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Australia tour of India 2017 [Tests]

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Abdullah719

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The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) have named a 16-man squad for the Qantas Tour of India. Australia will play four Tests against India in Pune, Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala respectively.

  • Steve Smith (C)
  • David Warner (vc)
  • Ashton Agar
  • Jackson Bird
  • Peter Handscomb
  • Josh Hazlewood
  • Usman Khawaja
  • Nathan Lyon
  • Mitchell Marsh
  • Shaun Marsh
  • Glenn Maxwell
  • Steve O’Keefe
  • Matthew Renshaw
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Mitchell Swepson
  • Matthew Wade

The squad includes; six batsman, four spin bowlers, three pace bowlers, two all-rounders and a wicket-keeper.

Speaking on the make-up of the squad, Interim National Selector Trevor Hohns said the panel chose an additional spin bowler to allow as many options as possible.

“We don’t know what pitch conditions we will come up against in each of the venues but wanted to have flexibility and options available to us.

“We know India is an incredibly tough place to tour and have success in, with most International teams struggling to adapt to the conditions, but we have chosen a squad which we believe will work really hard in its endeavours to perform well and give a good account of itself in the sub-continent.

“We expect all of the young players chosen to benefit immensely from the experience.”

The squad features four spinners including Queensland leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and West Australia’s left arm orthodox spinner Ashton Agar.

“Mitchell is an exciting young leg-spinner that has come through the pathway system. We feel he has a lot of potential and want to see him take his opportunity in conditions that should suit him should he get a chance.

“Ashton is a good left-arm orthodox spinner who can be very exciting with the bat and also fields extremely well. He provides us with a great all-round package.”

Victoria’s Glenn Maxwell and West Australia’s Mitchell Marsh make up the all-rounders in the side.

“We know Glenn plays very well against spin and has a lot of experience playing in India. We think his ability with the bat, coupled with his handy off-spin will complement the bowling unit if required.

“We consider Mitchell as a bowling all-rounder and should we decide to play a two pace and two spin bowling attack it is important to have that third seam bowling option if conditions suit.”

West Australia’s Shaun Marsh returns to the side following injury earlier in the summer.

“Shaun is proven in sub-continent conditions and is coming off a hundred in his last Test match in Sri Lanka. He is a very versatile batsman who can slot in at the top or the middle of the order,” said Hohns.

With the inclusion of only three fast-bowlers in the squad the NSP will reassess the fast bowling stocks after the second Test in Bangalore.

Selected members of the squad will depart on January 29 for Dubai to train, before the remainder of the squad follow after the Chappell-Hadlee Series in New Zealand.

Those players departing early will be confirmed following the announcement of the Qantas Tour of New Zealand.
 
Impressed with Trevor Holmes selections thus far.

Picking players on raw ability such as Stanlake and now Swepson.
 
Usman Khawaja get selected? This tour could end his test career.
 
I can see lyon and Hazelwood being the only threats in the bowling here. If Indian batting manages to negotiate them then it's gonna be India all over aus at home again
 
Being at home India will win although it may not be a 4-0 brownwash. This Aussie side is good but only at home. Away they are still better then our crappy second rate side full of overrated players. India rightfully will prepare pitches to suit their strengths that is the whole point of playing at home. Every team reserves the right to do that.
 
Some very bold selections, especially Maxwell and Marsh, which I feel were fantastic selections. They are two of the best Australian batsmen against spin.

My XI :

Warner
Renshaw
Shaun Marsh
Smith
Maxwell
Handscomb
Wade
Lyon
Keefe
Starc
Hazzlwood

These players will be no pushovers for India. They will compete much better than English, who packed their XI with too many bits and pieces players. If we compare player to player, every Australian player is better or at worst, equivalent to that of England's barring Stokes and Bairstow.
 
srh said:
Usman Khawaja get selected? This tour could end his test career.
Click to expand...

No, it won't. Australia don't really care much for series in Asia. As soon as this is over with, they'll be looking forward to the Ashes and Khawaja is going to be a big part of their plans.
 
Ankit007 said:
Maxwell in tests... Wow...
Click to expand...

Not that bad a choice.

In flat tracks, he could destroy Ash and Jaddu. Especially Ash whom he loves bashing.

Though I hope I am wrong but he does have the ability to play good cameos. 50s and 60s that could deflate bowlers.
 
Adam Zampa takes veiled swipe at Test selectors after being left out of India tour squad

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has taken a veiled swipe at Test selectors after his exclusion from the 16-man squad to tour the subcontinent next month in favour of international rookie Mitchell Swepson.

Australian selectors could find no room for last year's leading wicket taker in one-day international cricket, despite naming four spin bowlers in the squad with Swepson joining incumbent Nathan Lyon and left-arm orthodox duo Steve O'Keefe and Ashton Agar.

Retired Test quick Geoff Lawson said earlier this week that he was surprised by Zampa's omission, while Melbourne Stars teammate Kevin Pietersen has also spoken this summer about how highly he rates the 24-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's one-dayer against Pakistan at the SCG, which Zampa is expected to play in after sitting out the first three matches this series, the leg-spinner said he would have been suited to Indian conditions.

"It's disappointing being seen as just a defensive option," Zampa said. "I thought that the defensive style of bowling usually works in those conditions and my experience over there could've helped.

"There's not much you can really do about it, the selectors have gone for a more attacking option.

"I've never actually been in the Test squad so the feedback you have to try and go and get yourself, obviously from the press conference with [chairman of selectors] Trevor Hohns.

"Mitchell Swepson's a very good bowler. I've watched him throughout the BBL and it's going to be nice to have that healthy competition with him for however many years."

At the time of Swepson's shock selection, Hohns said: "He's a wicket-taking leg-spinner. At the end of the day you've got to take wickets to win Test matches and given the opportunity we feel that he could play a part over there and if he doesn't he'll gain a lot from the experience from being there."

Zampa's 30 one-day international wickets set the benchmark last year, and he also took five scalps at the Twenty20 World Cup in India.

He averages 27.80 with the ball in one-day cricket and less than 18 in T20 internationals, but that blows out to 50.35 at first-class level where he plays for South Australia as opposed to Swepson's 32.82 in the longer form for Queensland.

"I've actually bowled really well the last couple of years in [Sheffield] Shield cricket," Zampa said.

"It always helps when you've got guys taking wickets around you, like I have with [Chadd] Sayers, [Daniel] Worrall, [Joe] Mennie and [Kane] Richardson.

"I'll keep playing my role within that team and then hopefully one day I get a crack. I'll still be concentrating on my strengths more than anything.

"I'm looking forward to hopefully winning the Shield now with the Redbacks."

