Fixtures

1st T20I, (D/N) at Brisbane, Nov 21 2018
Australia won by 4 runs (D/L method)

2nd T20I, (N) at Melbourne, Nov 23 2018
No result

08:50 PM NZDT
3rd T20I, (N) at Sydney, Nov 25 2018
India won by 6 wickets (with 2 balls remaining)

WED 28/11 - 12:30 PM NZDT
Tour Match, at Sydney, Nov 28 - Dec 1 2018
Cricket Australia XI V Indians
Match drawn

THU 6/12 - 01:00 PM NZDT
1st Test, at Adelaide, Dec 6-10 2018
India won by 31 runs

FRI 14/12 - 03:20 PM NZDT
2nd Test, at Perth, Dec 14-18 2018
Australia won by 146 runs

WED 26/12 - 12:30 PM NZDT
3rd Test, at Melbourne, Dec 26-30 2018
India won by 137 runs

THU 3/1 - 12:30 PM NZDT
4th Test, at Sydney, Jan 3-7 2019
Match drawn

SAT 12/1 - 03:20 PM NZDT
1st ODI, (D/N) at Sydney, Jan 12 2019
Australia win by 34 run

TUE 15/1 - 04:20 PM NZDT
2nd ODI, (D/N) at Adelaide, Jan 15 2019
India won by 6 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)

FRI 18/1 - 03:20 PM NZDT
3rd ODI, (D/N) at Melbourne, Jan 18 2019
India won by 7 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)

http://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket/sco ... us-2018-19

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

2nd Test - Australia v India

FRI 14/12 - 03:20 PM NZDT (8:20 PM Texas Time)
Perth Stadium, Perth, Dec 14-18 2018

Toss: Australia have won the toss and will bat.

TEAMS
Australia 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Marcus Harris, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Shaun Marsh, 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Travis Head, 7 Tim Paine (capt & wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood

India (probable) 1 M Vijay, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt) 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Hanuma Vihari, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Ishant Sharma, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Jasprit Bumrah


Livescorecard
http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/1869 ... us-2018-19


STUMPS - Day 1
Australia 277/6 (85 overs)
---------------------------------
STUMPS - Day 2
Australia 326 (108.3 ov)
India 172/3 * (69 ov)
India trail by 154 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
---------------------------------
STUMPS - Day 3
Australia 326 & 132/4 * (47.6 ov)
India 283
Australia lead by 175 runs with 6 wickets remaining
---------------------------
STUMPS - Day 4
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 112/5 * (41 ov, target 287)
India require another 175 runs with 5 wickets remaining
-----------------
RESULT - Day 5
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 140/10 (55.6 ov, target 287)

Australia won by 146 runs




4 Game test series, Australia 1 V India 1

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

2nd Test, Day 3

Another Indian wicket falls as play starts.
AM Rahane c †Paine b Lyon 51 (105b 6x4 1x6) SR: 48.57
Australia 326
India 173/4 * (69.4 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: India trail by 153 runs with 6 wickets remaining in the innings

2nd New Ball
Australia 326
India 201/4 * (80 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: India trail by 123 runs with 6 wickets remaining in the innings

Kohli Century (100/214 SR 46.08)
Australia 326
India 207/4 * (80.2 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: India trail by 119 runs with 6 wickets remaining in the innings

Wicket
GH Vihari c †Paine b Hazlewood 20 (46b 2x4 0x6) SR: 43.47
Australia 326
India 223/5 * (85.4 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: India trail by 103 runs with 5 wickets remaining in the innings

Wicket
V Kohli c Handscomb b Cummins 123 (257b 13x4 1x6) SR: 47.85
Australia 326
India 251/6 * (92.6 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: India trail by 75 runs with 4 wickets remaining in the innings

Wicket - GOLDEN DUCK (1st ball)

Mohammed Shami c †Paine b Lyon 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Australia 326
India 252/7 * (93.2 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: India trail by 74 runs with 3 wickets remaining in the innings

Wicket
I Sharma c & b Lyon 1 (11b 0x4 0x6) SR: 9.09
Australia 326
India 254/8 * (95.2 ov)
Day 3 - Session 2: India trail by 72 runs with 2 wickets remaining in the innings

