***Official*** India in Australia

[Pratters]

- India should have played a bit more aggressively post lunch to give a sporting declaration. There was nothing to lose as we are already 2-1 down in the series.

- Kumble is a bit defensive as captain at times. We saw it in the Perth test and we saw it again here. With runs on the board, he should have put in more fielders in catching positions.

 

[silentstriker]

11 runs off that over. There is 52 overs left in the day...you'd think that maybe if they can bat for another 15 overs, then have a bowl?

 

[howardj]

- India should have played a bit more aggressively post lunch to give a sporting declaration. There was nothing to lose as we are already 2-1 down in the series.

- Kumble is a bit defensive as captain at times. We saw it in the Perth test and we saw it again here. With runs on the board, he should have put in more fielders in catching positions.

It's not a charity match. The problem with a sporting declaration is that India have to still pick up 10 wickets. On the evidence of the first four and a half days, their chances are next to zero. In all honesty, Ponting has been just as defensive (both in his declarations and field placings) this Series.

 

[Ospi]

Yep, every chance for a result even if it goes that way, will not be easy but you never know, stanger things have happened.

 

[Pratters]

It's not a charity match. The problem with a sporting declaration is that India have to still pick up 10 wickets. On the evidence of the first four and a half days, their chances are next to zero. In all honesty, Ponting has been just as defensive (both in his declarations and field placings) this Series.

I have pointed to Ponting being defensive earlier in the Sydney game. Ponting can afford to be defensive in this game as Australia are 2-1 up, India can't.

The wicket has very little bite but you have to try and win the game and put the series at 2-2. It is almost impossible but what is the harm in trying. Whether it is 3-1 or 2-1, still means that we have lost the series. If they had played a bit more aggressively post lunch and given Australia 45-50 overs to bat, it would have been a good approach in my opinion.

 

[silentstriker]

Gone! Here comes the twist?

 

[LJMJ]

Damn...Laxman gone. Fiery spell this by Lee. India in a little bit of trouble here. Dhoni and the tail will have to step up. Dhoni *HOPEFULLY* doesn't bat like a sissy again.

 

[Pratters]

Lee! Was just about to say this is such a crucial spell in the context of the game - a couple of wickets here by Lee and India can be down and out. He has taken one and Australia with a real chance now although draw would still be big favourites.

 

[Johnners]

That'd be the 3rd time this series Laxman has been undone by a short ball. Great bowling again from Lee, such a champion.

 

[silentstriker]

You have a feeling that Australia are now looking for the win.

 

[Pratters]

Stat: No boundaries post lunch session by India till now.

 

[Laurrz]

terrific bowling by Lee wow

 

[Days of Grace]

If this was England batting, you'd say Australia still had a chance to win. But, this is not England, so I would put my life on a draw.

 

[adharcric]

Dhoni, you haven't done **** all series. Step up your game son.

 

[Pratters]

Lee's bowling has been the highlight of the series where I am concerned. He has shown improvements in aspects of his bowling right through the recent past. He has raised it up a notch in this series bending his back and bowling brilliant lines with so much aggression. Has been quite special to watch. Will be perfect from an Australian point of view if he can win it for Australia here as well.

 

[Days of Grace]

Is Ian Healy in the commentary box now?

I can imagine what he'd be saying.

"Australia still in with a great chaaaannnnncccceee here. The time to strike is now. Lee is on fire. C'mon, Australia!!!"

 

[Pratters]

Dhoni, you haven't done **** all series.

38 off 70plus balls supporting Laxman was very important in the context of the Indian win at Perth.

 

[silentstriker]

Bannerman's record is safe I reckon. Bannerman scored 67.3%. Sehwag was above that, but he is now at 63.9% and dropping.

 

[aussie_26]

India are a disgrace, after they way they celebrated after the Perth test because they are going to lose this series

 

[adharcric]

38 off 70plus balls supporting Laxman was very important in the context of the Indian win at Perth.

Yeah I know, just trying to spur him on.