4th Test: India v Australia @ Nagpur (Thu-Mon)

[Russian]

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7006/icctestua2.png
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/9348/indtp2.gif vs http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4149/aus8ir.gif
VCA Stadium, Nagpur
3pm AEDT Thursday November 6-Monday November 10

It's 2-2 through seven Tests since Boxing Day but 1-0 to India for this series so they're the only team who benefit from a draw, which will be enough for them to regain the trophy in the cupboard for the next 3 years of peace. It was in Nagpur that the Australians took the trophy off them when Damien Martyn caught Zaheer Khan to end the match in which he'd scored 117 and 97. Simon Katich also made 99 in that match. But that was at the VCA Ground, this is the VCA Stadium, built by the now BCCI president so Nagpur could boast that they were the only place in India with "two cricket stadia of international concrete". It was also supposedly the first one in India where nobody has to sit on the concrete. Anyway, back to the cricket...

No Anil Kumble after injury forced him to end his career in Delhi a little earlier than he'd planned. This game also marks the end of the line for Sourav Ganguly after 424 games for India and around 18,500 runs. Gautam Gambhir is suspended but the rules effectively allow him to turn his one Test ban into a 2 ODI ban, and have a crack at getting off with a fine of no more than he'd be paid for that match while he's at it. Not surprisingly the BCCI have taken advantage of that loophole the ICC don't want to close. Harbhajan Singh is almost certain to come in for Kumble on a pitch tipped to favour the spinners although there isn't a lot to base that on.

Ricky Ponting's admitted an attack of Clark, Lee, Johnson, Watson, White and Clarke is unlikely to get the 20 Indian wickets needed to win the series. Now they have to decide if Bollinger, Krejza or Siddle will make any difference. Cameron White in danger along with Stuart Clark who has taken just two wickets in as many matches as he struggles with injury. Siddle took 4 in his one game while the other two are yet to earn a baggy green, or a limited overs cap.

India XI:
Virender Sehwag
Murali Vijay (international debut)
Subramaniam Badrinath
Rahul Dravid
Sachin Tendulkar
Sourav Ganguly
VVS Laxman
*+MS Dhoni
Amit Mishra
Harbhajan Singh
Zaheer Khan
Rudra Pratap Singh
Ishant Sharma
Munaf Patel
In:
Vijay
Badrinath
Harbhajan
RP
Munaf
Out:
Anil Kumble (retired/finger/shoulder)
Gautam Gambhir (suspended)

Australia XV:
Simon Katich
Matthew Hayden
Shaun Marsh (Test debut)
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Hussey
Michael Clarke
Shane Watson
+Brad Haddin
Cameron White
Jason Krejza (international debut)
Brett Lee
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Stuart Clark
Doug Bollinger (international debut)
In:
Marsh
Krejza
Siddle
Bollinger

Umpires:
Billy Bowden (New Zealand)
Aleem Dar (Pakistan)
Suresh Shastri (India)

Session Times (AEDT):
First session: 3-5pm
Second session: 5:40-7:40pm
Third session: 8-10:30pm

Weather:
Hot, sunny, mid 30s. (I only got to use that subcontinental forecasting method once? :()

Coverage:
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8092/fs2bh3.png - live from 2:30pm AEDT
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7972/abclocalvx4.png - live from 2:55pm AEDT
Cricinfo scorecard and commentary (http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/engine/current/match/345672.html)
Cricket Australia scorecard and commentary (http://ls.cricket.com.au/HomeFullScorecard62_2331_4.html) or analysis (http://cricket.com.au/?s=cascoreboard&seriesId=2331&matchId=4)

Betting:
India - $3.40
Australia - $3.65
Draw - $1.90
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2811/tabln1.gif

[Zeke]

Out: Gambhir

[Bloods boy from the Bush]

Maybe the Aussie selectors should leave out Watson for Kreja. White could bat at six and offer some part-time spinners with Kreja as the main spinner. We don't need four quicks and Watson doesn't look like a wicket taker on these pitches (Neither does White but at least he adds some variety).

[w00dy]

Maybe the Aussie selectors should leave out Watson for Kreja. White could bat at six and offer some part-time spinners with Kreja as the main spinner. We don't need four quicks and Watson doesn't look like a wicket taker on these pitches (Neither does White but at least he adds some variety).

that's something that I think will be considered, although I'd imagine Haddin may move up to 6, with White at 7... either way it would help give us another spinning option, or perhaps even the variety Siddle provides...

