Starts tonight US time. I'm quite excited as the last series Australia were missing Warner and Smith. Its really heating up between NZ and India as to wo qualifies for the WTC Final.
Kohli will only be playing the first game as he will be on paternity leave. Massive blow for India with the Final potentially hanging in the balance.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
Sensational fielding by the Aussies keeping what would have been a tight game into one which Australia is now well ahead in.
I find it interesting that cricinfo published an article about banning bouncers just because 4-5 Indian players have been felled by them. It’s always been part of the game, lol!
Also, I really have to question Kohli’s dedication a bit by leaving so early during such a big tour. As the teams best batter why leave so early? His child is still not born. He knew the schedule of this series well in advance, why schedule a pregnancy during such a big series? I’m not a big fan of men skipping important tours just because their child is being born. All that’s needed is a pregnant woman and the gynecologist. Call me old fashioned.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
I'll be honest, I did not expect this level of grit from India. Specially after that 36 all out.
Rahane has now captained India in 4 tests (3 of them against Aus, 2 away from home) - 3 wins and a draw. Yet to lose.
Incidentally, his name "Ajinkya" in Marathi, his mother tongue, means invincible / undefeated. Living up to it.
He might as well lose the next one, but has been very admirable and wanted to make this statement while I still can :). The guy demands respect in the dressing room, clearly, both through his action and demeanor.
I really thought India might win this one. Pant was on fire, it was a shame he couldn't press on for the win.
My All-time Zimbabwe XI
Neil Johnson, Brendan Taylor, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), David Houghton, Sean Williams, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Paul Strang, Eddo Brandes, Blessing Muzarabani
I really hope India can take the final test in Brisbane. Given the number on absences and injuries they have they have done really well in Australia. This series has reminded me why I love test cricket. Not sure why anyone would be interested in all these T20 Leagues with madeup teams nobody cares about, the players included.
My All-time Zimbabwe XI
Neil Johnson, Brendan Taylor, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), David Houghton, Sean Williams, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Paul Strang, Eddo Brandes, Blessing Muzarabani
I really hope India can take the final test in Brisbane. Given the number on absences and injuries they have they have done really well in Australia. This series has reminded me why I love test cricket. Not sure why anyone would be interested in all these T20 Leagues with madeup teams nobody cares about, the players included.
If they can win in Brisbane it will truly be an incredible performance, Australia has not lost at the Gabba since 1986
Yeah this was a really good performance from India. They showed tremendous fight to just hold on for the draw. Had they a Sehwag, they would have likely won.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
India have now lost Bumrah for the final test. India are now missing Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari, and possibly Ravi Ashwin. Remarkable they are still in the series.
My All-time Zimbabwe XI
Neil Johnson, Brendan Taylor, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), David Houghton, Sean Williams, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Paul Strang, Eddo Brandes, Blessing Muzarabani
India have now lost Bumrah for the final test. India are now missing Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari, and possibly Ravi Ashwin. Remarkable they are still in the series.
It’s the slowness and lack of bounce in the pitches most likely. Granted any other Asian side would have been easily rolled.
But also why when they were bundled for 36, there weren’t calls
To strip them of their Test status. They are still in the series.
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.
India have now lost Bumrah for the final test. India are now missing Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari, and possibly Ravi Ashwin. Remarkable they are still in the series.
Whoa, this must be some kind of record. So many injuries! I didn't see any familiar name in that bowling attack, apart from Saini and he's injured too now.
India have done fairly well in this test so far, again picking up another injury, they’ve really had no luck on this tour.
Even if Australia win this series it will feel hollow due to the amount of injuries India have had and they’ve still been just as good as Australia if not better.
As I’ve said before the ICC ratings mean nothing, India are the best test team in the world
India have now lost Bumrah for the final test. India are now missing Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari, and possibly Ravi Ashwin. Remarkable they are still in the series.
This match is interestingly poised as is the series, Australia are currently 180 runs ahead at the start of the 2nd session, you could say they are on top and in command with runs and time on their side.
But there is a lot of rain forecast, so expect the Aussies to go into t20 mode soon and try and try to declare with a lead of about 330 today
Australia will risk a series loss and their 32 year unbeaten run at the Gabba to go for glory and a series win
Aussies may not qualify for the WTC Final due to their underperformance in the India series. In that case its an India-New Zealand final I'm guessing...or does England have any shot?
Bangladesh cricket fanatic, observer of all others.