Has the Test series turned in India's favour after their win in the 2nd Test?

[Caved12]

but make no mistake about this, Top ranked teams will always win their home series 9 out 10 times these days and we all know how good is Australia when they play test matches at their own backyard. It is always going to be difficult without Virat Kohli.

 

[MenInG]

Doctors warn attending Test could 'supercharge' spread of virus

The episode comes as the NSW Government rolls out a range of restrictions in response to rising coronavirus cases in Sydney, with masks to become mandatory for many indoor settings.

Outdoor seated events are now capped at 2,000 people, although NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says COVID-safe plans for larger events will be reviewed.

NSW Health officials will do a "walk-through" at the SCG before rubber stamping plans for the third Test, which currently permit a daily crowd of approximately 20,000.

Ms Berejiklian defended the fact that masks will be recommended — but not mandated — at the ground but felt fans would understand if there were any last-minute changes to rules or crowd size.

"During a pandemic, things can move very quickly," Ms Berejiklian said.

"People in our state understand decisions need be taken [quickly] and the consequences that might occur."

NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay has called for there to be no crowd at the SCG Test.

Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid issued a public plea regarding an event that could "supercharge the spread of COVID-19".

"This is a potential transmission site," Dr Khorshid said.

"As people queue at the ticket gates, at food and beverage stalls and use shared toilet facilities — on top of taking public transport from all parts of Sydney to gather in one central location.

"The decision to hold the Test match with spectators is at odds with the rest of NSW's appropriate response to the latest outbreak.

"Let's put health first and watch the third Test on TV."


https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01...d-possible-coronavirus-bubble-breach/13027970

 

[sweep_shot]

I still expect Aussies to win this series. Warner is back and I think that may make a big difference.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I still expect Aussies to win this series. Warner is back and I think that may make a big difference.

52.97+40.3+47.1+46.66+ 57

Averages of Khawaja, Marsh, handsxomb, Travis head and labuschagne in Australia.


Very interesting indeed for me. Tells me that 2018 was not a fluke unfortunately.

Infact even now India are able to compete despite missing 5 key players vs Aussies 1. Interesting indeed.

Would have loved to see full strength sides face each other. We did see in 2017 and India won that in India. But that time India din't even have bumrah or Gill or Mayank or pant. It's very interesting indeed. So a weaker version of India beat a full strength Australia in India.

In Australia if both were at full strength it would be very equal. However I still believe toss will make a difference.

 

[MenInG]

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia fast bowler James Pattinson has been ruled out of the third test against India in Sydney with bruised ribs after suffering a fall at his property, the team said on Monday.

Pattinson sustained the injury while on “approved leave” from the team’s hub in Melbourne following the Boxing Day test, which India won by eight wickets.

He would not be replaced in the squad and would be assessed further before the fourth and final test in Brisbane, the team said in a statement.

Pattinson did not play in the first tests, with selectors sticking with the pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

The series is level at

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-c...at-home-ruled-out-third-test-idUKKBN2980RA1-1 ahead of the third test which starts at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

 

[MenInG]

Crowd capacity for the third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been reduced to 25% after a Covid-19 outbreak.

A pre-Christmas surge of the virus in Sydney led to calls to ban spectators but tickets will be reissued under new social distancing guidelines.

The stadium can seat 48,000 people and the original intention had been for it to be filled to 50% of its capacity.

The four-match series is level at 1-1 - the third Test starts on 7 January.

Both teams were set to arrive in Sydney on Monday.

India's players and staff have tested negative for the virus after five cricketers were placed in isolation.

The five players were isolated as a precaution after they were videoed eating indoors at a Melbourne restaurant, which is not allowed under the bio-secure rules.

Source BBC

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

52.97+40.3+47.1+46.66+ 57

Averages of Khawaja, Marsh, handsxomb, Travis head and labuschagne in Australia.


Very interesting indeed for me. Tells me that 2018 was not a fluke unfortunately.

Infact even now India are able to compete despite missing 5 key players vs Aussies 1. Interesting indeed.

Would have loved to see full strength sides face each other. We did see in 2017 and India won that in India. But that time India din't even have bumrah or Gill or Mayank or pant. It's very interesting indeed. So a weaker version of India beat a full strength Australia in India.

In Australia if both were at full strength it would be very equal. However I still believe toss will make a difference.

But according to you toss only make a difference when Kohli is our captain?

 

[The Viper]

Sydney Test: Australia will have plans set for world-class Rohit, says Lyon

Australia will have plans chalked out for the returning Rohit Sharma, seasoned off-spinner Nathan Lyon said on Monday, describing the swashbuckling India opener as one of the best players in world cricket.

Having missed the limited overs leg of the tour and the Tests in Adelaide and Melbourne due to an injury, Rohit has joined an upbeat Indian team for the last two matches and Lyon is aware of the threat the batsman can pose with his wide range of strokes.