Wicket
RR Pant c Starc b Lyon 36 (50b 2x4 1x6) SR: 72.00
Australia 326
India 279/9 * (105.1 ov)
Day 3 - Session 2: India trail by 47 runs with 1 wicket remaining in the innings

Final Wicket
JJ Bumrah c Khawaja b Lyon 4 (4b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00
Australia 326
India 283 (105.5 ov)
India trail by 43 runs on the1st innings

Nathan Lyon gets a Michelle 5/67

INNINGS BREAK
Australian 2nd innings....
Apparently... Ishant Sharma is "on a hat trick" because he took 2 wickets to end Australian 1st innings.... NOPE!

Finch injured finger.. retiring hurt?
Harris was hit on helmet earlier. He may be injured as well (concussion)

Taking TEA BREAK
Australia 326 & 33/0 * (12.1 ov)
India 283
Day 3: Australia lead by 76 runs with 10 wickets remaining

Final Session
Finch gone to hospital
Harris and Khawaja resume. Harris looks OK

Wicket
MS Harris b Bumrah 20 (56b 2x4 0x6) SR: 35.71

Wicket
SE Marsh c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 5 (11b 1x4 0x6) SR: 45.45


Australia 326 & 65/2 * (21.2 ov)
India 283
Day 3 - Session 3: Australia lead by 108 runs with 8 wickets remaining

Wicket
PSP Handscomb lbw b Sharma 13 (14b 3x4 0x6) SR: 92.85
Australia 326 & 85/3 * (25.3 ov)
India 283
Day 3 - Session 3: Australia lead by 128 runs with 7 wickets remaining

Wicket
TM Head c Sharma b Mohammed Shami 19 (49b 2x4 0x6) SR: 38.77
Australia 326 & 126/4 * (44.5 ov)
India 283
Day 3 - Session 3: Australia lead by 169 runs with 6 wickets remaining

STUMPS - Day 3
Australia 326 & 132/4 * (47.6 ov)
India 283
Australia lead by 175 runs with 6 wickets remaining

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

2nd Test, Day 4

At Lunch..
Australia 326 & 190/4 * (78 ov)
India 283
Day 4: Australia lead by 233 runs with 6 wickets remaining

Wicket
c Kohli b Mohammed Shami 37 (116b 4x4 0x6) SR: 31.89
Australia 326 & 192/5 * (78.5 ov)
India 283
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia lead by 235 runs with 5 wickets remaining

Aaron Finch
Returning to the middle...an opener for the new ball due next over

Wicket
AJ Finch c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 25 (31b 5x4 0x6) SR: 80.64
Australia 326 & 192/6 * (79 ov)
India 283
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia lead by 235 runs with 4 wickets remaining

Wicket
UT Khawaja c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 72 (213b 5x4 0x6) SR: 33.80
Australia 326 & 198/7 * (82.1 ov)
India 283
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia lead by 241 runs with 3 wickets remaining

Wicket
PJ Cummins b Bumrah 1 (6b 0x4 0x6) SR: 16.66
Australia 326 & 198/8 * (83.3 ov)
India 283
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia lead by 241 runs with 2 wickets remaining

Wicket
NM Lyon c Vihari b Mohammed Shami 5 (10b 1x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
Australia 326 & 207/9 * (86.5 ov)
India 283
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia lead by 250 runs with 1 wicket remaining

5-fer
Shami has 5-fer (actually 6-fer now)
(6/56 A career-best for Mohammed Shami)

Last wicket
MA Starc b Bumrah 14 (29b 3x4 0x6) SR: 48.27
Australia 326 & 243/10 * (93.2 ov)
India 283
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia lead by 286 runs

42 overs remain in today's play

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Innings Break

42 overs today plus 90 tomorrow (total 132)

Target for India 287 runs (Req. RR 2.17)

