Earlier Shubman Gill offered no shot to a Scott Boland delivery only to see his middle and off stumps disturbed. He scored only 13, and Cheteshwar Pujara experienced a similar fate, on 14, he also offered no shot to a Cameron Green delivery which rattled his stumps. Rahane had a reprieve, when his LBW out decision was reversed due to a no ball call against the bowler, he has scored 29 not out at close of play.  Bharat, the other not out batter has scored 5 runs. 

Australia is on top for now, however, I am mindful that the unexpected can and do happen.  So, it would be unwise to count India out at this time. India is trailing by 318 runs, and the possibility of the follow on looms large. The question for today is, Can India avoid the follow-on? 

Dennis (for L. Francis)