Australia leads the one-day series against Pakistan 2-1 following Thursday's seven-wicket win at the WACA, but selectors are yet to select a specialist spinner.

That looks set to change on Sunday, which will give Zampa his chance on the big-turning SCG.

Zampa was temporarily released by Cricket Australia during the week to play for his Melbourne Stars in their Big Bash loss to the Brisbane Heat at the MCG. Should the Stars advance to the BBL final Zampa should be available again to boost their bowling stocks.

http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cri...-out-of-india-tour-squad-20170121-gtvzv8.html
 
Abdullah719 said:
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has taken a veiled swipe at Test selectors after his exclusion from the 16-man squad to tour the subcontinent next month in favour of international rookie Mitchell Swepson.

Australian selectors could find no room for last year's leading wicket taker in one-day international cricket, despite naming four spin bowlers in the squad with Swepson joining incumbent Nathan Lyon and left-arm orthodox duo Steve O'Keefe and Ashton Agar.

Retired Test quick Geoff Lawson said earlier this week that he was surprised by Zampa's omission, while Melbourne Stars teammate Kevin Pietersen has also spoken this summer about how highly he rates the 24-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's one-dayer against Pakistan at the SCG, which Zampa is expected to play in after sitting out the first three matches this series, the leg-spinner said he would have been suited to Indian conditions.

"It's disappointing being seen as just a defensive option," Zampa said. "I thought that the defensive style of bowling usually works in those conditions and my experience over there could've helped.

"There's not much you can really do about it, the selectors have gone for a more attacking option.

"I've never actually been in the Test squad so the feedback you have to try and go and get yourself, obviously from the press conference with [chairman of selectors] Trevor Hohns.

"Mitchell Swepson's a very good bowler. I've watched him throughout the BBL and it's going to be nice to have that healthy competition with him for however many years."

At the time of Swepson's shock selection, Hohns said: "He's a wicket-taking leg-spinner. At the end of the day you've got to take wickets to win Test matches and given the opportunity we feel that he could play a part over there and if he doesn't he'll gain a lot from the experience from being there."

Zampa's 30 one-day international wickets set the benchmark last year, and he also took five scalps at the Twenty20 World Cup in India.

He averages 27.80 with the ball in one-day cricket and less than 18 in T20 internationals, but that blows out to 50.35 at first-class level where he plays for South Australia as opposed to Swepson's 32.82 in the longer form for Queensland.

"I've actually bowled really well the last couple of years in [Sheffield] Shield cricket," Zampa said.

"It always helps when you've got guys taking wickets around you, like I have with [Chadd] Sayers, [Daniel] Worrall, [Joe] Mennie and [Kane] Richardson.

"I'll keep playing my role within that team and then hopefully one day I get a crack. I'll still be concentrating on my strengths more than anything.

"I'm looking forward to hopefully winning the Shield now with the Redbacks."

Australia leads the one-day series against Pakistan 2-1 following Thursday's seven-wicket win at the WACA, but selectors are yet to select a specialist spinner.

That looks set to change on Sunday, which will give Zampa his chance on the big-turning SCG.

Zampa was temporarily released by Cricket Australia during the week to play for his Melbourne Stars in their Big Bash loss to the Brisbane Heat at the MCG. Should the Stars advance to the BBL final Zampa should be available again to boost their bowling stocks.

http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cri...-out-of-india-tour-squad-20170121-gtvzv8.html
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Someone should take Zampa aside and remind him that he's not shield standard and his "bowling well" in Sheffield Shield is getting carried by his sides fast bowlers while doing absolutely nothing.
 
Zampa shouldn't play Test matches and especially in India. Not a big turner and can't afford to bowl short balls. I would go with all out finger spinners.
 
Imo there will be one test where we're actually quite competitive.

Probably the fourth test. Seems like conditions will suit us a bit better and it will be a dead rubber
 
I feel Australia may pull out atleast 1 win here. or 2 draws. It wont be as easy a rollover that we managed against NZ and England.
 
India v Australia Test series: We can inflict 'damage', says Steve O'Keefe

Declaring Australia is capable of doing "some damage", Australian spinner Steve O'Keefe says the right call was made to cut short his Big Bash League season and focus on red-ball cricket ahead of this month's Test series opener against India.

Cricket Australia performance chief Pat Howard and O'Keefe made the mutual decision for the left-arm finger spinner to be removed from the BBL after three matches, a move questioned by his franchise, the Sydney Sixers. The decision was seen as another test case in the country versus franchise debate, with the burgeoning Twenty20 competition losing out on this occasion.

The decision allowed O'Keefe, who will partner with Nathan Lyon as Australia's frontline spinners in the opening Test in Pune from February 23, to enjoy long spells in Sydney grade cricket and for NSW in the Futures League. He claimed 3-23 and 6-79 against Victoria in under-23 competition.

While he claimed four wickets against Pakistan in the Sydney Test, O'Keefe's first-class season had been hampered until that point because of injury – he almost certainly would have replaced an under-performing Lyon for the third Test against South Africa in Adelaide had he been fit.

Having spent the past week training at the International Cricket Council's academy in Dubai with the first contingent of Australia's Test squad, O'Keefe, 32, said the summer planning had worked out well.

"The body feels good – so far so good. Have been able to get through some long days here in Dubai, getting that volume in will certainly put me in good stead," he said.

"It wasn't an easy decision when you step away and see the Sixers play in a final – it's something you miss out on. But for me it was about getting some volume under my belt.

"In that time I was able to get 100 overs in grade cricket and second XI cricket, and we also play with a Dukes ball, which is a little bit similar to the SG [ball used in India]. I found it really beneficial. Although it would have been nice to play with the Sixers, my main priority is to play well for Australia. I felt that was my best preparation."

O'Keefe has not played a Test in India but has happy memories of an Australia A tour of the region in 2015, when he confronted four of India's top Test batsmen, including current skipper – and master batsman – Virat Kohli.

In the second unofficial Test in Chennai, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar dismissed Kohli lbw for 16 in the first innings, while O'Keefe bowled him for 45 in the second in Australia's 10-wicket win. O'Keefe finished with six wickets in the match.

He takes confidence from that series although he admits facing their rampant Test side will be a different prospect.

"They are a class team, they are exceptional batters at home and it's going to be a big job. But I have got no doubt if we get it right for sustained longer periods then we can do some damage," he said.

O'Keefe said he had learnt some key lessons from sessions in Brisbane with former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, who has a strong record in India. Panesar's mantra was to be "adaptable" and to go defensive when required.

"You are going to get different wickets, albeit they will generally be slow and spinning. At times they can play a bit differently. It might be a little bit quicker, one might bounce a bit more, so we talked about being able to adapt really quickly and on the spot and also being able to take away the batter's scoring options in regards to boundaries," O'Keefe said.