Target for Australia 10 wickets

Indian 2nd Innings wickets


1st Wicket
KL Rahul b Starc 0 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 0/1 * (0.4 ov, target 287)
Day 4 - Session 2: India require another 287 runs with 9 wickets remaining
--------------------
2nd Wicket
CA Pujara c †Paine b Hazlewood 4 (11b 1x4 0x6) SR: 36.36
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 13/2 * (3.5 ov, target 287) (Current RR 3.39)
Day 4 - Session 2: India require another 274 runs with 8 wickets remaining
--------------------
TEA BREAK
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 15/2 * (6 ov, target 287) (Current RR 2.5)
Day 4: India require another 272 runs with 8 wickets remaining
--------------------
3rd Wicket
V Kohli c Khawaja b Lyon 17 (40b 2x4 0x6) SR: 42.50
--------------------
4th Wicket
M Vijay b Lyon 20 (67b 3x4 0x6) SR: 29.85
--------------------
5th Wicket
AM Rahane c Head b Hazlewood 30 (47b 2x4 1x6) SR: 63.82
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 98/5 * (34.5 ov, target 287) (current RR 2.81)
Day 4 - Session 3: India require another 189 runs with 5 wickets remaining
--------------------
STUMPS - Day 4
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 112/5 * (41 ov, target 287) (Current RR 2.73)
Day 4: India require another 175 runs with 5 wickets remaining

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

2nd Test, Day 5

Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 112/5 * (41 ov, target 287) (Current RR 2.73)
India require another 175 runs with 5 wickets remaining

As the day starts, India have a Target of 175 and 90 overs to do it. (Req. RR 1.9)
On the face of that looks easy!!
In an ODI, for instance, teams these days can score 350 runs over just 50 overs Averaging RR 7+
But... they are 5 wickets down... and this is TEST CRICKET... the fielding restrictions of ODI not in force, and..... the biggie is the PITCH.... which for Test Cricket, is supposed to wear over 5 days... and to have deteriorated by the 5th day. It would be a very BAD Test pitch if it was intact still on day 5... easy to bat on (referred to as "a road")

Some (Indian) commentators are moaning that the pitch has deteriorated too much! (Not up to International standards)
Which is a bit RICH given the state of Indian wickets over the years

Cricket is a funny old game... India could score the 175 more runs for a WIN... they could also bat all day to SAVE the Test as a draw. NOT LIKELY... Australia should take the 5 more wickets required



Indian 2nd Innings wickets


6th Wicket
GH Vihari c Harris b Starc 28 (75b 4x4 0x6) SR: 37.33
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 119/6 * (47 ov, target 287)
Day 5 - Session 1: India require another 168 runs with 4 wickets remaining
--------------------
7th Wicket
RR Pant c Handscomb b Lyon 30 (61b 2x4 0x6) SR: 49.18
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 137/7 * (53.4 ov, target 287)
Day 5 - Session 1: India require another 150 runs with 3 wickets remaining
--------------------
8th Wicket
UT Yadav c & b Starc 2 (23b 0x4 0x6) SR: 8.69
Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 139/8 * (55 ov, target 287)
Day 5: India require another 148 runs with 2 wickets remaining
--------------------
9th Wicket
I Sharma c †Paine b Cummins 0 (5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 140/9 * (55.3 ov, target 287)
Day 5 - Session 1: India require another 147 runs with 1 wicket remaining
--------------------
10th Wicket
JJ Bumrah c & b Cummins 0 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

Australia 326 & 243
India 283 & 140/10 (55.6 ov, target 287)

Australia won by 146 runs

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

3rd Test - Australia v India - Boxing Day Test

WED 26/12 - 12:30 PM NZDT
MCG, Melbourne, Dec 26-30 2018

Hours of play (local time): 10:30 start, Lunch 12.30-13.10, Tea 15.10-15.30, Close 17.30

Toss: India won the toss and elected to bat

TEAMS
Australia 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Marcus Harris, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Shaun Marsh, 5 Travis Head, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Tim Paine (capt. & wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood

India 1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Hanuma Vihari, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt.), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Ishant Sharma, 11 Jasprit Bumrah Jasprit Bumrah


Livescorecard
http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/1869 ... us-2018-19


STUMPS - Day 1
India 215/2 * (89 ov)
---------------------------------
STUMPS - Day 2
India 443/7d
Australia 8/0 * (6 ov)
Australia trail by 435 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the innings
---------------------------------
STUMPS - Day 3
India 443/7d & 54/5 * (27 ov)
Australia 151
India lead by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining
---------------------------
STUMPS - Day 4
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 258/8 * (85 ov, target 399)
Australia require another 141 runs with 2 wickets remaining
-----------------
RESULT - Day 5
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 261/10 (89.3 ov, target 399)

India won by 137 runs






4 Game test series, Australia 1 V India 2

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Weather in Melbourne..