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

From all accounts the pitch is a road.

Obviously the team batting first will have a massive advantage so hopefully the coin can turn the Australians way.

The 22-yard strip at the new stadium looks a batsman's paradise. Even a magnifying glass could not spot a tinge of the green on the brown surface. "The surface is as hard as a cement block, giving no leeway to seam bowlers."


http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24603055-23212,00.html

[aussie1st]

Maybe the Aussie selectors should leave out Watson for Kreja. White could bat at six and offer some part-time spinners with Kreja as the main spinner. We don't need four quicks and Watson doesn't look like a wicket taker on these pitches (Neither does White but at least he adds some variety).

That could work as long as White can hold his own with the bat. Gives us 4 spinning options as well.

[Dez!]

Watson has been pretty good with the bat and ball but I think it will be White who gets left out of the team.

Although I would like to see him left out of the team for this Test seeing as how the pitch will be a road and having 4 quicks will do no good. It's got nothing to do with form or anything because he's been very good in this series, it's more of a victim of circumstances.

I'll probably cop some Victoria bias crap for saying this but I'd like too see White stay in, he adds just that extra bit of variety.

[Buddy]

Toss will be crucial.

I expect someone to get near 300 on this wicket.

[davey_magik]

White out for Krejza, that's all I want.

I knew they'd prepare roads once they got 1-0 up in the series.

[carntheroos4eva]

White out for Krejza, that's all I want.

I knew they'd prepare roads once they got 1-0 up in the series.
It won't happen. I know that you want it to happen. I do think that Krezja will come into the side but it won't be to replace White. I think it would be one of the batsmen getting a rest.

[Moin Khan]

India to lose, but then have the result overturned because Gambhir didn't play.

[Cooldude]

White should be dropped for Krejza, that should be the only change for the Australians

[anti.]

so is the pitch very alike to how it was in 2004 when we were bowled out on the last day for about 100 with the spinners dominating?

if so, we need to win the toss and set a first innings score of about 400.

we can win this one, we got back some momentum in the last test.

[Big Jols]

If we bat first we will win and retain the trophy;):D

[HBF]

From all accounts the pitch is a road.

Obviously the team batting first will have a massive advantage so hopefully the coin can turn the Australians way.



http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24603055-23212,00.html

Something different from the Indian curators. :rolleyes:

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

Apparently there is a bit of concern about the prospect of India naming Gambhir in the side and what could happen?

Something similar happened in 2001 with Sehwag i think when he was named after being rubbed out and the match referree was locked outside the ground and the match was classified as "unoffical".

[anti.]

they couldnt possibly do that could they?

do they think they own the right to overhaul whatever the major body says? yes, yes they do.

[DIG]

so is the pitch very alike to how it was in 2004 when we were bowled out on the last day for about 100 with the spinners dominating?

if so, we need to win the toss and set a first innings score of about 400.

we can win this one, we got back some momentum in the last test.
New stadium, new ground.

[Bond,ShaneBond]

Something different from the Indian curators. :rolleyes:

No different to most Aussie pitches these days. Hell, make that worldwide.

Draw for mine. Australia won't get twenty wickets in a match for the whole series. Terrible.

[Cousin Jed]

The old guarantee a draw strip?

[anti.]

New stadium, new ground.

ouch, doesnt bode well for us if its a batsman's paradise.

[Dixie Flatline]

Apparently there is a bit of concern about the prospect of India naming Gambhir in the side and what could happen?

Something similar happened in 2001 with Sehwag i think when he was named after being rubbed out and the match referree was locked outside the ground and the match was classified as "unoffical".

I thought the Indians had already named Gambhir's replacement. :confused:

[Buddy]

I thought the Indians had already named Gambhir's replacement. :confused:

Nah, called him into the team.

It's going to hit the fan if they name Gambhir to play.

Remember, final team is only submitted to both captains just before the toss.

[OzBomber]

A close one, but with Gambhir out and a new batsman coming in, Australia will just pip India on the final day in a thriller.

I wonder how Krejza will go. I want him to spin the ball. No point bowling good lengths as a spinner if he can't spin the ball, as he'll still get spanked.

[Cooldude]

Actually Krejza's the type to give it a reasonable tweak but can be very erratic in length

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

they couldnt possibly do that could they?

do they think they own the right to overhaul whatever the major body says? yes, yes they do.

