Australia vs India | 3rd Test | Melbourne | Dec 26-30 | Pre-Match Thread

[Saurav]

Vihari
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Pant
Pandya
Jadeja/Bhuvi
Ishant
Shami
Bumrah

 

[gazza619]

India vs Australia: Ashwin in doubt as Ravi Shastri demands openers to step up

MELBOURNE: Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin remains an injury doubt for the third Test against Australia, India coach Ravi Shastri said on Sunday as he demanded his opening batsmen to step up and ease pressure on Virat Kohli.

Ashwin was sidelined with an abdominal strain for the second Test in Perth and was sorely missed as Australia, led by off-spinner Nathan Lyon, won by 146 runs to level the series 1-1.

Shastri revealed Ashwin is racing the clock to be ready for the crunch Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where the stakes are high in the four-Test series.
"As far as Ashwin is concerned, we are going to take a look and evaluate over the next 48 hours," Shastri said.

Left-arm spin allrounder Ravindra Jadeja is also carrying a niggle, but experienced batsman Rohit Sharma, who also missed the Perth Test after hurting his lower back, is fit again.

"He has made a very good improvement but then again we have got to see how he pulls up tomorrow. But he looks good as of today," said Shastri.

India go into the Melbourne showdown with Kohli and number three Cheteshwar Pujara is fine form, effectively carrying their team during the Adelaide and Perth games.

But the opening pair of KL Rahul and Murali Vijay have struggled for runs and Shastri said that needed to change.

"It's a big concern," he said when asked about the failure of the openers to get a big score. "It's obvious and that responsibility and accountability has to be taken by the top order. They've got the experience, they've got the exposure over these last few years to get out there and deliver. It's about how strong you are in the mind."

There is no guarantee that Rahul and Vijay will retain their places with in-form Mayank Agarwal called up as a replacement for injured young opener Prithvi Shaw, who has been ruled out of the series.

Superstar captain Kohli scored a battling century in Perth but he came under criticism for his sledging and heated exchanges with Australian counterpart Tim Paine.

His animated wicket celebrations were also frowned upon, but Shastri said he didn't have a problem with his skipper.

"What's wrong with his behaviour? As far as we are concerned, he is an absolute gentleman," he said.
Shastri also denied India's morale had taken a hit by losing in Perth after their tense victory in Adelaide -- their first Test win on Australian soil in a decade.

"Absolutely not. 1-1 in a series in Australia and we know we had our chances in Perth as well. They're ready," he said.

"It's not often that we've been in a position where we've won one (on an overseas tour). It's 1-1. The boys know what they can do, what they're capable of and the potential that lies ahead.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...ands-openers-step-up/articleshow/67213681.cms

 

[Boi]

Ashwin chickening out to avoid his overseas stats taking a beating.

 

[BaankeJi]

Why not ask Rohit to open?

 

[BaankeJi]

Vihari
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Pant
Pandya
Jadeja/Bhuvi
Ishant
Shami
Bumrah

Both Rahul and Vijay are dropped. Agarwal and Rohit come in. Jadeja comes in place of Umesh. That is India's XI for 3rd Test at MCG.

 

[spiderreddy]

If anything, his stats will only improve if he plays

 

[spiderreddy]

31 year old rohit sharma gets another game to showcase his talent

 

[gazza619]

Why not ask Rohit to open?

That would potentially end his test career. He will be handy in the middle order. May be they should tweak the batting order, ask Pujara to open and Kohli at number 3?

 

[Ab Fan]

Vihari
Vijay(good bye time for Rahul, 1 final chance to Vijay)
Pujara
Kohli(C)
Rahane
Rohit(if it is a flat wicket, he can be handy)
Pant(wkt)
Jadeja
Shami
Ishant
Bumrah

 

[Sarwar89]

Thankyou very much for very warm response in this thread. We look forward to see a nail biting boxing day Test match.

I do want to mention that by the end of the day Test cricket is the real winner. No team wants to lose the match. They are humans after all. Mistakes do happen. Mr Bradman’s last innings duck was philosophical and it meant that humans are not supermen.

Whoever shows up on the day will win.

Goodluck.

 

[BaankeJi]

That would potentially end his test career. He will be handy in the middle order. May be they should tweak the batting order, ask Pujara to open and Kohli at number 3?

But he is doing it in LOIs.

 

[Mahee]

They have already announced tomorrow's 11...what are you guys discussing here

 

[Oligochaetes]

India

1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Hanuma Vihari, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt.), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Ishant Sharma, 11 Jasprit Bumrah



Great news for troubled Indian Fans... Both Rahul and Vijay are out! Jadeja is in..