COULD be rain delays last 2 days... GET ON WITH IT!!



https://www.accuweather.com/en/au/melbo ... cast/26216

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

3rd Test - Day 1

Indian 1st Innings wickets


1st Wicket
GH Vihari c Finch b Cummins 8 (66b 0x4 0x6) SR: 12.12
India 40/1 * (18.5 ov)
--------------------
LUNCH
India 57/1 * (28 ov)
--------------------
2nd Wicket
MA Agarwal c †Paine b Cummins 76 (161b 8x4 1x6) SR: 47.20
India 123/2 * (54.5 ov)
--------------------
TEA BREAK
(35.1 overs remaining)
-------------------
2nd New Ball

India 199/2 * (82 ov)
--------------------
STUMPS - Day 1
India 215/2 * (89 ov)

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

3rd Test - Day 2
India 215/2 * (89 ov)

Call me a "Debbie downer", but this game already has the feel of a DRAW. (wickets are few and far between)
Of course cricket is a funny old game so there could be something which changes that? The pitch could (and should) deteriorate if it is up to test standard.
Draw is the likely result the way things are going, but... I would say that ONLY INDIA can win this game... and it is up to them to push for a win, rather than continue to bat all day today and tomorrow and play safe.. for the draw. Or perhaps The Indian innings will be forced to progress if wickets fall.

There will perhaps be the excitement of personal milestones.. CENTURIES for Pujara and Kohli


CENTURY
Cheteshwar Pujara


LUNCH BREAK
India 277/2 * (117 ov)


Indian 1st Innings wickets


3rd Wicket
V Kohli c Finch b Starc 82 (204b 9x4 0x6) SR: 40.19
India 293/3 * (122.5 ov)
--------------------
4th Wicket
CA Pujara b Cummins 106 (319b 10x4 0x6) SR: 33.22
India 299/4 * (125.4 ov)
--------------------
TEA BREAK
India 346/4 * (143 ov)
-------------------
5th Wicket
AM Rahane lbw b Lyon 34 (76b 2x4 0x6) SR: 44.73
India 361/5 * (149 ov)
-------------------
3rd New Ball

India 415/5 * (166 ov)
--------------------
6th Wicket
RR Pant c Khawaja b Starc 39 (76b 3x4 0x6) SR: 51.31
India 437/6 * (168.5 ov)
-------------------
7th Wicket
RA Jadeja c †Paine b Hazlewood 4 (3b 1x4 0x6) SR: 133.33
India 443/7 * (169.4 ov)

India DECLARES

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

INNINGS BREAK
India 443/7d * (169.4 ov)


STUMPS - Day 2
India 443/7d
Australia 8/0 * (6 ov)

Australia trail by 435 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the innings

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

3rd Test - Day 3
India 443/7d
Australia 8/0 * (6 ov)
Australia trail by 435 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the innings

I know Test Cricket is about "the long game", but, on the face of it.. India has used up 2 days for just their first innings. Assuming the opposition are of a similar skill level they could bat a long innings too, with both teams also having to bat a second innings ( no wonder Test Cricket matches often end in a Draw). However there is the "Test Pitch" to factor in. As I have said before, a Test Pitch is SUPPOSED to deteriorate and provide opportunities for bowlers (and for tactics) as the game progresses over 5 days. In this match, provided the pitch holds up on this third day, Australia could bat a long innings themselves to save the match. First target will be 244 runs to get within 200 of India's 1st innings score (443), and so avoid the "follow on"




