For a genuine cricket fan, the first 3 Tests of the India vs Australia series couldn’t have played any better. One win apiece and one draw means that it all comes down to the 4th Test in Dharamsala starting this Saturday, the 25th of March. India will need a win to take home the Border-Gavaskar Trophy while Australia will just have to hold out for a draw.
A terrific stand by Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh on the fifth and final day of play in the 3rd Test saved a draw for the touring side after the Indians put on a mammoth 603 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 451. Marsh and Handscomb faced a combined 397 balls to allow Australia to enter the 4th Test as favourites to take home the trophy.
Virat Kohli continued to struggle as he was dismissed for just 6 in India’s only innings, taking his series tally to 46 from 5 innings. Cheteshwar Pujara proved why he was one of the most dominant batsmen in all of cricket in 2016 with a masterful knock of 202 off 525 balls while wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha chipped in with a brilliant 100. However, the Indians didn’t leave themselves enough time and Australia were able to hold out on the final day.
Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell batted brilliantly in Australia’s first innings, both scoring hundreds. Maxwell’s performance as well as some great bowling by Pat Cummins in his first Test in years means that Australia will most likely go into the 4th Test with an unchanged squad, although a Dharamsala wicket that’s been described as ‘pacy’ could mean Jackson Bird may come into the side at the expense of one of the spinners.
TIP: Cummins most Australian wickets 1st Innings - $4.75 at Sportsbet
India are also exploring the possibility of a third quick with Mohammed Shami a potential addition to the side. Whether it will be at the expense of Ashwin or Jadeja or one of batsmen is unknown. If the wicket is indeed playing quick, it will suit Australia much more than the Indians, who have relied heavily on the masterful spin duo this series.
I’ve certainly got a lot more faith in the Aussies than the bookmakers do, they have opened at $3.75, and given their form so far, this series I think it’s much too high especially if the wicket plays true to speculation. Australia’s middle order has been its Achilles in previous series but they have shown some true fight in India with Marsh, Handscomb and Maxwell all showing glimpses of brilliance. Matt Renshaw has also been a shining star and I feel like a David Warner innings isn’t far away.
Maybe it’s blind patriotism but I think the Aussies can definitely win this match, Smith is in the form of his life and if the pitch offers something to Cummins and Hazlewood than it could give the Indians real trouble. We are taking the value here.
TIP: Australia to win - $3.75 at bet365
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