Skipper Steve Smith's tactics will also be crucial in seeking to end a nine-match losing skid on the sub-continent, let alone what would be a shock series win. Smith, too, has spoken about the need to change tact and adopt a more cautious approach when required.

Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming questioned on Tuesday whether Smith had enough support in the field when it came to devising tactics. He suggested this could contribute to Smith getting burnt out come his early 30s, much like England's Alastair Cook, who has stepped down from the top role.

"Who is Steve Smith going to? [David] Warner is the vice-captain, he fields at mid-on ... who is in the slips?" Fleming said on RSN radio.

"The keepers always have a big say – Ian Healy, Adam Gilchrist, Brad Haddin, also three very good leaders.

"This summer, Peter Nevill is there for two Test matches and did quite a good job. Matt Wade comes in ... is under pressure, no doubt you would be talking to them but it's not like you have got a senior lieutenant who you know is going to be there until the day they retire.

"Going into this Indian series, it's going to be a real test for Steven Smith. We talk about [Alastair] Cook getting burnout by 32, Smithy is only 27 – he won't be captaining when he is 33, he will get burnt out."

http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cri...damage-says-steve-okeefe-20170207-gu73kf.html
 
India vs Australia: Spin duo seeks Daniel Vettori’s advice vs Virat Kohli & Co.

Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe have sought help from two of Test cricket’s greatest off-spinners ahead of Australia’s series in India later this month.

The front-line pair approached New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and Australia’s chief destroyer in Sri Lanka last year, Rangana Herath, for advice ahead of the four-Test tour, which starts on February 23 in Pune.

Between them, left-arm spinners Vettori and Herath have captured more than 700 Test wickets and boast outstanding performances in Asia.

“The main things you get away from those guys is challenging the batter’s defence,” O’Keefe told Cricket Australia’s website Tuesday from the team’s pre-tour training camp in Dubai.

“And if you can continually put the ball in the right area, given these conditions will spin more than what we’re used to at home, that will help us. It’s about building pressure and not being overawed.” he added.

“(India) are a class team, they’re exceptional batters at home and it’s going to be a big job.”

Following last month’s Sydney Test win against Pakistan, O’Keefe worked with former England international and fellow left-armer Monty Panesar at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

Panesar is one of the few foreign spinners to taste a Test series victory on the subcontinent after England broke a 27-year drought when they beat India at home 2-1 in 2012.

Panesar destroyed India in the second match in Mumbai with 11 wickets and backed that up with five wickets in the third Test win in Kolkata.

“He talked about being able to adapt really quickly and on the spot and also being able to take away the batter’s scoring options in regards to boundaries,” O’Keefe said of his time working with Panesar.

Australia, who have not won a Test match in India in nearly 13 years, have strengthened their spin options with the inclusion in the touring party of youngsters Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/crick...ackle-india/story-kCPewdvwAx4Ed0c3hnsP5H.html
 
Allrounder to fly home with shoulder issue, Australia set to pick like-for-like replacement

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the remainder of the Qantas Tour of India with a recurrence of a shoulder injury. Marsh scored 48 runs in four innings and bowled just five overs – all in Bengaluru – in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with his replacement set to be named in the coming days.

Quick Single: Ex-captains call on ICC to act on Smith "Mitchell has been playing with a shoulder injury for most of the summer, which we have been managing up until now, but unfortunately it has progressively deteriorated to a point where he is unable to function at the level required," said team physiotherapist David Beakley. "Consequently he will return to Australia to consult with specialists to advise the best course of action."

Marsh was named in Australia’s Test squad for India despite having been ruled out of January’s VB ODI Series against Pakistan after injuring the same shoulder.

The 25-year-old missed the preceding ODI tour to New Zealand, but recovered in time to play in Australia’s sole warm-up match in Mumbai before returning to the starting XI for the first Test in Pune. “It was fine when he got here but it’s gotten worse,” said national coach Darren Lehmann. “I was confident (Marsh was fit), I thought he played really well in the second innings in Pune where he got 31. “At the end of the day it’s unlucky for Mitch and we move to whoever the next person who comes in (is). “Whether we go with Usman Khawaja or Glenn Maxwell or whoever’s selected, we’ll just wait and see.”

Quick Single: Ashwin passes Hadlee, Bedi with another five-fer

With an extra batsman (Khawaja) and two spin-bowling allrounders (Maxwell and Ashton Agar) already in the squad, Lehmann confirmed another allrounder would be flown in from Australia. Potential candidates include NSW Blues captain Moises Henriques, New Year’s Test debutant Hilton Cartwright and Victoria’s Marcus Stoinis, who made a stunning return to international cricket in the 50-over format against the Black Caps in January-February.

Henriques has played four Tests, all of which have come in Asia, and scored a career-high 265 against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield last month.

The 30-year-old is enjoying his best first-class season with the bat having scored 605 runs at 67 this summer for NSW, but has bowled only 27 overs this side of the BBL break.

Cartwright was the incumbent Test allrounder after making his debut against Pakistan at the SCG earlier this year but was not named in the 16-man party to tour India. Batting for Western Australia this season, the right-hander has amassed 520 runs at 37.14 and taken six wickets at 61.00.
Quick Single: How crossed wires cost Marsh his wicket

And Stoinis proved he has what it takes at international level by posting a breathtaking 146no in Auckland that almost salvaged an improbable ODI win in January. But in Shield cricket the Victorian is averaging 13 with the bat and 39 with the ball in 2016-17.

While the search continues for Marsh’s replacement, Australia might look to include Khawaja to bolster the batting line-up that was bowled out for 112 in 36 overs chasing 188 for victory in the second Test.

Khawaja made scores of 26, 18, 11 and 0 in four innings in Sri Lanka last year but bounced back with two knocks of 97 and a match-winning 145 in the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval this summer, passing 50 in every Test he played.

The Australia squad will take few days off before the third Test, which begins in Ranchi on March 16.

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/mitch-marsh-ruled-out-australia-india-test-tour-shoulder-injury-lehmann-maxwell-khawaja-henriques/2017-03-08

Injured Marsh out of India Test tour

Allrounder to fly home with shoulder issue, Australia set to pick like-for-like replacement

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/mitc...-lehmann-maxwell-khawaja-henriques/2017-03-08
 
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Australia vs India series should be named as "Collapse" series

Never seen a series where teams collapse willy nilly like in this series. Typically teams would feel safe when they are 100 for 2 or even 100 for 3. Not in this series. You are only one wicket away from getting shot out for 110 runs. The pitch played a big role too. Tailenders generally don't have a problem surviving on a true wicket even after a top order collapse. On dodgy wickets tail rarely wags.
 