"Rohit Sharma is one of the best players in the world going around, so it is going to be a big challenge for us bowlers, but we are going to show our way from it, we love challenging ourself," Lyon said at a virtual press conference.

"He (Rohit) is a big input for Indian side, so it is going to be interesting to see who they leave out.

"But we will have our plans ready for Rohit, and hopefully, we can get on top of him nice and early, but respecting how good a cricketer Rohit is," added Lyon, who is on the verge of playing his 100th Test.

Rohit has been named India''s vice-captain for the remaining two Tests after he missed the first two as he was recovering from an injury sustained during the IPL.

Lyon said one of India skipper Ajinkya Rahane''s strengths is that he does not indulge in sledging or conversations with the opposition bowlers while he is in the middle.

"He (Rahane) is obviously a world-class batter, which helps with everything. I think the patience that he shows at the crease, he doesn't seem to get (frustrated) much.

"He (Rahane) doesn''t buy into any sledging or any conservation out there in the middle, he is pretty calm and collective batter (of the) opposition, so it is few different things that he offers.

"But he is obviously leader of India at the moment as Virat (Kohli) is not here, so he is standing up at the moment and I know we will have our plans ready to hopefully combat him come the SCG Test," he said.

Lyon also had words of praise for his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin and said the Tamil Nadu off-spinner has bowled quite straighter to the Australian batsman and they had no answer to that.

'100 percent going to Brisbane for fourth Test'

Lyon further said that they are "100 percent" sure of Brisbane hosting the fourth Test against India, playing down media reports that Team India is reluctant to travel there in view of stricter quarantine rules.

The fourth Test is scheduled to be held in Brisbane from January 15, but Lyon added his team is currently focused on the third match, which will be played in Sydney from January 7.

"100 per cent planning on going to Brisbane and sticking with plan A," said Lyon.

"We have heard nothing as players, so we have got obviously travel up to Sydney today and get ripping there, and hopefully, get the result that we are after and then straight on playing in Brisbane." Australia has got a good record at Brisbane while India is yet to win a Test at the Gabba.

"We all know how much we love playing cricket at the Gabba and we know our result there as well with our records. So, all plans to go to Gabba, that is for sure.

According to Australian media reports, the Indians are not happy at the possibility of going for another quarantine in Brisbane, since they have already served one upon entering Australia.

IND vs AUS: India's practice session at MCG washed out

"To be honest mate, I am not thinking about plan B or not playing at the Gabba. I, for 100 percent, think we are going there and we are preparing for the Gabba."

Lyon is aware that many players in both the groups have been staying in a bubble for close to six months, but he called it a "small sacrifice" under the current circumstances.

"To be honest, regarding quarantine, I know there are few people from both squads, who have been in the bubble for close to six months now.

"But, in my eyes, it is a very small sacrifice, for us to get out there and play the game we love and put a lot of smiles on lot of people''s faces around the world," added Lyon, who has played 98 Tests.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...-brisbane-test-team-india/article33491425.ece

 

[MenInG]

 

[Romali_rotti]

Oh No Saini is playing .. He is the Malcolm Sami of India.... GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[King_Kohli]

Oh No Saini is playing .. He is the Malcolm Sami of India.... GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't have many options, Saini better than Shardul.

 

[Mahee]

IMO, India's win at Melbourne was just a fluke...had Australia held on to those umpteen number of catches they dropped, it would have been another humiliating defeat for India....they just got lucky... nothing more than that... Australia will show India their place in next two tests...if that does not happen, I will not visit this forum again.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Now fresh reports coming in that Lord Shardul Thakur might be selected in playing XI for third test. [MENTION=134809]sensible-indian-fan[/MENTION], [MENTION=137142]JaDed[/MENTION] [MENTION=113824]Nikhil_cric[/MENTION]

Thankfully it didn't happen.

Saini has to pull up his socks.

 

[MenInG]

In what will come as a big blow to India, Ravindra Jadeja has reportedly been ruled out of the remainder of the four-match Test series following a thumb injury during the 3rd Test at SCG. On Saturday, Jadeja picked up the injury while batting. According to a report in TOI, Jadeja is unlikely to take any further part in the series.

A BCCI official was quoted revealing this after the all-rounder was taken for scans. The official said that it would be difficult for Jadeja to wear the gloves and bat. Adding further, he reckoned Jadeja would be out of action for the next two or three weeks.

“Ravindra Jadeja has suffered a dislocation and fracture on his left thumb. It will be very difficult for him to wear those gloves and bat. In any case, he will be out of action for at least two to three weeks which rules him out of the final Test,” the senior BCCI official said.

It would be a big blow to India – who are in a spot of bother in the third Test at SCG. Jadeja picked up four wickets in the first innings to help India bundle out the hosts for under 350 on a good batting strip. He also dismissed Steve Smith with a stunning direct hit. At SCG, Jadeja chipped in with an important 28* off 37 balls to help India ensure Australia did not have a lead of over 100.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...-injury-during-3rd-test-at-scg-reports-965465