Can Dhawan and Pujara help India take a big lead?
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India have let go of their advantage rather quickly in the second Test vs Australia at the Gabba. From a position of strength at the end of Day 2, the hosts lost the initiative after allowing Australia's lower order to race past 500. However, an out-of-form Shikhar Dhawan and out-of-luck Cheteshwar Pujara will look to put India in a strong position when play resumes on Day 4 with India 71/1, still trailing Australia by 24 runs. (Scorecard )
India still have some very good batsmen to follow. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have been in fine form, Rohit Sharma is due for a good knock, Mahnedra Singh Dhoni and R Ashwin can bat well with the tail - so it won't be easy for Australia. Mitchell Johnson and Co. will be well rested and fresh when they come back Saturday morning and they would be itching to have a go and remove some early wickets. Can Dhawan provide a quick start and rattle Australia? Can Pujara drop anchor?
Day 3 Recap
Steve Smith completed a century in his first innings as Test captain and Mitchell Starc chipped in with bat and ball to give Australia a narrow advantage after day three of the second Test against India on Friday. Australia set up a 97-run first-innings lead, with Smith scoring 133, Mitchell Johnson blazing 88 and Starc hitting 52 in a late cameo to lift the total to 505 in reply to India's 408. Australia's last four wickets added 258 runs. (Full report )
Smith Hails Gutsy Tailenders
Australian captain Steven Smith, while himself leading from the front with a second century (133) in as many Tests, Friday praised his team's tailenders for showing maturity and giving him company, an effort that put the hosts comfortably placed after Day Three in the second Test here. Smith shared an epic 148-run partnership with pacer Mitchell Johnson (88) for the seventh wicket, a stand that helped the hosts recover from an uncomfortable 247 for 6 to an imposing 505. (Full report )
Umesh Yadav Rues Leaking Runs at Gabba
After two days of cricket, India had the upperhand in the second cricket Test -- and the advantage was stretched further on the third morning, but the Australian tail came to the rescue and gave the hosts a 97-run lead by the end of their innings on Friday. (Full report )
Team India Always Lack Plan B: Gavaskar
India went from a position of strength to one of weakness after the Australian tail dominated proceedings on Day 3 at the Gabba. From 247 for 6, the hosts on Friday reached 505 in their first innings -? a lead of 97 runs courtesy unimaginative bowling from Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels the lack of planning hurt the tourists, allowing Mitchell Johnson (88) and Mitchell Starc (52) to bat without fear. (Full report)
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