The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Australia vs India SCG Test: live scores and commentary, Day 3

4th January, 2012
Australia vs India
Second Test at Sydney Cricket Ground

Australia
David Warner
Ed Cowan
Shaun Marsh
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke (c)
Michael Hussey
Brad Haddin (wk, vc)
Peter Siddle
James Pattinson
Ben Hilfenhaus
Nathan Lyon

India
Virender Sehwag (vc)
Gautam Gambhir
Rahul Dravid
Sachin Tendulkar
VVS Laxman
Virat Kohli
MS Dhoni (c, wk)
R Ashwin
Zaheer Khan
Ishant Sharma
Umesh Yadav
Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Expert
4th January, 2012
314
9471 Reads

Michael Clarke will have his eye on a number of records today, as he resumes on 251 not out, with a friendly pitch and a battle weary Indian attack at his mercy. Join us for live cricket scores and commentary of Day 3 of the Australia vs India SCG Test match

Mike Hussey is on 55 overnight. The Indians desperately need wickets, and some vulnerability by the batsmen as they start the day is the best chance.

Clarke was immense yesterday, batting all three sessions and scoring over 200 runs, after his 47 late on the first day averted a potential Australian disaster at 3/37. Ricky Ponting added 288 runs with Clarke, finally scoring his breakthrough century after nearly two years without one. He was eventually out, the only wicket to fall in the day, for 134.

Clarke pressed on with Hussey, and far from tiring, the two attacked as the day wore on. They added 157 by stumps at nearly five an over, and despite having batted all day, Clarke’s contribution outstripped Hussey’s 55 to 97. Both batsmen found the boundary repeatedly, as India’s lines looked innocuous and MS Dhoni retreated in the field. Australia closed at 4/482.

Today, the ground records at the SCG are at Clarke’s mercy. The only innings ahead of him yet are Brian Lara’s opus of 277, and Tip Foster’s ground-high score of 287. Foster’s mark has stood apparently inviolable for 99 years, since the Englishman travelled here in 1903, but it could fall at long last today.

After that, Clarke could eye off a triple-century. His highest score before yesterday stood at 168, but he looked invincible yesterday. Hussey’s innings was also a gem, attacking from the first ball and looking completely at ease at the crease. He too would love a hundred here to put Australia in an unassailable position.

Already 291 runs behind, India have no hope of anything bar batting for a draw. Even that would be a phenomenal effort for their batting order, already looking frail and dispirited in this series, who will be exhausted after a couple of days in the field.

Will Australia press on towards tea or further today, or can India hit back and run through their lower order? Only one way to find out. Channel the game from your chosen source, and tune in here for our live commentary and conversation. Your contributions are welcomed and encouraged – join Geoff Lemon for a chat about the game from about 10.20 am Australian eastern standard time.

Advertisement

Follow Day Four’s commentary here.

close