Starc to Vihari
I hadn't expected India's Vihari to survive until the tea break in the third test. Despite a hamstring injury, after tea he started to look solid although why didn't he have a runner, which would have allowed India to entertain prospects of a record win. Of course, a runner would have added to the opportunities to get run out...
At 5-272 India were in danger of losing, the most likely result on the fifth day, so Vihari's and Ashwin's effort to keep the Australians out for another 43 overs was exceptional. Notwithstanding that if Paine caught Pant early on (three chances but Pant scored 97), the series could have been decided here.
Australia's opener issues mean Warner playing, although he seems far from match fit. Both openers could wear red Star Trek uniforms. But Labuschagne is having a good series, and the Australian bowlers' cartel has remained strong. There's a bit of debate about whether Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood and Lyon are Australia's best attack ever. I'd go for McGrath, Gillespie, Lee and Warne myself.
India has had an unfortunate injury count. Their entire front line bowling attack (Bumrah, Shami, Yadav, Jadeja, Ashwin) are all unable to play in the next test. Only Pujara and Rahane will play all the Tests in the series.
Sightscreens have grown from a wooden square to now include a massive drape (the red ball stands out against the white background, simplifying the batsman's job of sighting a ball travelling at 145km/h). That doesn't stop batsmen holding up play if spectators (or 'security') move close to it!
Starc to Vihari
I hadn't expected India's Vihari to survive until the tea break in the third test. Despite a hamstring injury, after tea he started to look solid although why didn't he have a runner, which would have allowed India to entertain prospects of a record win. Of course, a runner would have added to the opportunities to get run out...
At 5-272 India were in danger of losing, the most likely result on the fifth day, so Vihari's and Ashwin's effort to keep the Australians out for another 43 overs was exceptional. Notwithstanding that if Paine caught Pant early on (three chances but Pant scored 97), the series could have been decided here.
Australia's opener issues mean Warner playing, although he seems far from match fit. Both openers could wear red Star Trek uniforms. But Labuschagne is having a good series, and the Australian bowlers' cartel has remained strong. There's a bit of debate about whether Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood and Lyon are Australia's best attack ever. I'd go for McGrath, Gillespie, Lee and Warne myself.
India has had an unfortunate injury count. Their entire front line bowling attack (Bumrah, Shami, Yadav, Jadeja, Ashwin) are all unable to play in the next test. Only Pujara and Rahane will play all the Tests in the series.
Sightscreens have grown from a wooden square to now include a massive drape (the red ball stands out against the white background, simplifying the batsman's job of sighting a ball travelling at 145km/h). That doesn't stop batsmen holding up play if spectators (or 'security') move close to it!