Cricket Test Series 2014: Australia v India

[kpc]

I personally don't think Australia deserve to win this Test match. Late (understandably, from a series win point of view) declaration giving India no realistic chance of winning, and too many drop catches....

 

[Pushka]

They are not batting for a draw, they are batting for a series win.

And that is why crowds are down for test matches. Playing a game for a draw to achieve a series win. Because they aren't confident winning in Sydney?

 

[QF WP]

Lyon just missed a run out - a comedy of errors by India's batsmen

Partnership of 85. Tea called

 

[QF WP]

First ball after tea - Harris gets Kohli for 54, caught by Joe Burns. 4/104. Now we may have just broken the one partnership that could have changed the game for India

 

[kpc]

First ball after tea - Harris gets Kohli for 54, caught by Joe Burns. 4/104. Now we may have just broken the one partnership that could have changed the game for India

.............50:50 now for win: draw

 

[turtlemichael]

And that is why crowds are down for test matches. Playing a game for a draw to achieve a series win. Because they aren't confident winning in Sydney?

Have to disagree with you on a couple of points. Crowds in Australia for test matches are certainly not down - here are the MCG stats for the last 65 years. http://www.mcg.org.au/~/media/Files/Cricket%20Records%20%20%20MCG%20Tests.pdf
Similar figures elsewhere I'm sure. They have always been reflective of who the opposition is. Crowds are down for other first class matches (Sheffield Shield) and when the side does not do well eg in the West Indies in recent times. Crowds are dramatically up for 20/20 cricket, and prior to that ODIs, because of the marketing and instant results - both things more people want these days when they pay for their entertainment.

I also disagree with you on what is happening at the MCG currently. Australia have a great chance of winning. The captain made a judgement of how it was best to go about it. We can all second guess him but, from the play, I am totally convinced that he never played for a draw though that may come if the Indians resist and a draw becomes inevitable. He might be right or or might be wrong - you don't win every time and the next couple of hours will tell. Whatever the outcome it has been a great test match and the over 150K who have gone would agree.

 

[QF WP]

Did I speak too soon? Pujara playing well on 16 and Rahane 45, India 4/132. They are playing for draw. We have 9 overs before drinks, then max of 15 overs, unless the captains agree to finish earlier (after there will be no result)

 

[QF WP]

Yes - Mitchell Johnson bowls Pinjara for 21, 5/141. Mitchell had bowled a bouncer 2 balls ago which hit the grille of his helmet, then does a thunderbolt bouncer then a slower ball wide of the crease, rolling his fingers across the seam which comprehensively bowled Pinjara.

MS Dhoni in now

 

[JohnK]

What Australia could do with a spinner on the last day....

 

[Pushka]

Fine to disagree. I think he was playing it safe. As did you when you said he wasn't declaring in order to win the series.

When mentioning crowds I wasn't being specific to MCG but test matches in general. ACA is worried.

 

[QF WP]

Now we have a real chance. Hazlewood gets Rahane for 48, 6/142

 

[kpc]

Rahane out!!...now need 4 wickets in last hour (15 overs)...going down to the wire!!

 

[QF WP]

Well there's no chance that Smith won't bowl 15 overs. Dhoni is the key for India

 

[kpc]

...I wonder if Smith now regrets not declaring a little earlier

 

[kpc]

Watson drops Dhoni at 1st slip....

 

[TheBOSman]

Technical difficulties

 

[QF WP]

Watson drops Dhoni at 1st slip....

Damn, I missed it as I was outside. Pity I am watching the tv without Foxtel IQ

With that, Watson might get dropped

 

[kpc]

Draw still most likely I think...India have to survive 65 balls with 4 wickets left

 

[turtlemichael]

194,481 attendance at the match. A record for Australia v India.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

When mentioning crowds I wasn't being specific to MCG but test matches in general. ACA is worried.

Something just does not compute!

Official attendance for MEL test 194k - that is a record for Australia v India test matches in Australia!