Australia’s Nathan Lyon spun a web that caught the India’s batsmen on the wrong foot on the second day of the Delhi Test to leave the game tantalizingly poised. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEDT.
Grabbing five wickets in the day, four of which came in a 21-over spell from the South Australia off-spinner, Lyon brought Australia back on level terms in the game after India’s new opening pair had threatened to take the game away from the visitors.
Interestingly it also came on a day when the Australian side showed on-field aggression that was a throwback to their dominating years, something that was conspicuous by its absence in the first three games. It will be no different come the second innings.
Chasing Australia’s 262 in the first innings, India had gotten themselves to 0/108 before Lyon reeled out those overs and grabbed four of the first five wickets to fall.
There were half-centuries for Murali Vijay and make-shift opener Cheteshwar Pujara before the fightback came on the back of a spell that mesmerised the Indians.
The pitch had a lot to do how Lyon went, of course, but that would be under-rating the bowler to a great extent.
That he managed to get the speeds and lines and lengths right for the track was a huge plus in itself but more vitally he made survival on the wicket an arduous task for a side that relishes taking on spinners like Lyon.
Sachin Tendulkar, for instance, could have been given out lbw twice before he finally fell to Lyon – lbw again.
Before that, a well-set Pujara had failed to read a delivery from Lyon that did not spin and beat his outside edge but not the stumps.
Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and R Ashwin – the last wicket off the final delivery of the day – had all been picked to deliveries that were difficult, if not impossible to play, in other words, they weren’t unforced errors from the batsmen.
That said, India will enter the third day of the game with a slender lead of four under their belt and a small matter of the last two wickets in hand.
While Bhuvneshwar Kumar can still hold the bat, the combination of some good spin and pace on this brute of a pitch could be too much for numbers ten and jack, Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha.
Still, in Lyon’s own words, this is a pitch where chasing anything over 150 in the fourth innings could result in a lot of heartaches for the home fans:
“If we can get the last two Indian wickets quickly Sunday morning and then put on about 150-200 runs in the second innings we can put India under pressure.”
If Lyon’s to be believed we could well have a result on the third day itself. But one way or the other the game, and hence the series, may not last too much into the fourth day.
This could also imply that if by the dint of some excellent counter-attacking batting the last two Indian wickets could raise the lead to over 50, Australia would be left with a lot to do in the second innings.
Conversely a quick cleanup operation at the start of the day before a smashing session for Australia could raise hopes of registering their first win in the country since 2004.
Live coverage of the game begins from 3.00pm AEDT on Sunday and you can add your opinion in the comments section below.
Richard
Guest
And another important thing. His back is a real worry. Do we want a captain with a dodgy back? I think it is too much of a risk. We have to a credible alternative other than Watson.
Richard
Guest
You are right we don't have any options. Clarke deserves a crack at the Poms but unfortunately I don't see him doing any good with the team at his disposal. The reason I want to get rid of Clarke is that he is a poor man manager as seen by this series. Also I think he has had a hand in keeping alternative captain material out of the side. Bailey should have gone to India as the No 6 batsman rather than the stupid all rounder options. . Its hypothetical how he would have gone but it was a perfect time to bring some experience into the side with Hussey retiring. Also he leans towards lousy players who he likes, maybe with Arthurs help,.. I think Clarke is going to prove to be a dead loss as captain unfortunately he and the selectors have manufactured a situation where he can't be replaced except by Watson who shouldn't be in the side IMO- nice job done there boys really good effort! Hopes or Bailey should come in at no6, it would give us some steel in the middle order and give us captaincy options. We could be in a complete melt down crisis in 12 months if we don't have options.
chris b
Guest
+1 Our only other 4-0 defeat was in far more difficult circumstances, and against one of the greatest ever teams. This one is a disgrace
chris b
Guest
This is actually not a bad call. He will come back revitalized for a final hurrah. Can I ask though, Richard. Given your anti-Clarke campaign. Who should be captain? I can't see any options anywhere
chris b
Guest
How do you know this? Inverarity and Hilditch were both test players and Invers one of the most revered Shield skippers, you can't asume because Marsh played a lot more tests he has more of an idea.
TedS
Guest
They tried to pull the Management Consulting wool on our faces, so lets talk in those terms. Losing 4 straight sets by huge margins is akin to management losing 4 multi-billion accounts. Heads must roll. Fire Arthur and Inverarity NOW! Clarke should be put on notice and he is not mature enough to be a selector. Demote him from the selection panel. Bring in some guys everybody respects. ENOUGH!
TedS
Guest
They will find an excuse to not take Khawaja to the ashes. I think they may create a situation to disqualify him from any cricket. Because they dont want him scoring runs elsewhere. Just wait and see. I believe it is highly unlikely Khawaja gets another game.
TedS
Guest
I don't agree. I think it is Clarke with an issue with Khawaja, and Arthur is a pawn.
Richard
Guest
Agree with Pradeep... Khawajas non selection is a very worrying sign of deep troubles but the time for reviews is over... we need a new captain and coach. Simple
Richard
Guest
Ponting had been under huge pressure by everyone for years. Its no wonder he is top of the tree domestically, he is free at last ! We should be begging him to come back for one last ashes, right now we couldn't do any worse
JGK
Guest
I assume Siddle was injured? Why else would the best bowler in our previous test only 12 overs in this one?
Richard
Guest
Prediciton! Maxwell's name will never be mentioned in relation to the test team for some time.. by those in the hierarchy. I will put money on it :)
Pradeep
Guest
Enough said on this already
Richard
Guest
He won't be going to the IPL, thats for sure!
Pradeep
Guest
Khawaja's fault for being educated, Arthur doesn't like that
Pradeep
Guest
He didn't play because of Arthur
Richard
Guest
Predicition! Cowan to go Silk to come in for Ashes...
Pradeep
Guest
Khawaja's non selection needs an argus review on its own
Pradeep
Guest
I just don't like the captain leaving a couple of days before the team, I bet he will be fine for the IPL
Richard
Guest
Big changes will have to be made Popey, there is no avoiding it!