 

[BaankeJi]

India

1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Hanuma Vihari, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt.), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Ishant Sharma, 11 Jasprit Bumrah



Great news for troubled Indian Fans... Both Rahul and Vijay are out! Jadeja is in..

But who will be second opener with Agarwal?

 

[Ab Fan]

Vihari to open with Agarwal.

However, not too sure of how Agarwal will perform as debutant in such a high profile series. Either way, a good XI. Rohit looked good in first inning of first test, can be handy if the wicket is flat.

 

[RainMan_]

Expecting Australia to dominate the test. Stupid curator of adelaide pitch was the reason why Australia aren't 2-0 up in the series. He should be asked why he tried to make a mini mohali out of Adelaide. Anyway, Expecting more sportier wickets in the upcoming tests. Hopefully the groundsman and the curator won't disappoint.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Vihari
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Pant
Pandya
Jadeja/Bhuvi
Ishant
Shami
Bumrah

Your favorite KL Rahul has been kicked out of this team.

India playing XI for the third Test: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

 

[Mr. Cricket]

India announce playing 11 for 3rd test vs Australia.

India name Playing XI for 3rd Test: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

Finally Kohli make some good selection.
My team order :

1. Mayank Agarwal
2. Rohit Sharma
3. Cheteshwar Pujara
4. Virat Kohli (C)
5. Ajinkya Rahane (VC)
6. Hanuma Vihari
7. Rishabh Pant (WK)
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Ishant Sharma
10. Mohammed Shami
11. Jasprit Bumrah

 

[shariqnoor]

Rohit Sharma hasn't taken to Test Cricket at all away from home but at 6, he's one of the most dangerous batsmen around. His case is very similar to Jos Buttler. You just need to find a way for Rohit to translate his LOI form into Test cricket and when he does, it will elevate India to another level.

Kohli, Shastri and the selectors need to take a firm decision as to whether they want Rohit in the Test team or not. If yes, then they need to give him 10 Test matches away from home on a trot at number 6 irrespective if he fails in the first 3 or 4 Tests. At the moment, everyone is stuck in limbo over him and just hoping that he fires in the 1 Test that he is selected in. Not the ideal way to give confidence to Rohit. He's the X-Factor.

 

[Mr. Cricket]

Your favorite KL Rahul has been kicked out of this team.

India playing XI for the third Test: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

Hey what's your opinion on this team selection. Do you feel pandya should be in team. ?

 

[Saurav]

Your favorite KL Rahul has been kicked out of this team.

India playing XI for the third Test: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

for the legend Rohit Sharma,congrats

 

[Saurav]

Rohit Sharma hasn't taken to Test Cricket at all away from home but at 6, he's one of the most dangerous batsmen around. His case is very similar to Jos Buttler. You just need to find a way for Rohit to translate his LOI form into Test cricket and when he does, it will elevate India to another level.

Kohli, Shastri and the selectors need to take a firm decision as to whether they want Rohit in the Test team or not. If yes, then they need to give him 10 Test matches away from home on a trot at number 6 irrespective if he fails in the first 3 or 4 Tests. At the moment, everyone is stuck in limbo over him and just hoping that he fires in the 1 Test that he is selected in. Not the ideal way to give confidence to Rohit. He's the X-Factor.

Guy can't play any movement or spin and throws his wicket away like he did in Adelaide.How is he dangerous or X Factor

 

[shariqnoor]

Guy can't play any movement or spin and throws his wicket away like he did in Adelaide.How is he dangerous or X Factor

He's dangerous and the X-factor because of the ability he possesses (as we've seen in LOI cricket) and the number he bats at. At 6, he has the ability to completely change the course of the match. If the team is 250-4, if he can come in and score a 70 odd at a strike rate at 80 SR, it completely demoralizes the fielding team and puts India on top. Similarly he can counter attack when the team is 50-4.

I agree that Rohit hasn't yet found his form in Test cricket but the potential is there for him to make a huge impact. Most of it is Rohit's fault for not grabbing the opportunity but some of the fault also lies with the management for not giving him a long rope at number 6 knowing how destructive he can be. England decided to give that long rope to Buttler and it has paid dividends.

 

[leg-side-flick]

Guy can't play any movement or spin and throws his wicket away like he did in Adelaide.How is he dangerous or X Factor

He is dangerous to his own team

 

[leg-side-flick]

Vihari to open with Agarwal.

However, not too sure of how Agarwal will perform as debutant in such a high profile series. Either way, a good XI. Rohit looked good in first inning of first test, can be handy if the wicket is flat.

