V.V.S. Laxman proved again why he is the world's top run-getter against Australia in Australia. A gutsy 79 against some fiery pace from Brett Lee saw the Indian team set up a potential record run chase of 413 runs in the last innings for the 17th straight test win for the Australian team.
Moved down the order, Laxman proved once again why the Aussies fear him so much. This wasn't a free flowing Laxman innings that one usually remembers him for against the Aussies. He had to dig out his runs and 2 late partnerships with Dhoni (38) and R.P. Singh (30) set up what could be a match-winning target.
The hosts closed at 65 for the loss of both the openers. This left the strong Aussie middle order to chase a further 348 runs while still 2 full days to play. With Ponting and Hussey at the crease right now, a lot depends on a steady start tomorrow if they stand any chance in chasing this record target.
By the way things are, one can surely believe that it might not go till the last day as with Indians surely with the wind behind their backs would want to wrap things up quickly. On the other hand the only way the Aussies play these days is quick and if they do get off to a flyer, the only way they can make the Indian go on the back foot is with a counter-attack suggesting the run-chase getting over in 1 day.
A lot to play for considering what has happened during the series. An unlikely bowling attack consisting of Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and R.P. Singh surprised the formidable Aussie batting lineup in the 1st inning and Pathan continued the good work in the 2nd inning getting both openers in the 5th and the 9th over of the innings respectively.
A win for the Indians would go a long way in proving what they have been standing against during the series as well as stopping the Aussies from a record 17th straight test win. A record they would regret not reaching.
An Aussie win which looks a lower chance at the 3rd day's close would really underline their dominance in world cricket killing the biggest 4th inning run-chase record and 17th straight test win with one stone. However, easier said than done.
Makings of a happening day tomorrow.
Moved down the order, Laxman proved once again why the Aussies fear him so much. This wasn't a free flowing Laxman innings that one usually remembers him for against the Aussies. He had to dig out his runs and 2 late partnerships with Dhoni (38) and R.P. Singh (30) set up what could be a match-winning target.
The hosts closed at 65 for the loss of both the openers. This left the strong Aussie middle order to chase a further 348 runs while still 2 full days to play. With Ponting and Hussey at the crease right now, a lot depends on a steady start tomorrow if they stand any chance in chasing this record target.
By the way things are, one can surely believe that it might not go till the last day as with Indians surely with the wind behind their backs would want to wrap things up quickly. On the other hand the only way the Aussies play these days is quick and if they do get off to a flyer, the only way they can make the Indian go on the back foot is with a counter-attack suggesting the run-chase getting over in 1 day.
A lot to play for considering what has happened during the series. An unlikely bowling attack consisting of Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and R.P. Singh surprised the formidable Aussie batting lineup in the 1st inning and Pathan continued the good work in the 2nd inning getting both openers in the 5th and the 9th over of the innings respectively.
A win for the Indians would go a long way in proving what they have been standing against during the series as well as stopping the Aussies from a record 17th straight test win. A record they would regret not reaching.
An Aussie win which looks a lower chance at the 3rd day's close would really underline their dominance in world cricket killing the biggest 4th inning run-chase record and 17th straight test win with one stone. However, easier said than done.
Makings of a happening day tomorrow.
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