Border Gavaskar Trophy, 2nd Test: An Analytical Preview of Day 3

image-le9vsvs0Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel dug India out of the hole on Day 2 (Source: AP Newsroom)

The second Test between India and Australia is hanging by the balance at the end of day two. The first innings literally left no margin between the teams as Australia managed  a runs lead only. As we approach Day 3, what should we expect from the match? Let us try and find out what the numbers reveal.


Highlights of Day 2

Nathan Lyon, the destructor: India began their innings on day two at 21 without loss and everyone hoped that they will take a big lead in the first innings. But Nathan Lyon had other ideas. He started with KL Rahul's wicket and by the end of the Indian innings had five under his belt. Lyon looked like he was finding his old form back as he finished the first innings with five wickets for 67 runs from 29 overs. 

Virat Kohli, regaining his form: After the fall of the first wicket, India started losing wickets in clusters. But Virat Kohli looked steady at one end and was acting as the adhesive. He looked comfortable and assures with his technique on a difficult pitch and gradually took India towards a respectable total. But it was a controversial decision of Matt Kuhnemann's bowling that ultimately led to the fall of the 'Modern Master' for 44 runs off 84 balls.

Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin's rescue act: India were left reeling at 139 for seven at one stage. It was here that Axar Patel (74 off 115) and Ravi Ashwin (37 off 71) came together with a big job in theire hands. The dup stitched a partnership of 114 runs and dug India out of a hole. India were bundled out for 262 runs in the end, just a run behind Australia's total.

At the end of Day two's play Australia is 61 for the loss of one wicket in their second innings. Travis Head (39 off 40) and Marnus Labuschagne (16 off 19) is out there for the visitors. 

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Expectations from Day 3

India's Plan

Australia have looked to bat with intent in this innings. So, India will be in a dilemma about whether to stop runs or go for wickets in the morning session of day 3. 

The Delhi pitch statistically gets better for batting from Day three. But in this match there is quite a bit of bounce and turn for the spinners. So, with three quality spinners in their arsenal, India will be looking to go for the kill. The prime target for the India team will be to restrict the Australians to something around 250. 

The key player for India will be Ravi Ashwin in day three, as India will look at him to pick up as many wickets as possible. 250 runs in the fourth inning will be difficult to achieve but not impossible as the pitch will hold true and might even get better for batting.

image-le9vusbxRavichandran Ashwin will be a key player for India on Day 3 (Source: AP Newsroom)


Australia's Plan

Australia have really taken the attack to the Indian bowlers towards the end of Day 2 and taken the home team by surprise. Especially Travis Head has been in a counter attacking mode and that has really helped Australia's cause. 

The visitors will look to continues batting with intent. One thing is clear in their mind, that is on this pitch, a wicket taking delivery is just round the corner. So, the Aussie batters will look to make their stay in the middle count. They will have to target something around 350-400 to take this match out of India's hand. 

The key player for Australia will be Travis Head at the beginning and Steve Smith to strengthen the foundation. 

image-le9vvvwkTravis Head holds the key for Australia on Day 3 (Source: AP Newsroom)


What will we see on Day 3?

  1. Australian batters going after the Indian bowling and aiming for a 350 plus score. 
  2. Indian team looking for wickets with their spinners. 
  3. The pitch settling down and getting better for batting than it was on Day 2.