Australian 2nd Innings wickets


1st Wicket
AJ Finch c Agarwal b I Sharma 8 (36b 1x4 0x6) SR: 22.22
India 443/7d
Australia 24/1 * (10.3 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: Australia trail by 419 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
2nd Wicket
MS Harris c I Sharma b Bumrah 22 (35b 2x4 0x6) SR: 62.85
India 443/7d
Australia 36/2 * (13.3 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: Australia trail by 407 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
3rd Wicket
UT Khawaja c Agarwal b Jadeja 21 (32b 3x4 0x6) SR: 65.62
India 443/7d
Australia 53/3 * (19.5 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: Australia trail by 390 runs with 8 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
4th Wicket
SE Marsh lbw b Bumrah 19 (61b 1x4 0x6) SR: 31.14
India 443/7d
Australia 89/4 * (32.6 ov)
Day 3 - Session 1: Australia trail by 354 runs with 6 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
LUNCH

--------------------
5th Wicket
TM Head b Bumrah 20 (48b 2x4 0x6) SR: 41.66
India 443/7d
Australia 92/5 * (36.4 ov)
Day 3 - Session 2: Australia trail by 351 runs with 5 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
6th Wicket
MR Marsh c Rahane b Jadeja 9 (36b 1x4 0x6) SR: 25.00
India 443/7d
Australia 102/6 * (43.3 ov)
Day 3 - Session 2: Australia trail by 341 runs with 4 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
7th Wicket
PJ Cummins b Mohammed Shami 17 (48b 2x4 0x6) SR: 35.41
India 443/7d
Australia 138/7 * (60.6 ov)
Day 3 - Session 2: Australia trail by 305 runs with 3 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
TEA BREAK

India 443/7d
Australia 145/7 * (63 ov)
Day 3: Australia trail by 298 runs with 3 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
8th Wicket
TD Paine c †Pant b Bumrah 22 (85b 1x4 0x6) SR: 25.88
India 443/7d
Australia 147/8 * (64.3 ov)
Day 3 - Session 3: Australia trail by 296 runs with 2 wickets remaining in the innings
--------------------
9th Wicket
NM Lyon lbw b Bumrah 0 (5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

India 443/7d
Australia 151/9 * (66.2 ov)
Day 3 - Session 3: Australia trail by 292 runs with 1 wicket remaining in the innings

Jasprit Bumrah gets a five-fer
--------------------
10th Wicket
JR Hazlewood b Bumrah 0 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
India 443/7d
Australia 151/10 * (66.5 ov)
Day 3 - Session 3: Australia trail by 292 runs with 0 wickets remaining in the innings

India are NOT enforcing the follow on?

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

INNINGS BREAK
India 443/7d
Australia 151 * (66.5 ov)
Day 3 - Session 3: India lead by 292 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the innings

Not enforcing the follow on makes little sense (safety first??) if there is no rain, but no sense at all with forecast RAIN for day 4/5 meaning time will likely be lost.

I wonder how much of a lead Kohli wants before declaring??


Indian 2nd Innings Wickets


1st Wicket
GH Vihari c Khawaja b Cummins 13 (45b 1x4 0x6) SR: 28.88
India 443/7d & 28/1 * (13 ov)
Australia 151
Day 3 - Session 3: India lead by 320 runs with 9 wickets remaining
--------------------
2nd Wicket
CA Pujara c Harris b Cummins 0 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

India 443/7d & 28/2 * (14.2 ov)
Australia 151
Day 3 - Session 3: India lead by 320 runs with 8 wickets remaining
--------------------
3rd Wicket
V Kohli c Harris b Cummins 0 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

India 443/7d & 28/3 * (14.6 ov)
Australia 151
Day 3 - Session 3: India lead by 320 runs with 7 wickets remaining
--------------------
4th Wicket
AM Rahane c †Paine b Cummins 1 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
India 443/7d & 32/4 * (16.1 ov)
Australia 151
Day 3 - Session 3: India lead by 324 runs with 6 wickets remaining

Cummins on a hat trick - NOPE
--------------------
5th Wicket
RG Sharma c SE Marsh b Hazlewood 4 (18b 0x4 0x6) SR: 22.22
India 443/7d & 44/5 * (22.5 ov)
Australia 151
Day 3 - Session 3: India lead by 336 runs with 5 wickets remaining
--------------------
STUMPS - Day 3
India 443/7d & 54/5 * (27 ov)
Australia 151

Day 3: India lead by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

3rd Test - Day 4
India 443/7d & 54/5 * (27 ov)
Australia 151
India lead by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining


I make a similar point in this game as I did in comments for NZ game.... the ONLY way that India can capitalize on all their hard work so far, and WIN this Test Match, is to TAKE ANOTHER 10 Australian wickets!! And they can not do that while batting!! They need to declare so that they can bowl at Australia. They have ONE JOB to do... bowl Australians out (x 10)
With RAIN likely to interrupt play... the Indians need to GET ON WITH IT.

