The 2023 Border/Gavaskar Trophy series reaches its conclusion over the next few days with the fourth and final Test to begin this afternoon in Ahmedabad. Australia trails India 1-2 at this stage but comes into the final game with renewed belief after what turned out to be a stunning 9-wicket victory at Indore last week.
Australia are likely to go into the game with the same eleven – why would you change a winning combination? Unless there is a thought that the pitch might favour an additional seamer at the expense of one of the spinners. Unlikely, I’d say. Steve Smith will fill in as captain again as Cummins has opted to stay in Australia to support his ill mother.
There is some talk that India may swap Shami for Siraj and, perhaps, give a debut to wicketkeeper Ashan Kishan at the expense of Bharat, the latter having been serviceable behind the stumps but unimpressive with the bat. It just goes to show how far regular keeper Rishabh Pant is ahead of the next-in-line.
Predictably, there’s ‘concern’ over the wicket’s preparation with some suggestions that two strips have been prepared with a final choice to be made not long before play commences. Ah, don’t you love conspiracy theories?
What are we to make of this game? Can it get to a fourth day? India needs a win to bolster its hopes of making the World Championship game in England; the Aussies have already booked their place in that one. Is this an opportunity for Australia to unleash Lance Morris as a wildcard? Would another good effort by Travis Head sound the death knell for David Warner’s chances of an Ashes tour? Or does Mitchell Swepson get a run to provide a point of difference? Does India choose a wicket that might have a bit more pace as a practice run with that Championship match in mind? Or does that potentially play into the hands of the Aussies?
We might choose many other points of conjecture. What we do know is that Narendra Modi Stadium will be rocking with its 130,000-seat capacity. Talk about intimidating! A test in its own right.
My prediction? Another low, slow turner that only an optimist would see going into a fourth day. In that case, India to win and book a place in London.
Play begins at 2.00pm AEST.
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About Ian Hauser
A former teacher with a (very) modest sporting CV enjoying his retirement years. A Queenslander through and through, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, McWilliam's Cream Apera and a glass or three of wine. Footy Almanac's Thursday online editor who moonlights as a hobby editor.
The first two days of the fourth test have been a delight
Khawaja’s 180 and Green’s maiden century were wonderful to watch
On reflection, it seems the local need was for a draw so India remain one up for the series. The possibility of two scores of 480 at under three runs per over for the first innings of the match leading into day four suggests chose the right wicket for them. Loved what I saw of C Green’s innings on the first evening. My attendance at WOMADelaide preventing much further viewing of the match.