Mitchell starc ruled out of test series

Mitchell Starc ruled out final two Tests against India with stress fractures in his foot
March 10, 2017 5:32pm
Ben HorneThe Daily Telegraph
AUSTRALIA’S hopes of retaining the Border Gavaskar trophy have been dealt a catastrophic blow with No.1 strike weapon Mitchell Starc ruled out of the rest of the tour with a foot injury.

Starc is the most dangerous fast bowler in the world, particularly on sub-continental pitches he has made his speciality, and it’s hard to imagine a more devastating injury setback for a team already on the back foot after losing the second Test in Bangalore.

Australia are yet to nominate who the replacement quick will be, with Starc on his way back home to have treatment for a stress fracture in his right foot.


Starc injured his foot during the second Test in Bangalore.
It’s understood Starc should recover in time for the one-day Champions Trophy in June, but Australia’s bid to create drought-breaking history in India now looks like an almighty challenge.

“Mitchell experienced some pain in his right foot during the second Test in Bangalore, which unfortunately had not subsided a few days after the Test as we had hoped,” said CA physio, David Beakley.


“We made the decision to scan his foot in Bangalore this morning and unfortunately it has revealed a stress fracture.

“Subsequently, this means Mitchell will be unavailable for the remainder of the Tour of India and will return home to Australia to start his rehabilitation.”

CALLUS: wounded Lyon under fitness cloud

Jackson Bird is the third fast bowler already on tour and has performed strongly in the nets.

It would be expected he would slot straight in, however, CA may be tempted to roll the dice on calling up Pat Cummins who has just returned to first-class cricket.

CA has taken a long-term view with Cummins, and rushing him back to Test cricket so quickly would be a risk.


Bird is expected to replace Starc for the third Test.
However, he is one man who could adequately replace the game-breaking influence that Starc has in Test cricket.

Starc sparked the collapse in Pune that laid the platform for Australia’s victory, and in Bangalore he also broke through with back-to-back wickets on the last day that gave his side hope of achieving a fourth innings chase.

The left-armer has also been sensational with the bat down the order and his lower-order hitting in Pune was also critical.

CA says selectors will appoint a replacement in due course, with the third Test to kick-off in Ranchi on Thursday.
 
would have liked it if it had happened during Pak series, :warner

Starc has become injury prone officialy though
 
Mitchell Starc ruled out of Qantas Tour of India

Cricket Australia has today advised that fast-bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the Qantas Tour of India with a stress fracture in his right foot.

Cricket Australia Support Bupa Support Team Physiotherapist David Beakley said: “Mitchell experienced some pain in his right foot during the second Test in Bangalore which unfortunately had not subsided a few days after the Test as we had hoped.

“We made the decision to scan his foot in Bangalore this morning and unfortunately it has revealed a stress fracture.

“Subsequently, this means Mitchell will be unavailable for the remainder of the Qantas Tour of India and will return home to Australia to start his rehabilitation.”

The National Selection Panel will confirm a replacement player in due course.
 
Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the test series against India.

Huge blow for Australia as Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the remaining 2 tests against India. I think 3-1 to India is inevitable now.
 
But hey India doesn't have Shami either who is better than Starc in these conditions....so its an even playing field now than before :amla
 
Actually as a neutral Im very disappointed

Starc is a very exciting bowler to watch regardless of whether he is doing well or not

He really lets it rip!
 
Slog said:
Actually as a neutral Im very disappointed

Starc is a very exciting bowler to watch regardless of whether he is doing well or not

He really lets it rip!
Click to expand...


Whenever Starc really lets it rip in Test cricket he gets injured, you can observe this pattern whenever he bowls these 150-155k spells in Test cricket.
 
Stark always picks key wickets for Aussies. A shame.

Good news for India :kohli

They were already on track to a 3-1 victory but now rest of games, potentially, will be even bigger phaintas.
 
contraman said:
Whenever Starc really lets it rip in Test cricket he gets injured, you can observe this pattern whenever he bowls these 150-155k spells in Test cricket.
Click to expand...

Not really

His fitness has been fairly good in recent times

I actually think Aus overplayed him

Played all the 3 home ODIs vs NZ. Then all 3 tests vs SA. All 3 tests vs Pak. 4 ODIs vs Pak and 2 ODIs in NZ.
And now both tests ofcourse

Prior to that hed also played every test and ODI in SL

He def could have sat out a few ODIs esp against Pak and in NZ
 
Starc is fascinating to watch but he is defn no Hazelwood. Guess am very biased towards consistent bowlers who believe in line and length.

Cummins if called should be given an AB medal jus for completing the series.
 
Good bowler, but grossly overrated due to the lack of express pacers in this era.

Cannot see him becoming the legend many people seem to think he will.
 
Convict said:
Watch CA bring in Cummins
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Pat-Cummins0110.png

Leave India to me.
 
Starc bowled well but he wasn't a big threat.

For India it is Hazelwood. They have got a measure of Lyon and O'Keefe now, but Hazelwood has been just exceptional with his breakthroughs from time to time. He's one reason India haven't been able to build partnerships to post a big total.
 
Huge blow for AUS, the psychological threat of the Starc factor is gone now, a huge burden now falls on Hazlewood and the 2 spinners.
 
Cricfan4eva said:
Starc bowled well but he wasn't a big threat.

For India it is Hazelwood. They have got a measure of Lyon and O'Keefe now, but Hazelwood has been just exceptional with his breakthroughs from time to time. He's one reason India haven't been able to build partnerships to post a big total.
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well there have not been many partnerships from both sides, thanks to doctored pitches that were garbage for test cricket
 
contraman said:
Whenever Starc really lets it rip in Test cricket he gets injured, you can observe this pattern whenever he bowls these 150-155k spells in Test cricket.
Click to expand...
Can't be sympathetic to his cause, look at the number of overs Umesh has put in the last 12~18 months, especially this home season. If you aren't fit enough to last 8~10 tests on the trot, you will never be a consistent threat to the opposition, instead you'll always be a worry for your own team.
Cricfan4eva said:
Starc bowled well but he wasn't a big threat.

For India it is Hazelwood. They have got a measure of Lyon and O'Keefe now, but Hazelwood has been just exceptional with his breakthroughs from time to time. He's one reason India haven't been able to build partnerships to post a big total.
Click to expand...
Yup he's the one constant threat from Australia, whether they play home or away!
 
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Convict said:
Watch CA bring in Cummins
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TBH, CA has not announced a replacement. I think they are happy that Bird is in the squad. I have a feeling Stoinis is gonna get a game.