When people agonize over whether to enforce the follow on.. they never mention (consider) the fact that if the opposition bat well in their follow on innings.. even surpass the deficit and gain a lead... the controlling side still get a second innings to knock off that deficit. It is SAFER (generally) to enforce the follow on.. and retain the option of batting again. By NOT enforcing the follow on you have to GUESS how many runs lead is enough before a declaration, and of course that GUESS always errs on the safe side, and so sides bat longer than the minimum needed.. and often use up valuable time (especially if rain causes lost time) and the match ends in a draw.

I am "miffed" about the Captain's decision in this game, as I am in NZ game.
I think Kohli should have enforced the follow on even if there was no prospect of rain delays, and in this case RAIN is a near certainty at some stage.. and so Kohli, even more so, should have got on with starting his essential task to WIN this game... which is to put Australia back in to bat and take 10 wickets. As I have said this is the SAFEST option... India could have always batted again if a few more runs were needed after the Australians all out but with a (small) lead. In fact I am at a loss to think of any reason why Kohli made the decision he did (in these particular match circumstances). So..... given the annoyance... I hope India now FAIL. An Aussie win is very unlikely... but with some rain delays they could hold out for a draw. It would serve India right!!




Indian 2nd Innings Wickets


6th Wicket
MA Agarwal b Cummins 42 (102b 4x4 2x6) SR: 41.17
India 443/7d & 83/6 * (32.6 ov)
Australia 151
Day 4 - Session 1: India lead by 375 runs with 5 wickets remaining

Pat Cummins gets a five-fer
--------------------
7th Wicket
RA Jadeja c Khawaja b Cummins 5 (6b 1x4 0x6) SR: 83.33
India 443/7d & 100/7 * (36.3 ov)
Australia 151
Day 4 - Session 1: India lead by 392 runs with 3 wickets remaining
--------------------
8th Wicket
RR Pant c †Paine b Hazlewood 33 (43b 3x4 1x6) SR: 76.74
India 443/7d & 106/8 * (37.3 ov)
Australia 151
Day 4 - Session 1: India lead by 398 runs with 3 wickets remaining

INDIA DECLARE

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

INNINGS BREAK
India 443/7d & 106/8 * (37.3 ov)
Australia 151
Day 4 - Session 1: Australia trail by 398 runs with 10 wickets remaining


Target for Australia 399 runs
(or simply survive for 2 days (167 overs) for the draw)

Target for India 10 Wickets

Cricket is a funny old game.....
Australia could WIN this (3% chance) (It would take a RR of just 2.39 over 167 overs)
A great result for Australia now would be the DRAW! (Just survive 167 overs), and RAIN may help with that.



Australian 2nd Innings Wickets


1st Wicket
AJ Finch c Kohli b Bumrah 3 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 75.00
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 6/1 * (1.2 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 1: Australia require another 393 runs with 9 wickets remaining
--------------------
2nd Wicket
MS Harris c Agarwal b Jadeja 13 (23b 1x4 0x6) SR: 56.52
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 34/2 * (9.2 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 1: Australia require another 365 runs with 8 wickets remaining
--------------------
LUNCH

India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 44/2 * (14 ov, target 399)
Day 4: Australia require another 355 runs with 8 wickets remaining
--------------------
The good news is...
Adrian Meredith:
"It's so humid here in Melbourne right now I can taste the rain on my lips.
A thunderstorm is coming, the only question is when."
--------------------
3rd Wicket
UT Khawaja lbw b Mohammed Shami 33 (59b 4x4 1x6) SR: 55.93
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 63/3 * (20.6 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia require another 336 runs with 7 wickets remaining
--------------------
4th Wicket
SE Marsh lbw b Bumrah 44 (72b 4x4 1x6) SR: 61.11
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 114/4 * (32.2 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia require another 285 runs with 6 wickets remaining
--------------------
5th Wicket
MR Marsh c Kohli b Jadeja 10 (21b 0x4 1x6) SR: 47.61
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 135/5 * (39.1 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 2: Australia require another 264 runs with 5 wickets remaining
--------------------
TEA BREAK

