In the immortal words of Ravi Shastri, all three results are possible in the first test match between India and Australia at Adelaide. David Warner’s ton has helped to stretch Australia’s advantage to 363 at stumps at the end of Day 4.
Can India Save This Test Match?
“Australia have a bigger chance of winning as India didn’t do too well in the latter half of the first innings. It remains to be seen if they have the time and the overs to bowl India out,” says Ayaz Memon, sports commentator.
“Over the last few overseas tours, India has struggled to bat for long periods, especially in the second innings. So, India will be hard-pressed to save this test match. It’s a young, inexperienced side,” said Chandresh Narayanan, former ICC media officer.
“Drawing the match would be a moral victory for India. There has been an evident good show by India’s batsmen. But if you lose the first test, it makes you more vulnerable going forward,” Memon added.
Comparing this match’s performance with the past few tours, Memon said, “The big plus is that Virat Kohli is back in form. Murali Vijay, Rahane and Rohit Sharma - everybody got runs. The big gamble that selectors took with Karn Sharma has unfortunately failed,”
"Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara have been doing well as no. 1 and 3. It’s a good sign because India had been lacking in that area since the departure of Sehwag and Dravid. The big change has been the inclusion of the next-gen players. The selectors have shown a lot of faith in them," Narayanan said.
“Australia will probably bowl more than 95 overs. India need to pace their innings properly, and cannot lose early wickets. India’s record batting on the fifth day overseas has been quite poor. A victory for India, if it happens, will be cause for national celebration,” Memon concluded.