Also, don't think Starc is as big a threat as Hazelwood. Yes, he took a few wickets and is aggressive, but Josh is the real deal on these pitches. If anything starc as loose in the last game, 2nd innings, except for that over.
 
So as usual, most consider Hazlewood a superior threat than Starc.

Starc is entertaining, bowls fast and is more elegant to watch. He is also regarded the best fast bowler going around as per peers reputation but we all know who is a bigger threat as far as test format is concerned. I dont think Starc has done better than Hazlewood anywhere barring Sri Lanka.
 
R0H1T said:
Can't be sympathetic to his cause, look at the number of overs Umesh has put in the last 12~18 months, especially this home season. If you aren't fit enough to last 8~10 tests on the trot, you will never be a consistent threat to the opposition, instead you'll always be a worry for your own team.Yup he's the one constant threat from Australia, whether they play home or away!
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Most over bowled by pacers in international cricket over the past 12 months:

pacers.jpg
 
Pat Cummins to replace Mitchell Starc

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel has today confirmed that New South Wales paceman Patrick Cummins will replace Mitchell Starc on the Qantas Tour of India, after Starc was forced out of the series with a stress fracture to his foot.

Speaking on the decision, National Selector Trevor Hohns said:

“It’s unfortunate to lose Mitch out of the squad in India. In selecting Pat, we were looking for a strike bowling replacement option.”

“Pat has impressed in his return to cricket this summer with consistent performances in his ODI, Twenty20 International and Big Bash matches. He has also had a very good Sheffield Shield return for New South Wales, after six years off, where he made a notable Shield best 4-57 in the first innings, before bettering those figures in the second innings with 4-47 in his man-of-the-match performance,” concluded Hohns.

Cummins will join up with the Australia Squad later this evening, with the third Test against India to commence on Thursday.
 
Citizen4 said:
well there have not been many partnerships from both sides, thanks to doctored pitches that were garbage for test cricket
Click to expand...

First test pitch was poor.

Second was a good pitch, I'd prefer a good mix of that with few high scoring ones in between.
 
Amazing series.. Has everything you need: momentum with fine mixture of controversy & revenge sentiment
 
Cricfan4eva said:
First test pitch was poor.

Second was a good pitch, I'd prefer a good mix of that with few high scoring ones in between.
Click to expand...
LMAO

yes the pitch where a mediocre spinner takes 8 on first day is a good pitch
 
Slog said:
LMAO

yes the pitch where a mediocre spinner takes 8 on first day is a good pitch
Click to expand...

What's wrong with that? He went wicketless in the second innings. I don't see how it is any worse from a team scoring 400/3 on the first day.
 
Sachin136 said:
What's wrong with that? He went wicketless in the second innings. I don't see how it is any worse from a team scoring 400/3 on the first day.
Click to expand...

No I mean then what makes you say the first test pitch was poor and this one was not

Oh I understand.... India lost the first one.

Even Romali Rotti poster was like 'the only reason and the only reason India lost was due to poor pitch' and for years he was defending the dross pitches served to SA and the like.

I wonder whether you guys even get the irony
 
I think Sachin136 is referring to pitches based on runs scored and not whether India won/lost.

Anyways, Pune pitch was technically a solid pitch. Consistent bounce and some sharp turn for most part. Maybe our pathetic batting made the pitch look tougher than it seemed.

Bangalore was a poor pitch due to its uneven bounce throughout. The pitch started off tough to bat on day 1 and eased out on Day 2, then eased out even more on Day 3 and got toughest on Day 4. If you disregard the uneven bounce (which both sides had to face), it was an entertaining pitch which gave equal chances to both team (India got to bowl last while Aus got to put a lot of pressure on India on day 2 and 3 when they were ahead in the game).

Poor but entertaining pitch.
 
Last edited:
sensible-indian-fan said:
I think Sachin136 is referring to pitches based on runs scored and not whether India won/lost.

Anyways, Pune pitch was technically a solid pitch. Consistent bounce and some sharp turn for most part. Maybe our pathetic batting made the pitch look tougher than it seemed.

Bangalore was a poor pitch due to its uneven bounce throughout. The pitch started off tough to bat on day 1 and eased out on Day 2, then eased out even more on Day 3 and got toughest on Day 4. If you disregard the uneven bounce (which both sides had to face), it was an entertaining pitch which gave equal chances to both team (India got to bowl last while Aus got to put a lot of pressure on India on day 2 and 3 when they were ahead in the game).

Poor but entertaining pitch.
Click to expand...

Maybe the unpredictability of the turn (okayish deliveries mixed with raging spitters) in Pune makes it a not so good pitch.

Anyways, both our batting and bowling were poor in that test so hard to judge where it stands.
 
Slog said:
No I mean then what makes you say the first test pitch was poor and this one was not

Oh I understand.... India lost the first one.

Even Romali Rotti poster was like 'the only reason and the only reason India lost was due to poor pitch' and for years he was defending the dross pitches served to SA and the like.

I wonder whether you guys even get the irony
Click to expand...

I didn't say that the first pitch was poor.
 
Bird states case 'behind the scenes'

Tasmanian quick brings a different skills-set to Cummins but is nonetheless in the mix for the third Test

Jackson Bird can't match Pat Cummins for express pace, but the right-armer impressed selectors during the past summer and has a clear idea of what's required in India.

Bird was predicted to be on drinks duty throughout the ongoing four-Test series, but he's now firmly in the mix for the third Test following Mitchell Starc's foot injury. Starc will play no further part in the series, which is level at 1-1 and continues in Ranchi on Thursday. Cummins was yesterday named as Starc's replacement in the squad, with vice-captain David Warner suggesting the 23-year-old speedster had the firepower to lead the attack.

And while rushing Cummins into the side appears the obvious temptation, the New South Welshman's long history of injury may be a consideration despite a successful return to Sheffield Shield cricket last week, in which he took eight wickets and – equally importantly – emerged unscathed from the match.

Bird stepped up in his own right after being part of selectors' mid-summer overhaul of the Test XI following five straight defeats. The 30-year-old is rightly growing tired of talking about Cummins and fellow firebrand James Pattinson – and when they'll return.

"I'm sick of being asked what I'm going to do when those guys are both fully fit again," Bird told AAP prior to flying out for Australia's Test tour of India. "It's definitely not annoying, people are always going to be talking about those guys because they're two quality fast bowlers.

They can both bowl over 145 kph and swing it both ways. "But I can't control when they get selected … and I complemented Starcy and Josh Hazlewood pretty well in the home summer."

Bird grabbed 13 wickets in three wins following his most recent recall, with skipper Steve Smith admitting the fast bowler was "unlucky" to be dropped in favour of spinner Steve O'Keefe for the SCG Test.