India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 138/5 * (42 ov, target 399)
Day 4: Australia require another 261 runs with 5 wickets remaining
--------------------
6th Wicket
TM Head b I Sharma 34 (92b 2x4 0x6) SR: 36.95
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 157/6 * (50.3 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 3: Australia require another 242 runs with 4 wickets remaining
--------------------
7th Wicket
TD Paine c †Pant b Jadeja 26 (67b 4x4 0x6) SR: 38.80
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 176/7 * (61.3 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 3: Australia require another 223 runs with 3 wickets remaining
--------------------
8th Wicket
MA Starc b Mohammed Shami 18 (27b 2x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 215/8 * (70.5 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 3: Australia require another 184 runs with 2 wickets remaining
--------------
EXTRA HALF HOUR
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 229/8 * (77 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 3: Australia require another 170 runs with 2 wickets remaining

Scheduled overs Completed. Just 2 "tail end" wickets for India to win.
Umpires CAN offer an extra half hour (8 overs) if game likely to be completed
India accept
-------------------
2nd New Ball

India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 234/8 * (80 ov, target 399)
Day 4 - Session 3: Australia require another 165 runs with 2 wickets remaining
-------------------
STUMPS - Day 4
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 258/8 * (85 ov, target 399)

Day 4: Australia require another 141 runs with 2 wickets remaining

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

3rd Test, Day 5
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 258/8 * (85 ov, target 399)
Australia require another 141 runs with 2 wickets remaining


It would be GREAT if Rain washed out all of Day 5
There are "Thunder showers" forecast overnight/morning, but not all day rain... but hope springs eternal

Alternatively.... be nice if Australia could score the required 141 runs today... and WIN!!

Australia do not deserve to win (or save) the game. Their top and middle order batsmen are consistently HOPELESS. The fact that they "get starts" and then go out makes it WORSE!!. Clearly they can bat, get used to conditions etc. They simply FAIL to then apply themselves. Australia all out for 151 in the first innings was... CRAP... but even after that, Australia COULD have made the 2nd innings target if just one or two batsmen had persevered to make a Century...or just 70, 80 or 90. Kohli "gave Australia another chance" by NOT enforcing the follow on, and his team having a mediocre second innings. With a FIRM TARGET set... and 2+ days to bat... Australia COULD have found some form and made that target. 399 is a LOT as a 4th innings target... but records are there to be broken. Not really a "big ask" if just 1 or 2 the top batters had performed. Even now with all the top order failures... the tail-end has a (small) chance of making the target... it would have been easy peasy if top 6 had each scored 10 more runs... it would be done if one of them had managed a century. I realise that Australia is short of alternative players at this level.. but if I was a selector I would fire all of the batting line-up.(keep the bowlers) and try a fresh batch... complete new group of batsmen.

The India win is being assumed by all, but........

Pat Cummins is already the Aussie player of this match... he could become an Aussie LEGEND today
(with assistant Aussie legends Lyon and Hazlewood)

If Australia (Cummins) can survive this session they will be CLOSE to winning the Test
------------
A note on "sledging"
On-field banter between fielders and two batsmen has been part of cricket for as long as I can remember. Usually humorous/light hearted/clever/funny... but at times (I am told) it can get a bit nasty. I don't have a problem with it. Part of the "psychological warfare" of competitive sport. It is up to the Umpires to intercede only if it does cross a line towards being "abusive". Having said all that I DO NOT think it should be a "feature" of live broadcasts as it seems it is now. It is "between the players".. what is said on the field should stay on the field. Maybe the odd funny exchange revealed by retired players at after-dinner speeches
IMO The Tim Paine banter is not clever or funny... it's just puerile.
-----------
LIGHT rain has delayed the start of play, but it is scheduled to start just half hour late at 11:00 am (local)
Nope... more delay

------------------
LUNCH
Lunch will be taken at 12:15pm.(15 minutes early)

India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 258/8 * (85 ov, target 399)
Australia require another 141 runs with 2 wickets remaining
--------------
IF play ever does get underway I can see there being a "legal battle" over when play ends/how many overs remain.
The Extra Half hour last night should be deducted today (I think) and so play ends half hour early today (at 5:00 pm)
But.... I am not sure if they still add time ("overtime") to make up for play lost to rain today?

