Well, well, well. You can say you read it first in the Footy Almanac. A day after we wrote about the state of cricket in Victoria, the chairman of Cricket Australia comes out and says Victoria Cricket should lift its game.
As is their want, India surrender the last two wickets for three runs this morning. Yadav (0) and Sharmi (9) both falling to Mitchell Johnson who records figures of 3-135. India are all out for 465. Harris 4-70. Lyon 2-108.
Kohli and Rahane would have been seething as the back half surrender with hardly a whimper. The last eight wickets falling for just 56 runs.
Warner starts off in mean form and attacks right from the start. His 40 seemed to take no time and Australia is showing their hand: quick runs to open up the game. MS brings on Ashwin to stem the tide and he does. Warner (40) falls LBW to the off-spinner and he has done his job. Australia 1-57.
Watson joins the reliable Rogers and they take the score to 1-98 at lunch and a lead of 163.
Rain during the lunch break allows me to pick my next Australian Test team. One hour of play is lost.
A class act: Skipper Steve Smith takes time to sign autographs during the rain delay. Not one kid who lined up missed out. Pic – Steve Baker
It has always been of interest to me that the majority of great batsmen of the game have always been short in stature eg. five foot eight (173cm) or less (showing my age).
Tall players seem to go missing in the ‘best players’ stakes, so I am picking my best Test team of players over six feet (in batting order)
Bill Lawry (Vic)
Matthew Hayden (Q)
Ian Redpath (Vic)
Warwick Armstrong (Vic)
Greg Chappell (SA)
Keith Miller (Vic)
Adam Gilchrist (NSW)
Richie Benaud (NSW) Capt.
Dennis Lillee (WA)
Bill O’Reilly (NSW)
Glenn McGrath (NSW)
Paul Sheahan (Vic), 12th man.
(note: there are five Victorians in the team)
Shane Watson’s indifferent form continues and he tickles one through to MS of Ishant Sharma who is bowling very well. Watson goes for 17 and Australia are 2-98. Once again the discussions will take place as to whether “Watto” should be in the team, especially batting at number three.
Enter His Royal Batsmanship Steve Smith. Slow to start, Smith was settling in with the reliable Rogers. HRB fails! Falling to the three card trick when on 14, he tickles Yadav around the corner to Rahane who had just been placed there. Australia 3-131.
Chris Rogers remains in complete control and Marsh the Elder is settling in. The two Sandgropers have different targets to achieve. Rogers on 69 another good score. This will cement his trip to England in 2015. Marsh the Elder playing for his spot in the team and then the tour.
Rogers (69) is out bowled by Ashwin. Australia 4-164. Rogers’ fourth consecutive score over 50. He is in fine form but must be worried that he cannot go on with the job.
Enter Joe Burns. Some suggest that he was one of Ned Kelly’s mob but that Joe played in the ‘y’ and never let his gun stray. This Joe did not stick to the rules of the ‘y’ and the fact that he played in the ‘u’ saw his demise at nine. Umpire Redmond Barry not needed today. No train ride to Glenrowan for Joe Burns with a “u”. Australia 5-176.
Full credit to Sharma today, he bowled line and length and has 2-42 off 16 overs at this stage of the day. Haddin and Marsh the Elder are not forcing the pace and in fact, even if they wanted to, they cannot.
Haddin (13) is given out caught behind of Yadav. The review system would have shown that he did not hit it. Australia 6-202.
The day has been intriguing and whilst the runs have not flowed like other days, the elite of cricket supporters have really enjoyed the battle.
The Elder is circumspect but Mitchell Johnson is starting to prove dangerous. You cannot let him get on top of you or you will suffer. India don’t suffer for long as Johnson (15) mistimes a pull and holes out to Rahane of Shami. Oz 7-234.
At 6:30pm the Aussies attack. Marsh the Elder takes to Ashwin and brings up his 50. With 30 minutes of play left, Australia’s lead is now 311. Marsh is opening his shoulders and also making sure that his team do not lose any more wickets tonight.
Marsh the Elder is 62.n.o. when stumps are called and War Horse Harris’ eight sees Australia going into the final day with a lead of 326. A big ask for the visitors tomorrow.
Another wonderful day’s play by both sides which will lead to a good crowd in attendance. Test cricket rules the day again.
About Bob Utber
At 84 years of age Citrus Bob is doing what he has always done since growing up on a small farm at Lang Lang. Talking, watching and writing sport and in recent years writing books. He lives in Mildura with his very considerate wife (Jenny) and a groodle named 'Chloe on Flinders' and can be found at Deakin 27 every day.
Would you declare overnight Bob? Or try to add a quick 30 and make the task around 4 an over? I reckon the Indians can get them, but I thought that before to no avail. Set up for an intriguing last day. The pitch still looks a belter.
Your reports are insightful and concise. Thanks Bob.
Redpath looks a ringer in that line up. How tall S or M Waugh?
Pete
I don’t think the Waugh boys make the 6 foot. More Collingwood I reckon!