"The exciting thing for me is I didn't really bowl my best this summer, but I contributed and took regular wickets," Bird said. "I've still got a lot of improving to do." Coach Darren Lehmann noted earlier this week that Bird had been "one of our best bowlers behind the scenes".


The Sydney-born paceman, who made his first-class debut in 2011 after moving to Tasmania, knows the subcontinent carries unique challenges. "India is a bit of an eye opener when you go over there for the first time," Bird said, having suffered a series-ending injury early in the 'Homeworkgate' tour of 2013. "The wickets are different.

"The ball is different, it goes soft very quickly over there, the seam goes soft and you get no movement whatsoever. "It's about changing your angles up. Coming around the wicket or over the wicket, going wide of the crease, but always attacking the stumps."

Cummins return to Shield cricket was his first first-class match in six years following a raft of injuries, however Warner backed the paceman to make an impact if selected for Thursday's Ranchi Test. "We know he's got a lot of pace which he will definitely bring and that's one thing we always talk about," Warner said on Saturday.

"You always have to have someone who is a spearhead quick and that's always been the Australian approach and we know he's got that firepower. "It's been a long time (since his last Test) and he's been working his backside off to get his body right for one and it was great to see him come back and play the Shield game the other day and bowl well.

"We know with Patty as (Starc's) replacement we're going to have that firepower there if the selectors go that way."

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/jackson-bird-third-test-hopes-cummins-starc-injury-warner-australia-india-series/2017-03-12
 
Wade noticed added India aggression

The Australia wicketkeeper admitted he noticed a distinct change in India's approach between the first and second Test

Few Test cricketers feel more at home in the heat of a scrap than Australia’s combative keeper Matthew Wade, but even he was surprised by the aggression that India uncorked during the volatile second Test in Bengaluru.

As the Australians got back to the business of preparing for the third match that starts in Ranchi on Thursday, Wade articulated his team’s response to the most noticeable change in their opponents across the previous weeks.

That being the switch from a listless, bordering on dispirited outfit in the opening match at Pune that Australia won by a crushing 333 runs to the snarling, animated team that stormed back to win at Chinnaswamy and level the series.

Led by their demonstrably agitated captain Virat Kohli who had bemoaned his players’ lack of intent at Pune and did everything within his considerable powers and the game’s less authoritative etiquette rule book to get them up and firing a week later. Kohli presents a vastly different on-field persona to that of his predecessor MS Dhoni who was equally as competitive, but a far less overtly combative general in the heat of battle. But it was the shift in demeanour from Pune to Bengaluru, where the India team made a repeated point of retaliating to any verbal barbs thrown their way before giving the tourists a return serve with interest that has been the talking point among the Australians as they enjoyed a few free days prior to their return to training this afternoon.

“They’re always aggressive,” Wade said of the India Test team that he first encountered on Australia’s disastrous 0-4 drubbing on the subcontinent in 2013.

“The change from the first Test to the second Test was probably the initial shock. “They certainly came out a little harder on day three (at Bengaluru), but we expect them to come hard. “When you’ve got a caged lion you expect them to come out pretty hard, to get away.

“Indian teams are always quite aggressive. “Dhoni was a different captain to Kohli, but that’s just personality.” There is a growing feeling that India, under the leadership of Kohli who took over from Dhoni as Test skipper during his team’s previous encounter with Australia in the summer of 2014-15, is being partly driven by a sense of payback.

The series’ host broadcaster has employed the social media hashtag ‘bullying the bullies’ which encapsulates the sentiment that many India fans feel about the treatment their team has received, most notably in Australia, during years past. Certainly Kohli appears to be at his most belligerent when locked in combat with his antipodean rivals, and he exudes the air of somebody carrying a deep personal grievance for past mistreatment.

He has been involved in several heated run-ins with opponents while playing in Australia in recent years, and used a famous post-match media conference after he posted a brilliant hundred in Melbourne in 2014 to take aim at his tormentors.

Who he claimed had repeatedly called him a “spoiled brat” on the field, singling out now retired Mitchell Johnson as a foe he couldn’t respect because he showed no deference towards the now India captain. “I like playing against Australia because it’s very hard for them to stay calm,” Kohli said at the time.

“And I don’t mind an argument on the field, it really excites me and brings the best out of me. “They don’t seem to be learning the lesson.” Prior to the series beginning in Pune last month, Kohli told a media conference when asked about his relationship with the touring Australians that he was “really good friends with all these guys off the field”.

It’s unclear how the closeness of that rapport is tracking after events in Bengaluru last week, but it’s unlikely the India captain will be breaking bread (or a traditional Jharkand litti choka) at breakfast in the Ranchi hotel that the two teams will be sharing. Even though Kohli’s current return of 40 runs from four completed innings (at an average of 10) makes this the least productive Test series in which he’s been involved since he made his debut in the Caribbean in 2011.

Wade foreshadowed that the tension so evident in Bengaluru will doubtless percolate through to Ranchi, Dhoni’s home town, but reiterated the team is refusing to be distracted by the verbal sideshow unfolding on and off the field “Indian teams always go quite hard, if you give them a sniff they’ll run with it,” Wade said today. “Our job is to make sure they can’t get in the game so they can’t get aggressive with us, and then really take the momentum away from us. “But it’s not really our issue. “We’ve got to play good cricket, and beat them on skill.

“Emotion doesn’t win Test matches.” And while India showed at Chinnaswamy Stadium they are prepared to come out all gums blazing when the situation demands, Wade has also reserved his right to revert to his trademark combative character.

Should he feel his team needs the sort of rallying cry that Kohli sounded loud and often during the second Test. “I feel like I play my best cricket when I get in the contest,” Wade said about his reputation for being an outspoken competitor on the field.

“When you’re back’s against the wall you’ve gotta find a way to get up and about, so I still feel like that’s a big part of my game. “Getting older I probably tamed it down a little bit and I probably know when to use it a little bit more now, and when I need it myself.

“I probably don’t use it a hundred per cent of the time any more, but I’ve still got it there if I need it. “If there’s a time I think it can be an advantage for us, sure – I’ll go for it.”

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/matthew-wade-surprised-by-added-aggression-from-caged-lion-india-v-australia-test-series-virat-kohli/2017-03-12
 
Victorian allrounder’s rapid rise with the ball makes him a strong candidate for a Test debut in Ranchi

When Marcus Stoinis was named as Mitchell Marsh’s injury replacement for the final two Tests of the Qantas Tour of India, more than a few eyebrows were raised.

For starters, Stoinis’ 2016-17 Sheffield Shield batting average of 17.90 is considerably lower than his allrounder rivals Moises Henriques (65.90), Hilton Cartwright (41.40) and Jack Wildermuth (35.78). Only once this summer has the 27-year-old passed 50 in any format, but that was a breath-taking maiden one-day international century against New Zealand that almost pulled off a remarkable win in Auckland.