Bring on the Cricket lawyers and mathematicians!!

According to ESPN commentators:
If play does start after the lunch break, then we'll have 71 overs left in the day. Eleven lost so far today, and eight from yesterday's extra hour have been deducted from the full quota of 90.

It seems to me they "lost" 1st session today apart from 15 minutes early lunch..... and so lost about 26 overs (from normal 90)?
64 left today, but less 8 overs from last night = 56 overs remaining today.

Players walking out.. it seems the 71 overs is official... but WRONG!!
(They must be scheduling to add an hour (somewhere)to make up for 15 of the overs lost to rain)

Never mind... maybe the Australians will be glad of the extra 15 overs to make the target

Tea scheduled 2:55 pm to 3:15 pm

Time Match scheduled to end???????


Australian 2nd Innings Wickets


9th Wicket
PJ Cummins c Pujara b Bumrah 63 (114b 5x4 1x6) SR: 55.26
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 261/9 * (88.2 ov, target 399)
Day 5 - Session 2: Australia require another 138 runs with 1 wicket remaining
--------------------
10th Wicket
NM Lyon c †Pant b I Sharma 7 (50b 0x4 0x6) SR: 14.00
India 443/7d & 106/8d
Australia 151 & 261/10 (89.3 ov, target 399)

India won by 137 runs

4 Game test series, Australia 1 V India 2


India RETAIN the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
(They are current holders and Series drawn or won they retain trophy)

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Rumpole, your analysis and commentary is awesome (as always) and I learn SO much.

You made the rather, drawn out and dull last day... rather entertaining.

Thanks for taking the time to explain things.

OK, Molly......Thanks for reading

I assume I am talking to myself (mostly)

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

4th Test - Australia v India - Sydney (SCG)

03/01 - 12:30 PM NZDT
4th Test, India tour of Australia at Sydney, Jan 3-7 2019

Hours of play (local time): 10:30 start, Lunch 12.30-13.10, Tea 15.10-15.30, Close 17.30

Toss: India won the toss and elected to bat

TEAMS
Australia XI: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (c,wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India XI: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah



Livescorecard
http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/1869 ... us-2018-19


STUMPS - Day 1
India 303/4 * (90 ov)
---------------------------------
STUMPS - Day 2
India 622/7d
Australia 24/0 * (10 ov)
Australia trail by 598 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the innings
---------------------------------
STUMPS - Day 3
India 622/7d
Australia 236/6 * (83.3 ov)
Australia trail by 386 runs with 4 wickets remaining in the innings
---------------------------
STUMPS - Day 4
India 622/7d
Australia 300 & 6/0 * (4 ov) (f/o)
Australia trail by 316 runs with 10 wickets remaining
-----------------
RESULT - Day 5
India
622/7d
Australia
300 & 6/0 (4 ov) (f/o)

Play abandoned - Match drawn






4 Game test series, Australia 1 V India 2
(1 game drawn)

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Weather in Sydney

Imprinted on my mind is tuning into the annual Sydney Cricket Test (2 years ago) and seeing pics of covers on and RAIN day after day... a test match washed out completely, and other years rain delays. Maybe it's "selective perception", but in my mind it ALWAYS rains for the Sydney Cricket test

And.... I just googled and see headline... Bad Storms!!
Risk of 'possibly giant hailstones' over parts of Sydney's outskirts
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/weat ... 50p9z.html

The forecast is NOT looking like a total wash-out... but as always cricket teams (Captains) need to ASSUME THERE WILL BE TIME LOST TO RAIN.. and "Get on with it"


https://www.accuweather.com/en/au/sydne ... 889?day=1#

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light