No surprise about the draw, if we had have been playing against New Zealand or South Africa, they would have made a sporting (read: most likely impossible, but still obtainable) declaration and made a real game out of it. Sub Continent teams will never do it. If they arent going to win easily they'd prefer to play for a draw to be safe.
While it was Kumble's last test (I like Kumble but the past year or so from him has made me not like him anywhere near as much) he had to retire immediately as he would not have been selected for the fourth, he is injured and dead weight in the bowling ranks. I thought him declaring, giving the Aussies 30 overs to get 240 runs was like a spit in the face considering how slowly India batted, and it was purely so he could bowl a few overs before calling it quits, perhaps picking up his 620th wicket. Thankfully it wasn't to be.
I'm looking forward to the 4th test now, Dhoni is an attacker, he is like a re-incarnation of Gilchrist, not only with his keeping and batting, but also in his cleverness as a captain. He will make things happen with his changes and field placings, as he proved in the 2nd test. Australia may have a slight momentum advantage, and had Kumble been playing the 4th test India would have been playing for the draw from the first ball, but with Dhoni, there is a chance they will go for the kill (probably only if they get to bat first though).
I wonder how India will fare if Singh still is not recovered even after his "ICC approved drug cheating", I wonder if they will rely on Mishra and Sehwag and go with their 3 in form quicks, or pluck another spinner out? Australia need to pick Kresja, and if Haddin is injured, Ronchi would be the man to replace him. Then again if worst comes to worse, we could select White to bat at #7, Krezja to take the spinners spot and have Mr Cricket himself wicketkeep. He is not the best Keeper, but more than up to it.
I also love how the media is pretending to forget that Clarke should have been out 3-4 times in his innings before the century, mostly due to uneeded reckless shots from Clarke when he needed to remain at the crease as long as possible. I do not understand why the media feels the need to suck up the Clarke. I much prefer the frankness of the ABC Radio commentary who are more than hinting that Clarke is not liked by many seniors players because he is a giant kiss arse to the selectors and board.
Looking For: Wreckers Saga TPB Collection (with Requiem)
Originally Posted by STL
haha, but I know what you're trying to say, Haddin for me, while being a very capable keeper, doesn't quite impress me with the bat.. I don't think that he thinks batting situations through properly, like a Test batsmen should, I think he is much more suited to One Day with his attacking style... I know I know, Gilchrist was attacking in both One Day AND Tests, but Gilchrist is a one of a kind type of player, who you could rely on in a Test to score quick but still keep his wicket, most of the time anyway.. I think Ronchi will be our next keeper
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