And unlike Henriques and Cartwright, Stoinis has never been involved in the Test set-up, let alone donned the Baggy Green for his country. But none of that matters now as he makes his way to Ranchi where he’ll link up with the rest of the Australia squad tomorrow for the third and crucial Test against India starting on Thursday. Whether Stoinis will come straight into the XI and make his Test debut remains unknown, with the Ranchi pitch and the balance of the team set to dictate selection in a series deadlocked at 1-1 after two pulsating Tests.

When asked about Stoinis’ squad selection and particularly his ascension over fellow in-form allrounders, National Selection Panel chairman Trevor Hohns said it was his ability with the ball that won the right-armer a first Test tour.



It’s an area of the Victorian’s game that has improved dramatically, according to his state captain Matthew Wade. Wade has played in 20 of Stoinis’ 32 Shield matches for the Bushrangers and was the wicketkeeper during Australia A’s tour of India in 2015 where the allrounder starred with ball in hand. Stoinis claimed three wickets in two first-class matches against India A, but importantly removed key players and potential future Test opponents Karun Nair and Cheteshwar Pujara – both bowled – all while conceding just 2.21 runs per over.

Wade says Stoinis’ development as a bowler, to go with his polished career record as a top-order batsman, makes him a versatile and exciting prospect for Australia. “Batting at No.3 in Shield cricket has placed him in a really good spot to play an all-round role for Australia. He can bat anywhere in the order,” Wade said on Sunday in Bengaluru. “But the last couple of years we’ve seen improvements from his bowling. “Australia A (in 2015) he bowled really, really well, took the pace off.

“He knocked off a couple of their big players in that series so I think the last couple of years that’s probably what the selectors have seen a bit more in him. “They always knew he was a really strong batter, but his bowling has improved out of sight the last few years.”

Stoinis is a significant chance of making his Test debut in four days’ time after fast bowler Pat Cummins was drafted into the squad to replace injured tearaway Mitchell Starc. Cummins completed his first Shield match in six years last week, taking eight wickets in a man-of-the-match performance.


While he finished that match unscathed, Cummins is still a risk in five-day cricket and Stoinis’ medium pacers could be a valuable asset to captain Steve Smith in order to take the load off the rapid speedster. Either way, Stoinis will benefit from being in the Australia camp and Wade can only see his state teammate getting better with each game in national colours. “He’s developed beautifully,” Wade said.

“He’s batted at three for Victoria over a three or four year period now and averaged quite high in first-class cricket. “I think he’s only got improvement (in him), I said that to him before he got picked in the one-day team in New Zealand and we saw what he did there.

“He’s not a finished product that’s for sure. “He’ll come in and play a really strong role for us if we need him but he’ll improve playing each game at international level. “No one expects people to come in and start dominating international cricket from ball one, but he’ll improve from game to game that he gets at international level.”

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/matthew-wade-tips-marcus-stoinis-to-perform-with-ball-india-v-australia-test-series/2017-03-12
 
Why are Aussies hellbent on going for an extra bowling option when it's plainly clear that it's not required
 
Mitch Marsh out for nine months with shoulder reconstruction

Mitch Marsh’s shoulder injury is worse than initially feared and he will need a full reconstruction to enable him to play again.

As the WA all-rounder returned home last week amid a storm of social media criticism over his Test selection and modest returns in India, it is unlikely that he will play again this year.

That would rule him out of at least the start of the Ashes series, with the first Test scheduled to begin on November 23 at the Gabba.

Marsh will be assessed by a specialist in Melbourne this week after an initial diagnosis indicated he would be out of action for up to nine months.

“Mitchell has been playing with a shoulder injury for most of the summer,” Australian physiotherapist David Beakley said.

“We have been managing (it) up until now but unfortunately it has progressively deteriorated to a point where he is unable to function at the level required.”

A full reconstruction is considered vital if Marsh is to return to bowling in the 140km/h range that has made him a first-choice Australian player over the past two years.

But in a good sign for his prospects of returning to full fitness, champion leg-spinner Shane Warne played Test cricket for another eight years after having a reconstruction on his bowling shoulder in 1998.
Warne was out of action for seven months after the surgery.

Marsh has played 21 of Australia’s 32 Tests since his debut in late 2014 but has attracted considerable criticism over his returns of 674 runs at 21.74 and 29 wickets at 37.48.

He scored four, 31, a duck and 13 in the two Tests in India and went wicketless in five overs.
The 25-year-old appears to have replaced Shane Watson as Australia’s favourite Test whipping boy, though some of the criticism is warranted given that his return of 19.71 at No.6 is the lowest of any regular batsman in that position in Test history.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann made it clear last November that the national selectors were keen to retain Marsh and there was little value in sending him back to the Warriors for an extended period to develop his game.
“We would like him to bat for longer periods in Test matches ... but when you’re a multi-format player you don’t get too many opportunities (to play State cricket),” Lehmann said.

Former WA batsman Marcus Stoinis was called up as Marsh’s replacement in India but said during Victoria’s recent Sheffield Shield match in Alice Springs that he had received no indication of his prospects of playing in either Test.
Stoinis also denied he was considering returning to Perth after four years with Victoria.

Link
 
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is set to miss the tenth edition of Indian Premier League owing to a shoulder injury, dealing a blow to his franchise Rising Pune SuperGiants.The 25-year-old Marsh was ruled out of the ongoing Test tour of India and, according to an Australian media report, could be sidelined for as long as nine months. Marsh, who will seek the help of specialists next week, had to leave the IPL midway in 2016 due to a side strain as well as in 2009 because of the same reason.

He now faces the prospect of a shoulder reconstruction that would keep him out of the game for the remainder of 2017. Cricket Australia tweeted today that Marsh faces a lengthy absence due to injury.

Besides his pace bowling, Marsh would have added stability to the batting order at Rising Pune SuperGiants, who are hoping to perform better in the upcoming IPL season after finishing seventh in the league table in the previous edition.

Australia's physiotherapist David Beakley had said, "Mitchell has been playing with a shoulder injury for most of the summer, which we have been managing up until now, but unfortunately it has progressively deteriorated to a point where he is unable to function at the level required.

https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-prem...s-ipl-yet-again-faces-lengthy-absence-1669157
 
Cummins' epic comeback comes quicker than hoped

If Pat Cummins slots into the Australia XI on Thursday, it will bring to a close one of the longest-running waiting games in world sport
Despite enduring five years and four months between matches in the Baggy Green cap, Pat Cummins feels his next shot at Test cricket has come around faster than he thought possible.

