If there is a term that would describe the Indian cricket team after they salvaged a draw at the Sydney cricket ground – “Cornered Tigers” seems to be the most suited one. Against the backdrop of the racism chants by some irresponsible Australian fans, the Indian team sent a strong message to the cricketing world; if they are abused on the field, they will come back only stronger.
During the starting hours of the final day, after the dismissal of captain Ajinkya Rahane, an Australian victory was just a matter of time. However, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant had some other plans for them. His attacking instinct, that too against ace spinner Nathan Lyon, only reaffirmed that India was going for the target of 407 rather than playing for a draw.
With Cheteshwar Pujara holding one end and Pant continuing to play in his attacking best, India was on course for an unlikely victory. Unfortunately, all hopes were shattered, the moment Pant was dismissed three runs short of what would have been one of the great centuries in Australia. It was followed by Josh Hazlewood, breaching the defense of Pujara, and suddenly an Indian defeat was on the cards. Test cricket was at its best as fortunes swung from one side to another.
Situations started to worsen for India as Hanuma Vihari picked up a hamstring injury, but that did nothing to undermine his resolve as he kept defending and put a high price on his wicket. He was also helped tremendously by Ravichandran Ashwin, who was keeping most of the strikes. The southpaw also had to face a barrage of short balls, being struck on the ribs and shoulder, following which the Indian team’s physio became a consistent attendant on the field.
Australia needed just one good delivery as, after that, one batsman with an injured thumb and three tailenders remained in the Indian batting line-up. But unfortunately for Australia, that delivery never came, thanks to the gritty innings played by the pair of Vihari and Ashwin – not to forget three dropped catches by Aussie captain Tim Paine. It will not be wrong to say that India did gain a psychological victory in the Sydney Test.
India didn’t play a full-strength team; otherwise, the way Australians were on the back foot even against a B team of India, the result could have been different.
Going into the final test at Gabba, various injury questions have to be answered by the Indian team management. With the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, India will miss both an all-rounder and a great fielder. As the injury clouds hover over Jasprit Bumrah with reports of an abdominal strain, Hanuma Vihari has also been gone for scans for his hamstring.
The batting looks more or less well equipped with the openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – both missing out on big scores in the 3rd test would look to make up for it in Brisbane. Pujara and Rahane need to show their experience in the middle order. Wriddhiman Saha can be roped in as a wicketkeeper while also having Rishabh Pant as a pure batsman. It will not only strengthen the batting but will also give an edge over Australia in wicket-keeping skills.
Ravichandran Ashwin does not look fit, but with his morale high, it is evident that he will play at the Gabba and try to revive his magic with the ball which seemed missing in Sydney.
The main concern for India will be their pace bowling department. All the pace bowlers, who were in the starting line-up of the 1st test, will be missing the final one – with Jasprit Bumrah being the latest addition to the injury list comprising of Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav. It will be interesting to see who will assist Mohammad Siraj and Navdeep Saini in bowling. Whoever it will be, this bowling attack for India will be the most inexperienced for them in overseas test matches in recent times.
Despite all these, the way the Indian team has displayed their determination on the field gives the impression that any player can prove to be menacing for Australia once he dons the Indian jersey.
With the Indian team’s morale high, it won’t matter to them that Gabba has been a fortress for Australia where they have been undefeated for 33 years – the mighty West Indies being the last team to defeat the hosts. What the visitors would be looking for is nothing short of a victory, breaching the impregnable Gabbatoir!
Cow Corner 
Though odds are heavily inclined towards Aussies due to depleted Indian pace attack, you never know , sometimes a David might just surprise a Goliath.
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