I personally don't think they will do it, but im sure something similar happened in 2001

They are ahead 1 - 0 in the series and a draw in this game will serve India just fine, i dont think they desperately need to play Gambhir and it would be very foolish to risk some sort of action from the ICC if they were to name and consquently play him.

In 2001 Sehwag was banned for excessive appealing for one test match. During the match a match referree was removed for some reason against the ICC directions and consquently, the match was given "unoffical status". Sehwag played in that match and as it wasnt recognized his suspension still needed to be served or something like that.

Basically if he was named id think the ICC would have to classify the match as unoffical.

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

A close one, but with Gambhir out and a new batsman coming in, Australia will just pip India on the final day in a thriller.

I wonder how Krejza will go. I want him to spin the ball. No point bowling good lengths as a spinner if he can't spin the ball, as he'll still get spanked.

I hope the match is a thriller fullstop. Cricket needs it, so good luck to India and good luck to Australia.

Obviously i hope Australia wins becase to be honest the cricket hasnt been as good as i'd hoped. In saying that however India hasnt let us played how we want to and for that they do have to be given full credit.

[rickyp]

I hope they do name Gambhir, just because I'd love to see the ICC let it happen.

Cmon aussies, I'm sacrificing all my study to watch this test, you better make it worth it.

On a match note, win the toss win the game, pretty simple game really :p

[Alpha1]

Nah Gambhir wont be playing Dhoni has confirmed the young kid will make his debut.

[HBF]

No different to most Aussie pitches these days. Hell, make that worldwide.

Draw for mine. Australia won't get twenty wickets in a match for the whole series. Terrible.

You need to watch more cricket mate. The pitches that are prepared in Australia at least give the team batting second some chance of winning the game. In India, whoever bats second has NO chance of winning.

[likka]

Cannot see this game being anything other than a draw.

Only real question I have is over how abrasive the pitch is. Reports are it is hard as concrete and devoid of any grass, which means the ball may reverse very early like the second test.

Only side I can see able to get 20 wickets this test is India, and that is heavily dependent on an abrasive pitch producing a ball that will reverse significantly. No dangerous reverse and I think this will be another batting dominated draw.

Feel for Krezja if he finally gets a game... bloody hard gig on this pitch, especially given he's had absolutely no game time since prior to the first test. Just hope expectations for him are set at a realistic level and the media/public don't cane him if he gets spanked.

[Buddy]

You need to watch more cricket mate. The pitches that are prepared in Australia at least give the team batting second some chance of winning the game. In India, whoever bats second has NO chance of winning.

The pitches in Australia have traditionally been green tops, because Australia has a history of producing quality pacemen.

The pitches in India have traditionally been batting tracks, with enough turn in them over the last two days to aid the spinners.

It's always been the case. It's not like you find International teams complaining before they play on a green pitch at the WACA.

[The Sim Dog]

Where's the 'Australia by forfeit because India refuse to take Gambhir out'? ;)

I went the draw because of what looks to be another baron, pathetic pitch.

[saj_21]

I have a feeling they will pick Krezja and drop Clark.

[didak04]

I have a feeling they will pick Krezja and drop Clark.

I really hope they don't

If Krezja plays White has to be the one to go. He is a liability to the team and Ponting is reluctant to use him. Having White and Krezja in the same side spells disaster.

[Dixie Flatline]

In 2001 Sehwag was banned for excessive appealing for one test match. During the match a match referree was removed for some reason against the ICC directions and consquently, the match was given "unoffical status". Sehwag played in that match and as it wasnt recognized his suspension still needed to be served or something like that.

Basically if he was named id think the ICC would have to classify the match as unoffical.

India and South Africa agreed to lock the match referee, Mike Denness, out of the ground. The ICC then declared the game "unofficial" because the referee couldn't attend.

This is a link to the official ICC media release of 23 November 2001 explaining why the third Test of the series between South Africa and India at Centurion Park was not an officially recognised Test match:

http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/108243.html

[signhimup]

If Krezja plays White has to be the one to go. He is a liability to the team and Ponting is reluctant to use him. Having White and Krezja in the same side spells disaster.[/quote]


I couldn’t agree more! U r 100% on the money.

[saj_21]

I really hope they don't

If Krezja plays White has to be the one to go. He is a liability to the team and Ponting is reluctant to use him. Having White and Krezja in the same side spells disaster.

I agree, but clark has only taken two wickets this series.

[signhimup]

I agree, but clark has only taken two wickets this series.


Yeah see where your coming from. I was a White myself but he just doesn’t look like getting a wicket and 10 overs of his tripe could cost 40 or 50 runs and all of a sudden the game is gone. At least you know what your getting with Clark.

