Sunday, December 28, 2014

Australia lead India by 155 runs at lunch on Day 4 at MCG

In the morning Johnson just took an over to remove India's remaining two wickets from day three for only three runs.

Runs flowing from both ends, Australia were 47 runs in 9 overs, Warner stepped up the pedal scoring freely of the pacers. Ashwin was brought from one end and runs soon dried up it was 14 overs for 50 odd runs with Ashwin conceding 4 runs in as many overs.

Yadav particularly expensive in three overs conceding 30 odd runs. It is never about bowling faster and faster, but about line and length and swing the ball in the air.

The result was wicket of Warner, trying to sweep one from Ashwin, was caught in front plumb and it was an easy decision for the umpire. 

Though Chris Rogers was quiet the fourth morning but some wayward bowling from the pacers helped him to ease up and do the scoring for Australia.

Ashwin got out Watson 4 times in 7 innings,  

In the 19th Over Australia were leading by 142  runs, and it looks like it would be a monumental total from here that India will have to chase in second innings.

336 runs is the biggest run chase at MCG.

Watson's weakness was on display trying to defend incoming ball in front of stumps. The best trying to play across and once trying to play through covers, out both of the time. Great batsmen need to have a solid defence. Shami testing Watson with some probing in swinging balls.

How much score that Australia would like to defend on the fifth day is the question now. 375 or 400 may be.

But can India chase such a score on a fifth day pitch to stay in the series ? Australia would be happy to draw the game and take the series, so it will definitely give India a big total to win. 

Australia are 90/1 at lunch in 22 Overs on day 4 leading by  155 runs.

Valleyz.Blog

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