The final Test appears evenly poised, which after losing the first three Tests is a pleasant surprise. Moreover, with Australia’s only consistent world class batsman out, the signs before the Test were ominous.
Of course the Test is far from over, and with three days of play still remaining any outcome is still possible.
There have been some positives thus far from the Australians.
Steve Smith and Phil Hughes, two batsmen whose places in the side are far from secure, managed to score some runs on a difficult pitch.
They may not have made half centuries but the highest score so far is only 57, highlighting how difficult the pitch is.
Peter Siddle also scored a much-deserved maiden half century.
However what has confused about this match is Australia’s choice to bowl Glenn Maxwell for only three overs and not use Steve Smith at all.
Nathan Lyon was far more threatening than any of the quick bowlers. So wouldn’t it have made sense to bowl the other right arm off-spinner?
I would have preferred to have seen Usman Khawaja playing instead of Maxwell. But Maxwell was chosen to strengthen the bowling, so it seems ridiculous to use him so sparingly.
It would be easy to just blame Shane Watson. But surely Mickey Arthur and Michael Clarke, two of the selectors who chose Maxwell, could have sent a message down to Watson to give Maxwell a bowl.
It would have been worth letting Smith bowl a few overs as well. He may bowl a lot of rubbish deliveries but he will occasionally take a wicket.
In the third Test he bowled ten overs and conceded 60 runs. He did however manage to take a wicket. I would much rather see a part timer who takes 1 for 60 rather than 0 for 30.
With three days of play remaining, it is vital Australia use the right tactics on a very difficult surface.
It would be fantastic if our batsmen could post a defendable total and our bowlers could finish the match.
The series maybe lost, but losing it 3 – 1 looks a lot more respectable than losing 4 – 0.
Viren
Guest
Brilliant !
Bearfax
Guest
Yep. Its as I suspected. Australia are losing this last test and yet if they had had one more established batsman they may have won it. Well done Micky for selecting Maxwell instead of Khawaja. Your inept selection policy of bringing in an all rounder for a batsman has probably on this occasion lost Australia the test. Bravo.
JMW
Guest
Funnily enough they are in this game up to their eyeballs. C'mon Aussie c'mon!
Disco
Roar Guru
He should be accountable for that.
Wilson Flatley
Guest
The no show had gastro, finally getting runs in India -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Amith
Guest
Yes agreed, not having Smith and Maxwell too many overs kept us in the game, good work by Watto to keep the focus on your best 4 bowlers and showing some faith in Lyon
Amith
Guest
I think Clarke is fine with him and has talked him up on a few occasions this tour, the issue is Arthur who in this tour has been chief selector and he doesn't have the right to treat one of our better young batsman with such disrespect
Amith
Guest
Big show is a no show
Bearfax
Guest
Well done Hughes and Smith to show you are both worthy of your spots. But it was Siddle's batting and the bowlers in general, especially Lyon with great support from Wade, who got Australia back into this test. Well done. Watson showed good captaincy especially in not having Smith or Maxwell bowl more than a few overs because he knew he couldnt afford to leak too many runs. The fast bowlers have consistently been tight and Lyon has been the only spinner of worth in the side. Well done Watson. Clarke could use a few lessons here.
Felix
Guest
Excellent.
Bearfax
Guest
Micky was never going to select Khawaja even though he should have started in the first test. Its not a talent thing or if Khawaja is worthy of a test spot which he is. Its just that Clarke and Micky dont like him. Full stop.
Jayden
Guest
+1
Brendon
Guest
The big show was crook
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Fair to say it's the only runs the Big Show going to get any time soon!
JGK
Roar Guru
I think the author just refused to believe that Maxwell was able to get the runs in any way shape or form.
pope paul v11
Guest
I think young Maximus was crook?