Australia took the lead in the Boxing Day Test with a brilliant batting display from their seamers. It was a brilliant performance from the likes of Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Scott Bolland who formed vital partnerships to rescue their team from a difficult situation.
However, it also appeared that Australia may have missed an opportunity to put India under pressure by declaring their innings with a few overs remaining on the fourth day. Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Michael Vaughan shared their views on Pat Cummins’ decision.
While Ravi Shastri speculated as to why Australia did not declare, Vaughan believes the Indian openers could have been put under pressure in the last few minutes of the day if they had come out to bat.
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Ravi Shastri explains why Pat Cummins didn’t make the announcement
While speaking on Fox Sports, Ravi Shastri claimed that India will be happy not to bat in the last few matches as it is a tough stretch to face after a long day on the field.
“They will be happy that they are not batting tonight. It’s a different ball game when you’re on the field all day playing the last 20 minutes or three or four overs. It’s a completely different atmosphere when you come back tomorrow,” the former India coach said.
Ravi Shastri also feels that Australia are aware of India’s young players who are capable of chasing down any target on their day and hence, Pat Cummins wanted to give them as many runs to chase down as possible.
“You are more energetic and you know that if you get out on the day, you can either score the score or save the match. This also tells you that Australia is a bit wary of India. They have chased scores in the past, and they have done that,” Ravi Shastri added. They come in and can make a difference.”
India have chased big targets in the past. One of the most famous run chases came at the Gabba during India’s Test series in Australia the last time they toured for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“You just have to look at the psychology.” – Michael Vaughan
But Michael Vaughan had other ideas. It is believed that India would have been under great pressure if it had faced this difficult situation. Vaughan claimed that India captain Rohit Sharma was in poor form and that Yashavi Jaiswal dropped three overs on the day which could have been enough to put them under more pressure.
“You just have to look at the psychology; Rohit Sharma (will be) going in first under a lot of pressure. Then, you have Jaiswal who has been shellshocked on the field. I think both players will be very happy to walk out of the MCG tonight and come back tomorrow,” Vaughan explained. .
Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped three chances on the day, two of which were relatively straightforward chances. The dropped catch has already cost India and Jaiswal will look to make up for it tomorrow with the bat.
Australia pulls ahead on day four
Meanwhile, Australia look ahead in the match with their lead already extended to 333. The latter two wicket takers will look to add as many runs as possible on the fifth morning and come out fresh and attack the Indian batsmen.
The last wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Bolland had already added over fifty runs for the last wicket and put Australia in good stead. Skipper Pat Cummins also scored a fine 41 points. On the other hand, India needs to get out of its skin to get closer to the target.
