WTC Final, IND vs AUS: 3 Ways That Can Help India Bounce Back On Day 2


image-limt3p47Travis Head and Steve Smith kept India at bay on day 1 [Source: AP]

India had a forgettable start to the World Test Championship final, managing only three wickets for 327 runs on the first day. After winning the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted to bowl on a greenish Oval surface. However, the decision didn't work wonders, as Travis Head and Steven Smith kept the Indian bowlers under the pump throughout the day. 

Therefore, moving on to day 2, it will be extremely crucial for India to break this stand and run through the Australian line-up as quickly as possible. Here are three ways to help India bounce back in the Test match.


Target the full length

image-limt71suShami bowled slightly on the shorter side on day 1 [Source: AP]

Despite getting the toss advantage, Indian bowlers couldn't capitalise on the seam-friendly conditions. While Shami and Siraj bowled slightly shorter, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur were inconsistent with their lines. 

So, on day 2, the Indian seamers should bowl slightly fuller and draw the Australian batters forward. This would help them induce the outside edge instead of beating the bat. 


Bowl dry spells if nothing is happening

image-limt5jjuUmesh Yadav needs to bowl with a better control [Source: AP]

When the pitch doesn't offer anything, control becomes the key for any fast bowler to succeed in the longest format. But the Indian bowlers lacked discipline and leaked runs by bowling waywardly when the ball stopped seaming on Wednesday afternoon. 

If conditions stay batting-friendly, the Indian seamers shouldn't lose hope and keep hitting the good length area, preventing the Australian batters from piling up runs at a rapid pace. This might prompt them to play loose shots and lose their wickets. 


Need a 'Plan B' and better body language from the captain

image-limt86yxRohit Sharma's body language wasn't convincing [Source: AP]

Irrespective of the kind of line-up in his arsenal, the captain should uplift his team's morale during tough times on the field. However, Rohit Sharma looked less proactive and defensive in his field setting when India struggled to get a breakthrough on day 1. 

Also, if the assistance off the surface is minimal, the captain should have a plan B to execute. For example, it could be placing an unorthodox field like- a leg slip, a short leg, a mid-wicket and a square leg and asking the bowlers to attack the batters with body-line deliveries, something out-of-the-box that can compel the batters to play a loose shot. 

Considering Australia have two set batters, it will be a daunting task for team India to get into the driving seat on day 2. However, as they say, it's better late than never; Rohit Sharma and company should at least try and keep things tight to set the tone for a gripping Test match.