The 23-year-old express pace bowler is expected to slot in as a replacement for injured spearhead Mitchell Starc when the third Test against India begins at Ranchi on Thursday. If that’s the case, and he shares the new-ball with his New South Wales teammate Josh Hazlewood, it will bring to a close one of the longest-running waiting games in world sport.

During which Cummins has endured stress fractures to his back, to his feet, to his ribs and – most recently, during Australia’s tour to the UK in 2015 when he was previously recalled to the Test squad – a lower lumbar fracture that required carefully managed convalescence.

But that most recent setback was one from which Cummins knew he faced a lengthy stretch of rehabilitation and rebuilt bowling action to try and break the cycle of bowl and bust that has come to define his career since bursting on to the Test scene in a blaze of potential in November, 2011.

And from which the powerfully built, but structurally suspect right-armer did not imagine he could return to tackle the rigours of Test cricket until next summer’s marquee home Ashes series against England. Where captain Steve Smith has already begun wondering aloud about the prospect of unleashing a four-man pace battery of Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins and another injury-plagued quick, James Pattinson.

So while Cummins, and the broader Australia cricket family knew he was in the frame for a call-up to India should one of the incumbent pace men fall by the wayside, he was somewhat surprised when that call formally came through last week.

ith his likely return to Test cricket now much earlier in his long comeback than he imagined a week or so ago.

"I knew I was in standby for tour a couple of months ago, but thought the (current Test fast) bowlers wouldn’t bowl too many overs and not get injured,"

Cummins said today prior to his first training run with the squad in Ranchi. "I’d always set myself little steps of getting back into the one-day side, and from that hopefully getting back in the Test side".

"I always had an eye on the Ashes next (summer), thinking that I had to play three or four (Sheffield) Shield games to put my hand up for selection. "So it’s certainly come a lot quicker, but I always thought I’d get back here."

Amid concerns that the decision to rush him into the 16-player squad might compromise his forensically mapped recovery plan, and claims from former Test fast bowler Rodney Hogg that it takes more than a week for a quick to acclimatise to conditions in India, Cummins carries no qualms.

His recent stints in the limited-overs format have readied him for international competition, and his return to first-class cricket last week – his first top-level red ball outing for more than five years – was a success in terms of both wickets taken (eight) and runs scored (42 in an important lower-order knock).

As for the vagaries of bowling Test match spells in India, on a Ranchi pitch that looks as likely to take turn from the game’s outset as have the previous two in Pune and Bengaluru, Cummins claims that won’t be an issue.

He believes it’s far more difficult for batters to get used to the vastly different pitch conditions between Australia and India, whereas a fast bowler simply requires 'a couple of decent nights’ kip and a net session or two to blow out the cobwebs.

With both of those boxes to be ticked before the Test starts on Thursday, and where Australia will be compelled to make at least two changes with Starc (foot stress fracture) and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (shoulder) returning home early due to injury.

"It feels like so much has happened in that five or six years (since being named player of the match on his debut at Johannesburg in 2011),"
Cummins said today.

"But I think since that day, this is easily the most prepared that I’ve been for a Test match. "In terms of body, form, the length that I’ve been playing the last few months".

"Over here it’s not great bowler-friendly wickets for quicks, which means more likely I won’t bowl too many overs".

"I felt like I tried to bowl with a bit more rhythm in the Shield game (against South Australia last week) than potentially I have done in the ODIs, where I run in and try and bowl as fast as I can every ball".

"I felt like I could bowl six or seven overs in a spell pretty easily and the pace felt like it was coming out pretty good".

"I’ve bowled a lot of overs, a lot of times I’ve had to back up day after day, and the body has been recovering really well. "So the summer’s pretty much as well as it could have and I feel as ready as I ever have been."



If Cummins slots in to replace Starc, ahead of original squad member Jackson Bird, who has bowled impeccably since arriving in India but lacks the outright speed of the New South Welshman, he’s unlikely to churn through a pile of overs.

The spin-friendly pitch at Ranchi dictating that the tweakers will again carry a bulk of the workload, while Cummins will likely be deployed in the same manner that proved so effective for Starc with the second new ball at Bengaluru.

When he smashed open the bottom half of India’s batting with the most fiery spell to date of an increasingly volatile series.

"I’ll have to speak with Smithy and a couple of the coaches if I do get a game, but it looks like they (Australia’s quicks) will just bowl shorter spells and go absolutely flat out," Cummins said.

"While there might not be seam and swing, hopefully some reverse swing and hitting the deck hard has worked for those two (Starc and Hazlewood) so hopefully it’s going to be a similar plan".

"Anyone who bowls those speeds (above 145km/h) is going to get a batsman hopping around".

"So I think all of that work in tandem with the other bowlers, and especially the spinners".

"More than anything else it’s not releasing some of that scoreboard pressure".

"There are ruts in the game when it just looks impossible to score runs, so it’s just about us trying to bowl quick and put the pressure on."

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/pat-cummins-test-comeback-australia-third-test-india-ranchi-fast-bowler-injury/2017-03-14
 
ICC's own definition of a "very good" pitch:
Good carry, limited seam movement and consistent bounce throughout, little or no turn on the first two days but natural wear sufficient to be responsive to spin later in the game.

Poor pitch:
If any of the following criteria apply, a pitch may be rated “poor”:
a. The pitch offers excessive seam movement at any stage of the match
b. The pitch displays excessive unevenness of bounce for any bowler at any stage of the match
c. The pitch offers excessive assistance to spin bowlers, especially early in the match
d. The pitch displays little or no seam movement or turn at any stage in the match together with no significant bounce or carry, thereby depriving the bowlers of a fair contest between bat and ball.

pretty sad to see Indians failing to build good pitches for test cricket. Credit to Australia they're still doing well.
 
Fun fact: :srt

Kohli vs Australian extras in this series so far: :broad

1st innings: Kohli 0, extras 1
2nd innings: Kohli 13, extras 12
3rd innings: Kohli 12, extras 16
4th innings: Kohli 15, extras 15
5th innings: Kohli 6, extras 17

Kohli average: 9.2 :danish
Australian extras average: 12.2 :murali
 
Predict The Result Of The India Vs Aus 4th Test Dharmshala

Shami ruled out.

Kohli doubtful.

Shreyas Iyer called up.

Pitch has a reputation of a seamer friendly track but looks like a Aussie flat patta now.

Who will win?
 
India should win this Australia must not win the series in India that would be sad for subcontinent ... come on Indians we have to keep this tradition going that we are bad there and they are bad here.

If you guys let us down I will personally create headlines like " Team India nay kia Sub Continental fans ko Nirash" with all the needed drums and bangs.
 
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