[didak04]

I agree, but clark has only taken two wickets this series.

Yeah you are right Clark has struggled.

But if he is to be dropped i'd prefer him to be replaced by Siddle or Bollinger and White to be axed for Krezja.

Can't see it happening unfortunately.

[rickyp]

I agree, but clark has only taken two wickets this series.

bring in siddle for white then, just don't leave krejza and white in the same team, the test will be a horrible defeat if we have only 2 specialist pace bowlers

[legend166]

bring in siddle for white then, just don't leave krejza and white in the same team, the test will be a horrible defeat if we have only 2 specialist pace bowlers


D:

D:


It happened. Clark dropped. White and Krejza are playing. We're stuffed.

[ManWithNoName]

I'm as big a White fan as there is, but if they were going to play Krejza it had to be at the expense of White. Not Clark.

[Alpha1]

Dhoni wins the toss India bat first.

[TimeIsRunningOut]

Dhoni wins the toss India bat first.

Game, set and series.

[DT_fanatic]

lol, drop clark?

we're going to win this series for sure now :)

[DT_fanatic]

Dhoni wins the toss India bat first.

brilliantt, talk about getting lucky. again. :D

the odds for india should shorten considerably.

[ManWithNoName]

lol, drop clark?

we're going to win this series for sure now :)
Yeah his bowling was really causing India trouble...

[bombersno1]

White and Kreija..dear lord

[saj_21]

Well i guess my feeling was right Clark our Krezja in, as a few of you had said if clark is to be dropped Siddle should come in and white to make way for krezja and i agree but the selectors thought diferently.

Ponting needs to practice winning the toss he has always been bad at it :thumbsd:

[anti.]

we're screwed, we needed that toss badly.

not sure about dropping clark either. i would've just dropped white for krejza.

oh well...cmon boys!

[Blue Dimension]

wtf at dropping Clark?

Oh my...

This is going to be a looooooooooong test match.

[Sid]

I find myself really hoping that Ponting wins the toss, and am disappointed that we have lost it. Just the fact of hoping to win the toss shows that the Australians are under some immense pressures. A top team should not have to hope to win the toss this badly...

[DT_fanatic]

Yeah his bowling was really causing India trouble...

fair enough, but bring in krezja for him, or keep white?

i know who i'd rather be facing.

[didak04]

What a ridiculous decision. We effectively have 3 part time spinners and a borderline front line spinner. Could be a long couple of days in the field for us. Hopefully i am forced to eat my words.

[bombersno1]

How can we win 1 toss in 4..ffs Ponting you idiot

[ManWithNoName]

fair enough, but bring in krezja for him, or keep white?

i know who i'd rather be facing.
I'd prefer to keep White and bring in Siddle for Clark.

[royboy2]

Dhoni wins the toss India bat first.

Come On!! 7/1 looking good now

[signhimup]

Needed to win the toss. White and Krezji we r going to get our pants pulled down and arses spanked.

[Unwritten_Law]

Losing the toss is a killer.

Clark was keeping it tight but it looked like he could bowl 200 overs and not get a wicket over there. I don't mind the roll of the dice from the selectors, something had to give.

[aussie1st]

Ok I can understand dropping Clark but for Krejza? Bollinger or Siddle would have been a better option than White.

[TimeIsRunningOut]

How can we win 1 toss in 4..ffs Ponting you idiot

God help me...

[J-Train]

How can we win 1 toss in 4..ffs Ponting you idiot

Yeah, because a 50/50 call which totally comes down to luck is Ricky Ponting's fault. :rolleyes:

[bombersno1]

It aint hard to win a toss..get Clarke to do the tosses..in 2004 Gilly won 3..Ponting lost his..FFS he is a dumbass at tosses

[bombersno1]

Yeah, because a 50/50 call which totally comes down to luck is Ricky Ponting's fault. :rolleyes:

It is when he has a strike record in India of 1 in 5, just call them one way don't flip and change!

[beez]

Yeah, because a 50/50 call which totally comes down to luck is Ricky Ponting's fault. :rolleyes:

Precisely! Steve Waugh always called correctly, why can't Punter?

[carntheroos4eva]

wtf at dropping Clark?

Oh my...

This is going to be a looooooooooong test match.
probably due to injury

[TimeIsRunningOut]

It aint hard to win a toss..get Clarke to do the tosses..in 2004 Gilly won 3..Ponting lost his..FFS he is a dumbass at tosses

Get a brain.