Poor guy has been forced to open in tests whereas Rohit, Kohli, Rahane etc will retain their positions.. too much politics

 

[Ab Fan]

Poor guy has been forced to open in tests whereas Rohit, Kohli, Rahane etc will retain their positions.. too much politics

Unfortunate but that is how things seems to go. Vihari can do part time bowling as well. So, that should keep him motivated even if he doesn't score as prolifically with the bat.

 

[Saurav]

He's dangerous and the X-factor because of the ability he possesses (as we've seen in LOI cricket) and the number he bats at. At 6, he has the ability to completely change the course of the match. If the team is 250-4, if he can come in and score a 70 odd at a strike rate at 80 SR, it completely demoralizes the fielding team and puts India on top. Similarly he can counter attack when the team is 50-4.

I agree that Rohit hasn't yet found his form in Test cricket but the potential is there for him to make a huge impact. Most of it is Rohit's fault for not grabbing the opportunity but some of the fault also lies with the management for not giving him a long rope at number 6 knowing how destructive he can be. England decided to give that long rope to Buttler and it has paid dividends.

There's a reason he can do it only in LOIs.It can't be form,so its just ability to play movement which he doesn't has to in ODIs.Every attacking player can't be no.6. And overseas he'll be mostly be coming in at 80-4 than 250-4 and he doesn't have the game to play big innings from there

 

[Saurav]

Poor guy has been forced to open in tests whereas Rohit, Kohli, Rahane etc will retain their positions.. too much politics

Tough but from what we saw,his game is suited to open.Leaves the ball well

 

[MenInG]

India leave out KL Rahul, Murali Vijay and Umesh Yadav for the third Test against Australia, even as Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal and Ravindra Jadeja are drafted into the XI.

Openers Rahul and Vijay, who have one 50-plus partnership between them in the last four innings, are likely to be replaced by Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari at the top of the order.

Agarwal, who has amassed 3599 first-class runs at an average of 49.98, will become the 295th cricketer to represent India in Tests. The 27-year-old was drafted into the squad for India's home series against the Windies earlier this year, but did not feature in the playing XI, as Prithvi Shaw was selected ahead of him for the two Tests.

Vihari, who has been impressive with the bat in the middle order, is likely to be promoted to the opening slot alongside the debutant.

Rohit, who had to sit out in Perth after sustaining a lower-back injury in the first Test, has been brought back into the playing XI in place of one of the openers. The right-hander had contributed scores of 37 and 1 in India's 31-run win in Adelaide.

Jadeja, who was not picked for the second game due to a stiff shoulder, has also come in for Umesh Yadav. However, Ravichandran Ashwin, who was ruled out of the Perth Test due to an abdominal strain, has not recovered in time.

Pacers Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, who have 30 wickets between them in the series so far, have kept their place in the line-up. Hardik Pandya, who had been brought back to the squad for the remainder of the series after recovering from a back injury, misses out on the XI.

The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26 December.

India playing XI for the third Test: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/954249

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

for the legend Rohit Sharma,congrats

That just explains how poor KL Rahul was performing.

 

[ILcricket]

Both 11's announced & clear weather ahead . I back hosts to win this .
Our pacers will probably bowl 16 to 18 overs per day with Jadeja bowling 28 to 30 & Vihari chipping in with 8 to 10 .

 

[Stalin]

Expecting Australia to dominate the test. Stupid curator of adelaide pitch was the reason why Australia aren't 2-0 up in the series. He should be asked why he tried to make a mini mohali out of Adelaide. Anyway, Expecting more sportier wickets in the upcoming tests. Hopefully the groundsman and the curator won't disappoint.

There you go

 

[cricketindiafan]

Should have picked Bhuvi instead of Rohit who is good only for 20s and 30s in tests outside Asia.

As for Ashwin, enough of his fitness drama. This should be the end of his test career. SA, Eng and now Aus - he's got injured everytime hurting the team combination.

 

[cricketindiafan]

Expecting Australia to dominate the test. Stupid curator of adelaide pitch was the reason why Australia aren't 2-0 up in the series. He should be asked why he tried to make a mini mohali out of Adelaide. Anyway, Expecting more sportier wickets in the upcoming tests. Hopefully the groundsman and the curator won't disappoint.

Do you have any idea about how Adelaide test wicket has traditionally played? Perhaps you would not, your team last played a test in Australia in 2003

 

[happydavy]

Its a fairly simple prediction - If India wins the toss, then India is winning this match. If Australian wins the toss, then India will either lose or draw the match, but it can't win.

 

[SLcric123]

Good match ahead.

 

[Slog]

Should have picked Bhuvi instead of Rohit who is good only for 20s and 30s in tests outside Asia.

As for Ashwin, enough of his fitness drama. This should be the end of his test career. SA, Eng and now Aus - he's got injured everytime hurting the team combination.

It is interesting how he manages to get injured in every tough away tour but is fit for all India, SL and WI matches

 

[ILcricket]

It is interesting how he manages to get injured in every tough away tour but is fit for all India, SL and WI matches

That is harsh my friend [MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION] . In Adelaide , hosts batted for 218 overs & Ashwin bowled 87 of those . That is bound to precipitate injury .

 

[Ab Fan]

Toss will play big role in this match. Whoever wins the toss would like to bat first.

 

[happydavy]

That is harsh my friend [MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION] . In Adelaide , hosts batted for 218 overs & Ashwin bowled 87 of those . That is bound to precipitate injury .

Lyon also bowled 70+ overs, and though I agree that 90 overs is a lot but if stretching yourself in one test precipitates injury then you clearly struggle outside your comfort zone. It's actually very strange how frequently Ashwin breaks down in away series these days. For someone who knows his SENA record is pathetic, should be hungry to improve it, it doesn't seem like he's that keen.

 

[Napa]

We need the "mystery spinner" Varun Chakravarthy in the team ASAP. He must be very good as Kings XI Punjab just paid over a million dollars for his services. No need to persist with players like Ashwin and Jadeja if they cannot win us Tests abroad. According to Varun, he has seven variations:

- Offbreak

- Legbreak

- Googly

- Carrom ball

- Flipper

- Topspinner

- A slider aimed at the toes of batsmen to york them

 

[sunny85]

Lack of temperament and clearly lack of application was evident in Perth. Every Australian batsmen who batted looked confident despite low score.
Our batters baring Virat looked clueless, they don't have a plan B or plan C for difficult situations. Reason being none of them had played 5days in Ranji.

Pujara is consistent with century in first match and then flop for rest of series. Happened in England and South Africa , as well as when England demolished India in India (2012_13 series). Same will happen this time.

Pacers don't have spine to uproot a gritty tailender like Cummins Lyon or Starc. While our tailenders Ishant Shami and Jasprit are like below Club level tailender. I can perhaps face Starc for a over more than what these 3 can do.

Bringing in New faces like Mayank and Vihari mid tour just shows India is panicking. Shastri is nervous and attacks from all press media as well as criticism from former players has made him vulnerable. First sign of challenge and indian ship including Shastri starts sinking.

To bring them out of it either a incident like Monkey gate or attack on their homes (World cup 2003) is necessary and required. They don't seem to have a passion or hunger required to represent tricolor.

Our investment in Rahul Vijay Yadav has gone down the drain. Perhaps after this tour new bench strength should be pushed in. Players from under19 who have better techniques and not polluted by cash rich Indian Tamasha league should be given a chance. I have hopes from Pritwi and shubman gill to carry our team in next decade. Also God forbid If Rohit loses his touch and confidence because of bad test tour perhaps we may see India out of world cup in first round itself. Sorry to say but Perth,s last innings was more shameful than perhaps Hong Kong would have done.
I bring Hong Kong bcoz in Asia cup our great toddler phast bowling was shown its asli aukat.

 

[Napa]

Pujara is consistent with century in first match and then flop for rest of series. Happened in England and South Africa , as well as when England demolished India in India (2012_13 series). Same will happen this time.

We will see.

Pacers don't have spine to uproot a gritty tailender like Cummins Lyon or Starc.

I don't think you actually watched the game being played. Cummins and Starc were very lucky, they were just swinging and mostly missing, but connected a few.

Bringing in New faces like Mayank and Vihari mid tour just shows India is panicking. Shastri is nervous and attacks from all press media as well as criticism from former players has made him vulnerable. First sign of challenge and indian ship including Shastri starts sinking.

Dropping failures is not panicking, it is holding players accountable for their performance.

To bring them out of it either a incident like Monkey gate or attack on their homes (World cup 2003) is necessary and required. They don't seem to have a passion or hunger required to represent tricolor.

Our investment in Rahul Vijay Yadav has gone down the drain. Perhaps after this tour new bench strength should be pushed in. Players from under19 who have better techniques and not polluted by cash rich Indian Tamasha league should be given a chance. I have hopes from Pritwi and shubman gill to carry our team in next decade. Also God forbid If Rohit loses his touch and confidence because of bad test tour perhaps we may see India out of world cup in first round itself. Sorry to say but Perth,s last innings was more shameful than perhaps Hong Kong would have done.
I bring Hong Kong bcoz in Asia cup our great toddler phast bowling was shown its asli aukat.

You do justice to your name Sunny