[J-Train]

Precisely! Steve Waugh always called correctly, why can't Punter?

Please tell me you are joking beez....

[bombersno1]

Precisely! Steve Waugh always called correctly, why can't Punter?

Explain 1 in 5..20% FFS!:thumbsd:

[J-Train]

It is when he has a strike record in India of 1 in 5, just call them one way don't flip and change!

you are a knob of the highest order. Congratulations. :thumbsu:

[Mr_Smooth]

web stream here - link (http://www.ooxtv.com/iastream2.php)

[davey_magik]

web stream here - link (http://www.ooxtv.com/iastream2.php)

My net has capped so can't watch it :( . Got the radio blaring instead.

Lost the toss, yes it is a blow not to be batting first up on this road, but with Gambhir out and Dravid in poor form hopefully we can jag a few quick ones.

Ideally I want Sehwag and Tendulkar in the shed before lunch, not sure if it will happen though. Dropping Clark for Krejza is mind-boggling.

[Dixie Flatline]

... and Lee starts with a wide. :rolleyes:

[Macca19]

Great start Lee. Wide first ball, 4 third ball.

[dr nick]

pathetic selections. Deserve to get trounced this series all round.

[dr nick]

haha and i noticed Australias odds blew out from $3.50 to $4.40 when the XI was announced, and then a further 50c when we lost the toss.

[saj_21]

Lee and Johnson, economical first overs as always!

[Dixie Flatline]

Sehwag goes BANG, dot ball, BANG and suddenly Johnson has given up eight in his first over too.

[Macca19]

India playing plenty of shots early. Going over 8 an over.

[beez]

Deja vu anyone...

[DIG]

Steve Waugh always called heads. IIRC Punter always calls tails, might be wrong though. His toss record was 40% before this match.

[Vegas.]

This deck looks like rendered concrete.

[Dixie Flatline]

Lee gone for 9 from his second over. India 0/25 after 3 overs. :eek:

[Bombers_Forever]

White stays but Clark is out? Go figure. We need 20 wickets and White hardly takes any wickets. Kreja is un-deserving but in saying that, Ponting doesn't have a lot to work with. The bowlers selected have been a joke - surely the captain would have had a say.

With that pitch, the Indians have insured they will get the trophy.

[Cuzz09]

Funny thing is even if we had batted we would be like 2/20 by now.

Indians just too good.

[Carn the Coasters]

0/31 after 4 overs. Great start...

And to those talking about the toss, it is actually more likely that one team will win the toss three times, to the opponents one, than it is that the teams will win two tosses each.

A 3-1 toss result is a 50% chance of happening, compared to a 37.5% chance that it will be 2-all and a 12.5% chance that one team will win all 4 tosses in the series.

[rickyp]

Steve Waugh always called heads. IIRC Punter always calls tails, might be wrong though. His toss record was 40% before this match.

"Tails never fails" - Confucius

[Dixie Flatline]

Take out the first four overs and India would be 0/1.

[HBF]

How the hell does a regulation edge not carry on the first morning of a Test Match!? Bugger me!

[MCE]

0/31 after 4 overs. Great start...

And to those talking about the toss, it is actually more likely that one team will win the toss three times, to the opponents one, than it is that the teams will win two tosses each.

A 3-1 toss result is a 50% chance of happening, compared to a 37.5% chance that it will be 2-all and a 12.5% chance that one team will win all 4 tosses in the series.

Huh? Please explain.

[Cuzz09]

"If its a head you are bread, if its a tail I am you"

[MCE]

Take out the first four overs and India would be 0/1.

Take out the first three tests and the series is tied 0-0.

[rickyp]

lol, take out the last over of every day, and Clarke has only gone out 4 times

[Juddy88]

Are the coin tosses rigged?

[Bond,ShaneBond]

Never be afraid to ask for head(s), just don't expect the answer to be yes

[rickyp]

Lee dragged, over rates?

[XFactor1979]

picking two spinners eh?

who here agrees baldylocks jason krejza is a one-test wonder?

[OzBomber]

Why we didn't play Stuart Clark is beyond me. Ridiculous. He's arguably the best bowler in our team and he's been dropped. I don't care if doesn't take wickets. He is able to keep the runrate down while still troubling the batsman which sets up a wicket at the other end.

[ManWithNoName]

Are the coin tosses rigged?
Dhoni calls with "Heads I win tails you lose"